Local Notes: Healing Retreat, Postal Services, Ordination Anniversary
Athleague NS honoured Fr. Eugene McLoughlin on the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. On behalf of the pupils, staff and Board of Management of Athleague National School, Principal Avril and Chairperson Anthony presented Fr. McLoughlin with a token of appreciation in recognition of his lifelong dedication, service and support.
The residential and land property scene in the South Roscommon environs of Athlone town remains buoyant. On Saturday last, a random Herald survey of auctioneering signs along the Athlone-to-Roscommon N61 route, from Bogganfin to Lecarrow, revealed a total of 30 signs. A number of these were marked “sold” or “sale agreed” and related to sites, landholdings, and residential properties. The signage has been placed by auctioneering firms based in Athlone, Roscommon, and Athleague. There were 13 signs from Bogganfin to the Curraghboy Road turn-off at Curnaseer, Kiltoom, with the remainder located from Curnaseer onwards towards Lecarrow village. There were four signs at the highly residential Barrymore Road turn-off, four indicating housing sites and homes in the Moyvannion–Newpark Road junction area, and a further three at the Lower Ardmullen–Carrick Road turn-off. Signage at the Hodson Bay Road turn-off, indicating residences and land for sale, has been removed due to completed sales. The nearby Curramore Road turn-off currently has two property signs at its exit point. A total of six signs are located in the St John’s Parish area down to Lecarrow village. The overall density of signage in this area indicates that residential development and site availability are extending beyond a three-to-five-mile radius from Athlone town into South Roscommon. Housing sites now generally range from €70,000 to €150,000, depending on size and location. The majority of signage relates to properties situated along the link roads off the Athlone-to-Roscommon route.
The death took place recently at her residence of Mrs Peggy (Margaret) Lynch, Garrynagran, Dysart. Aged 70 on July 2nd last, she was formerly Ms Peggy Moore of Creher, Ballyforan, and had resided in Garrynagran for the past 34 years. She had been in ill health for some time and bore her illness with characteristic dignity and fortitude. A psychiatric nurse by profession, she completed her training at St Ita’s, Portrane, before joining the nursing staff of St Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe. During her 50-year nursing career, she was noted for her caring and compassionate nature and was highly regarded by colleagues and patients alike. Devoted to her family, she was an obliging neighbour and a trustworthy friend. An excellent homemaker, she was particularly skilled at baking and cooking. She had a keen interest in current and political affairs, and her affable and genuine nature enabled her to form friendships across all age groups. A lifelong supporter of the Fianna Fáil party, she actively canvassed for candidates in local and general elections. Deeply religious, she supported various church-related activities and had visited Lourdes twice, while also making annual pilgrimages to Knock Shrine until recent years. Music was her main pastime, and she was especially fond of the country and western scene. She frequently attended music events featuring the late Big Tom McBride, Brendan Shine, and her son Shane Moore.
She is survived by her husband Jimmy (Garrynagran), son Shane Moore, and daughter Mrs Aisling Gately, all of Garrynagran. She is also survived by her brothers Paddy (Dysart), John (Creher), Billy (Creher), and Peter (Creher); sisters Mrs Mary Mongey (Lucan), Mrs Lucy Fitzmaurice (Ballygar), Mrs Anne Dowd (Four Roads), Mrs Gertie Doolan (Ballybride, Roscommon), and Mrs Kitty Blighe (Mote Park, Roscommon); as well as three grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of relatives. Following the Mass of the Resurrection at St Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan, on Wednesday, June 10th, burial took place in Dysart Cemetery. The celebrant was Very Rev. Francis Beirne, PP, Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara.
The death took place on June 3rd in the USA of Mrs Mary Nee, Florida and Boston, Massachusetts, formerly Mary McEvilly of Johnstown, Cornafulla. Aged 86, she had been living in retirement in Florida for the past 12 years. She emigrated to Boston in 1957 and worked as a manager in a well-known restaurant for several years. Devoted to her family, she remained a regular visitor to South Roscommon over the decades, maintaining strong connections with relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Coleman two years ago. She is survived by her sons Anthony, Norman, Paul, Coleman Jnr, and Walter (all Boston), and Eric (Georgia); daughters Anne Marie and Colleen (both Boston); brothers PJ and Tony (Johnstown) and Walter (Birmingham); and sisters Mrs Anne Duncan (Boston), Mrs Eileen Souza (Boston), and Mrs Bridget Bean (Florida). She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her remains reposed on Thursday, June 11th, at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Whitman, Massachusetts. Following Requiem Mass on Friday, June 12th, at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Halifax, burial took place in Pembroke Cemetery.
Post office services in the Knockcroghery catchment area will continue to be provided by Ms Mary Fitzgerald Dolan beyond the previously stated July 10th deadline. Ms Fitzgerald Dolan had been due to retire after serving as postmistress since 1986. However, An Post plans to continue services at the Daybreak grocery outlet on the Athlone side of the village, which has not yet been refurbished to accommodate the service. As a result, Ms Fitzgerald Dolan has postponed her retirement until the new facility is operational.
Kiltoom and Cam Parish Pastoral Council, in association with Very Rev. Michael McManus, PP, have announced that, from this year onwards, the Cemetery Mass in Cam Cemetery will be celebrated at 12.30 p.m. instead of 10 a.m.. This year’s Mass will take place on Sunday, July 5th. There will be no 10 a.m. Mass at St Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy, on that day.
At the June meeting of Taughmaconnell Community Council, held in the Community Centre, votes of sympathy were extended to the Costello family, Castlesampson, on the death of Frank Costello, and to the Morgan family, Breeole, on the death of David Morgan, Birmingham, formerly of Breeole.
The death took place at his residence on Saturday, June 6th, of Mr Gerry (Gerard) Glynn, Hillquarter, Coosan, Athlone, a native of Monksland, South Roscommon. He was held in high regard by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Anne; son Gerry; daughters Laura and Joanne; brothers Joe, Michael, and Richie; sisters Mrs Mary Gaffney and Mrs Ann Greaney; as well as grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Following the Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday, June 10th, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, burial took place in Coosan Cemetery.
The winners of the weekly progressive 25 card drive at St Brigid’s Handball Complex, Curraghboy, on Tuesday night last were: Mrs Mary Doyle, Gerry Menton, Alfie Gately, Eddie Nestor, Mrs Marian Dunning, Mrs Emer Coyle, Michael Doyle, Enda McHugh, Mrs Marian Grehan, Mrs Eithne Leonard, and Eamon Ward.
A special Inner Healing Retreat will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy on Saturday, July 4th with Fr. Prince Clarence SJ. The Retreat will commence at 10 a.m. and finishes at 5 p.m.. Confessions will be available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Mass will be in the afternoon followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration. Afterwards Fr. Prince will pray with everyone individually for healing. All are most welcome. Please bring a packed lunch. Eircode is N37W704. Contact: 086 4054489.
