Local notes: Christmas lights switched on and memories of Michelle Craven
Ellie Ann Beades, Alex Connaughton and Daniel Grimes, Knockcroghery, pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Knockcroghery. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
The marriage took place on Friday, November 3rd at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Keadue between Blaithin Cox, daughter of Seran and Mary Cox, Ballymurry and Patrick Conlon, son of P.J. and Bridget Conlon, Celbridge, Co Kildare. The bride was given away by her father Sean. The ceremony with nuptial Mass was performed by Very Rev. Brendan McDonagh, PP Ardcarne. Maid of honour was Caoilfhionn Cox Brosman, sister of the bride. The best man was Andy Farrell, friend of the groom. Flower girls were Chloe and Lily Monahan, both nieces of the groom. Page boy was Leo Moore, cousin of the bride. The gifts were brought to the altar by both mothers, Mary, and Bridget. The lessons were read by Anna Cox, cousin of the bride and Stephen Carty, friend of the groom and the prayers of the faithful were read by Iona Hanley, cousin of the bride, Hannah Thornton, niece of the groom, Clodagh Lannon, cousin of the bride and Luke Fitzgerald, nephew of the groom. The reflection was rendered by Shauna Thornton, niece of the groom. The reception was held at Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon. The church music and hymns were provided by Aileen and Áine O’Connor and Alister Beegan and Jordon O’Connor. The honeymoon is being spent in Kenya and Zanzibar. The bride is a social worker attached to the Tallaght Hospital, Dublin while the groom is a Senior Anatomy Technician at Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Blaithin and Patrick for a long and happy married life together.
There was a deep sense of regret and sorrow when the news broke of the passing of Michelle Craven in Roscommon, the parish of Knockcroghery and surrounding areas. Michelle passed away from an illness bravery fought with courage in the tender care of the staff of the Roscommon Hospice on November 9th surrounded by her heartbroken family. Shelly as she was affectionately known was the second eldest daughter of four girls and one boy. Born to Mary and her late dad Michael Craven she grew up in and spent most of her formative years in Knockcroghery, received her primary education at Knockcroghery National School and second level at the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon. She had many interests. She was actively involved in the St Dominic’s GAA Club and from a young age she was a member of the Camogie team and played in all age groups over the years, a passion that she continued throughout her life. When Shelly made the decision to travel to New York, as many know, she continued this love and was heavily involved in the New York-Roscommon Association. Apart from her involvement in the GAA she was extremely helpful to many of the Irish who arrived on the shores of America. She supported so many young people helping them to get accommodation and employment. Her door was always open. Her generous and kind spirit was endless, done from her heart, without ever needing recognition from others.
There is so much more to say about Shelly – one thing is unanimous, that she was loved by so many people and had so many friends. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and friend. As we reminisce about her one thing that stands out - her infectious laugh and how much she loved life. She was always up for a party. Spending time with family and friends was hugely important to her. Her nieces, nephews and the boys were her world, treating them like they were own children. She was so generous and always gave the best gifts – designer clothes were her specialty, but all her gifts were personal and thoughtful. She was always so easy going and nothing seemed to stress her. Life was there to be lived. She touched so many lives. Her strength of character was never so apparent when she was diagnosed four years ago. Her determination to fight for her life was relentless. She silently battled her illness with grace and compassion, and she fought the good fight without ever complaining.
Shelly reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon with removal on Monday morning, leaving her sister’s Siobhan Kilroe’s Home in Mount Prospect, Roscommon arriving at St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery for her Funeral Mass. Cremation afterwards was in Lakelands Crematorium Cavan. The huge attendances at her reposing and funeral mass were testament to her popularity. May she Rest in Peace.
Glanduff Parents’ Association will hold a Variety Concert in St John’s Community Centre on Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm. Acts from Vinegar Bill along with All -Ireland Scor winner and various other acts from the parish.
Eileen Fallon from St Dominics was the deserving recipient of the Connacht Scor Long Service Award at the National Finals in Killarney. Eileen has given an outstanding contribution to the promotion of Scor in St Dominic’s over the past 50 years. On Sunday evening, November 19th Eileen returned home to a hero’s welcome in the village of Knockcroghtery with bonfires alight and local supporters turning out in huge numbers to welcome and congratulate the recipient home. Afterward a social evening continued in Murray’s Lounge for Eilleen, her family, members and supporters. Thomas Murray spoke warmly about Eileen’s contribution to promoting Scor and also her contribution to the Camogie Association in the parish and county. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a celebration cake. Michael O’Connor also added his kind remarks and congratulated her on her award and made a special presentation to her. The evening continued with a sing song.
Great news, Santa Claus will be arriving in Kilmurry Hall on Saturday, December 9th from 2 p.m.. If you wish to book a slot please contact Gemma on +353 86 394 9335 as soon as possible to avoid of disappointment as places are limited. Visit Mrs Claus in her kitchen. There will also be a disco, face painting to name but a few activities!
Kilmurry Hall Committee presents an evening of music and social dancing with Noel Briody in Kilmurry Hall on Sunday, December 3rd.. Doors open at 7p.m. with dancing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission €10. All welcome.
At a recent meeting of St Ronan's Hall fundraising committee it was decided to organise two fundraisers for match funding for a Community Centre grant to insulate, rewire and build porch/ foyer at the front of the hall. It was decided to have a carol service at the erection of the crib at O'Carolan Heritage Park at 3.30 p.m. on December 3rd followed by a cake sale, raffle and a visit by Santa Claus and children's disco in St Ronan's Hall. Tea / coffee will be served.
The annual 5k fun run/walk will be held on New Year's Day, January 1st. Registration at 12 starting at 12.30 p.m..
The annual crib and Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Ballyfarnon will be held on December 9th at 7.45 p.m. with special guest Santa. Refreshments in the hall afterwards. December 15th, Christmas Mini Market 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Ballyfarnon Community Centre.
Arigna Foroige Club will have a stall at Ballyfarnon Christmas Market on December 15th please come and support the club members.
The AGM of Ballyfarnon Tidy Towns will be held on December 5th at 8 p.m. upstairs in Ballyfarnon Community Centre. New members welcome.
A winter market has opened. Items include gifts, hampers, toys, Christmas, clothes and much more. All are welcome PROGRESSIVE 25 Progressive 25 continues in Kilglass GAA Centre on Tuesdays at 8.30 p.m.. Last week's winners: 1st, John Joe Cox; Joint 2nd, Pat O Neill & Tom Beirne; waffle, Willie Lyttle. New players welcome.
Alzheimer’s and dementia talk on Tuesday, December 5th at 11.45 a.m. at the Community Centre, Roosky. The talk will be quite informal and all welcome to participate. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially carers, people worried about their memory.
Sympathy to Jodie Washington, Roosky Village, on the death of her brother James Heavey, Longford Town, which occurred recently. May he rest in peace.
A pilot scheme for a community car is being operated from Kilbride Community Centre. It will be available to bring people to Hospital appointments at no cost to patients Contact O86/6OOO755 for details.
Fr Ray Brown's third anniversary was celebrated by Fr Conathy and the deceased priests' graves in the grounds of the church were also blessed by Fr Pavine and Fr Conathy after Mass on Sunday. There is a library of Fr Browne's collection of books in the church room for anyone that would be interested.
The Active Age group meets every Tuesday at 2 p.m.. New members welcome bus available.
