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COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING: A Community Council meeting will be held on May 23 in the GAA Club House at 8:30pm. A comprehensive report on all the activities of the council will be given as well as putting the new Constitution before the meeting for approval. Please Attend!
GLIN TOURISM & HERITAGE COURSE: Glin Development Association plans to run a further full-time adult training course at St. Paul’s Heritage Centre in Glin in 2012. The full-time FAS funded FETAC course includes modules in Tourism, Heritage, Web Authoring, Business Administration and Computer Studies and will run for 30 weeks. This Local Training Initiative (LTI) programme will be offered free of charge to all participants. Your local FAS office will provide details of training allowances of up to €188 per week plus other benefits that may available. Phone or text 087 629 6439, email glinlti@gmail.com or contact a member of Glin Development Association. Supported by West Limerick Resources
BALLYBROWN NATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS: There were great celebrations in Ballybrown National School when the school was awarded its first Green Flag in recognition of its efforts for eliminating litter. This year the school is concentrating on energy conservation. To this end, The Green Schools Committee, under the direction of Mrs Margaret Hodgins, organised a poster competition to encourage pupils to focus on the energy saving theme. The standard of entries was extremely high.The overall winner was Ian Downes. Runners-up were Eoghan Waters, Josh Moloney, Lauren O Gorman, Cian Hall and Seán Healy. The Green Schools Committee is currently busy doing energy audits and trying to find ways of saving energy.
 Green Schools poster competition winners from Ballybrown National School
ALL-STAR VISITOR IN BALLYBROWN NATIONAL SCHOOL: The pupils of Ballybrown National School enjoyed a memorable visit last Wednesday. It wasn’t a cigire or even the school doctor or photographer. It was a man who needs no introduction, a man whose nickname is known to all.
Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper popped in to the school at Tervoe where he was greeted by an appreciative audience of children, teachers, members of Ballybrown GAA club and Kerry natives who reside in the area.
Colm answered questions put to him by Sophie Daly and Sean Gormley from Rang a sé. The questions were varied and challenging. Indeed, it was generally agreed that Miriam O Callaghan would hardly have provided such a searching series of questions!
Colm posed for photos with each class in the school and signed autographs for his many admirers. Seán Healy and Orla Curtin of Sixth Class presented Colm with a hurley crafted that very day for him by Ed Shanahan who is a parent in the school. Ed even sourced a green and gold grip for the hurley which Colm promised will be put to good use.
Afterwards, Colm chatted for over an hour with the Sixth class pupils about his love of all sports, including American Football. He revealed that he has twice attended Superbowl and that his favourite player is Tom Brady, quarterback with New England Patriots.
He also revealed that if stranded on a desert island, the 3 items he would want to have with him were his iPhone, his iPad and a charger.
When asked if there was anything in his life he would like to change, he replied that he would like the opportunity to play the last five minutes of last year’s All-Ireland again.
Overall, a great experience, thoroughly enjoyed by all the pupils.
BALLYBROWN NATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS: It was a busy time for the pupils of Ballybrown National School last week as the school marked Catholic Schools Week with a variety of activities. Monday saw the week begin with a Prayer Service featuring readings by pupils from the First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes. A range of activities followed over the next few days. Wednesday, the first of February, was particularly memorable for the boys and girls in Ms Day’s Third Class. They enjoyed a special treat in the form of a visit from Master Thatcher Jim Halpin. Jim spoke about his craft and lent expert guidance as the children (and adults) learnt the art of making a St Bridget’s Cross. Wednesday was also Grandparents’ Day and Second and Sixth Classes invited grandparents to come to the school and share their experiences with the pupils. It was a lovely occasion, cherished by all. The week ended on Friday with a visit to St Joseph’s Church in Ballybrown for the traditional blessing of throats on St Blaise’s Day.
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NIALL MELLON TRUST, COFFEE MORNING: Veronica Behan and Edmund Power
would like to thank most sincerely all the people who supported their
recent coffee morning especially to the Crosse family, the Adams family
and the O’Brien Family, all of Tervoe, who put in a lot of work to
make the event a success. Also to all those people who donated money
to the fund and baked cakes, buns etc. We also want to thank
Ballybrown GAA for the use of their premises for the day. The actual
amount collected was €1270 which was a fantastic boost towards our €9000 target.
WEST LIMERICK LOCAL HERITAGE AND RURAL RECREATION SEMINAR: West Limerick Resources will host a local heritage and countryside recreation seminar in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle starting at 9.30am on Saturday May 26. The seminar aims to raise awareness of the development potential of these sectors for both the private and community and voluntary sector and of the funding and supports available from West Limerick Resources. Further details to be announced shortly
IMAGES OF RURAL EUROPE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: West Limerick Resources are seeking entrants for the Images of Rural Europe Photo competition which aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Rural Europe. All photos will be considered for inclusion in a major EU ‘Travelling’ Exhibition’ during 2012/2013 with awards presented for ‘best photos’ in each category to the winning photographers at a ceremony in Brussels. Open to all professional and amateur photographers, each entrant may submit as many photos as s/he wishes to their local action group (West Limerick Resources) who may submit a maximum of three photos per category. Photos should be in soft copy only and no less than 5MB and 300 dpi resolution. For full details see: http://www.ruralimages.eu/ Deadline for submission to West Limerick Resources is Monday May 14 at 5pm. Contact Clint at csexton@wlr.ie for application form.
WEST LIMERICK CRAFTS AT HUNT MUSEUM: West Limerick Craft Businesses will be among those showcased at the “Voluntary Arts Week” programme which will run from May 12 - 20 in the Hunt Museum Gift Shop in Limerick City. The local craft businesses are among a group of eight who recently completed a five week “Developing Your Craft Business” training course which was organized exclusively for the craft sector by West Limerick Resources under the Rural Development Programme.
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS COURSE: A two day Start Your Own Business course will take place in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Saturdays May 19 and 26 from 9.30am-1.30pm. Covering all aspects of how to start your own business, the course is free to those living in the West Limerick area. To register contact Morgan on 069 66290 or email mboohan@wlr.ie
CONGRATULATIONS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES: There was a double celebration recently in Ballybrown when Kathleen Crosse, Tervoe and Dr Bridie Cregan, Corcamore celebrated their 95th birthdays, within days of one another. Kathleen was born in Caherconlish on January 23, 1917 and Bridie was born in Corcamore four days later on January 27, 1917. They now carry the mantle of our most senior, Senior Citizens in our Parish and we wish them a belated happy birthday and sincere congratulations and many more years of good health and happiness.
 Mrs. Kathleen Crosse, Tervoe and Dr Bridie Cregan, Corcamore who recently celebrated their 95th birthdays with Fr Muiris O'Connor, Ballybrown / Patrickswell Parish.
OPERATION MORE OR LESS: Galteemore Lenten Challenge in aid of Trocaire. The More or Less Roadshow takes to the highways and byways once again starting on Thursday night February 23 with our weekly walk commencing at the Southcourt Hotel at 8pm. and on Sunday mornings at 8am from Ballybrown Church. It is expected that we will continue this project for ten weeks culminating on Monday May 7, the May Bank holiday, by climbing Galteemore the highest peak in the Galtee mountains. Galteemore is the highest inland peak in Ireland. We are looking for as many local volunteers as possible to take on this challenge and in the process raise some money to go toward Trocaire's Lenten Campaign. Further details of the climb will follow in due course. We will be under the guidance of Fr Pat Hogan and there will be experienced climbers leading our group on the day. This is a great challenge and anyone intending going on the climb will have to put in the work over the previous ten weeks. The view from the top of Galteemore is breath taking to say the least and without doubt is well worth the effort and not to be missed. So get out your hiking boots and join the More or Less team on Thursday night next to get your preparation under way. As is always with the More or Less team please bring a friend. So for Lent 2012 lose the weight in aid of Trocaire and conquer our local Mount Everest. Thank You.
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BALLYBROWN N.S. WINS DRAMA AWARD: The children in Ms. Day’s Class in Ballybrown NS enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the Limerick City Primary School Drama festival last Thursday when they staged their production of ‘I Didn’t Think’ at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School.
The thirty three boys and girls had high hopes that after weeks of rehearsals, they would give a good account of themselves. The play is based on the theme of bullying and all the children put their hearts and souls into it. There were three performances in the school in the previous week; one for the Junior half of the school, one for the Senior classes and, finally, the children played to a packed house of parents and grandparents.
Nerves were jangling as the bus bearing the cast set off for the performance. However, the boys and girls, aided by Sophie and Kevin from Sixth class who helped with props, rose to the occasion and put on their best performance to date. Judges Tony Cusack and Muiris O Sullivan spoke in glowing terms and joy was unconfined when the Ballybrown play was deemed winner of their category.
By the time the children returned to school, word had reached Ballybrown of their victory. Tom and Evelyn O Brien treated the cast to sweets and drinks while several parents gathered to celebrate the wonderful achievement.
It was a day that will be spoken of for many years, with memories to be treasured by all.
KILMEEDY HORTICULTURE LTI: Participants are sought for the 2012 Kilmeedy Horticulture Local Training Initiative which will commence on April 10. The fully accredited 48 week FETAC level 5 course will run until March 8, 2013 and there are 20 Learner places available. Those interested in learning more should register with your local FAS office or contact Elaine White course Co-Ordinator on 063-87960 or email kilmeedyhorticulture@gmail.com
TRAINING ON DEVELOPING A CRAFT BUSINESS: This five week course is open to existing craft businesses in the West Limerick Area and will cover a wide variety of topics including How to identify potential customers, Idea generation for new products, Product pricing, Routes to market, Sales Techniques and Marketing & New Media. A tailored mentoring session for each business is also included. This evening training will commence at 7pm on April 11 in The Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West and is free of charge. To register contact Morgan at West Limerick Resources on 069-66290 or email:mboohan@wlr.ie. This course is funded under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013
WEST LIMERICK DRAMA INITIATIVE: Those currently involved with community drama or those interested in getting involved are being invited to take part in a short acting and performance skills training workshop which will take place in Askeaton on Saturday May 12 and May 19 from 10am-4.30pm each day. Supported by West Limerick Resources the training is free of charge and will cover a wide range of acting and on-stage skills. Directing for stage course also starting in Abbeyfeale and Knockaderry shortly. All levels of experience catered for. To book a place contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie. Open to over 17’s only.
CLARINA/BALLYBROWN LOCAL ROADS IMPROVEMENTS: The 2012 road improvement schemes were announced last week by the roads department Limerick County Council. This is a continuation of the local area roads upgrading, reconstruction and resurfacing. The areas to be improved are Carrig West, Breska, Newtown and Ballymacashel, The residents of these areas will be well pleased to see work taking place in our County roads. Councillor Patrick C. Fitzgerald welcomes the news of the road grants been made available for this years road improvements.
VOLUNTEER ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUTORS NEEDED: Volunteer English Language Tutors are required for conversational English classes for migrants in Newcastle West. The tutor will work with small groups and/or on a one-to-one basis with students in a community setting. Training and teaching materials will be provided. Beginning in April, tutors will work with the students for one session per week. Qualities required include patience, reliability and the ability to guide & explain & encourage learners. If you are interested please contact Irene at West Limerick Resources on 069 66298 or iocallaghan@wlr.ie
Ballybrown National School News: Ms Brid Mc Carthy has recently retired after sixteen years as a teacher in Ballybrown National School. Brid joined the staff in 1996 and has taught in mainstream and Special Education during the intervening period. Brid taught in Ballymun and also in Galvone before securing a post in Ballybrown in 1996. Brid’s final day in school started with a party for all the children under her care. This was followed by a most pleasant function in the School Hall attended by pupils, staff and parents as well as friends and family of Brid. Former colleagues Michael Lynch, Chris Fitzgerald and Margaret Allen returned to the school for the occasion. Christy Ryan presented Brid with some jewellery on behalf of the Board of Management of the school while the Parents’ Association also made a presentation to Brid. Ann Hannon, Chairperson of the Parents Association, baked a beautiful cake depicting aspects of Brid’s life in the school. The Parents Association also provided refreshments on a most enjoyable day which was tinged with sadness at the loss of a valued teacher, colleague and friend.
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