Weekly News

Ballinahown & District News -06/04/24

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Local Lotto Draw

Lotto Result: Bonus Number drawn on main Irish Lotto Draw held on Saturday 30^th March. Bonus Number Drawn: No: 41, Winner: Grainne Murray..

Ballinahown Community Hall Events

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.15pm & 3.15pmpm. Line Dancing for beginners at 7.30pm and regular class at 8.30pm.

Wednesday Dance Exercise class at 8.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown & Rashina National Schools

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information contact Ballinahown or Rashina National School.

Condolences

Condolences to Rita Rohan, Clonaderig, Ballinahown whose father Andy Gillivan, Weavers Row, Moate who passed away on March 28^th surrounded by his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Stories from the School’s Collection

The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Bloomhill National School from the late 1930’s titled Local Happenings. The stories were recorded by the pupils at the time

Local Happenings

Once upon a time there was a man by the name of John O’Neill living in Clonmacnoise. He was driving an aeroplane when it took fire an its he [?] fell into the canal. His neighbour Joseph Brown dived in and saved him. This man fell 150 feet.
There was a man by the name of Dame Longwards whose house was burnt. The Republicans burnt it. When they got the man out one night they put a flame to the roof. It was said to be the most terrible sight you ever saw. Flames went up to the clouds.
About fifty years ago people were coming home from Athlone in a boat. Their names were Keena near Clonmacnoise and both the father and mother of a large family were drowned The name of the river is the Shannon.
Some years ago Diphtheria broke out and two little girl by the names of Mannions in Clonaderg died. The brother was a very young boy and picked it up, but some how he escaped but his two sisters died.
Once upon a time about sixteen years ago a little boy names James Duffy living in Bloomhill got so frightened at seeing goats come into the house that he rushed up stairs and jumped out through the window. He escaped been hurt but was greatly frightened. The little boy never forgot the fright.
There were two men who went out to shoot geese. They were down near the Shannon. The shot two geese, and they went out on the Island. The men had a dog and he went out after the geese. All the Shannon was frozen over. There was a stream going through the middle of the shannon.
The two men went out in a punt. They were in the middle of the Shannon when what do you think the punt turned over. One of them was a swimmer. He swam a bit and when he looked back the other fellow was coming up the second time. He swam back and brought him back and he was saved. Their names were Dan Guinan and Kieran Coughlan. They are now dead.
One night there was a boat on the Shannon. It was a very stormy night. The waves dashed against her. It was a very rough storm and there were two people in the boat and also a bicycle The boat turned over and both men were drowned.
There was a house burnt also There was a house burned (also) but the name of John Shines’ There were two people in this house and they were vexed with other people in the district. One night they started and burned the house of the people they were vexed with. It happened in Carrowkeel. There was a disease in my towns land. In the year 1932. It was the flue. Everyone in the towns land had it. About twenty years ago there was a very high storm. There were hundreds of trees knocked. There were nine or ten cocks of hay near the shannon and they were blew right into it. There were thirty or forty reeks of hay destroyed and a great number of people killed.
In the year 1924 there was a terrible storm. It snowed so hard that there was eight feet of snow on the ground in two days. There were many animals smothered. In the year 1825 the shannon was nearly dried and a great number of cattle died with the drough.
In Bloomhill in the Co. Offaly a family named “Flannery” picked up Typhoid fever. The was a young girl and she was nursing another family in the neighourhood. Not knowing it was anything infectionous, she took it herself and died.
A man named Thomas Whyte Clonaderig Co. Offaly was killed in a storm. He got out of bed in the middle of the night to attend to his ricks of hay and a branch of a tree hit him and killed him instantly.
A little child named Flynn of Ballinahown eat some poisonous berries of a yewtree and died.
In Rashina near Ferbane a man named Connor was having is corn threshed when accidently someone threw a match and the straw went on fire. All his corn and hay were completely destroyed.
About fifty years ago a little child of about five years named Quinn of Ballinahown (Co Offaly) fell into a well in the yard and was drowned.
Once upon a time there was a steamer going up the Shannon and something happened at it and it sunk. Only the men were swimmers they would be drowned and go to the depth of the River.
One upon a time there was a man swimming the Shannon. He took a pain in his side and went down and was drowned.

Community Employment Scheme – Vacancy Ballinahown Village

Environmental Worker Reference No: CES- 2320779. Duties to include Cutting and strimming grass, attending to flower beds, planting flowers and shrubs, cutting hedges, controlling weeds, picking litter, some light painting, tasks and generally to keep the village neat and presentable.

The successful candidate can also avail of free training and development opportunities to help them upskill or develop new skills if the so wish. Department of Social protection rates of pay will apply. To apply for this position and to establish if you are eligible please take the above Reference No. to your local INTRO office or call Martin on 086 3755200 for further details.

Have you any Local News

If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. Please email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or contact Denis Rohan on 0876308357.

Ballinahown & District News -30/03/24

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Quiz Night

Family quiz night in Ballinahown Community Hall on Good Friday Night 29^th March commencing at 7.00pm in aid of Ballinahown Community Development. Table of 4 costs €40 to enter. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes to be won.

So come along and support the great work being done by the local development committee as they prepare the village to represent Ireland in this year’s European Entente Florale competition.

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Local Lotto Draw

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw held on Saturday 23^rd March. Bonus Number Drawn: No: 7, Winner: Sean Gaffey, Renaun, Ballinahown, Ballinahown.

Ballinahown Community Hall Events

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.15pm & 3.15pmpm. Line Dancing for beginners at 7.30pm and regular class at 8.30pm.

Wednesday Dance Exercise class at 8.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown & Rashina National Schools

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information contact Ballinahown or Rashina National School.

Rashina Annual Vintage Tractor, Truck, Vintage Car and Motorcycle Run

The Annual Vintage Tractor, Truck, Vintage Car and Motorcycle Run organised by the Rashina Vintage Club takes place on Easter Sunday 31^st March. Registration costs €20 per vehicle and commences at 10.30am at Doon GAA Carpark. Funds raised will be used to assist local charities over the coming year.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Cloghan Boys School and was told by Patrick Garahy Garahy (aged 51 years) Castle Street Cloghan and wass written by Thomas Butler on 17th day of October 1935. It tells the story of how to make Sloe wine

How to make Sloe wine.
Got from Patrick Get a pint bottle, half fill it with sloes then add a half a pound of sugar & pour water into the bottle until it is full, cork it tightly & bury in the ground for at least two months & the sloe wine is ready for use. Long ago people used earthenware jars to make sloe wine & by so doing could make a large quantity at a time.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of John (Jack) Larkin, Kilgarvin, Fardrum, Athlone, Westmeath

John (Jack) Larkin, Kilgarvin, Fardrum, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Jack died on 21st March 2024 aged 84 years. Peacefully after a short illness, in the care of Esker Ri Nursing Home and Palliative care team. Predeceased by his wife Teresa (Duffy), beloved daughter Rachel (Kilmartin), mother and father Joe and Katie, infant sister Moira. Sadly missed by his daughter Maria, son Jason, sisters Nancy (Brazil), Chrissie (Kilduff), Bridie (Harrington) and Betty (Quigley), brothers Michael and Joe, grandchildren, Matthew, Luke, Daniel, Ben, Jake and Annabelle, brothers in law, Jimmy (Brazil), Joe (Kilduff), Jim (Harrington) and Peter (Quigley), sister in law Ann (Larkin), sons in law Graham and Damian, daughter in law Ruth, nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Jack’s remains reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone on Friday, 22^nd March, between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. His Funeral Mass took place on Saturday 23^rd March at 11.00am in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown with interment afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Andre Rieu Concert – 3 Arena Dublin

If you are interested in attending the above concert please contact Rosie’s Shop 0n 090 6430244 by close of business on Friday 23^rd March for further details regarding transport and ticket prices.

Community Employment Scheme – Vacancy Ballinahown Village

Have you any Local News

Ballinahown & District News -23/03/24

Public Meeting – Ballinahown Community Hall

As you may have heard, Ballinahown in representing Ireland in Entente Florale later this summer. Entente Florale is a European competition whose overall aim is the sustainable development of European towns, villages and cities to enhance the quality of life of citizens. It’s a great honour for Ballinahown Village to be chosen to represent Ireland in this prestigious competition. It’s an exciting time for the village and the local community with lots of work planned to prepare for the event. There is a public meeting in the Community Hall, on Monday 25th at 7 30pm. where you can learn more about the event. It is also an opportunity to get involved in preparing for the event.

Entente Florale mentors will be in attendance to answer all your questions, along with local councillors and representatives from Westmeath County Council who are supporting the competition.

Please spread the word. You can access the Entente Florale website here – http://www.entente-florale.eu/ Your attendance at the meeting would be very much appreciated.

Refreshments will be served on the night.

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Local Lotto Draw

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw held on Saturday 16^th March. Bonus Number Drawn: No: 1, Winner: Jerry O’ Connor, Cooldorough, Ballinahown.

Ballinahown Community Hall Events

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.15pm & 3.15pmpm. Line Dancing for beginners at 7.30pm and regular class at 8.30pm.

Wednesday Dance Exercise class at 8.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown NS – The Big Breakfast

The Ballinahown National School Parents Association have requested us to pass on their sincere thanks all who supported the Big Breakfast Fundraiser in aid of the local National School held on St. Patrick morning this year. The Big Breakfast continues to be a great social event in the local community and continues to grow year on year.

Ballinahown & Rashina National Schools

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information contact Ballinahown or Rashina National School.

Rashina Annual Vintage Tractor, Truck, Vintage Car and Motorcycle Run

Takes place this year on Easter Sunday 31^st March. Registration costs €20 per vehicle and commences at 10.30am at Doon GAA Carpark. Funds raised will be used to assist local charities over the coming year.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Cloghan Boys School and was told by Patrick, Garahy, Castle St. Cloghan and recorded by Bernard Robinson, Cloghan in 1939. It tells the story of the Athlone to Birr road

Athlone to Birr Road.

In olden times people coming from Athlone to Cloghan and thence to Birr came as they do at present from Athlone to Ballinahowen and thence to Ferbane and thence to Galvins cross so called because a family named Galvin live there. Gavin’s cross is about half an English mile from Ferbane and 3 1/2 (?) miles from Cloghan. On reaching Gavin’s cross they came through a village called Ballysheil and thence to Cloghan on a road still existing and used. This was the only road through Ballysheil from Glavine cross to Cloghan in olden times. The present steam rolled road from Galvin’s cross through the bog past the cemetery of Killourney to Cloghan did not then exist.

On reaching Cloghan they went down what is at present called the chapel lane and on to a village called the Kinel. This old road from Cloghan to the Kinel and on to the Blackmills is still there though overgrown by grass and weeds.

When making the road from Birr to Cloghan the workmen when they reached a spot near where Dolans cottage is at present is, had a dispute. One part of them wished to make the road across the bog towards the present village of Clononey is and the other part wished to make the road towards Cloghan. Each section or party made the road in the direction of their choice. After some time the men making the road towards Clononey abandoned their roads and joined up with those making the road towards Cloghan via Blackmills and the Kinel. The portion of the road a few hundred yards made towards Clononey or rather traces of it are still to be seen in the bog near where the road bends at Dolans cottage.

Birthday Greetings

Belated Happy Birthday wishes to Joe Egan and his twin sister Joan, (both formerly of Ballyduff), Ballinahown who celebrated their birthday on 7^th March.

Andre Rieu Concert – 3 Arena Dublin

If you are interested in attending the above concert please contact Rosie’s Shop 0n 090 6430244 by close of business on Friday 23^rd March for further details regarding transport and ticket prices.

Community Employment Scheme – Vacancy Ballinahown Village

Local News

Ballinahown & District News -16/03/24

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Local Lotto Draw

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw held on Saturday 9^th March. Bonus Number Drawn: No: 1, Winner: Eugene Boland Snr, Loughill, Ballinahown.

Ballinahown Community Hall

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.15pm & 3.15pmpm. Line Dancing for beginners at 7.30pm and regular class at 8.30pm.

Wednesday Dance Exercise class at 8.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

The Big Breakfast – Ballinahown Community Hall

Yes folks it’s nearly that time of year again when the local community starts preparing for the main event on the local social scene – the Big Breakfast – organised by the Ballinahown National School Parents Association held each year on St. Patrick’s Day. Full Irish Breakfast only €10. In what has become a must attend event where people chat, eat and renew old acquaintances, young and old enjoy this great get together.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Clonmacnoise National School and the story is on the Round Towers of Clonmscnoise. The story was recorded by Master Molloy, Clonmacnoise, Annie Flannnery, Creevagh and Kathleen Pillion, Clonmacnoise. The story is presented as recorded at the time.

Round Towers

The monks had round towers for defensive purposes. In Clonmacnois are two round towers – St Finian’s and O Rourke’s towers.
When the monks saw the enemy coming it is said that they used to boil big pots of water and bring the pots into the towers. The monks had a wooden floor at the top of the tower and used to go up a ladder to the floor. Then they would throw down the boiling water upon the enemy and scald them. The enemy then would have to go away.
As we know there were no houses in those days so every monk used to have a little hut of his own. The enemy used to burn down all the little huts and when they were gone every one of the monks had to build another new hut for himself.

O’Rourke’s Tower

Hundred of years ago when the people were building O’Rourke’s Tower in Clonmacnois they had to carry the stones from Moate in cleeves. One man as he was coming through Clonascra the band of the cleeve broke and the sand and stones fell in a heap and in place of the sand and stones now is a big round hill in Patrick Coughlan’s field. It is called the Round Hill.

O’Rourke’s tower is supposed to have been built by the Goban Saor. It is about 80 ft high, but was much higher. The top was knocked off by lightening in 1135. There are eight windows on this tower round the top. This tower was used as a watch tower, and a man was always up there looking out on every side for the enemy. When an enemy was coming he could then see them when they were far off and so the monks and all their treasures would be safe there. The door going into O’Rourke’s tower is high up from the ground so that when the ladder was pulled up the door could be shut and then the enemy could not kill the monks. There is a dinge near the top of this tower said to be put there by Cromwell when he was in this part of the country. He had his big guns in the hills nearby. It is said he was aiming for Athlone but he struck the tower instead which was a few yards away. O’Rourke’s tower is called after Teirnan O Rourke of Breffeny. He came to Clonmacnois to do penance.

St Finian’s Tower

St Finian’s tower is sometimes called Mc Carthy’s tower. There is a church joined on to this tower called Finian’s church. Some say that the tower was built first and that the church was added on afterwards, but others say that the church was built first. The church and tower are called after Feenian Mc Carthy and they were built in the 12th century. The church was used as a mortuary chapel. This tower is not so high as O Rourke’s tower and the roof which goes up into a point is still on it. There used to be a stairs and rooms inside but they are all gone now.

Ballinahown & Rashina National Schools

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information contact Ballinahown or Rashina National School.

All Ireland Champions – Gallen Community School

Congratulations to Gallen Community School, Ferbane who beat Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana by a single point on a score line of 0 -9 points to 1- 05 points to win the Masita All- Ireland Senior schools final in Sligo on Saturday 9^th March. The Gallen team had a numbers of players from the local Doon GAA Club. We are reliably informed that the team received a warm welcome home from students of Gallen Community School on Monday last the 11^th March. Well done to all involved in the team.

Condolences

We extend our condolences to the family of Thomas (Tommie) Moore, Rosfaraghan, Ferbane, Co. Offaly who passed away on March 8^th 2024 surrounded by his family. Tommie was a well-known and respected figure in the Ballinahown and surrounding areas collecting milk from farmers for many years who supplied their produce to the local creamery in Athlone. Tommie is survived by his wife Brigid and family, Maria, Deborah, Peter , Damian and Tomas, grandchildren, brother Michael, sisters Phyllis and Sr. Brigid, son in law Bert, daughters in law Mary, Bernadette and Kim brothers in law, sister in law, nephews, nieces and many friends. Tommie was laid to rest on Monday 11^th March in Kilrehan Cemetery following his Requim Mass celebrated at 11.00am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Diary Date – Rashina Annual Vintage Tractor, Truck, Vintage Car and Motorcycle Run

Takes place this year on Easter Sunday 31^st March. Registration (€20 per vehicle) commences at 10.30 am at Doon GAA Carpark. Funds raised will be used to assist local charities over the coming year.

Birthday Greetings

Belated Happy Birthday to Sean Gaffey, Renaun who celebrated a big birthday on Thursday March 7^th. Brigid Smith, Ballyduff who celebrated her birthday on 8^th March and her husband Garry who celebrated his birthday on 13^th March.

Francie Coughlan, Clonaderig, also celebrated his birthday on 11^th March and finally Pat Butler, Ballyduff celebrates his birthday on 18^th March. We wish you all the best for the coming year and hope you enjoyed your special day.

Ballinahown & District News –24/02/24.

Ballinahown Community Development Association – Lotto Bonus Number – 24^th February 2024.

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw held on Saturday 24th February Bonus Number Drawn: No: 21, Winner: Amy Farrell, Cartrons, Fardrum.

Ballinahown Community Hall

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.15pm & 3.15pmpm. Line Dancing for beginners at 7.30pm and regular class at 8.30pm.

Wednesday Dance Exercise class at 8.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

The Big Breakfast

Yes folks it’s nearly that time of year again when the local community starts preparing for the main event in the local calendar – the Big Breakfast – organised by the Ballinahown National School Parents Association held each year on St. Patrick’s Day. In what has become a must attend event where people chat, eat an renew old acquaintances, young and old enjoy this great get together.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Clonmacnoise National School where Mr. P.O. Maolmuaidh was the teacher at the time and tells us about people taken by fairies. The story is presented as recorded at the time by Ann Kilmartin.

People taken by Fairies

There was one time a girl named Mionán who lived near Shannon-bridge. She was a fine looking girl and then she got sick and people said she was taken in the fairies. Well one Sunday in the summer a man named John Flannery went out on the hills of Creevagh to look at his cattle. It was a very hot Sunday so he took off his coat and left it under a whin bush. When he came back not a bit of the coat could he get, and he looked high and low for it. So he had to go home without his new Sunday coat. He looked again for the coat during the week and asked everyone about it, but no one saw it. Well on the following Sunday he went out again to look at the cattle and when he was coming home there was his coat under the bush just as he left it. He took up the coat and when he did he could hear people laughing but could see no one. One day a couple of years after that he was talking to the Mionán girl. She was better at this time and was said to be back out of the fairies. “Well John” she said “Do you remember the Sunday you lost your coat, and all the searching you did for it. Well I thought we would kill ourselves that day and all the week, after looking at you and all the rest searching for it. We never had such fun.”

Ballinahown National School

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Conor Rohan, Ballinahown who celebrated a “roundy” birthday on Saturday 24^th February. Hope you had a good one Conor.

Gardening Tips for March

In the Fruit & Veg Garden

The start of the month is the last chance to prune apple trees and blackcurrants, blueberries, & raspberries
Also need to plant garlic early in the month
Later, start sowing seeds directly out into drills, you can sow root crops such as parsnips, carrots, beet, radish and turnips directly into the soil
Prepare drills and sow early potatoes such as Sharpes Express or Collen. Again, ensure to add a good helping of farmyard manure and water in well
It’s always best to wait until you are sure frost has passed. People try to sow vegetables on St. Patrick’s weekend every year, but if conditions don’t suit it is better to leave it for a week or so. You will find that the vegetables will soon catch up in finer weather
Plant out brassicas & onion transplants once large enough to handle. You can also plant onion sets
Cover rhubarb for forcing
Begin feeding seedlings once 4 weeks old. Feed with a general liquid feed

Plant Care

The beginning of the month is the last chance to transplant trees and shrubs and care must be taken when doing so
Last chance to hard prune plants including Salix (Willow), Cornus (Dogwood), Budelhia (Butterfly Bush) and Sambucus (Elder)
Water in recently planted trees and shrubs & ensure trees are secure and well rooted in the ground
Begin feeding your garden plants; a general feed, high in nitrogen is suitable for this time of year
Start feeding roses with rose food or potassium based fertliser

Lawn Care

The soil is warm and the grass is growing. Begin the year with a light cut – just removing the top of the grass to give your lawn a neat appearance
Gradually reduce the height of your cut during the month of March until you have reached your desired height
You should only need to cut your grass twice over the month
This is a good time to treat your lawn for moss. Use sulphate of iron to kill moss, then rake out using a spring rake or scarifier
If your lawn is looking old you can treat it with a lawn weed, feed and moss killer. Start applying now and continue through the month
This is a good month for preparing and sowing new lawns

Have You Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday, wedding anniversary or some special event? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 25/10/2023

Halloween and its Origins

As we are about to celebrate Halloween let’s have a brief look at its origins as recorded by Encyclopaedia Britannica. Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.

This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

Haunted history of Halloween

In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes.

When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the 400 years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of bobbing for apples that is practiced today on Halloween

All Saints’ Day

On May 13, A.D. 609, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs, and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1.

By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands, where it gradually blended with and supplanted older Celtic rites. In A.D. 1000, the church made November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honour the dead. It’s widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, church-sanctioned holiday.

All Souls’ Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. The All Saints’ Day celebration was also called All-hallows and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-Hallows Eve and eventually, Halloween.

The celebration of Halloween was extremely limited in colonial New England because of the rigid Protestant belief systems there. Halloween was much more common in Maryland and the southern colonies.

As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups and the American Indians meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included “play parties,” which were public events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbours would share stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing.

Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the middle of the 19th century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the country.

In the second half of the 19th century, America was flooded with new immigrants. These new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing the Irish Potato Famine, helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally

Birthday Wishes

Belated birthday wishes to Jennifer Rohan, Ballinahown who celebrated her birthday on Saturday October 21^st. We hope you had a great day Jen.

Ballinahown N.S. Scarecrow Event

On Friday October 28^th at 6.00pm Ballinahown National School Parents Association in conjunction with pupils are holding their very popular Scarecrow Festival on the school grounds. Come along and enjoy the creativity of parents and pupils alike while enjoying tea and treats. Money raised from the event will be donated to Temple Street Childrens Hospital.

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 21^st October 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.23. Winner: Aoife Farrell, Ballinahown

Doon GAA Charity Car Wash

Doon GAA are organising a charity car wash on Saturday October 28^th from 10.00am to 5.00pm at the GAA grounds.

This year the club are teaming up with ACT (Accessible Counselling Tullamore) in organising the event. All cars that support the fundraiser will be entered into a draw for a €100 Doon GAA Lotto Membership. You can support this very worthwhile fundraiser by turning up and having your car washed on the day or through iDonate.ie.

Castledaly Fundraiser

Castledaly GAA are holding their annual fundraising auction on Sunday November 5^th in the Community Centre, Moate commencing at 1.00pm. Hundreds of new and used quality items for sale. Come along and support this very worthy cause.

To arrange drop off or collection of items contact the following. Tom: 0876499235, Enda: 0879843382, Joe: 0872472389.

Ballinahown & District News – 18/10/2023

Two Locals Men honoured At Farmleigh House & Estate

Two locals, who are members of staff at Clonmacnoise Heritage site, have been referred to as “guardian angels” following their success in saving the life of a German tourist, Michael Schaper, who suffered a heart attack while visiting the site with his wife Heinke last year.

Anthony Ryan, Bloomhill, Ballinahown and Aidan Doyle, Renaun, Ferbane who are both guide staff at Clonmacnoise with the Office of Public Works, were honoured at a ceremony in Farmleigh House & Estate, Phoenix Park last week.

They were on duty when the tourist collapsed and was unresponsive at the site in September of last year. Anthony and Aidan leaped into action and their quick response and expertise saved the life of Michael Schaper,

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, congratulated the two men for the way they responded in what was “literally a life or death situation.”

In a statement at the ceremony honouring the two locals the Deputy Head of Germany’s Mission in Ireland, Mr. Christian Resch, said:

“We are so grateful to both to Anthony and Aidan for their swift intervention in this serious situation.

That day, they were the guardian angels of a German citizen, leaping into action and preserving the life of Mr Schaper.

On behalf of the German embassy, we would like to thank the Office of Public Works staff for their assistance and efficient management of the incident.”

Here in Ballinahown we are very proud of the sterling work Anthony and Aidan undertook in saving Mr. Schaper’s life. Well done lads.

Locals honoured at Farmleigh House & Estate

Pictured at Farmleigh House & Estate following a presentation to Clonmacnoise Heritage Site staff for their work in saving the life of a German tourist are left to right: Minister Patrick O’ Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Anthony Ryan & Aidan Doyle who both received the award and the Deputy Head of Germany’s Mission in Ireland, Mr. Christian Resch.

Gold for Ballinahown In Tidy Towns Competition.

Well done to the Ballinahown Community Development Association on winnin gold in the 2023 Super Value Tidy Town Competition. Over the past 20 years Ballinahown has succeeded in being the tidiest village in the county winning silver or bronze medals each year in the competition. This is the first year however they were successful in winning gold. Great credit is due to the committee in achieving such recognition – see report elsewhere in the paper.

The committee have asked us to pass on their sincere thanks to all volunteers who helped achieve this result and in particular the CE Scheme workers.

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 7^th October 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.29. Winner: Seamie Egan, Clonaderig.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday evenings Pilates. Contact Alison on 0860603986 for further details.

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.30pm

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Sports Park

Try something different this year. Why not book the Astro Turf for your Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Catriona McGown, Clonaderig who celebrated her birthday on October 8^th and to Niall Kelly, (Kilnagarna and Martins of Doon) and Laura Rohan-Webb, (Brisbane) who celebrated their birthdays on Tuesday, October 10^th. We hope you all enjoyed your special day.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week informs us on Holy Wells in the parish of Lemonaghan and their location. The author/informant was Mr. John Egan, Kilnagarna. The story is presented as written at the time

Holy Wells

There are five Holy Wells in this Parish, St. Patrick’s in Reynaun, St. Monahan’s in the townland of Kilantubber, St. Brigid’s in the townland of Castletown, another St. Monahan’s in the townland of Leamonaghan, and another St. Brigid’s in the townland of Straduff. People still visit them, to get cured. But they can only visit St. Monahan’s to get cured on St. Monahan’s day. When they visit St. Monahan’s well on St. Monahan’s day they bring home with them a bottle of the water from the well, and then the water is good to cure until St. Monahan’s day comes again. Rounds are still performed and prayers said. Each well has a cure for a different disease. St. Monahan’s in Kilantubber cures toothache, and St. Monahan’s in Leamonaghan cure sore eyes. St. Brigid’s in Castletown cures toothache and St. Brigid’s in Straduff cures swelling. Offerings are usually left behind at the well. Once the owner of (the well) St. Brigid’s well in Castletown, closed the well because the people were visiting the well and trespassing on his field. Every night after the well was closed, the water used to come up on the room floor, and it used to go down again in the morning, but every night the water used ot rise higher and he had to open the well again. There is an old Whitethorn tree beside St. Monaghan’s well in Kilantubber and it is said to be there since St. Monahan blessed the well.

Local News

Do you know someone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 11/10/2023

Ballinahown Sports Park introduces Walking Football

Do you want to get fit and maintain that fitness while enjoying yourself? Many people in their 40’s, 50’s. 60’s and 70’s have recently discovered “walking football”. Walking football is aimed at keeping men and women of all ages active and involved in football.

There are many reasons why players can no longer play the game and the opportunity to play walking football brings many benefits. Players enjoy the physical activity, the friendly competition and the important social aspect.

It has very specific rules that outlaw all running and allows no contact between players. Over-head height restrictions and indirect free kicks ensure that the sport is played safely with full consideration to the participants’ age.

Teams are either 5 or 6-a-side. As a result of these rules, games are played at a slower pace, often on state of the art artificial grass pitches thus reducing the threat of pain, discomfort and injury, with players briskly walking through matches. The new AstroTurf facility in Ballinahown is ideally suited for this game.

The game allows people to remain or get involved in sport while at the same time maintaining or developing a level of fitness. The other great thing about this game is that it attracts people who were never involved in sport of any kind. The game is for males and females and all groups.

Why not give Ballinahown Sports Park a call on Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for more details.

You can also check out more information on the official Walking Football Association website.

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 14^th October 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.42. Winner: Anthony Duffy, Kilgarvin.

Community Walking Evenings: commencing Monday 16^th October for 6 weeks. Every Monday and Wednesday evening from 8.15pm to 9.00pm. Walk on your own or as part of a group in a safe environment. No membership or fees required. Contact Cliona on 087 4152465 or Bernadette on 086 4120725 for further information.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday evenings Pilates. Contact Alison on 0860603986 for further details.

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.30pm

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Susan Sheridan (née Meekings) Bloomhill, Ballinahown, Offaly / Athlone, Westmeath

Susan died on October 12th 2023, peacefully with her family, in the loving care of the staff at Tullamore Regional Hospital. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Frank, and family, Lisa Dolan (Banagher), Marie Lynch (Kilnagoolney), Kevin and Emma, grandchildren, James, Lucy, Emily and Rory, sons-in-law Peter and Damien, Kevin’s partner Cara, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Susan reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home, Athlone on Saturday evening (Oct. 14th) from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Cremation Service took place on Monday (Oct. 16th) at 12noon in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection as recorded by pupils of local schools. . Our story this week is from Kilcleagh (Castledaly) National School and informs us on food eaten in olden times. The author/informant was Annie Claffey, Killogeenaghan, Co. Westmeath . The story is presented as written at the time

Food in Olden Times

In olden times people got three meals daily, breakfast, dinner and supper. The breakfast was eaten about nine o’clock, the dinner about one o’clock and the supper around eight o’clock. The people worked for about two hours before their breakfast in olden times. They had potatoes for their breakfast and dinner and they had wheaten-bread and milk for their supper.
The people long ago never sat around the table in the centre of the floor, it was placed against the wall under the window. The bread they used was wheaten-bread; it was made of wheaten meal wet with water and sometimes with milk.

Castledaly GAA

Are holding their annual monster fundraising auction on Sunday November 5^th in the Community Centre, Moate commencing at 1.00pm. Hundreds of new and used quality items for sale. Come along and support this very worthy cause.

To arrange drop off or collection of items contact the following. Tom: 0876499235, Enda: 0879843382, Joe: 0872472389.

Cill Oige

Congratulations to Cill Oige U14 girls team on winning the Division 2 Championship by defeating Killucan. Final Score Cill Oige 2 – 22 Killucan 1 – 05. Well done girls.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 04/10/2023

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 30th September 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.35. Winner: Liam Kelly, Clonaderig.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday evenings Pilates commencing again. Contact Alison on 0860603986 for further details.

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.30pm

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Sports Park

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week informs us on the history of Rashinagh School Note the spelling for the school used at the time).The author is unknown.

Rashinagh National School

This school was built in 1882 for the children of the townlands within a radius of a couple of miles. The journeys to the nearest school of Ferbane, Boher or Balliinshown were considered too long for young children. It was said to be built by a curate of Ballinahown parish for a sum of thirty pounds. A Miss Mary Cooney of Grangemockler, Co. Tipperary, was the teacher for a period of thirty-three years. At times the accommodation was altogether inadequate, there being often upwards of a hundred children, where there was proper space for only forty-six. Before the National school was built there was no hedge-school for a number of years, the children going to the nearest National schools. Before those schools were available there was a hedge school near the site of the present one. The last teacher of this school was a Mrs Casey. She also taught in the townland of Rohanstown near Ballinahown. When she became old and the pupils left her to attend National Schools elsewhere she got possession of another house and carried on a shop until her death. Her predecessors were a Mr Sheridan and a Mr Murphy. Another hedge school was carried on in house on the farm of Mr John Hennessey of Corbeg by a Mr. Colohan.

A teacher used to teach in the townland of Straduff in a house in High Street. He used to teach for about six months at a time, and then remove to another district. His name was Murphy. He was paid a few pence per week by the scholars – more or less according to the class in which the scholar was enrolled. The double Spelling Book was taught, the Voster and the Reading Made Easy. Another school was conducted by a Mr. Murphy in Cooldorrough – a townland about a mile north of Rashinagh. It stood beside the old church of Cooldorrough.
In the Glebe parish of Ballinahown in the house now occupied by Mr John Ryan was a Protestant school. It also served as a courthouse. The attendance was about thirty-five on an average. The pupils were the children of Protestants living in the neighbourhood. At present there is only one Protestant family – the Moonys of Doon – in the whole district, and even that has no school-going children.
Managers of Rashina N.S. (Nsoin Caillin Ror Sionnaigh
V. Rev. Canon D. Reynolds P.P. Ballinahown
V. Rev. Canon Columb P.P. Ballinahown
V. Rev. Canon Lee P.P. ”
V. Rev. Canon Dardis P.P. ”
Mr Joseph Doorley Glebe, Ballinahown, Athlone.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Mike Mannion, Doon who celebrated a “Roundy” birthday last weekend. No doubt Mike your family and friends made it one to remember

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

Unfortunately, following heavy rain during the week that left poor underfoot conditions the committee took the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Threshing and Working Field Day scheduled to take place on Sunday 1^st October. As we all know by now Irish weather has a way of ensuring outdoor activities are always difficult to organise. Hopefully, next year will prove different and the weather will be better than this year allowing the event to proceed. The committee have asked us to pass on their thanks to all who put in such an effort to stage this year’s event.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 27/09/2023

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 16th September 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.43. Winner: Ray Browne, Loughill, Ballinahown.

The committed wish to express their thanks to all who helped out with painting, rubbish removal, watering flowers etc. in recent times ensuring the village looks magnificent.

While it is great to see the recycling facility, located opposite the Sports Park, being used there are a couple of issues that are causing some concern. Firstly, the committee would ask users of the facility to inform a member of the committee if they notice bins full. This will assist in advising the company that the bins require emptying. Secondly, users are asked to refrain from leaving recyclable material at the facility, if the bins are full or indeed at the clothes bank if it is full. Leaving recyclable material at the base of bins causes a safety as well an environmental hazard added to the fact that it is unsightly. Cooperation with the above requests would be very much appreciated.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday evenings Pilates commencing again. Contact Alison on 0860603986 for further info.

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners commencing on 3rd October at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.30pm

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: Parent and Toddler Group To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Sports Park

A big thank you to all volunteers, who over the summer months assisted with grass cutting and in general keeping the facility in tip top condition. Your help was greatly appreciated by the committee. Volunteerism is a great way of ensuring a community develops and thrives and the local community in Ballinahown and its hinterland are an example to all..

Astro Turf: Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Ballinahown National School

A hearty welcome to Beibhinn, Elsie, Ivy, Aoife, Jason, Amelia, Alice, Rían and Teddy who recently started their education at Ballinahown N.S.. We hope the children have a very happy, fun and rewarding learning experience in our school.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week is from Gallen National School, Ferbane informs us on proverbs used locally at the time. They were recorded by Teresa Doolin, Glyn, Co. Offaly

(9) Too late to spare when all is spent. (10) You can bring a horse to water but you cant make, him drink. (11) Who but a fool would believe all he hears. (12) A stop of the tongue is no fault of the mind. (13) One hour in the morning is better than two in the night. (14) There’s no hearth stone like your own hearth stone. (15) A green Christmas makes a fat churchyard. (16) A standing sack is filled the best. (17) Home sweet home, There’s no place like home. (18) Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise. (19) If the cap fits you wear it.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

Unfortunately, due to adverse weather forecast the Threshing and Field Day due to take place on 17th September had to be postponed again this year. A new date of 1st October is now proposed (weather conditions permitting) commencing at 12.00 noon in Moony’s Field, Doon, Ballinahown (opposite entrance to Doon GAA pitch). The committee are looking forward to renewing old acquaintances on this very special day for the local community.

Birthday Greetings

A very special Happy Birthday to Mary Hunt, Bloomhill who celebrated her birthday in style recent weeks. We hear you had a great time Mary visiting friends and relatives in the United States. That’s the way to celebrate a birthday.

Local News

Do you know someone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 20/09/2023

Ballinahown Development Association

Lotto Result: Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 16^th September 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.43. Winner: Ray Browne, Loughill, Ballinahown.

The committed wish to express their thanks to all who helped out with painting, rubbish removal, watering flowers etc. in recent times ensuring the village looks magnificent.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday evenings Pilates commencing again. Contact Alison on 0860603986 for further info.

Tuesday evenings Line Dancing for beginners commencing on 3^rd October at 8.00pm

Tuesday afternoons: Irish Dancing Classes at 2.30pm

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday Morning: Parent and Toddler Group

To book the Community Hall email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Sports Park

Astro Turf: Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Ballinahown National School

Stories from the School’s Collection

Proverbs
(1) There’s no use in throwing water on a drowned rat.
(2) Hills are green far away.
(3) There are good goods in small parcels.
(4) The devil you know is better than the devil you dont know.
(5) He’d watch mice at the crossroads.
(6) Don’t bid the devil good morrow until you meet him.
(7) The more hurry the less speed.
(8) There’s no use in rubbing lard on a fat pigs back.
(9) Too late to spare when all is spent.
(10) You can bring a horse to water but you cant make, him drink.
(11) Who but a fool would believe all he hears.
(12) A stop of the tongue is no fault of the mind.
(13) One hour in the morning is better than two in the night.
(14) There’s no hearth stone like your own hearth stone.
(15) A green Christmas makes a fat churchyard.
(16) A standing sack is filled the best.
(17) Home sweet home, There’s no place like home.
(18) Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.
(19) If the cap fits you wear it.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

Unfortunately, due to adverse weather forecast the Threshing and Field Day due to take place on 17^th September had to be postponed again this year. A new date of 1^st October is now proposed (weather conditions permitting) commencing at 12.00 noon in Moony’s Field, Doon, Ballinahown (opposite entrance to Doon GAA pitch). The committee are looking forward to renewing old acquaintances on this very special day for the local community.

Birthday Greetings

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 13/09/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 9^th September 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.12. Winner: Sinead Middleton, Loughill, Ballinahown.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week is from Mount Temple National School as recorded by Paddy Doyle. The story is presented as recorded in 1938.

Maheramore

Maheramore the townland in which I live, is in the parish of Mount Temple and in the barony of Clonlonan. There are thirteen families in it and a population of fifty-one people. Corrigan is the most common name in it. There are four slated houses, and nine thatched houses in it.

There were about twice as many houses in it long ago, than there is in it now. Thomas, James, John, Margaret, and Kate Mc Loughlin, and Patrick Nolan emigrated to America over thirty years ago. Some of the land is good and some of is moory. There is a river in it called the Main river. It separates Castle-Daly from Mount Temple. It rise in Patrick Mc Manus’s field and keeps flowing until it reaches the Shannon. It passes by the corn mill, and it does the work of making meal, because it turns the wheels in the mill, and sets it going. There are three old people in to who are over 70 years of age.

Ballinahown Development Association – recycling facility

While it is great to see the recycling facility, located opposite the Sports Park, being used there are a couple of issues that are causing problems on occasions. Firstly, we would ask users of the facility to inform a member of the committee if they notice bins full; that way the company that empties the bins can be notified. Secondly, we would ask users to refrain from leaving recyclable material at the facility, if the bins are full, until the bins or the clothes bank is emptied. Leaving recyclable material at the base of bins causes a safety as well an environmental hazard. Your cooperation with the above requests would be very much appreciated.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

The fine weather last week proved a godsend as it provided ideal conditions to harvest the barley crop for this year’s threshing event on Sunday 17^th September commencing at 12.00 noon in Moony’s Field, Doon, Ballinahown (opposite entrance to Doon GAA pitch). This year’s event will feature a range of new attractions so keep the date free in your diary for what promises to be a great family day out.

Birthday Greetings

A very special Happy Birthday to Kathleen Maloney, Doon who celebrated an important birthday on 9^th September. Happy Birthday also to Ciaran Corcoran, Clonaderig who celebrated his birthday on the same day.

Happy Birthday to Nicholas Rohan, Corr Hill who celebrates his birthday on 16^th September. Hope you all enjoyed your special day.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 06/09/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 2^nd September 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.30. Winner: Emma Gannon, Esker

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

New Traffic Calming Measures

Work is almost completed on new traffic calming measures on the Clonmacnoise road located between Ballinahown N.S and Ballinahown Sports Park. The measures, undertaken by Westmeath Co. Council, under the supervision of Area Engineer Willie Ryan are a welcome feature and will help slow down traffic thereby assisting pupils attending the local nation school and those using the sports park. Well done to all involved in introducing the measures.

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week is a ghost story from Clonfanlough National School as recorded by Mary Kelly who was told the story by her grandmother Mrs Brigid Kelly Back Road, Clonfanlough, Athlone, who died October the 10th 1936 aged 90 years. The story is presented as recorded in 1938.

A Ghost Story

Between Bloomhill and Clonascra, a man used to ramble to a house in Clonascra where four girls lived. One of the girls died and when the man would be going home about ten or eleven o’clock the dead girl’s ghost would walk from her own house to a certain place, and he could not see her any more until the next night. He was so used to her that one night he asked her a question but she did not answer him, she hit him a slap of her hand. When he went home he found he was sick he went to bed and did not get up any more. After three or four weeks he died and there is a Ghost to be seen there even since.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Ethna Daly (née Galvin) “Maryland”, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath peacefully on Friday 1st September 2023. Predeceased by her parents Christina and Michael Galvin and her brother Michael. Sadly missed by her loving husband Kieran, sons Thomas, Kieran and Michael, daughters Mary (Burke) and Carmel (McManus), brothers Liam and T.J. sisters Marie, Angela, Eileen and Collette, in-laws, her thirteen adoring grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Etna reposed at her residence on Monday evening 4^th September from 4.00pm until 8.00pm with Requiem Mass in St. Colmcille’s Church Ballinahown on Tuesday morning at 11.00am followed by interment afterward in Clonmacnois. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Castledaly GAA Community BBQ

Takes place on Sunday 10^th September in Castledaly GAA grounds commencing at 3.00pm. The event will host an 0ver 40’s football match, Music, Kids entertainment and loads of food. So come along and support your local GAA Club.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

This year’s event takes place on Sunday 17^th September commencing at 12.00 noon in Moony’s Field, Doon, Ballinahown (opposite entrance to Doon GAA pitch). The event will feature a range of new attractions so keep the date free in your diary for what promises to be a great family day out.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 30/08/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 26^th August 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No. 47. Winner: Enda Molloy, Glebe.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Fintan Ryan & Laura Concannon who were married on Friday 25^th August last followed by a reception in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. Fintan is the son of Martin and Maureen Ryan, Bloomhill while Laura is the daughter of Mike and the late Cis Concannon, Esker. We wish Fintan and Laura the very best for the future.

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

September Gardening Tips

Bedding plants

September is a great month to get some colour going in your garden that will last into winter with cold hardy plants. The weather is warm enough to give the plants a good start, and the colder weather due later in the year won’t affect them. Plant up cyclamens, pansies, violas, heucheras, bellis, and primroses, and remember that these plants will grow just as well in pots or hanging baskets as in beds in your garden. Plant them about 15cms apart, and then cover the soil with bark mulch.

Pot of the month

Plant up a pot this month that will look good for months. Start with a cordyline – you can get them in a variety of colours, but the red ones give you a great colour splash. Add in a few cyclamens – when you buy them, chose plants with lots of flower buds to make them last longer. Finally, put in an ivy to trail over the side. You need a decent sized pot – put a few stones over the drainage hole so it doesn’t block up, then fill with compost, with a few handfuls of topsoil mixed in.

Perennials

Echinaceas or coneflowers are very spectacular this time of year, as are rudbeckias, erines and asters

Japanese anemones are the star plant for this month. This is a very easy and reliable plant to grow – plant them in full sun, and watch them grow from strength to strength each year. They come in white and many shades of pink.

Shrubs

This month, hydrangea paniculata is the featured shrub. Hydrangea macrophilla is the softer hydrangea that comes in shades of pink and blue. Paniculata is shrubbier, and grows much taller. It will be absolutely covered in masses of flowers in shades of white and pink this time of year, and the flower heads look good long after the colour has faded. Cut the plant back hard in early winter.

Fruit and Vegetables

At this time of year, you will be planting crops that will be ready in spring. Plant out spring cabbage seedlings now, in beds or pots.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough National School and tells us the story about the old woman and the turf as recorded by Annie Lowe, Carrowkeel, Clonfanlough The story was told to her father who was told the story by his father William Lowe who died on 6^th October 1934 aged 83 years. The story is presented as recorded in 1938.

The Old Woman and the Turf

A man named John Gilbert King lived in a mansion near Ferbane, he got a lot of turf cut each year and would set the saving of it to an old woman who had a great influence with the (farmers) fairies. When the turf was dry enough to stook she would go to the bog early in the morning and she would make four stooks, one on each corner of the bank with seven sods in each stook, four in the bottom and three on the top. Then she would shout “Four in the bottom and three on the top come me boys and hurl it up,” and immediately the whole bank of turf was raised in a stook.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Ciaran Ryan, Bloomhill, who we are informed, celebrates a very special birthday on Sunday 4^th September.

Happy Birthday also to Patrick Daly, Brocca who celebrated his birthday on 25^th August.

Belated birthday wishes to Ina Dolan, Kilgarvin who celebrated her birthday a couple of weeks ago. We hope you all enjoyed your special day.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

Will take place on Sunday 17^th September commencing at 12.00 noon in Moony’s Field, Doon, Ballinahown (opposite entrance to Doon GAA pitch). This year’s event will host a range of new attractions so keep the date free in your diary for what has become one of the highlights of year locally.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 23/08/2023

Local boy Jack McGuinness helps Ireland win Gold

Well done to Jack McGuinness from Doon, Ballinahown who helped the Irish Fly Fishing Team take home a gold medal from The Four Nations Youth International fly-fishing competition, held on 2^nd August in Llyn Clywedog in Wales.

Jack who at 12 years old is the youngest member of the 14 person team also made history as the Irish team are the first team to win three gold medals in a row in the competition. Jack and the Irish team will be going for the ‘Grand Slam’ when the competition returns to Draycote, England in August, 2024. We wish Jack and the team the best for next year.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 19^th August 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No. 27. Winner: Mary Ledwith, Clonaderig.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Jim Campbell, Fardrum, Athlone, Co. Westmeath unexpectedly on Sunday 13th August 2023. Sadly missed by his loving wife Deirdre, daughter Sarah, sons Micheál and David, grandchild Finley James, sister Mary, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Jim reposed at his residence on Tuesday 22^nd August from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. His Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday in St. Mary’s Church at 10.30am followed by interment afterwards in Coosan Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Keith O’Shea, Clonaderig and Ciara O’ Malley, Carlingford who were married in St. Brigid’s Church, Kilcurry, Carlingford, Co. Louth on Thursday 17^th August followed by a reception in the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford. Keith is the son of Paul and Siobhan O’Shea, Clonaderig and Ciara is the daughter of Ewan and Loretto O’ Malley, Carlingford. We wish the Keith and Ciara a long and happy life together.

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough National School and tells us the story about the cow with no milk informs us on the hardship faced during The Famine. The story was recorded by May Angela Kelly, Clowngowney as told to her by her father Patrick Kelly aged 50 years at the time. The story is presented as recorded in the late 1930’s.

The Cow with no Milk

Once upon a time there was a man and he had a cow in his pasture near his house. Every time he went to milk her, she had none. One night he said to himself he would go and watch her and see what was becoming to the milk, so he went and watched her, and after about half an hour, a black hare came and was just beginning to suck her, the man stayed watching for a while, he had a plant (stick) in his hand, and he threw it at the hare, but he did not hit her. He told the story to other people and they said if he got a black greyhound he would catch her. He got a black greyhound, and then he went to watch her a second time, the black hare came again and he set the greyhound after her, the greyhound was not able to keep in to her, the man set off across the hills and he saw the black hare run into a house in the wood, and a lot of children came to the door and cried “run Granny quick or you will be caught”

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to David Rohan, Ballinahown who celebrates his birthday on 22^nd August and to Rosemary Rohan, (Rosies Shop) who celebrated her birthday on 25^th August. Hope you both enjoyed your special day.

Rashina Vintage Club Threshing and Working Field Day

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 16/08/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 12^th August 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No. 29 . Winner: Seamie Egan, Clonaderig .

Obituaries

The death has occurred of Aidan Farrell, Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Offaly/ Athlone Co. Westmeath. Aidan died on August 12th 2023, following a tragic accident. He was predeceased by his beloved mother Angela. Aidan will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving father Tony, brothers, Damian and Alan, sisters, Fiona Gannon (Doon) and Sandra Hamm (Mount Temple), his loving partner Natasha, nieces, and nephews, Calvin, Danielle, Kellie, Emma, Rachel, Ella, Jamie, Seána and Rory, brothers-in-law, Leo and John, sisters-in-law, Bernie and Sarah, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours, and many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.

(Funeral arrangements have not been finalised at time of going to press)

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week comes from Mount Temple National School and informs us on the hardship faced during The Famine. The story was recorded by Thomas Ganley, Mount Temple, Moate. The story is presented as recorded in the late 1930’s.

The Famine

them to buy a little meal. The markets were enormously high and rising every day.
In 1847 it was far more terrible then the last. The people were dying by the road-sides and in the fields. In 1845 there were twice as many people in Ireland as there is today. Although very poor this large population was strong cheerful and full of hope. From Daniel O’Connell they had learned the strength of numbers. From Thomas Davis they had learned to be proud of being Irishmen. But the famine took the heart out of the people.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Michael Mahon, Clonfanlough who celebrates his birthday on 19^th August. Enjoy your special day Mike.

Doon GAA 5K Fun-Walk/Run

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20^th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 09/08/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Irish Lotto Draw Saturday 5^th August 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No. 6 . Winner: Maureen Loonam, Clonfanlough.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough National School and tells us about the Curse of St. Ciaran. The story was recorded by Annie Lowe, Clonfanlough having been told to her by John Guinan, Clongowney who was aged 96 at the time. It is presented as recorded in the late 1930’s.

The Curse of St. Ciaran

Eogan Bél was king of Connaught and he had two sons. He was a brave man and he never suffered defeat. He was very much against the O’ Neills of Ulster, and he persecuted them by seizing their stock and destroying their lands The Ulster chiefs got determined to go to war with him, so they fought a fierce battle and Eoghan was wounded. Before he died he called some of his men to him and he told them, to make Cellach the elder son chieftain. Cellach at that time was a disciple of St. Ciaran at Clonmacnois. So the men went, and asked St. Ciaran, but he refused them. Cellach stole away at night time and St. Ciaran cursed him, saying that nothing might thrive with him, and that grief might always come to him, death by spear point might displace him. Cellach was made chief, and all went well until he heard of St. Ciaran’s curse then he was never happy. He was then attacked by Guaire,a chieftain from Southern Connaught, and he had to fly from the battle field. He got sorry, and went back to St. Ciaran and asked his forgiveness. St. Ciaran forgave him, but he could not revoke the curse. Then Cellach remained in Clonmacnoise, and became a priest and a bishop and was famous throughout Ireland. When Cellach was bishop he and his disciples passed by Guarie’s palace he did not call, so Guaire thought this an insult and he was determined to have revenge sooner or later. He then sent messages for Cellach to come back, but he refused, saying, the hours for Vespers had come. When Guaire heard this he became very angry, and ordered Cellach to quit the country, or he would burn the Church over his head. That night Cellach had a vision telling him to go to an island in Lough Conn and live the life of a Hermit there. So he started early next morning with four disciples. Before long Guaire invited him to a feast and he prepared poisoned wine for him, but Cellach would not go but he allowed his disciples to go. King Guaire promised the disciples lands and riches if they took Cellach’s life so they promised to do so. When they returned to Cellach he knew by their eyes the bloody business they were about to commit. Cellach advised them not to kill him, but nothing could prevent them. So at last Cellach gave in because he knew it was God’s will and St. Ciaran’s curse, he asked them to give him one night more.
So next day he was killed with spears. Muiredach’s brother found his remains some days later and brought them to Dromore and Lioscailin to be buried but they were not let in at either place. Just then two deer came with a wagon and brought the remains to Eskers. When they arrived the priest’s sang hymns, and the bells rang of their own accord. The two deer came each day and licked the grave of Cellach.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Charlie Corcoran, Clonaderig who celebrated his Birthday this week. It’s reported the party was knock out Charlie.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Condolonces

Our condolences to Helen Murray, Cooldorough, Ballinahown on the death of her father Paddy Martin, Retreat Heights, Athlone who passed away on 2^nd August. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Ballinahown Summer Camp

Will take place from the 14^th to the 16^th August from 9.00am to 2.00pm Activities include Arts & Crafts, Games, Sports and mush more. €40 per child or €75 for two children. Limited spaces available. To Book call Michael on 0894881786 or Enda on 087 2414843. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Ballinahown Astro Turf

Why not book the Astro Turf for your next Birthday Party. Call 086 7807139 or email ballinahownsportspark@gmail.com for details.

Doon GAA 5K Fun-Walk/Run

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20^th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 02/08/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 29th July 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: No.1. Winner: Eugene Boland, Loughill, Ballinahown.

Local Obituaries.

The death took place on Thursday 27^th July of Seamus (Jimmy) Galvin, Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Offaly, beloved husband of Margaret and much loved father of Lisa and Conor. Jimmy will be missed by his wife and children, his sister Rose, brother-in-law Brendan, son-in-law Shaun, daughter-in-law Lisa, his adoring grandchildren Rory, Rìan and Isobel, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Jimmy reposed at his residence on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. His funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday 31^st July at 11. 00 am in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown with interment afterwards in Clonmacnois.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schools in Ballinahown and its environs. Our story this week comes from Rashina National School, Ballinahown and tells us about an old church in the area. The story was recorded by Patrick Galvin Aughafin, Ballinahown and is presented as recorded in the late 1930’s.

Church Hill
There was a church on the farm of Mr. Patrick Galvin in the townland of Aughafin Parish of Milane and Ballinahown, Co. Offaly. There is a little round hill still called Church hill by the people around, but no trace of the building remains. Another small hill near by is called the Munster probably [?]. Some say there was a monastery there. There was a graveyard there too. Human bones were often met with by people tilling the land. The remains of two boreens leading from the two present day roads on either side can still be seen. Along those boreens the funerals used to pass. A parson’s house stood about sixty yards from the graveyard. The walls are still standing.
The story is told that a man digging in his garden, which was once a churchyard here, came on a skull. He took it home with him. During the night it began to roar, so he had to take it and replace it where it was.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Rashina Vintage Club.

On Saturday 22^nd July, Rashina Vintage Club held a celebration and presentation night in Flynn’s Ballycumber to hand over a cheque for €2,000 to Athlone Sub Aqua Club. The cheque was the proceeds of this year’s very successful Tractor and Vintage Truck, Car and Motorcycle Run which took place on 16^th April last. Each year Rashina Vintage Club allocate funds to assist local organisation provide services to local communities. Athlone Sub Aqua was picked by the Vintage Club as this year’s recipient based on the excellent support they provide to the local community and beyond when required with their Search and Rescue Service.

Rashina Vintage Club Presentation of Cheque for €2,000 to Athlone Sub Aqua

Ballinahown Summer Camp

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Fiona Coughlan, Kilgarvin who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday 1^st August and to Gordon Duffy, Fardrum who celebrated his birthday on July 27^th. Hope you both enjoyed your special day.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 26/07/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 15^th July 2023. Bonus Number Drawn: 44. No Winner.

Local Obituaries.

The death has occurred of Teresa (Tess) Egan (née Murray), Bloomhill Road, Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Athlone, Offaly and late of High Street, Belmont.

Teresa died on July 18th 2023, peacefully at home with her family. She was fondly known as Tess, was predeceased by her beloved husband Kieran, son Thomas, granddaughter Lucy, and brothers and sisters.

Tess will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, Philomena Mulvihill (Coosan), Gaye Connaughton (Ballykeeran), Joan (Londan), Joseph (Tullamore), Amy Guinan (Moate), Ken (Drumraney), Yvonne (Athlone), Tina Phelan (Rashina), Lorraine Egan-Gaynor (Athlone), Helena (Castledaly), Padraig (Roscommon), Oliver (Doon), Seamus (Ballinahown), and Carrie, sisters Mary Byrne (Dublin), Rita Johnson (Cloghan), and Annette Boylan (Banagher), 38 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Tess reposed at her home on Wednesday evening (July 19th) from 4pm to 8pm and again on Thursday evening (July 20th) from 4pm to 8pm. Removal took place on Friday morning (July 21st) to St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown, where her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11.00am with interment afterwards in Clonmacnois.

Condolences also to Kathleen Ryan, Bloomhill on the death of her sister Mrs Mary Caulfield (née Lennon) Crannagh, Summerhill, Athlone, Roscommon on Tuesday 18th July. 2023.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in Ballinahown and its environs. Our story this week comes from Clonlyon National School, Glebe and tells us about hidden treasure in the area. While the author of the story is unknown it is recorded that it was told to the author by Mrs Owen Egan, Clonlyon Castlequarter, Co. Offaly who was aged eighty years at the time The story is presented as recorded in the late 1930’s.

Hidden Treasure

I was reared at Ciaran Claffey’s in Fadden and there was a castle fornint the door. I only know what I heard my father saying and he used to say the Danes– they were full o money whatever time they were put out of Ireland, they asked a servant would he mind the money till they’d return. The poor servant said I will and they killed the poor servant to mind the money. Then during my grandmothers time there did an ould woman come into the house looking for an alms and this ould woman asked “whats the reason you don’t get all the money thats out there hid opposite the door. And when the ould woman went out she got across the fence and stood there for a while at the bush looking down and then went away. They thought there’s where the money was. The ould people thought that this spirit- the poor servant that was killed- was minding the money and there’d be a life lost by anybody that would look for the money. And I never heard any more.

This story was taken down from the recital of Mrs Owen Egan (80) of Clonlyon Castle Quarter, formerly Mary Claffey of Fadden, in November 1937. She told me she had learned it from her father Ciaran Claffey who died 45 years ago.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Tidy Towns Competition

As the judging in the tidy towns competition is ongoing a gentle reminder to people to keep an eye out for litter in the village and indeed the approach roads. Please keep the front of homes and businesses tidy and hopefully we will improve on our points earned last year.

Ballinahown Summer Camp

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Mary (Mannion) Ledwith, Clonaderig who celebrates her birthday on 27^th July. Hope you had a great day Mary.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 19/07/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 15^th July 2023. Bonus Number Drawn:14. Winner: Fiona McHugh, Clonaderig.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environs of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from Clonlyan National School and informs us on a local hero who lived in the area. It was recorded by Mary Caulfield, Glebe, Co. Offaly. The story is presented as recorded at the time.

A Local Hero

About 30 years ago, my father and some other men were standing on the bridge of the Grand Canal one Sunday evening in summer time. There were many men swimming in the Canal. There was sixteen feet of water in it. There was a messenger of a boat there, and he asked the swimmers that if he jumped in would they save him and they said they would. In he jumped went down out of their sight and they thought he was drowned. After about three minutes he appeared about 100 yards further down the canal. He dived again and came up among the swimmers and said “ye would let me be drowned.” He then asked them to throw in a coin and he would bring it from the bottom. One man threw in a sixpence, he jumped in and came up in a few minutes with the coin in his mouth. He went down about ten times after for coppers. He could sit on the top of the water, swim on his back, and do what he liked in the water.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Titd Towns Competition

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Orla O’Brien and Michael McAndrew who were married in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown on Saturday July 15^th at which Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan officiated. The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception in the Glasson Lakehouse Hotel, Athlone.

Orla is the youngest daughter of Michael and Marian O’Brien, Kilgarvan while the groom is the son of Ray and Carol McAndrew, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. We wish the bride and groom a long and happy life together.

Ballinahown Summer Camp

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Olive Farrelly, Lackagh, Ballinahown who celebrated a significant birthday recently. Olive celebrated with a trip to Barcelona and Valentia accompanied by family and friends. A proud Cavan woman Olive has immersed herself in the local community on the Westmeath Offaly border having lived here for a number of years.

Happy birthday also to Kieran and Nan Gaffey, Clonaderig who celebrated their birthdays in recent weeks. Hope you both enjoyed the celebrations.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 12/07/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 8^th July 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 2. Winner: Eoin Longworth, Ferbane.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environ of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough National School and informs us on the various townlands in Clonfanlough. It was recorded by John Shea, Clonfanlough who was aged 14 years. The story and is presented as recorded at the time.

My Home District – Clonfanlough.

The townlands in this district are Carrowkeel, Old Road, Currow, Hill, Back-Road, Ballyhearth, Clongowney, Corrigeen, Derries, Cush. The names most common in this district are Egan, Shea, Kelly. The people in this district over seventy years of age
Mrs Fox, John Kelly, Brigid Kelly, Mary Flannery, Mary Shea, Ciaran Pillion, Nanny Pillion, Mrs Mannion, John Guinan, George Gabbit. The land in this district is boggy and wet
there is one Lake in the district and several rivers. The houses in the district are nicely situated of them are thatched. There are about twelve houses in each townland.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please Note: Parent & Toddler Group are on summer break and will return when schools resume in September. The group have asked us to send their best wishes to all the little ones who are moving to preschool in September.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Ciaran Rohan, Clonaderig, who celebrated his birthday this week and also to Geraldine Ryan, formerly of Doon, who celebrated an important birthday last week. Congratulations to you both and we hope your families helped you enjoy your special day.

Local Obituaries

The death has taken place of Josephine Bailey (née Monaghan) Clonfanlough, Athlone, Co. Offaly.

Josephine died on July 4^th 2023, peacefully with her family, after a short illness, in the wonderful care of the Staff of Medical 3 at Tullamore Regional Hospital.

Josephine will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving daughters, Deirdre Keon (Kilchreest) and Julie, grandchildren, Connor, Chantel, Shane and Daniel, brothers, sisters, son-in-law Francis, extended family and friends.

Josephine reposed at her home on Thursday evening July 6^th from 6pm to 8pm with a private cremation to take place later.

European Union Just Transition Fund

The EU Just Transition Fund team is launching a series of online information sessions about the EU Just Transition Fund Programme and the opportunities it offers. The first of these sessions will be held on Monday 17th July at 2pm.

This one-hour session will give you the chance to learn more about the Programme and ask questions about upcoming opportunities. It will include: (1) An overview of the Programme,

(2) A focus on the Community Facilities EV charging point action. (3) A Question &Answer session.

Please register using this link: form.jotform.com/EUJTF/eu-jtf-info-session-17-july-2023

A link to join the online meeting will be sent to registered participants closer to the date.

If you require further information you can contact the team at; The EU JTF Team,

Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Floor 3 North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9. Telephone: +353 (0)1 8074482 | email: eujtf@emra.ie | or log on to: www.emra.ie

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

A number of parishioners from the parish of Lemonaghan, led by local parish priest Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan, have just returned from a very pleasant and spiritual pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the Republic of Bosnia-Hertzogvonia . The pilgrimage – a week-long event commenced on July 5^th and concluded on July 12^th.

Since 1981 Medjugorje has become a popular site of Catholic pilgrimage due to Our Lady of Medjugorje, a purported series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary that it is claimed are still happening to this day.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 05/07/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 1^st July 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No.43. Winner: Ray Browne. Loughill.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environs of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from Moystown National School and informs us about the townland of Moystown. It was recorded by Domhnaill Mac Cioráin who was aged 13 in 1938. The story and is presented as recorded at the time.

My home is in the townland of Moystown in the district of Belmont.

It is a very wooded place and very boggy. There are many ruins of mills, castles and houses. The only river that flows through it is the Brosna. There is a drain also called Balla Drain and it is very important as it drains many people’s lands. It flows into the Shannon in winter but in summer it is dry unless the summer is a very wet one. Up the river about 300 yards from the bridge there is supposed to be a very deep hole and once a boat sank there, and there is a light seen which rises where the boat sank and some say that it goes up the river in the very same direction as the boat went. There are two old people who can tell stories about Ireland long ago, and lots of other old stories, but one cannot tell stories that date back so far nor has she nearly as many stories as the other.

Their names are Mrs. Heavin, Moystown, Belmont. The other’s name is Mrs. Gleason, Moystown, Belmont. The one that has the most and best stories is Mrs. Heavin.

There are about nine families in Moystown. There are two families of Kenny’s. The houses are mostly slated two storey houses. The biggest wood is called the “Shannon Wood” and sometimes “The Oak Wood” or the “Big Wood”.

Ballinahown – the Broadway/Hollywood connection

Kay Medford (1919 – 1960) – Stage, TV & Film Actress

In 1885 a young girl by the name Kate Kelly was born in the Big Bog, a townland near the village of Ballinahown, Athlone. She was baptised by Canon Columb who is credited with planning and overseeing the building of St. Colmcille’s Roman Catholic Church in the village. Kate, similar to her siblings, attended Ballinahown National School (now the home to the Celtic Roots Studio). Sometime after finishing school she moved to New York. Kate married a Kerry man by the name of James Regan some years later.

The couple had two children, Danny and Kathleen. The children’s surname name, for reasons unknown, were recorded on their birth certificates as O’Regan. Both Kate and her husband James, it is known, passed away sometime between 1927 and 1933. Kate’s relatives, namely the Kelly and Mannion families from Upper Clonaderig and the Kelly family, Woodland Avenue, Ballinahown recall grandparents (brother and sister of Kate) telling them about their close relationship to a successful American actress.

Kathleen (Kate’s daughter) adopted the stage name Kay Medford after graduating from high school. She began entertaining professionally by performing at summer resorts in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. In 1949 she toured with a nightclub routine in which she did impersonations of Hollywood celebrities.

Medford was the original Mae Peterson (Albert’s mother) in Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway, garnering excellent reviews. Medford appeared in the Warner Bros. rock and roll film, Jamboree (1957). She made her Broadway debut in 1951 in the musical Paint Your Wagon.

She was cast in Carousel, then appeared onstage in Funny Girl as the mother of Fanny Brice (played by Barbra Streisand); for this performance she was nominated for a 1964 Tony Award for Featured Actress (Musical) and when she repeated the role in the 1968 film adaptation, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her many film credits included roles in A Face in the Crowd (1957), The Rat Race (1960), BUtterfield 8 (1960), Girl of the Night (1960), Ensign Pulver (1964), A Fine Madness (1966), The Busy Body (1967), Angel in My Pocket (1969), Twinky (1969), But I Don’t Want to Get Married! (1970), Fire Sale (1977), and Windows (1980).On television, Medford portrayed Harriet Endicott on To Rome with Love, Gloria’s mother on That’s Life, and Maria’s mother on On Our Own, and was a member of the cast of The Dean Martin Show. She also guest-starred on series, including Decoy, Marcus Welby, M.D. The Partridge Family, and Barney Miller in her last screen performance in the episode ‘Dietrich’s Arrest’ which originally aired March 6, 1980 just 35 days before her death.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please Note: Parent & Toddler Group are on summer break and will return when schools resume in September.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 28/06/2023

Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan 30^th Anniversary of Ordination.

Local Parish Priest for the parish of Lemanaghan Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan celebrated the 30^th anniversary of his ordination on Friday last with a special thanksgiving mass in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown. There was a large turnout from the three churches in the parish, Ballinahown, Boher and Pullough. In his address to the congregation Fr. O’Sullivan paid thanks to the organisers of the event and made a special presentation of the Benemerenti Medal and Papal Blessing from Pope Francis to Mary Ledwith (nee Mannion). Mary has served as Sacristan to St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown for the past 25 years.

The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. Originally established in 1832 as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, it is now a civil decoration. Following the thanksgiving mass refreshments were served in the Community Hall.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 17^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 7. Winner: Paul Murray, Bellair.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environs of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from the girls Convent School, Ferbane and tells us about the local area known as Creggan . The story was recorded by Margaret M. Keena, Creggan, Ferbane and is presented as recorded at the time.

Creggan

The name of my home district is Creggan. Is in the parish of Ferbane, and the Barony of Garrycastle. There are fourteen families in Creggan now. There are about seventy-four people. The family name most common is Egan. Most of the houses are thatched. Creggan is a very rocky place getting its name from “Creagán” meaning crag or rock.
There is only one old person living in Creggan. his name is Pat Dolan.
At one time there were seventy two families in Creggan, and there are only fourteen now. There are only a few houses now in ruins. Several people emigrated from Creggan to America in former years.
The land in Creggan is very good, verging into a bog on one side, and a hill on the other.
At the beginning of the shooting of the landlords, the first landlord, a man name Cage, was shot in Creggan. He was shot by two young men, named Gunning and Duffy, who lived in Creggan at that time. Afterwards they emigrated to Australia and died there. The ruins of their homes are still to be seen in Creggan.
This landlord lived on the top of Endrim hill. At the time of his death he had notice given to every family in Creggan and Endrim, for eviction with the exception of two families who were to be keepers. One Sunday morning as he was riding out on his horse to church, he was shot on the Creggan road. The place where the two men who shot him were concealed, is still pointed out. A man who was walking beside Cage notified the police. they searched everywhere, but they never caught the culprits. Gunning and Duffy emigrated soon afterwards. The man, who was to have given evidence against them, went insane before the Court was held. There was a song composed about their bravery, but few people in the district know the words of it now.

Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations and best wishes to Tommy and Kathleen White, Ballyhearth who celebrated 60 years of marriage on Wednesday 21^st June. A special Mass to mark the occasion was celebrated in the Prayer House, Clonmacnoise and was attended by family and friends.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: Parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Children’s Summer Camps in Ballinahown

This year’s summer camps run from June 26^th to June 30^th (5 days) and August 14^th to August 16^th (3 days) in Ballinahown Sports Park & Astro Turf. Time: 9.30am to 2.00pm (drop off 9.00am) Activities include Sports, Water activities, Arts & Crafts and much more. For further informatio contact Michael on 089 4881786 or Enda on 087 2414843.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 21/06/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 17^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 7. Winner: Sean Gaffey, Renaun.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environs of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough National School and tells us about local tailors. The story was recorded by Rosie Corrigan and Paddy Redican and is presented as recorded at the time.

Local Tailors

In olden days there were two tailors in this locality their names were; Johnnie Walsh and Mike Donohue. They differed greatly from the tailors nowadays, because they went from house to house and made the cloths the men required they were called journey-men.
There are no tailors in this locality now. Johnnie Walsh lived in Ballyhearth and Mike Donohue lived in Clonaskra; when they came to the houses they sat in the middle of the table, they sold no cloth nor neither do the tailors now. In olden days the people got the cloth woven with the weaver but nowadays no weaving is carried on now. It was mainly Frieze and Corduroy for the men. The style was called the “frock-coat.”

It used to take two or three days to make a suit of clothes, and the charge was ten shillings.
If the money was paid in gold, the tailor always gave back one shilling and six pennies and Ithe money was given in silver, he gave back one shilling.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please note Line Dancing on Tuesday nights and the Glee Club on Wednesdays has concluded for the summer and will resume in the Autumn.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: Parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Embarking on next chapter in Education

We want to wish the sixth class students of Ballinahown N.S. well in their next phase of education as they conclude their national school education on Thursday 23^rd June. Liam Ryan, Joseph Ryan Finn Clancy are heading to Gallen Community School, Ferbane. Diarmuid Gaffey, Callum Coughlan, Marist College, Athlone. Zoe Hennessy, Caoimhe Larkin, Holly Larkin, Elliana McManus, Olivia Collins, Matilda Moore Lewi are all enrolled in the Bower, Athlone, while Jack McGuinness and Nicole Gaffey are enrolled in Moate Community College.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Tara O’ Shea, Clonaderig who celebrates her birthday on 22^nd June and to her aunt Ann Coughlan, Clonaderig, who celebrates her birthday the following day – 23^rd June. We hope you both have a great day

Children’s Summer Camps in Ballinahown

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 14/06/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 10^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 33. Winner: Congratulations to Teresa Rohan, Clonfanlough, who also won in last week’s draw.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the environs of Ballinahown. Our story this week comes from Clonmacnoise National School and tells us about a man with twenty children. The story was recorded by Brendan Molloy, Clonmacnoise and is presented as recorded at the time.

The man with 25 Children

Once upon a time there was a man in this part of the country. He had twenty-five children and as the times were bad he was not able to rear them. So he put them into a “Kish” and put the Kish on a cart. He brought them down to the Shannon near Clonmacnois to Drown them. Just as he was taking the kish off the cart St Ciaran came along and asked what he had there. He said he had little pigs to drown. St Ciaran took the cover off the kish and saw the children inside. So he took the children from the man and gave one to each of twenty-five houses across the Shannon. There they were reared up and when they were men and women they became monks and nuns.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please note Line Dancing on Tuesday nights and the Glee Club on Wednesdays has concluded for the summer and will resume in the Autumn.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: Parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Community Development – Tidy Towns Competition

The committee advises us they have had some small take up on their requests for volunteers to help with the maintenance of the village. There is still time to volunteer. If you wish to do so please give your name and contact details to Rosie in the shop or contact any member of the committee.. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Remember, only you can improve the place in which you live – if left to others it may not happen. So let’s develop pride in the place we call home and help those who give so freely of their time to make our village a nicer and better place to reside. The committee have asked us to convey their gratitude to all who helped out over the past few weeks and in particular the workers on the CE Scheme who have done trojan work.

Birthday Greetings

Belated Happy Birthday to John Rohan, Rohanstown, who celebrated his birthday last week. Another year clocked up John. Hope you enjoyed you special day.

Children’s Summer Camps in Ballinahown

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Anne (Nan) Teresa Kennedy, Finchley, London and late of Doon, Ballinahown, Offaly.

Anne died on May 4th 2023, in the care of Knights Care Home, Edgware, London, England. She was fondly known as Nan, and was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Margaret, The Glebe, Doon, Co. Offaly, and beloved brother Patrick (Paddy) of New Jersey, USA.

Nan will be greatly missed by her family, including sister Maureen Kennedy of Virginia, USA, sister-in-law Monica Kennedy of New Jersey, USA, niece Nabla Kennedy-Rea of Kilkenny and nephew Pat Kennedy of Delaware, USA, as well as her grandniece and grandnephews, cousins, friends and kind staff of the care home.

Nan’s Memorial Mass was celebrated on Wednesday June 14th at 10am in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown with interment of ashes afterwards in Clonmacnoise.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 07/06/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 3^rd May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 33. Winner: Teresa Rohan, Clonfanlough.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Each week we publish a story recorded at the time by schoolchildren from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown and its hinterland. Our story this week comes from Clonmacnoise National School and tells us about foot water i.e.water used to wash ones feet. It was told by Ann Kilmartin, Creevagh, who was aged 90 at the time. The story is presented as recorded.

The Foot Water
Once upon a time there lived an old woman all alone in a house beside the churchyard where Deverys live now. This old woman could never sleep well at night because there was always some one from the churchyard knocking to get in to warm themselves. Well one night as usual before the old woman went to bed she raked the fire, and swept up the hearth. Then she put the besom outside the door and when she had her feet washed she threw out the foot water. After that she bolted the door with an iron bar for iron is blessed and nothing bad can cross it. Then she left the tongs across the hearth stone to keep the fire from coming out through the house during the night. After that she said her prayers and went to bed. She was not long in bed when she heard the church-yard people coming to the house looking to get in. They went round the house moaning and crying and then they began to knock on the door calling the old woman to let them in. She never answered them. Then at last they shouted “Tongs, tongs, let me in.” I cannot, I cannot” says the tongs because I have to mind the fire.” They called out again. “Besom, besom, let me in.” “I cannot,” said the besom because I am outside too,” Then they called again “Foot-water, foot-water let me in.” I cannot said the foot-water because she threw me out too.” And then they all went back to the church-yard. It is not right to keep the foot-water in at night, it should always be thrown out, or it might let in something not right.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please note Line Dancing on Tuesday nights and the Glee Club on Wednesdays has concluded for the summer and will resume in the Autumn.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: Parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

To book the Community Hall you can email ballinahownhall@gmail.com

Ballinahown Community Development – Tidy Towns Competition

Locals and visitors alike will have noticed the flower planting, painting and cleaning undertaken in the village of Ballinahown recently. The committee consisting of a small group of volunteers have been busy beautifying the village for the forthcoming Tidy Towns competition. Similar to most other organisations operating locally there is a shortage of volunteers to carry out such work. The benefits to be gained from volunteering are numerous e.g. sense of community/place, opportunity to meet new people and make friends, add value to your property by making the locality attractive. It would be great if you could give just one hour per week to assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of the village. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Remember, only you can improve the place in which you live – if left to others it may not happen. So let’s develop pride in the place we live and call home and help those who give so freely of their time to make our village a nicer and better place to reside. The committee have asked us to convey their gratitude to all who helped out over the past few weeks and in particular the workers on the CE Scheme who have done trojan work. If you would like to help out please contact any member of the committee or leave your name and contact details in Rosie’s shop.

Birthday Greetings

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Bernie Corcoran, Doon who celebrated a “roundy” birthday in the last week in May. Happy Birthday also to Peter Rohan, Esker who celebrated his birthday on 6^th June. Hopefully you both had “a blast” on your special day.

Children’s Summer Camps in Ballinahown

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 31/05/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 27^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 3. Winner: Padraig Egan.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Our story this week comes from Clonmacnoise National School and tells us about a place in the locality called the Hanging Hill. It was recorded by Kathleen Pillion, Clonascra, having been told to her by Pat Flannery who was aged 80 at the time. The story is presented as recorded.

The Hanging Hill

Once upon a time two men went into a house near Clonmacnoise. There was a very old man and his wife living in the house. The man of the house was shaving when the two men came in. They asked for a drink of water and the woman of the house said she had none. There was a crock of cream on the table near them, and they told the woman to give them a drink of the cream. The woman said she would not.

The man of the house threw the water he was shaving with at them. They got vexed and they killed the man. When they had him killed they tied the woman up and started off. One of the men took pity on the woman and half unloosened her. When the woman got loose she told the police. The police got a blood hound and started off to catch them. It smelt the man that was killed and went off after the two men. He caught them near the hanging hill, pulling rushes for their bed. The police hand cuffed them and hung them from a tree at the hill, and it is still called the Hanging Hill. The tree is on the hill yet, but no leaves grow on it.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Please note Line Dancing on Tuesday nights has concluded for the summer and will resume in the Autumn.

Monday: Pilate Classes every Monday evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoon at 2.30pm.

Wednesday: Glee Club at 4.40pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: Parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

Tidy Towns Competition

A gentle reminder that judges from the National Tidy Towns Judging Panel may visit the village at any time over the next couple of months. The local committee is asking everyone to be mindful in terms of litter and the general presentation of the village. As always any help is greatly appreciated. If you wish to help out please contact any member of the committee or leave your name and contact details in Rosie’s shop.

Quote of the Week

Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going. — Sam Levenson (December 28, 1911 – August 27, 1980) was an American humorist, writer, teacher, television host, and journalist.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 24/05/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 20^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 36. Winner: Sarah & David Dolan.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week comes from Ferbane Convent School and was recorded by Aine Gilligan, Gallen. The person who told Aine Gilligan the story was Mrs Hannah Glanagher. The story is presented as recorded at the time.

Gallen

Gallen is the name of my native district. It got its name from a man whose name was Mac Gillen; he came from Scotland and was a Monk in Gallen Monastery. Of course we learned that “Gallen” means belonging to the foreigner, because the ancient monastery was founded by Canoc a Saxon Monk. Gallen is in the parish of Ferbane but was formerly in Banagher Parish and is in the Baroney of Garrycastle.

There are twenty families and about 133 people in Gallen. The most common name is Kelly. There are three old pensioners in the district their names and addresses are Joseph Brazil, Gallen, Ferbane, Kieran and Patrick Carroll, Gallen, Ferbane.

Th Grand Canal flows through Gallen, on the banks of the Canal there is a store, which was formerly the Packet Station for emigrants going to America.

Nowadays the houses are mostly slated. There are not many in ruins.

The land is mostly hilly and sandy. There is a big wood, which is a mile and a half in length on the hill of Gallen. The Brosna River runs on the borders of Gallen. In the district there is no lake, but there is a stream called the “Tunnel Drain”, which runs between Gallen and Falsk, into the Brosna.

Brian Boru’s chair is near the wood of Glynn. It is supposed Brian Boru rested there, on his way to the battle of Clontarf. In former times there was a road there, it was called the Rocky Road to Dublin.

Years ago there was a monastery in Killagally. About 400 students were taught there. The Monastery was destroyed by Ireton’s soldiers, and a good many of the students and Friars were killed – some escaped to the woods, one Friar ran to give the alarm to the other Monastery in Killourney, the soldiers overtook him at Ballyshiel and cut off his head, his body walked headless for 100 yards. The soldiers saw the miracle and got afraid, they turned back and the Friars in Killourney escaped. A well sprung up where the Friar’s head fell.

There is supposed to be a tunnel leading from the White Hill Gallen to the Castle of Cool. One day a priest was seen to enter the tunnel, a man saw him, and tied a cloth on a bush where the priest entered, and went to tell the soldiers. When they came back there was a rag on every bush on the hill, and the soldiers could not find the place where he entered.
It is told there is a crock of gold hidden in a wall around the Priory. It was hidden by one of the Armstrongs.

Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

Local Obituaries

The death has taken place of Margaret Lawlor (née McArdle), Ballydrown, Moate, Co. Westmeath, formerly Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, May 16th 2023, peacefully, after a short illness at University Hospital, Galway. Predeceased by her parents, Gerard and Bridget and brother Pat. Margaret will be very sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, husband Gerry, daughter Tara, son Mark, adored grandchildren, Brian, Anna, Sheenagh, Eoin and Sean, daughter-in-law Aoife, son-in-law Mike, sisters Delia, Rita and Liz, brothers Noel and Dessie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, wonderful nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Margaret reposed at home on Thursday, 18th May, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Removal took place on Friday to St Ciaran’s Church, Castledaly for funeral Mass at 12.00 noon with interment afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) Daly, Clonfanlough, Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co. Offaly

Paddy died on May 20th 2023, peacefully with his family, after a short illness, in the loving care of the Staff at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rose. Paddy will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, Helen, Patricia (Greene)(Sydney), Cathal, Peter and Anne, grandchildren, Luke, Zoe, Roisín, Teagan, Alannah, Caoimhín, Rose, Olivia, Alice and Paddy, son-in-law Niall, daughters-in-law Noelle and Olive, brothers Peter, Kieran and Sean, sisters Maureen (Corcoran), Josephine (O’Dwyer) and Agnes, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. Paddy reposed at his home on Monday 22^nd May and Tuesday 23^rd from 5.00pm to 8.00pm with his funeral Mass in St. Ciaran’s Church, Clonfanlough at 11.00am on Wednesday 24^th May at 11.00. Interment afterwards in Clonmacnoise. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoons at 2.30pm. Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Wednesday: Glee Club at 4.40pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

National Bike Week

A great day was had by all who attended National Bike Week Open Day at the Sportspark on Sunday last 21^st May. There was something for everyone including bike accessories consisting of bike lights, reflectors, stickers etc. There was a great turn out of adults and children with all in attendance enjoying the music and cycling adding they were looking forward to next years event. A big thank you to Ballinahown Development Committee who organised the event.

Ballinahown & District News – 17/05/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 13^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 19. Winner: Carmel Rohan, Ballinahown Village.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Ann Madden (née Phelan) Aughaboy, Ferbane, Offaly and late of Kilnagarna, Ballinahown, Athlone

Ann died on May 7th 2023, peacefully with her family, in the Loving Care of the Staff at ICU, Tullamore Regional Hospital.

Ann was a native of Kilnagarna, Ballinahown, late of the Revenue Commissioners, Athlone and was predeceased by her parents Tony and Lena Phelan and sister Dympna Phillips.

Ann will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Liam, son Gary, daughter Rachel, brother Anthony, grandchildren Jayden, Lillie, Keelan and Bella, sister-in-law Ann, Gary’s partner Aisling, Rachel’s partner Julian, uncle Kieran, aunts Dora Warby, Maisie Coolahan and Beasie Murray, nephews Trevor, Anthony P. and Michael, nieces Tara, Edwina and Catherine, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Ann reposed at her home on Wednesday May 10th from 5pm to 8pm with removal on Thursday morning May 11th to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane where her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11am, Interment took place afterwards in Kilrehan Cemetery, Ferbane

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoons at 2.30pm. Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Wednesday: Glee Club at 4.40pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

Retirement

Ballinahown Community Development Chairperson Helen Conneely has informed us Kevin Brazil has recently retired from the local Community Employment Scheme following many years of loyal service. Helen added “Kevin has been a great support to the various projects undertaken by the Development Committee over the years and will be sadly missed by all. Here at Ballinahown & District News we wish Kevin all the best with whatever he turns his hands to in the future as we are sure he has no intention of “resting on his laurels”.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Sheila Hunt, Kilgarvin who celebrated her birthday the week ending 6^th may and to twins Seamus and Ollie Egan, Clonaderig and Doon respectively. The boys celebrated their birthday on 11^th May. We hope you all had an enjoyable day and were spoiled by you families.

National Bike Week

Join Ballinahown Community Development for this year’s Bike Week Event on Sunday 21^st May in the Sportspark for lots of fun, music and bike accessories. There’s plenty of goodies for everyone who participates. The event commences t 12.30pm. Bring your bicycle, tricycle, scooter or whatever resembles a bicycle. Admission is free. See you all there.

Tidy Towns Competition

Ballinahown Community Development Committee has submitted this year’s Tidy Towns Competition Application Form with judging expected in the coming weeks. While being very successful in the competition over the years the committee are striving to improve their points this year. The committee are asking everyone to be mindful in terms of litter and the general presentation of the village. As always any help is greatly appreciated. If you wish to assist in helping out please contact any member of the committee or leave your name and contact details in Rosie’s shop.

Ballinahown Football Club – MSL U16 Girls Cup Semi Final – Second Leg

Final Score: Ballinahown 5 Real Swans 2 on aggregate.

Congratulations to Ballinahown Under 16 Girls team who defeated Real Swans to reach the U16 girls MSL final.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 10/05/2023

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Aoife Dolan and Aaron Daly who were married on Friday 5^th May in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown by local Parish Priest Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan. The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Aoife is the daughter of John and Una Dolan, Kilgarvin while Aaron is the son of Mary and the late Brendan Daly, Bellair, Ballycimber. We wish the newlyweds a long and happy life together.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week comes from The Tubber National School and tells us about Tinnamuck Spire. The collector was Thomas Byrne and the story is presented as written at the time

Tinnamuck Spire

There is a very large building in Tinnamuck called the Old Spire. It is about a hundred feet in height. There is a round stairs going up to the top. At the top there are three windows. There are also door ways at the bottom. Cattle lie inside it.
This spire was built in 1811. There was a man named Richard Holmes who had too much money. He gave the money to build the spire.
It is said that a man shot a trooper in Lurgan from it. He was riding a horse. The trooper did not die till he came to a little mound near Moate. He was buried where he died. This place is now called The Trooper’s Mount.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 6^th May 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 9. Winner: Mary Ledwidth, Clonaderig.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Monday: Pilate Classes every evening at 8.30pm.

Tuesday: Irish dancing classes in afternoons at 2.30pm. Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Wednesday: Glee Club at 4.40pm.

Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm

Friday: parent & Toddler Group from 10.30 to 12.00

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Michael Moran (Jnr), who celebrated his birthdays on May 6th. Hope you had a good one Michael.

Ballinahown Community Development

The organising committee have asked us to thank all the volunteers who turned up on Saturday 29^th April to participate in the spring clean of the village.

It’s always heartening to see people active in their community. Keep up the good work.

First Communion

Congratulations to all the classes of Lemonaghan Parish who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday 6^th May.

Ballinahown Football Club

Well done to Ballinahown U12 team on winning the U12’s Midland League

Castledaly National School

Congratulations to Catledaly NS on winning the ladies semi-final against near neighbours Ballinahown NS in the Cumann na Mbunscoil competition last week.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 03/05/2023

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Callum Boland and Kathy Martin who were married on Friday 28^th April in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown where the celebrant was Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan. The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception in Farnham Estate, Cavan. Callum is the son of Eugene & Ann Boland, Loughill, Ballinahown while Kathy is the daughter of Eamonn & Dolores Martin, Killeigh, Co. Offaly. We wish the newlyweds a long and happy life together.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week comes from The Christian Brothers School, Athlone and informs us as to how Athlone got its name. The author is unknown and the story is presented as written at the time

How Athlone got its name

There are many different theories of how Athlone got its name. I know three different explanations
1. Long, Long ago there lived a man whose name was Luan. At Luain means the ford of Luan. This man Luan made his living by ferrying people across the Shannon he owned a small inn or hotel. When he ferried people across the river they used to lodge at the inn and pay Luan a small sum of money for their keep. That is one explanation of how Athlone got its name.

2 The story of the “Táin” is now familiar to all school children. It is there related that the brown bull of Cooley having killed the white bull of Aileall at Croghan started for Ulster with a portion of the white bull adhering to its horns. On reaching the ford at Athlone the brown bull stooped to drink some water and the portion or thigh-bone dropped into the Shannon. Thus that place became known as the Ford of the thigh bone or Loin i.e. Ath Luain.

The earliest name extant was Ath Mór. Dr Strean tries to prove that Ath Luain means the Ford of the Moon. He states that the local people called it “Baile na seacht – mhiana” or “Baile tús na Seachtmhaine. He backed up this statement by showing that moon-worship was practised in the locality as several lunettes or Cresents of Gold were dug up in an adjacent bog sold to a Dublin jeweller for £858 (another document gives £27,000)

Woods in his Annals of Westmeath states the place gets its name because the river below the weir is lunar in shape and because the Pagan natives worshipped the Moon hereabouts.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 29^th April 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 33. Winner: Teresa Rohan, Clonfanlough..

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rashina Vintage Club

Over the past week members of the club were busy tilling and sowing oats in Moony’s Field for the Rashina Vintage Threshing which is scheduled to take place this year on 17^th September.

So if you want to see how the local farmers saved the harvest in bygone times then save the date in your diary. Details regarding the various attractions that will be held on the day will appear closer to the event.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Hannah Corcoran and Tom McGowan who celebrated their birthdays this week. I understand your parents laid on a great party for you and friends.

Ballinahown Community Development

The organising committee have asked us to thank all the volunteers who turned up on Saturday 29^th April to participate in the spring clean of the village.

It’s always heartening to see people active in their community. Keep up the good work.

Ballinahown National School

School Principal Tom Keena informs us that there was great excitement in the school last week with Adam McQuaid returning to school after a lengthy absence through illness. We wish Adam and his family the very best for the future.

Staying with good news Tom tells us the boy’s and the girl’s team have qualified for the semi-finals of Cumann Na mBunscoil. The girls meet near neighbours Castledaly N.S. while the boys meet Delvin N.S. We wish both teams the best of luck in the semi-finals.

Finally, pupils from Ballinahown and Rashina National Schools make the First Communion on Saturday 6^th May. We wish you all the very best on your big day.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 26/04/2023

Ballinahown Community Development – Community Spring Clean

The Annual Spring Clean takes place this Saturday 29^th April from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Volunteers are asked to assemble at the Community Centre where a work programme for the Spring clean will be set out. This year Ballinahown will again participate in the Tidy Town competition so it is important to have the village look its best for the judging.

This is your opportunity to become involved in your local community and contribute to its development. See you all on Saturday.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our first story this week, St. Manchans Well, is from James Keating, 25. St Francis Tce. Athlonea who was a pupil in the Christian Brothers School, Athlone and was recorded in the late 1930’s. Our second story titled the Abbey is from D. Joyce, Dublin Gate St. Athlone, also a pupil at the same school. Both stories are printed as recorded at the time.

St Manchan’s Well
One day while St Manchan was walking he became very thirsty and could find no water. He struck a rock and a spring burst forth.
It is believed that there are three crosses at the bottom of the well and that there is a spring in each cross.
The well cures nearly every disease especially cancer and warts. Whoever wishes to be cured must go to the well on three Fridays at 3 o-clock and take a drop of water from the well and pour it into the font at the end of the Chapel and say one “Our Father” and three “Hail Marys” to the Saint. The third day he must come through the window at the end of the Chapel and believing in the Saint will be cured. He must have some token at the Well.

Once a man who was cured left a penny. There was a “toss-pit” nearby and one of the boys lost all his money. He thought of the penny at the well and went and took it. Sometime later his hands became covered with warts so that to get cured he had to leave a penny back at the well and do as the other man had done.
A pilgrimage takes place to this well at Ballinahown or Kilamenahan as it is called on the 15th August each year.

The Abbey
Situated just outside the town on the Leinster side of Athlone, of the ancient Abbey the site is beautiful although it is now in ruins. To this unroofed church we learn that the Friars come when they left Friar’s Island which is situated in the Inner lakes. We are told that owing to the building not being roofed the priests were able to say Mass in the Church during the time of the persecutions.
Ongoing to the gates we find numerous Head Stones beautifully engraved with the names of the dead and in many cases we find engravings testifying to the trade carried on by the person or persons. Even in the old church are the remains of the dead and here only a few years ago was buried the last person to be interred there. The graveyard will finally close for burials when the only vacancy which is for a Miss Lyster becomes filled. It is a great wonder that such an ancient and historic place would not be more cared for by some of our public Bodies.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 22^nd April 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 11. Winner: Mary Daly, Lower Clonaderig.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)

MABS is the money advice and budgeting service guiding people with problem debt for more than 25 years. Money advisers are available by phone, email and live chat across the whole MABS network.

MABS is a free, confidential and independent service provided by the state. You can contact MABS by calling 076 107 2400.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 19/04/2023

Rashina Vintage Club Tractor Run

More than 100 vehicles took to the road on Sunday last 16^th April for the annual Rashina Vintage Club Tractor Run. The Tractor Run was expanded this year to include Vintage Trucks, Cars and Motorcycles.

The event commenced at Doon GAA Grounds at 12.00noon then on to Ballinahown Village, Kilmartin’s N6 Centre, Athlone, Moate and Ballycumber and finishing in Doon.

Monies raised at this year’s event will be used to support Athlone Sub- Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon and adjoining rivers. The organising committee has asked us to convey their thanks to all who took part and particularly those who contributed financially.

At time of writing a final tally on monies raised was not available. The club has advised it will publish the total amount raised when final figures are available.

Stories from the School’s Collection

My Home District

In our school district there are four villages – Bloomhill, Ballyduff, Conasera and Corrabee. This village (Bloomhill) is on a height near the bank of the Shannon. Corrich Buidhe is a low-lying district between us and the river. Clonascra also borders the Shannon Further South and Ballyduff lies east of it.
Ballyduff -There are thirteen houses and 39 people in the village. Three families are Horans two are Egans, two are Sheas two Morans, two Dalys, one Flannery, one Boland. Nearly all the houses are thatched but during the last couple of years a few houses have been enlarged and slated.
The village is called An Baile Dub on account of turf being plentiful nearby. There is one man, Michael Claffey over seventy. He knows no Irish but can tell stories in English. There are ruins of three houses in Ballyduff. The people emigrated to America as they had only a few acres of land and could not live. The land is hilly and sandy with a bog way near.
There are a few small woods (hazel). One stream marks its way to the Shannon through its village.
Bloomhill:- Years ago the village was called Clonraff. Some strangers visited it in the month of May when all the hawthorn was in bloom and they said it would be called Bloomhill, the place looked so beautiful.
There are eighteen families Gaffey is the most common name. Five houses and slated and the remainder thatched. There are six people over seventy but they know no Irish.
Clonascra
There are twenty-two houses in Clonascra and about seventy people. Four families are “Hines” All houses are thatched except three. There are four old persons here at present. They don’t know Irish. There were many more families there formerly but they died out or emigrated. The land is hilly. There is a ridge of hills running through Ballyduff, Clonascra and on to Clonmacnoise.
These hills are part of the Esker Riada. It is on top of the hills the pilgrim’s road runs.
Corrabee – There are seven families in Corrabee. Gaffey is the most common name. It is very low lying and boggy hence its name – Corrabee. Very often a large area is flooded by the Shannon.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 15th April 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 20. Winner: Robert Studdart, Athlone.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Carmel Long (née Kelly) Ballingarry (SR), Tipperary / Thurles, Tipperary / Clonfanlough, Co. Offaly peacefully after a long illness bravely borne under the wonderful care of the staff of the Palliative Care Unit in Waterford University Hospital. Predeceased by her parents Mary and Michael. Sadly missed by her heartbroken family; husband Patrick, son Michael, sister Chrissie, brothers Peter and P.J. nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, father-in-law Richard, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. Carmel reposed in Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles on Wednesday 12th April, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. with removal to the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry, Thurles on Thursday, 13th April, at 11am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. Interment afterwards in Clonmacnoise cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,

Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday to Gerry Rohan, Ballinahown, who celebrated her Birthday on Friday 14^th April. Hope you enjoyed your special day Gerry.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 12/04/2023

Rashina Vintage Club – Tractor & Vintage Truck/Car/Motorcycle Run 16^th April 2023

The rescheduled Tractor and Vintage Car/Motorcycle Run takes place on Sunday March 16^th commencing in Doon GAA Car Park at 11.30 am. Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The route for the event is as follows: Commencing at Doon GAA Grounds – Kilmartin’s N6 Centre – Moate – Ballycumber and finishing in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support Athlone Sub- Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon and adjoining rivers. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week is from Lemonaghan National School, Ballycumber and informs us about the ruins of St. Manchans Church and house. The story was recorded by Róisín Ní Liatháin, Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly in 1938. The story is presented as written at the time.

Local Ruins – St Manchan’s Church and House

The ruins of St. Manchan’s church and of the dwelling house of himself and his mother, St. Mella still exist in Lemonaghan Parish of Ballinahown Co Offaly.

The church is situated in the graveyard of Lemonaghan. The roof is completely gone but the four walls remain in fairly good condition.

The remains of the doorway is on the south side. There are three windows on the south, one on the east and one on the west.

People still visit it on Fridays and on the Saint’s Feast day and leave offerings in the font at the end of the church if they wish to be cured of their diseases. It was abandoned soon after St. Manchan’s death.

The ruins of St. Manchan’s house is on the northwest side of the church. There remains of only one wall is left. St. Mella’s house is about a quarter of a mile from the church on the east side in a place called Kell. It is connected with the church by St. Manchan’s Tochar. The four walls are standing but the roof is gone.

On one of the steps going into the cell there are marks of a heel. There are also the print of toes on two stones in the cell.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 8th April 2023. Winning Bonus Number: No. 6. Winner: Maureen Loonam, Clonfanlough.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Frances FANNING (née Molloy), Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Co. Offaly / Dundalk, Louth / Ballyhaunis, Mayo / Athenry, Galway / Belturbet, Cavan

Peacefully, on 6th April 2023, in the dedicated care of the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Predeceased by her loving husband John, daughters Ann and Noelle, parents Brigid and Peter, sister Kate and brothers Edward, Joe and Kieran. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Rosalie, sisters Mary Ann, Annie, Eileen and Martina, brothers Pete, Michael, Matt, John, Paddy, Tom and Paul, nieces, nephews and friends.

Frances reposed at her home, 102 Cloneen Drive, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk from 4.00pm to 8.00pm on Saturday 8^th April with removal at 5.00pm on Sunday 9^th April to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Dundalk. Funeral Mass took place on Monday at 11.00am with interment afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Castleblayney. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,

The death has occurred of Phyllis Henson, (Née Fanning), Cartrons, Fardrum, Athlone, Co. Westhmeath on April 9th 2023, peacefully with her family. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Kieran. Phyllis will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, Mary (McLoughlin), Philomena (Fox) and Patrick (Paddy),grandchildren, Maedbh, Padraig, Enda, Luke, Seara, Michael, Kate and Avril, brother P.J., sons-in-law Eamonn and Miceal, daughter-in-law Sinéad, sisters-in-law, Gabrielle and Margaret, brothers-in-law, Johnnie and Tommy, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Phyllis reposed at her home on Easter Monday (April 10th) from 2.00pm with removal at 6.30pm to St. Ciaran’s Church, Castledaly arriving at 7pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday (April 11th) at 12 noon. Interment afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,

Wedding Bells

Heartiest congratulations to Rachel Kenny and John McIntyre who were married in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown on Saturday 1^st April. Rachel is the daughter of Michael and Mary Kenny, Ballyduff while John hails from Birr, Co. Offaly. We wish the newlyweds many years of happiness together.

Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday to Tanya Rohan, Ballinahown, who celebrated her Birthday on Tuesday 4^th April and to Tommy Parker who celebrated his Birthday on Wednesday April 5^th. Congratulations also to John Hanamy, Corr Hill and Ciaran Heavin, Lackagh who celebrated their Birthdays on the weekend of 8^thApril. Hope you all enjoyed your special day.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 05/04/2023

Ballinahown N. S Students perform in “The Big Sing” at The National Stadium, Dublin

Students from Second Class to Sixth Class got a rare opportunity on Tuesday evening 28^th March when they participated with a number of other National Schools at the National Stadium, Dublin in the “The Big Sing” an event which is secular with a non-denominational focus, celebrating diversity of all kinds. It is also based on Ireland today – Eire Inniu – drawing from popular music, family Disney hits, as well as ceoil as Gaeilge, alongside a chosen focus on other musical heritage. The show is non-narrative in its nature, therefore more inclusive for non-English speaking family members.

The students had the opportunity to perform on a national stage with singer and winner of Dancing with the Stars, Jake Carter and singer and former Miss Ireland Pamela Uba. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved as we understand a great evening of entertainment was had by all.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week is from Clonmacnoise National School. The story was recorded by Lizzie Edwards, Carrowkeel, Clonfanlough in 1937 as told to her by her grandfather Patrick Cloonan Carrowkeel, Clonfanlough, who died December 1935 aged 92 years.

The story is presented as written at the time.

Funny Stories, Tim Scully and the Fairy Men.

Some years ago a man named Tim Scully lived at the Ridge Hills near Birr. One night when Jim was coming home from rambling he passed by these Hills, he saw a lot of little men playing a game of hurling. Tim stood for a while to watch them and they threw him a hurly and asked him to join in the fun, they kept him a couple of hours and nearly killed him hurling, the next night the same thing went on. On the third night Jim was told to meet them at a certain bush, when he came all the little men were waiting with a horse each. They gave Tim a big calf and warned him never to speak until they would get back again. The leaders went in front and Tim and the calf kept beside him all the time. At last they came to a very large river and the leader’s horse jumped over the river, but when he calf came along he gave such a jump that Tim shouted “My Goodness, I never saw such a jump for a calf in all my life.” Just then he found himself sitting at the edge of the river and he had to find his way home which took him three days.

Rashina Vintage Club – New Date for Tractor Run 16^th April.

The event which was due to be held on 26^th March has been rescheduled for Sunday 16^th April 2023 commencing at 11.30am.

Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The event will commence at Doon GAA Grounds travel on to Ballinahown Village then to Kilmartin’s N6 Centre, Moate, Ballycumber Village and finish in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support Athlone Sub – Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 1^st April 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 34. Winner: F. Spollen.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Kathleen Henson (née Leonard), Corcullen, Ballinahown, Athlone, on March 29th 2023, peacefully, at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Joe. Sadly missed by her loving family, sons Joe (Rahugh), Kieran (Meath), John (Corcullen), and Oliver (Durrow), daughters Patricia (Bristol), Elizabeth (Athlone), Mary (Graiguenamanagh), Deirdre (Barcelona), and Majella (London), brother Vincent, sister Gabriel, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Kathleen’s remains reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home Moate, on Saturday 1^st April from 4pm with removal at 6.20pm to St Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown arriving at 7pm. Funeral Mass took place on Sunday 2^nd April at 11.30am with interment afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,

Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday to Eugene Boland, Loughill, Ballinahown who celebrated his 86^th Birthday on April 1^st and to Gerry Larkin, Cooldorough, Ballinahown who also celebrated his birthday on the same day. We hope you both had a wonderful day.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 29/03/2023

Rashina Vintage Club – Postponement of Tractor and Vintage Car/Truck/Motorcycle Run

The committee postponed the Tractor and Vintage Car/Truck/Motorcycle Run scheduled for Sunday March 26^th. The event has been rescheduled for Sunday 16^th April 2023 commencing at 11.30am.

Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The event will commence at Doon GAA Grounds travel on to Ballinahown Village then to Kilmartin’s N6 Centre, Moate, Ballycumber Village and finish in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support Athlone Sub- Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 25th^th March 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 4. Winner: Paul Murray, Bellair.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm. There are still some places available if you wish to join.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Local Obituaries

Sr. Jacinta Marie (Sr. Brigid) Brazil O.S.F. Assisi House, Philadelphia, USA and formerly Corr Hill, Ballinahown died on March 21^st 2023. Sr. Brigid was predeceased by her sister Kathleen and is survived by her sisters Mary (USA) Jacinta (UK) brothers, Johnny (Belfast) and Denis (USA).

Sr. Brigid returned from the USA to look after her elderly parents in the early 1990’s and while at home she assisted as a pastoral associate in Pullough prior to her return to the Franciscan Order in Philadelphia.

Mass of Christian Burial took place at Assisi House on Tuesday March 28^th at 11.00am with interment afterwards in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Philadelphia, USA.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week is from Clonmacnoise National School. The story was recorded by Maurice Whyms in 1937 as told to him by his father. The story is presented as written at the time.

Árd Dall

Once upon a time there lived at Clonmacnois, a man possessed of three huge boxes of gold. This man kept his money in a room under his house, which was locked by a golden key. The man usually carried the key in his pocket, and one day when he was crossing Árd Dall, he lost it. He tried to force the door of the room open, but he could not. Another day as he was crossing Ard Dall, he saw to his surprise an opening in the side of the hill. He went down to it and went in. There he saw a man sitting in a bundle of thorns but seemed to be unhurt. The man called him, and he went over. As he did so, he was shoved into a great room by unseen force. There he saw a row of lamps along the wall which lit up the room.

In the centre of the room sat eight little men. His eyes roamed along the wall and he saw a strange object under one of the lamps. He looked more closely and saw that it was his own key.

Then one of the men at the table spoke and said “That is your key, and we will give it to you, if you will give us half of it, the half we want is able to lock the door into this hill.” When the man heard this he sprang and got the key, and ran out to the open air.

When he got there he let the door down on the opening and locked it. He went home and opened the little room, but there was no money to be found.

That same day he went to the Dall again and found the entrance. He opened it and went inside, and there he found his money, but there were no people. He said he would leave it there for a while and went home.When he got there he was killed by a man two feet high. He left his money to any man who is clever enough to find the entrance into Ard Dall.

MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)

MABS is the money advice and budgeting service guiding people with problem debt for more than 25 years. Money advisers are available by phone, email and live chat across the whole MABS network.

MABS is a free, confidential and independent service provided by the state. You can contact MABS by calling 076 107 2400.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 22/03/2023

Rashina Vintage Club

The local Vintage Club had a very successful outing at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Moate with many in attendance commenting on the array of vintage machinery on show. Well done to all involved.

The next big undertaking for the club is their annual Tractor and Vintage Car/Motorcycle Run on Sunday March 26^th commencing in Doon GAA Car Park at 11.30 am. Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The route for the event is as follows: Commencing at Doon GAA Grounds – Ballinahown Village, Kilmartin’s N6 Centre – Moate – Ballycumber Village and finishing in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support Athlone Sub- Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 18th^th March 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 41. Winner: Grainne Murray, Bellair.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm. There are still some places available if you wish to join.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Conor O’Shea, Clonaderig, who celebrated his Birthday on Wednesday, 22^ndMarch and to Gary Smith, Ballyduff who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, March 23^rd. Hope you both had a great day.

Ballinahown National School Big Breakfast – Thank You

The Ballinahown National School Parents Association, who organise this annual event, has asked us to convey their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to making this event an overwhelming success. The Big Breakfast has become one of the events that locals and visitors alike look forward to each St. Patrick’s Day.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week is from Mount Temple National School and tells us about The Famine. The story was recorded by Thomas Ganley, as told to him by his father. The story is presented as written at the time.

The Famine

The Great Famine was one of the most terrible events in Irish history. It began in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five. It was caused by a failure of the potato crop.
In that year potato blight appeared in Ireland for the first time. It spread quickly and the crop failed all over the country. Thousands died of sickness and starvation in the winter 1845-6.
Raw turnips weeds and seaweed were commonly eaten. They gathered the wild weeds in the fields and boiled them with salt and ate them.
The summer in 1846 came and the people were waiting to see would the new crop of potatoes save them, but the potato blight appeared again and the crop was ruined.
When the potato crop failed the hens ceased to lay and at length the cottiers were forced to them to buy a little meal. The markets were enormously high and rising every day.
In 1847 it was far more terrible then the last. The people were dying by the road-sides and in the fields. In 1845 there were twice as many people in Ireland as there is today. Although very poor this large population was strong cheerful and full of hope. From Daniel O’Connell they had learned the strength of numbers. From Thomas Davis they had learned to be proud of being Irishmen. But the famine took the heart out of the people

MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)

MABS is the money advice and budgeting service guiding people with problem debt for more than 25 years. Money advisers are available by phone, email and live chat across the whole MABS network.

MABS is a free, confidential and independent service provided by the state. You can contact MABS by calling 076 107 2400.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary? Have you any old family photographs that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 15/03/2023

Ballinahown N.S. Big Breakfast

The countdown is on for St Patrick’s Day Big Breakfast which takes place in Ballinahown Community Hall on Friday, March 17, from 9am until 12.30pm. Bake sale will also be held on the day. Bakers interested in taking part can contact Karen (085 2812005) or Marie (086 3931825). The Big Breakfast is a fundraiser for Ballinahown N.S. Your support is greatly appreciated.

St. Colmcilles Church Renovations

Well done to Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan, the local Parish priest who oversaw the recent interior decoration of St. Colmcilles Church, Ballinahown. The work involved the replacement of plaster, interior painting and laying of new carpet.

The interior of the church was badly in need of decoration as plaster had started to peel away due to dampness in the side-aisles and the church generally had not received a coat of paint in a number of years. New carpet was also fitted throughout the church as again it was a number of years since the floor covering was first fitted. The church now looks resplendant as was commented on by many people attending the recent Confirmation Sacrament for children of the parish.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of Fr. Parig Digan,St. Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan, Meath / Thumbeigh, Ballinahowen, Athlone

Fr. Parig Digan, (Columban Fathers) and late of Thumbeigh, Ballinahowen, Athlone Co. Westmeath, Philippines, Britain and St. Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan. March 5th 2023; peacefully in the loving care of the staff of St. Columban’s Retirement Home. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Elizabeth, sisters Nancy, Delia, Patricia and Carmel, nephew Declan Price. Very deeply regretted by his sister Maisie Claffey, brothers-in-law Bosco, Donal and Brian, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family Columban family and friends.

Fr Digan’s Funeral Mass took place Wednesday 8^th March at 11 o’clock in St.Columban’s Church, Dalgan Park.

The death has occurred of Anne Crowe (née Cantwell) Kennedy Park, Thurles and formerly Bellair, Ballycumber,

Peacefully surrounded by her loving family, under the wonderful care of the staff of the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, Tipperary University Hospital and the Whitfield Clinic, Waterford. Predeceased by her husband Willie, daughters Roseanne and Ann, sisters Elizabeth (Purcell) and Rose (Barrett). Sadly missed by her devoted family, sons Jim and Liam, daughter Frances, grandchildren Brian, Melissa, Louise, Michelle, Ian, Ciaran, Aoife, Garry (and his wife Rachel), Allan (and his partner Samantha) and Emma (and her fiancé Mark), daughters-in-law Eleanor and Noreen, Frances’s partner Hughie, son-in-law Brian (Moore), great-grandchildren, sisters Mai, Frances and Phyllis, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, good neighbours and great friends.

Anne reposed in Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles on Saturday 11th March, from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles on Sunday, 12th March, at 11.00am. Interment afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Thurles.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm. There are still some places available if you wish to join.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Buggy Walks at Ballinahown Sports Complex

Buggy walks continue with Garry from Westmeath Sports Partnership every Monday at Ballinahown Sports Complex from 11:30a.m to 12.30p.m. Cost is €10 for the six weeks.

Open to all parents, grandparents, childminders etc. in the care of babies/toddlers looking to join a social group.

The Buggy walks will be a mix of walking around the park and gentle exercises.

So if you care for a toddler please come out and enjoy a fun hour each Monday.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Pat Butler, Clonaderig who celebrates his birthday on 18^th March. Hope you had a good one Pat.

Rashina Vintage Club – Tractor & Vintage Truck/Car/Motorcycle Run 26^th March 2023

Rashina Vintage Club are holding a Tractor and Vintage Car/Motorcycle Run on Sunday March 26^th commencing in Doon GAA Car Park at 11.30 am. Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The route for the event is as follows: Commencing at Doon GAA Grounds – Kilmartin’s N6 Centre – Moate – Ballycumber and finishing in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support Athlone Sub- Aqua Club who carry out invaluable search and rescue work on the river Shannon. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

This week’s quote

This week’s quote comes from the Greek philosopher Plato (born 428/427 bce, — died 348/347). He was born in Athens during the Classical period in Ancient Greece. In Athens, Plato founded the Academy, a philosophical school where he taught the philosophical doctrines that would later became known as Platonism. He is credited with the following quote: “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or anniversary? Have you any old family photographs from years gone by that would bring back memories for our readers? If you have why not share them with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 08/03/2023

Congratulations

Well done to our own Julie McLoughlin, Clonaderig who is Visitor Experience Lead with Lough Boora Park, Ferbane. Julie did us all proud in her excellent interview with RTE’s Ann Cassin on the “Nationwide” TV show televised on 1st March. The programme was dedicated to Co. Offaly and in a sterling performance Julie extolled the virtues of Lough Boora Park and the many activities that can be enjoyed in the Park. If you haven’t yet visited this beautiful amenity, located on our doorstep, it is well worth a visit.

If you missed the programme you can catch it on the RTE Player.

Stories from the School’s Collection

A Story

About fifty years ago the winters were very severe. Snow covered the ground for the greater period of the season and frost penetrated for several inches. Travellers at that time if they got benighted on the road would be obliged to seek refuge in a hayrick or a warm barn. At about the time I speak of in a place called “the Pike” (a crossroads about three miles from Moate on the Moate-Athlone road) one very frosty evening a poor old man got benighted on the road and had to take shelter in a rick of hay. A bench, being cut down half-way, he securely rolled himself up in the hay and fell asleep. As is the custom still the farmers always gave hay to their cows about nine o clock. This farmer went out to feed his cows and he got on to the bench, not knowing the man was there. He got the hay-knife to cut the hay, and in cutting the next ridge of hay, he unknowingly cut the man’s head off too. He lifted the head to put it on to the body again but unfortunately he turned the back of the head to the front and the frost was so hard, that the head got fastened to the body. The following morning the poor man started for Athlone, and he was some distance gone when some kind friend told him he was going to Moate. He returned and had just reached the Pike again when the sun began to appear. The head began to thaw and the face turned round to the left shoulder. He directed his steps to Ballinahown, but he did not go far, till he found out his mistake and returned and was making his way to Mount Temple when the head dropped down on the road. He was taken to Athlone but needless to say he did not live many days.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 4th March 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 12. Winner: Sinead Middleton, Loughill.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm. There are still some places available if you wish to join.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Takes place in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown on Saturday 11th March for children from Boher and Pullough at 11.00am. Confirmation for children from Ballinahown and Rashina takes place on the same day at 20.00pm.

Ballinahown N.S. Big Breakfast

In what is now considered a must attend annual event The St Patrick’s Day Big Breakfast takes place again this year in Ballinahown Community Hall on Friday, March 17, from 9am until 12.30pm. Bake sale will also be held on the day. Bakers interested in taking part can contact Karen (085 2812005) or Marie (086 3931825). The Big Breakfast is a fundraiser for Ballinahown N.S. and your support is greatly appreciated.

Buggy Walks at Ballinahown Sports Complex

Buggy walks continue with Garry from Westmeath Sports Partnership every Monday at Ballinahown Sports Complex from 11:30a.m to 12.30p.m. Cost is €10 for the six weeks.

Open to all parents, grandparents, childminders etc. in the care of babies/toddlers looking to join a social group.

The Buggy walks will be a mix of walking around the park and gentle exercises.

So if you care for a toddler please come out and enjoy a fun hour each Monday.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to John Gaffey, Newtown, Ballinahown who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday 7th March and to Bridget Smith, Ballyduff who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday 8th March. Happy Birthday to Francie Coughlan, Clonaderig who celebrates his birthday on Saturday 11th March. Hope you all enjoyed your special day and you share many more birthdays with us.

Rashina Vintage Club – Tractor & Vintage Car/Motorcycle Run 26th March 2023

Rashina Vintage Club are holding a Tractor and Vintage Car/Motorcycle Run on Sunday on March 26th commencing in Doon GAA Car Park at 11.30 am. Registration from 10.00am. Light refreshments will be served. Entry fee is €20 per vehicle. Badges marking the occasion will be presented to those registering their vehicle for the event.

The route for the event is as follows: Commencing at Doon GAA Grounds – Kilmartin’s N6 Centre – Moate – Ballycumber and finishing in Doon.

Monies raised will be used to support the work carried out by Athlone Sub- Aqua Club. Your support for this very worthwhile event is greatly appreciated.

This week’s quote

Ballinahown & District News – 01/03/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 25^th February 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 45. Winner: Tony Farrell, Clonaderig.

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm. There are still some places available if you wish to join.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Laura Lynn Fundraiser

Ten year old twins Niamh and Aoife Rohan-Flood from Ballinahown participated recently in the Locks of Love campaign for LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

The girls, through an iDonate fundaraising page set up by LauraLynn, have raised more than €1420 to date. Should you wish to contribute to this very deserving fundraiser you can do so by logging on to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/NiamhRohanFlood. Closing date for contributing is March 28^th 2023

The girls are pictured above before and after they had their hair cut courtesy of Peter Marks, Athlone who washed, dried and cut the twins hair for free as part of their contribution to the charity.

The LauraLynn Ireland Children’s Hospice in Leopardstown, Dublin helps children who are sick by supporting them and their families. It is a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions and residential care facility for children and young adults with disabilities

Advance Notice – Ballinahown N.S. Big Breakfast

Buggy Walks at Ballinahown Sports Complex

Buggy walks with Garry from Westmeath Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at Ballinahown Sports Complex from 11:30a.m to 12.30p.m. Cost is €10 for the six weeks.

Open to all parents, grandparents, childminders etc. in the care of babies/toddlers looking to join a social group.

The Buggy walks will be a mix of walking around the park and gentle exercises.

So if you care for a toddler please come out and enjoy a fun hour each Monday.

Ballinahown National School

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.

Birthday Wishes

Belated Happy Birthday to Conor Rohan, Ballinahown who celebrated his birthday last week. Hope you had a good one Conor.

This week’s quote

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 22/02/2023

Advance Notice – Ballinahown N.S. Big Breakfast

Ballinahown Community Hall Activities

Pilate Classes every Monday evening. Beginners Class at 7.30pm. Advanced classes 8.30pm.

Irish dancing classes on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings.

Ballinahown National School

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about the origins of various place names around Athlone as recorded by Athlone Mixed School where the teacher was a Mr. T. Hunter. It is presented as written at the time.

Local Place Names

In Athlone there is a park called Burgess’s Park. It was given that name because Mr Burgess owned it.

Custume Place opposite the old Post Office, Athlone was called after Sergeant Custume.

Outside Athlone at the road going to Roscommon there is a place called Gallows Hill. Long ago people were hanged there, and that’s how it got its name.

People who died of the Cholera disease were thrown into a field beside the workhouse, Athlone. Since then it has been called the Cholera field.

There is a stream in Garrycastle, Athlone called the Red Stream, because the colour of the water is red.

There is a rock in Sweeney’s field, Clonbrusk, Athlone, called The Druids Stone, it is called that because a druid taught there.

Garrycastle, Athlone got its name from a castle which is in a field there.

There is a field called “Bull Field” opposite Creggan Castle, Athlone. A bull was kept in this field.

There is a hill called “Corry Hill” between Ballykeeran and Garnafailagh, near Athlone. It belonged to somebody called Corry.

In Garrycastle, Athlone there is a field called “The Sandpit Field”. It is so called because there is a sandpit in that field. There is also a field called “The Railway Field” in Garrycastle, Athlone, it is called that name because it is near a railway line.

In Creggan, Athlone a man named Harrington was shot in a field, the field is now called “Pat Harrington’s Field”.

In Garrycastle, Athlone, there is a small river running through some fields and it is called the “All” river. There is a hill in a field in Garrycastle, Athlone called “Handcock’s Hill”. They were called those names by their former owners.

The Batteries, at the end of Connaught Street, Athlone, used to be an old fort to defend the town against an enemy, That is why it is called by that name.

Brideswell was called after Saint Bridget. When the nun was crossing the Shannon in a boat. The boat was carried away. St. Bridget prayed and the boat got safely to the other side at this well.

The Ranelagh School Athlone was called after Lord Ranelagh, who had it built. The Cotton Factory has bought it over now.

In the time of William the Conqueror there was a little drummer in Athlone. When he was passing this place something happened him, and he said “Here I lay my drum, and here I built my castle.” He built a castle there and it was called “Moy Drum Castle”, and the road was called “Moydrum Road”.

Local News

Do you know anyone who is about to celebrate a birthday or anniversary? Have you any old family photographs from years ago that would bring back happy memories for our readers? If you have news or old photographs why not share with our readers and brighten up their day. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 15/02/2023

Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Kieran & Kathleen Rigney, Rashina who celebrated their 64^th wedding anniversary on 4^th February. We wish the lovely couple many more years of happiness together.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 11^th February 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 41. Grainne Murray, Cooldorragh

Pilate Classes

In Ballinahown Community Centre every Monday night commencing at 7.30pm for beginners and progressive class at 8.30pm. All enquiries to Alison on 086 0603986.

Local Obituaries

The death occurred on 4^th February 2023 of Tim Devery, Tara, Durrow, Co. Offaly and formally of Doon, Ballinahown. Peacefully at his home. Pre deceased by his parents James and Ann, brothers Declan and Norman and nephew Daniel. Sadly missed by his wife Mary and his children Adrain, Elaine Leanne and James, his grandson Zac, sons in law Mark and Connor, brothers James, Eugene, Joe, Pat and Kieran, sisters Evelyn and Martha, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, neighbours, and a large circle of friends.

Tim reposed at his home in Tara, on Wednesday 8^th February from 4pm until 9pm. Removal took place on Thursday 9^th February to St Colmcille’s Church, Durrow, for 2pm Funeral Mass with interment afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The death occurred of Mary Bridget Halligan (née O’Shea), Chapel Street, Clonfanlough, Offaly on February 5^th 2023

Mary died peacefully with her family, in the loving and tender care of the Staff at Ferbane Nursing Home. She was predeceased by her beloved parents Elizabeth and Michael O’Shea.

Mary will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband, Jimmy and family, Lorraine (Guinan), John and Michael, grandchildren, Harry, Katie and Tessa, brother Kieran, son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Annie, brothers-in-law Johnny, Billy and Tommy Halligan, sisters-in-law Mairead O’Shea, Eileen O’Shea, Bridie Finneran, Mary Dunning and Noreen Feehily, nephews Michael, Cathal and Darragh, niece Aisling, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Mary reposed at her home on Wednesday (Feb.8th) from 5pm to 7pm and again on Thursday (Feb.9th) from 5pm to 7pm.Removal took place on Friday morning Feb.10^th to St. Ciaran’s Church, Clonfanlough, where her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11am, with interment afterwards in Clonmacnoise cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

The death occurred of Mary Rohan (née Buckley), St. Cynoc’s Terrace, Ferbane, Offaly and late of Doon, Ballinahown, Offaly on February 11^th 2023

Mary died peacefully in her 99th year, with her family, in the loving care of the Staff at Ferbane Nursing Home. She was a native of Doon, Ballinahown and was predeceased by her beloved husband John, brothers and sisters and sons-in-law Charlie and Les.

Mary will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, Betty and Teresa, sons, Sean, Kieran and Michael, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sister-in-law Nancy Buckley, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Mary reposed at Eliza Lodge Nursing Home, Banagher on Monday (Feb.13th) from 4.15pm to 6.15pm with removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane for 7.00pm.

Mary’s Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday Feb.14th at 11am, with interment afterwards in Clonmacnoise cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Ballinahown Community Centre Activities

Irish dancing on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings

Ballinahown National School

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. Open day on Monday February 20^th from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about a Church in Kilgarvin near Ballinahown as recorded byEibhlín Ní Dhubhláin a pupil in Ballinahown National School in the late 1930’s. It is presented as written at the time.

Kilgarvin Church, Convent, Graveyard and Fair Green

About two miles from Ballinahown on the main road to Athlone stands the ruins of an ancient church. In ancient times half of this parish was in Athlone and this old church served the area. It was called Kilgarvan.
The meaning of the word is the “Church of Garvan”. There was a Church, a Convent, a graveyard and a fair green there. One time when the main road was being widened human skulls, a child’s skull and a man’s leg and other bones were discovered.
There are stones about the place believed to be those of headstones and of the church.
There was also a stone like a holy water font which is believed to belong to the Church.
A Franciscan used to say Mass in the Church and he was a great grand-uncle of my father. His name was Fr Ready. Every time he said Mass the people made a collection of a Shilling for him. He was staying in a house the other side of the Shannon in the Penal days.
James Lally whose house is in Kilgarvin had a picture of the old church and after the ambush of Tubrid a hill near his dwelling his house was raided by the Black and Tans and they destroyed all the pictures in his house among them the interesting one of the church. There is no other copy extant in the district.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 08/02/2023

Buggy Walks at Ballinahown Sports Complex

Buggy walks with Garry from Westmeath Sports Partnership

A six week programme starting 13th of February at Ballinahown Sports Complex

from 11:30a.m to 12.30p.m each Monday for six weeks. Cost is €10 for the six weeks.

Open to all parents, grandparents, childminders etc. in the care of babies/toddlers looking to join a social group.

The Buggy walks will be a mix of walking around the park and gentle exercises.

So if you care for a toddler please come out and enjoy a fun hour each Monday.

Local Obituaries

The death has occurred of James (Jimmy) Norton, Clonmacnois, Shannonbridge, Offaly.

Jimmy died on February 4th 2023, peacefully at Tullamore Hospital, having previously been a resident in the exceptional care of Ferbane Nursing Home. He was predeceased by his beloved parents Pat and Mary Norton, sister Cora Lantry, brother Pat Joe and grandnephew Michael Langtry.

Jimmy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving nephews, Brendan and Joe and their spouses, Rosemarie and Margaret, grandnephews, David, Mark, Christopher and Paul, grandniece Louise, great-grandnephew Ben, great-grandniece Emily-Rose, cousins, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Jimmy reposed at Clonmacnois Prayer Centre on Sunday (Feb.5th) from 5pm to 6.30pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday (Feb.6th) in St. Ciaran’s Church, Clonfanlough at 11am with Interment afterwards in Clonmacnois.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 4^th February 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 34. No Winner this week.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about a local happenings in Athlone as told by Mr. W. Taylor The story was recorded as part of the Schools Collection initiative by Athlone Mixed School in the late 1930’s. It is presented as written at the time.

Local Happenings around Athlone

During the famine from 1845 to 1848 there was a terrible disease in Athlone called the cholera disease, and during that time a great deal of people died and were thrown into a field beside the old work-house. The field is now known as the Cholera field.
About 1850 twenty-two soliders were drowned in Lough Ree when their boat capsized. And another soldier drowned near Long Island Athlone when his boat capsized also

Long ago the Danes were sailing up the Shannon in a boat which was packed with treasure and valuable articles. They were afraid the Irish would get the treasure so they sank the boat and got away in another boat.

About 30 years ago Heaton’s Woollen Mill was burned to the ground and everything was lost

Gills garage and the international stores were burned a few years ago in 1934.

James Battray Byres (?) aged 18 yrs 7 months and William John Kerr aged 19 years were both drowned in Killinure lake Athlone, on the 29th November 1834. They were both members of the Second Batallion.

In 1897 three people by the name of Everard were drowned in Lough Ree Athlone.

Mr Rohan’s shop, Athlone, was a police barrracks in 1921. But it was burned to the ground by the Black and Tans.

Mr Elliot aged 29 years was drowned near Long Island, Athlone on the 19th August 1844 when his boat capsized. He was a Captain of the Dragoon Guards, Sussex.

Ballinahown Community Centre Activities

Irish dancing on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings

Ballinahown National School

Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. Open day on Monday February 20^th from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 01/02/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 28^th January 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 15. Winner: Jerry O’ Connor, Cooldorough.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about a peculiar marked stone near Clonmacnoise. The story was recorded by Kathleen Pillion who was a pupil attending Clonmacnoise National School in the late 1930’s. The story was told to her by her grandmother Mrs Turley who was then aged 76 and is reproduced here as written at the time.

Peculiar Stones

About a quarter of a mile north of Clonmacnoise cemetery on the road leading to Clonascra is a peculiar marked stone. This stone is locally known as St Ciaran’s stone and the old people tell many interesting stories about it, but here is a story often repeated by them and which is supposed to be true.
When St Ciaran came to Clonmacnoise he took with him his cow. This cow was known far nd near by everyone for she was indeed very famous for supplying milk. When at length the news reached “Coosan” a place beyond Athlone about this cow the people became envious and in their spitefulness they made up a horrid plan to steal the cow. So early one morning two men came to Ciaran’s pasture and stole the cow. Then they beat here with a stick to make her run for fear they would be caught, but in their hurry they cow fell on a flag and her two knees sunk into it leaving in it the impression of two circular shaped holes. However when the cow got on her feet again she journeyed on until she came to a river in Bloomhill. She swam across the river but she had not gone very far from it when she lay down on a flat stone to rest for a little while. Ever since then the people passing that way make the sign of the cross upon this stone with their foot for it is an old belief that it would not be right to pass without doing so. When the cow was rested the men drove her towards Athlone and so on until they came to Coosan. When Ciaran arose in the morning he missed the cow but by Divine inspiration he knew what happened. He at once knew where the cow was so he followed her tracks sad and sorrowful and when he saw the places where she had fallen he knew it must have hurt her in pain. When he came to Coosan he entered a boiling-house and there to his grief and sorrow he saw the skin of his own cow hanging behind the door. Her horns were left on the floor and her body boiling in a boiler. He turned white with anger but he said nothing for he knew it was no use, now that she was dead, but a heavenly thought struck him and he at once obeyed it. Taking the skin from behind the door and lifting the horns from the floor he moved towards the boiler. He placed the skin around the half cooked body of his beloved cow and laid the horns on her head. Then praying to God he blessed the cow and immediately she jumped from the boiler alive and as active as she ever had been before. Then Ciaran took his cow home to his monastery and he gave thanks to his Creator for the wonderful power He gave him. Ever since that time the Coosan people are called “Ciaran’s cow stealers” and they get quite indignant for they would just as soon be struck on the face as to insult them in such a manner as this. Several cures have been worked there from time to time by using the water which collects in the cow’s tracks on the stone near Clonmacnoise. It cures head-aches and toothaches.

Ballinahown Community Centre Activities

Irish dancing on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings

Ballinahown Community Development

Get fit for free with Ballinahown Community Walking evenings every Monday and Thursday evening from 7.45pm – 8.30pm at the Community Sports Field walking track. Walk with others or walk on your own – and it’s all for free.

Music Lessons

Jean Murray is back teaching Irish traditional music – Button Accordion, Tin Whistle and Flute on Saturdays and mid-week. Further details available from Jean on 086 1754323.

Congratulations

To Ultan and Theresa Duffy, Kilgarvan who welcomed Baby Fiadh into the world last week. We wish the proud parents and the new grandparents Enda and Gina the very best for the future.

Local News

Pictured from left to right, Leona McManus Castledaly (Senior Clinician Jigsaw) Lorraine, Steven & Claire Farrell handing over the proceeds of their third annual “Walk with Me Talk with Me” day held each year on December 27th at the Sportspark in Ballinahown. The Farrell family wish to thank most sincerely everyone who supports this initiative each year, all those who walk, talk, lend a hand or support the event in any way. They are delighted to have Jigsaw as their chosen charity this year & Leona was very grateful to receive the donation of €1250 on their behalf. Jigsaw provide free, confidential, mental health supports for young people aged 12-25 in communities around Ireland. https://jigsaw.ie

Ballinahown & District News – 25/01/2023

Ballinahown U14 Girls create history

Ballinahown F.C. U14 Girls create history on Saturday 29^th January when they compete against Peamount Utd in the last 32 teams of the SFAI National Cup. The game will be played in Ballinahown Sports Park at 12.00noon

Centuries ago, the monks of Clonmacnoise spent their days documenting their past and present so our history would never be forgotten. If they were around today, they surely would be writing about the historic feat the local Ballinahown U14s girls’ team have achieved.

Starting in the summer of 2022 the Ballinahown girls set off on their epic adventure with the first-round game in SFAI South Lenister Cup away to Portlaoise FC. They started with vigorous determination which saw them move on to the next round with a comfortable win.

Next up was our close neighbours Bealnamulla FC, with the girls continuing their stride they pushed on by them also. This set up a much-anticipated encounter in the semi-finals of the SFAI regional against a team that has always tested our mettle, Temple Villa FC. When these two teams meet at all age levels it is an explosive clash of the titans which is always a sight to behold. This game is now known locally as “The battle of Ballinahown” . The game was a spectacle to witness which was a fantastic advertisement not just for underage ladies’ football but ladies’ football in general in this country. With a tough skirmish the Ballinahown girls moved on with a 1 – 0 victory.

This set up a regional final with Killeigh FC and puts both teams through to the last 32 in the National cup. (Match details have yet to be announced for the regional cup final)

In the meantime, these warrior ladies from Ballinahown, for the first time in the history of their club, will go to battle against Peamount Utd this coming Saturday, and for this day at least, they will take on Athlone Town FC’s moto of being “The Pride of the Midlands”.

Ballinhown U14s Squad.

Aimee Fitzgerald, Anu Concannon, Anna Ryan, Aoibhe Dooner, Doireann Keena, Eabha McGlynn, Ella Sweeney, Ellianna McManus, Ellen Parker, Isabelle Kearney, Lara Ellen Keena McDaid, Leah Concannon, Lorna Colclough, Maddison Keegan, Neasa Trainor, Riona Foley, Sarah Murray, Siobhan Egan, Irene Egan, Emily Lynam, Sarah Murray.

We wish the under 14 Girls the very best of luck on Saturday.

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 21^st January 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 38. Winner: Noel Duffy, Ferbane.

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about stones that are marked in the Lemanaghan area as recorded by Máire Ní Dhálaigh a pupil attending Lemanaghan National School in the late 1930’s. The story is reproduced as recorded at the time.

Stones which Are Marked

There are several stones in the locality of Lemanaghan, Offaly, Parish of Ballinahown on which the track of the hoof of St. Manchan’s cow is seen quite plainly.

One of these stones is inside the school gate and many visitors come to see it. There are two little hollows in it with a ridge between them just like a cows hoof. There are four of these stones in the place.

There are three on St. Manchan’s Tochar. Tradition says that when St. Manchan’s cow was stolen at one time that the cow left these tracks on the flags so that he could trace her which he did. There are also the marks of human feet on a few stones at Kell (a quarter of a mile from St. Manchan’s Church. One of these is said to have been made by the saint himself others by his mother St. Meela who lived in Kell, Leamanaghan.

Ballinahown Community Centre Activities

Irish dancing on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm

Line Dancing in the Community Hall every Tuesday night at 8.00pm.

Glee Club on Wednesday evenings at 4.40pm.

Progressive 25 Card Game on Thursday nights at 9.00pm

Rinka at 11.45am on Saturday mornings

Ballinahown Community Development

Music Lessons

Jean Murray is back teaching Irish traditional music – Button Accordion, Tin Whistle and Flute on Saturdays and mid-week. Further details available from Jean on 086 1754323.

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday to Brian Carroll, Rohanstown who celebrates his birthday on Saturday 28^th January. We wish you well on your birthday Brian and hope you have a great day.

Belated Birthday wishes to Willie Ryan, Doon who celebrated his birthday on Sunday last 22^nd January. Nearly pulled it off without us knowing Willie. Hope you had an enjoyable day.

Local News

Ballinahown & District News – 18/01/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 14^th January 2023. Winning Bonus Number: Winner:

Stories from the School’s Collection

We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week tells us about the names allocated to fields located in the Ballinahown area as recorded by Úna Ní Póllain a pupil attending Ballinahown National School in the late 1938.

The following Irish names of fields are located in the Ballinahown area:
(1) Feddarragh : Fiodh Darrach, means the oak wood.

(2) Páircin : Páircín means the little field:

(3) Augha : Acadh means a field

(4) Boggan : Bogán means soft land

(5) Corleana : Cor Leána means round hill of the meadow.

(6) Curragh : Currach : means a marsh

(7) Bontolack : Bun Tulaigh means Bottom of the hill.

(8) Aughatrim : Achadh Truim : means Field of the alder.

(9) Lisavrick : Lios a ‘Brich means the fort of the badger.

(10) Rackeen : Raithín : means the little fort or rath.

(11) Aughareeva : Acadh Ríabhach means the striped field

(12) Sheeawn : Sidhean means Fairy hill.

(13) Clashnaconeen : Clais na gCoinin, means the dike of the rabbits.

(14) Cnicknabo : Cnoc na Bó means the hill of the cow.

(15) Monga : Monga, means marshy land producing long sedgy grass.

Obituaries

The death has occurred of Michael Feeney, Comagh Road, Kilbeggan who died on 12^th January 2023. Michael served as a Garda in Ballinahown many years ago prior to being transferred to Kilbeggan. He is survived by his wife Nan (a former teacher in Ballinahown N.S.) and by his daughter Emer, son Enda and grandchildren. Michael’s Requiem Mass took place on Monday 16^th January in St. Jameses’ Church with interment afterwards in the Relic Cemetery, Kilbeggan.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Line Dancing – Ballinahown Community Centre

Line Dancing returns to the Community Hall following the Christmas Break. Dancing every Tuesday night at 8.00pm. So dust down the Stenson hat, put on your cowboy boots and come on down and enjoy yourself.

Ballinahown Community Development

Music Lessons

Jean Murray has informed us she is back teaching Irish traditional music – button accordion, tin whistle and flute on Saturdays and mid-week. Further details available from Jean on 086 1754323.

Photo from the Past

Back Row: J. Galvin, P. Walsh, M. Lane, M. Walsh, S. Fitzgerald, S. Molloy, P. Doyle, P. Duffy, M. Mulhall, G. Farrell. J. Fitzpatrick, M. Duffy, J. Lane. Front Row: J. Rigney, W. Galvin, J.N. Galvin (boy), J. Galvin, B. Molloy, J. Claffey, H.F. Kearney, J. Doyle, T.U. Odell.

Gardening Tips for January

Remember that this is a time when many tree & shrubs are hibernating so it is the perfect time to up-root and reposition or prune back
Don’t forget that the weather can have a be influence on things this time of year and so be aware of harsh frosts and avoid planting, moving and pruning in these conditions. January can be the coldest month of the year
Lawns can find themselves under some stress this time of year so avoid excessive walking on them, especially if the ground is wet

Things to Do

The Fruit & Veg Garden

Continue to sow Garlic bulbs outdoors
Keep your spring crops covered using a garden cloche or frost fleece
If you haven’t done already; you can prepare your soil for the coming season.
Turn soil adding well rotted farm yard manure
Start forcing rhubarb
Pruning of fruit trees can be done
Planting of bare root fruit bushes & trees

Plant Care

Lift & divide herbaceous perennials
Pruning of trees & roses can be done
Transplanting of small & medium sized plants can be done

Lawn Care

Clear any remaining fallen leaves & dispose to your compost heap (Old foliage can harbour disease)
If the ground is not frozen or overly wet you can give your lawn a light cut – just to neaten it up

In the Garden, Beds & Borders

Mid-Winter is a good time to look over your beds & rethink planting schemes. For example; where to plant some evergreen or screening plants
If you haven’t done so already you should mulch up around the base of tender shrubs. Mulch provides insulation, moisture retention & weed control
Winter months are a perfect time to do any planting. You can plant all potted or containerised plants
Bare season is in full swing & if you act fast you can still buy your pick of the bunch

General Maintenance

Continue to feed your birds. High energy feeds such as suet balls, fat balls or peanuts will help provide the essential nutrients in their time of greatest need

Turn your compost bin once over the year & winter is a good time to do so

Local News

Why not share your news or old photographs with our readers and brighten up their day. If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old stories we would love to hear from you. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 087 6308357.

Ballinahown & District News – 11/01/2023

Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 31st December 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 38. Winner: Noel Duffy, Ferbane. Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw 7^th January 2023. Winning Bonus Number: 23. No Winner.

Stories from the School’s Collection

Linen Weaving

There was a weaver named Mullen who lived in the townland of Castlerea, in the parish of Millane and Ballinahown, and in the County of Offaly. At that time the people of the district used to grow flax. These people used to take off the bark of the flax and spin the fibre into thread and bring the fibre spun into thread to the weaver. Then the weaver wove the thread into linen sheets tablecloths or towels.
There was a weaver named Patrick Fox in the townland of Ballyduff, parish of Milane an Ballinahown, Co. Offaly. He made coarse linen sheets and towels and material for shirting. When well bleached they looked well and lasted for a life time. Material that he made sixty or seventy years ago is still kept by careful mothers and has passed from one generation to another.
Wool was carded and spun in a good many families but never woven. The thread was used for knitting stockings , socks, jumpers, jerseys, etc.

Birthday Greetings

Belated birthday greetings to Anne McEvoy, Clonlyon and Rita Rohan, Clonaderig, Ballinahown who celebrated their birthdays on January 7^th. Word on the ground has it that both were spoiled on the day by their respective families.

Ballinahown Christmas Market

Congratulations to the organising committee for what can be described as another resounding success. A major effort is required each year to ensure the Christmas Market is a success. We have been asked by the organising committee to thank all those who helped out on the evening with the assembly of tents, lighting, traffic control and various tasks that go unnoticed by those in attendance.

If the event is to continue in 2023 then please volunteer to help out by contacting Lorraine Farrell, Cliona Rohan, Fiona McHugh or any committee member. Your assistance will be very much appreciated and will ensure the market continues.

Condolences

Condolences to the family of the late Kieran Hanniffy, Doon Cross, Ballinahown, Co. Offaly, ex Board Na Mona, Derrinlough, Blueball Pub and Hanniffy’s Furniture, Doon who died on 3rd. January 2023. Predeceased by his brother Jimmy and sister Peg Corrigan (Banagher). Sadly missed by his wife Connie, sons Ciaran and Conor, sisters Chris O’Sullivan, Athlone and Teresa Hanamy, Clara, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours, a wide circle of friends and vintage car enthusiasts.

Kieran’s Funeral Mass took place in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown, on Thursday 5^th January followed by interment in Boher Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Condolences to the family of the late Jimmy Fleming, Straduff, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Offaly. Late of Moorock, Ballycumber.

Jimmy died on the 3rd of January in his 92nd year surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his wife Una and son Francis. Jimmy will be sadly missed by his sons, Seamus, Sean, Kieran (Ferbane), daughters, Marie (Moate) and Ann (Athlone), daughters-in-law Martina and Maggie, son-in-law Eamon, sisters Kitty Egan and Eileen Fleming and his grandchildren, extended family and friends.

His Requim Mass took place on Thursday 5^th January at 11.00am in St Manchan’s Church, Boher with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Local News

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Necessary

Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional

Performance

Analytics

Others

Ballinahown & District News -06/04/24

Ballinahown & District News -30/03/24

Ballinahown & District News -23/03/24

Ballinahown & District News -16/03/24

Ballinahown & District News –24/02/24.

Ballinahown & District News – 25/10/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 18/10/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 11/10/2023

Do you want to get fit and maintain that fitness while enjoying yourself? Many people in their 40’s, 50’s. 60’s and 70’s have recently discovered “walking football”. Walking football is aimed at keeping men and women of all ages active and involved in football.

Ballinahown & District News – 04/10/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 27/09/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 20/09/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 13/09/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 06/09/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 30/08/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 23/08/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 16/08/2023

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.

Ballinahown & District News – 09/08/2023

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.

Ballinahown & District News – 02/08/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 26/07/2023

Condolences also to Kathleen Ryan, Bloomhill on the death of her sister Mrs Mary Caulfield (née Lennon) Crannagh, Summerhill, Athlone, Roscommon on Tuesday 18th July. 2023.

Ballinahown & District News – 19/07/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 12/07/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 05/07/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 28/06/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 21/06/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 14/06/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 07/06/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 31/05/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 24/05/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 17/05/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 10/05/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 03/05/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 26/04/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 19/04/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 12/04/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 05/04/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 29/03/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 22/03/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 15/03/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 08/03/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 01/03/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 22/02/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 15/02/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 08/02/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 01/02/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 25/01/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 18/01/2023

Ballinahown & District News – 11/01/2023

Ballynahown village Website

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20^th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.

5k Fun Walk or Run on Sunday 20^th August at Doon GAA Grounds commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by Family BBQ in Martins Pub. Registration from 11.00am, Adults €10, Under16’s €5, Family €20.