GOODBYE TO A FRIEND
A good friend and colleague
of Tir na Mona, and the community in general, died today.
It was with deep shock and sadness that we learned of
the sudden and untimely death of Willie Carroll, Clane.
Willie was Director of Community and Enterprise with Kildare
County Council for the last three years. During that time
I knew him in my role as a representative of the community
and voluntary sector in County Kildare. I saw him as a
person who worked tirelessly with groups all over the
county, and further afield, actively encouraging and supporting
those he came in contact with. I always found Willie to
be unfailingly friendly and interested in others, valuing
their input and seeking their opinions. Willie represented
Kildare County Council in a wide spectrum of activities
and on many bodies and he gave generously of his time
to all. He and his staff recently presided over the very
successful launch of the County Kildare Development Plan
and all those who worked with him on that endeavour will,
I'm sure, miss him sadly. Away from the office, one of
the things Willie and his wife Peg and daughter Cliona
enjoyed was walking in Donadea Forest Park, the development
of which was another project in which he was involved.
I met him there on a number of occasions as he enjoyed
a quiet time-out with his family. The last time I met
Willie was in Donadea Forest Park, in the glorious sunshine
on Sunday 5th of May as the community gathered to pay
tribute to the members of the New York Fire Department
who had perished in the Sept 11th disaster. Again, he
was giving generously of his time and thinking of others
before himself. The last official act Willie performed
on behalf of Kildare County Council was to address the
May meeting of the Community and Voluntary Forum, a project
which he had guided in his official role but also a project
in which he gave more than generously of his time and
energy and in which he supported me greatly. To the staff
in the Department of Community and Enterprise in particular,
and to his colleagues in Kildare County Council in general,
we extend our sympathy on the loss of a friend and colleague.
More particularly, to his grieving wife Peg and daughter
Cliona may we say how much we feel for your terrible loss
and how much we thank you for sharing a wonderful person
with the rest of the community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a
hanam dílis. Gail Maher, Tir na Mona Community Development
Council, 8th May 2002.
RIGHTS
Now that the politicians are
out tramping the highways and byways in search of our votes
it is a good time to prepare a little shopping list for
them. Among the topics you might like to raise are the lack
of services for the elderly, the young and those with physical
and intellectual disabilities, both for themselves and their
carers.
Trojan work is done by a quiet
army of people who care for family and friends, often with
little or no support from the state. As if they didn't have
enough worries, many of these carers spend any "spare time"
in endless rounds of fundraising. Proper health care, access
to good quality educational facilities and the peace to
enjoy one's twilight years with dignity in the safety and
security of one's home among family and friends are RIGHTS,
not privileges.
We live in a prosperous county
in a prosperous country but that prosperity is not being
evenly spread. As members of a caring community we should
remind politicians that they have a duty of care to all
citizens, not just those who can shout loudest.
Another topical issue is the
environment. For years successive governments have paid
scant attention to the fact that we were becoming a country
awash with litter. This is an issue we must all take responsibility
for as we all as individuals have our part to play in maintaining
a safe environment for our children to grow up in.
Finally do get out and use
your vote on May 17th. We should not take for granted the
fact that we live in a democracy. Citizenship carries duties
as well as rights and one of those duties is to participate
in choosing a government. The voting system of proportional
representation means that every vote counts - your 5th preference
might be the one to carry the candidate. If you don't use
your vote you can't really claim to be dissatisfied with
the outcome, can you?
A TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN
Donadea Forest Park sparkled like a jewel
in the bright May sunshine as people gathered in the park
on Sunday 5th May last. Late spring and early summer are
some of the best times to visit the forest as the trees
are clothed in fresh green foliage and the woodland floor
has a carpet of wild flowers. A visit to the forest at this
time of year is certainly a boost to the spirit after the
long days of winter.
The gathering on Sunday was tinged with
a degree of sadness and quite contemplation, as the reason
for the gathering was to commemorate the 343 New York fire
fighters who lost their lives in the Twin Towers disaster
of September 11th. The fire fighters were given a Guard
of Honour by members from some of the various voluntary
services in the county, including Civil Defence, the Red
Cross, the Irish Girl Guides, the Scouting Association of
Ireland and the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland as well as
members of St. Kevin's U 14 team. The fire fighters paraded
to the castle, preceded by a Colour Party carrying the Tricolour,
the Stars and Stripes and the flag of the New York Fire
Department by and members of the Emerald Society of the
New York Fire Department Pipe Band.
The commemoration took the form of a tree
planting ceremony in memory of those who gave their lives
to save others. Particular mention was made of Sean Tallon,
who's father came from Donadea and whose grandmother, Rose
Tallon still lives there. An oak tree was planted on the
green in front of the castle by Peter Hayden and Bill Whelan
(president of the Emerald Society of the New York Fire Department).
A grove of trees commemorating each of the fallen will stand
as a quiet memorial to their bravery and dedication in this
leafy corner of Kildare. Bill Whelan read a short prayer
and Kevin Connolly, who had worked with Sean in the NWFD
paid a moving tribute to his dead comrade. Fr. Paul Dempsey
of Clane and Rev. Alan Stewart, assistant rector of the
Clane union of parishes, also read a short prayer. The Herbert
Lodge Chamber Group, members of the Kildare County Orchestra,
played "The Curragh of Kildare" as a musical tribute to
the visiting fire fighters and those who had died. As they
played, a silver jet flew across the clear blue sky overhead.
It was a poignant reminder of the events of that terrible
day. It is true to say that the events of September 11th
touched the whole world and this quiet corner of County
Kildare was proud to take part in a tribute to all those
lost in the disaster, particularly the 343 fire fighters.
The large gathering was addressed by Minister
for Finance, Mr. Charlie McCreevy; Mr. John O'Neill, Cathaoirleach,
Kildare County Council; and Tony Doran of Bus Eireann, who
came up with the idea to bring some of the fire fighters
to Ireland. The visit to Donadea was part of a week-long
trip organised by Tony and his colleagues in Bus Eireann,
one of whom is Christy Conway, a local bus inspector. They
called in lots of favours to gather sponsorship for the
trip. Among those who assisted with the trip were Bus Eireann
and Dublin Bus and the Irish Hotels Federation. George Hipwell,
on behalf of Coillte who hosted the afternoon in the Forest
Park and who will care for the commemorative grove of trees,
thanked all those who helped out on the day and Liam Holton
extended a Cead Mile Failte on behalf of Tir Na Mona and
Friends of the Forest. That this event in Donadea took place
was due largely to the indefatigable Morna Hosey, who had
suggested that a grove of trees in the forest might be a
suitable tribute to those who died, particularly as one
of them had roots in Donadea. Morna is a lady who doesn't
know the meaning of the word "no", she would put any political
party to shame with the skilful way in which she got things
moving.
The event was jointly organised by Coillte,
Kildare County Council and Tir na Mona. Among those who
took part in the Guard of Honour we would like to thank
Ann Merrin and her fellow leaders, IGG, Prosperous and her
40 Guides, Brownies and Ladybirds; Vincent, Elaine Willie
and the other leaders who came along with 27 Beavers and
Cubs from the 22nd Kildare CBSI in Staplestown; Pat O'Hara
and Mary Hayden of Kildare Red Cross; Gillian Ryan and her
fellow leaders who had 15 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from
the 5th Kildare SAI, Clane; Bernadette Plunkett and her
fellow leaders, 13th Kildare Scout Unit, who had 70 Scouts,
Cubs and Beavers; Frank Kilcoyne with 16 members of the
U14 squad from St. Kevin's G.F.C.; Paddy Maher was in charge
of a 13 strong unit from Kildare Civil Defence who provided
a colour party, as well as assisting before the event in
the car park. Thanks also to members of Civil Defence and
the Red Cross who provided First-Aid cover for the large
crowd. A number of local representatives were present, including
T.D.'s Bernard Durken, Sean Power, and Emmet Stagg; councillor
P.J.Sheridan. The Gardai were represented by Chief Supt.
Sean Feely, Supt. John Flemming, Insp. Pat Mangan. The Defence
Forces were represented by Col. O'Connor, BFTC, the Curragh,
and Capt. Noone and Sgt. Whelan of the Army Corps of Engineers,
representing the army fire service. Comdt. Larry Coughlan
of Kildare Civil Defence was also present. Paul Shannon
from Maynooth, a member of the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe
Band, represented the fire service. Members of the E.H.B.
Ambulance Service from Maynooth presented flowers as a tribute
to their colleagues in the New York emergency services.
Entertainment for the large crowd was provided by Ian Browne,
Alan Brereton and Darren Brereton, who make up the band
Thin Ice; session musicians Niall Crehan, Jonathan Meade,
Paddy Furlong, John Barret, Bridie Furlong, Liam Roe and
Malachy Conway, who played a selection of Irish tunes; dancers
from the Carmel Somers Dance School and members of Kildare
County Orchestra. The warm support and solidarity shown
to the fire fighters demonstrated how small the world really
is and how much our lives touch others. To end on a happy
note, it seems as if fire men like bus men never take a
holiday. An announcement was made for missing 5yr old Eimear
Toolin. She was found and brought to the stage - by a New
York fire fighter!
NEW BUS SERVICE
A new privately operated bus service started
on the 29th April between Prosperous and Newbridge. Operated
by Rathcoffey man, Pat Pender, the first bus leaves at 7
am with an 11 am bus on Thursdays and Fridays. The return
bus departs Newbridge at 5.30 pm. The route served is Prosperous,
Downings, Mylerstown, Robertstown, Green Lane, Kilmeague,
Allen, Blacktrench and Clongorey. A five day return ticket
on the 33 seater bus costs €30, a daily return costs €11
and a single fare is €7.50.This is a welcome addition to
transport services in the area and deserves to be supported.
It will only be successful in the long run if people use
it. For more information phone Pat on 087-2903422
THANKS
NWKEPG would like to thank all who helped
out and made the race night a major success. Almost 650
horses were sold and we would like to thank the committee
and all those who sold horses for the night. We would also
like to thank all those who sponsored races. We would like
to Tessie Curry and all the girls in the BREDA Resourse
Center for producing the program. We would like to thank
all the people who did the tote on the night and also sold
raffle tickets. Thanks to Austin Brady for doing an excellent
job as MC and also to Eamonn Flaherty from Brady Auctioneers
who really got the people bidding on the night and made
a very exciting auction race. Last but not least thanks
to Gerry Kelly for the Venue. We thank everybody for their
support, but if our site is picked we still have a long
way to go in terms of fundraising, and the continued support
of the people is vital to achieve success.
PARENT & TODDLER GROUP
The Parent & Toddler group continues to
meet in the Elaine Kane's Drama room in Hodgestown every
Tuesday morning from 10.30 12.30 p.m. On a good morning
the group gathers in Donadea Forest Park at the same time
to feed the ducks!! For more information contact Mary Fallon
at 863634.
BUS EIREANN SERVICE
Don't forget that Bus Eireann has a service
running Monday to Friday at the following times: Depart
Kelly's, Timahoe 11.05am Connolly's, Ballagh 11.10am Staplestown
Church 11.20am The return bus leaves Busaras at 3pm
TIMAHOE LADIES CLUB
Now meets at 9 pm. on the first Wednesday
of every month in Kelly's, Timahoe. The gardening demonstration
by Joe Dunne was much appreciated and no doubt the tips
and skills Joe demonstrated will be put to good use in the
coming months in gardens all around the area. In June Vivien
Ni Dhuinn will be back for Tarot Card readings. For more
information contact Fiona Murphy at 863780.
TIMAHOE DRAMA WORKS Meet every Saturday as follows:
- 6-8 years 2.30.p.m.to 3.30.p.m.
- 9-15 years 4.00.p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Contact Elaine Kane @863572 or Fidelma
Palmer @863617 for more details.
Well done to all the children who took part
in the recent productions of Pinocchio (juniors) and Fiddler
on the Roof. They were a credit to themselves and their
teachers.
YOUNG TALENT
The recent successful productions of "Pinocchio"
by the junior section and "Fiddler on the Roof" by the senior
section of Timahoe Drama Works demonstrated just what a
talented group of young people live in our community. The
dedication and hard work put in by all members of the group
really paid off in two outstanding shows. Some of the children
took part in both shows.
Full praise is due to Elaine Kane and Fidelma
Palmer for nurturing and developing this talent. The children
carried off their roles with such flair and enjoyment that
one would think they had been "threading the boards" from
the cradle. In fact for some it was their first production
and for most only their second or third time in a show.
Both casts rose to the occasion and should be very proud
of their achievement.
The senior group faced some technical hitches
but carried on in a true spirit of "the show most go on".
Particular praise must go to Emma Kelly who played Hodel
and who carried on with her song when the music temporarily
failed on the last night. She received a well-deserved round
of applause for her professionalism. The spirit of co-operation
and dedication among the cast and crew apparent in staging
these productions is a credit to Elaine and Fidelma. Their
drive and determination brings out the best in the children,
giving them confidence and developing their skills in a
way that will benefit them in the future.
Timahoe Drama Works would not be able to
stage it's productions without a large group of willing
helpers who assist with sound, lighting, sets, costumes,
make-up, programmes, tickets and sponsorship and support
in a hundred different ways and many thanks are due to everyone
who helped out before during and after the shows.
COMMUNITY ALERT
NEIGHBOURS! We want to alert you to
the fact that there is a rash of petty thievery happening
in the community at the moment. Remember to take sensible
precautions against the opportunistic thief – Don’t leave
your car unlocked . Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
in your car. Rremember to check your doors and windows are
closed when you leave the house and last thing at night.
Let’s watch out for each other and especially for the more
vulnerable in the community. We can nip this in the bud
if we are vigilant. If you see anything suspicous contact
your local community alert group
- Timahoe Paddy Maher 087-2582320
- Coill Dubh John Roddy 860354
- Staplestown James Egan 869564
- Donadea Iggi Callaghan 869409 & district Donadea/ Dolores
Kennedy 869206 Tiermoghan Or the Tir Na Mona office at
869977
- Or your local Garda station or 999.
Articles for the MONA Newsletter
can now be dropped into the Tir Na Mona office at St. Kevin's
G.A.A. club, Staplestown. Tel 045 69977
If possible please supply articles on
disc in Microsoft Word format. If you have an event happening
during the first week of the month please let us know about
it in time for the previous issue as it take approx.
10 days to produce the MONA
If you have an article, advertisement or news item you
would like to include in this newsletter, please contact:
| Staplestown |
Sean Flannery |
| Timahoe |
Pat Flaherty 863701 |
| Coill Dubh |
Mary Larkin 860837 |
| Donadea |
Dolores Kennedy 869206 |
| Email |
pgmhr@indigo.ie
|
|
