RATHDRUM

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

Applications for enrolment to Junior Infants in the Boys National School and Our Lady's Girls School for September 2013 will be accepted at the schools during school hours on the week beginning 14th January. Please bring your child's P.P.S. number and a copy of date of birth and Baptismal Certificate.

A Coffee Morning will take place in Our Lady's School on Wednesday 16th January from 11.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. for parents of Junior Infants.

2013 SET DANCING

The New Year will get off to a lively start in Rathdrum Sports Complex on Friday 4th January. There will be a feast of Ceili Music with The Fola Ceili Band from Dublin and The Bass Band from Gorey.

This is a traditional event where set dancers come from all over the county and beyond renew acquaintances as well as a good nights dancing and make a contribution to The Fr. Willie Walsh African Mission Appeal. Postpone your New Year diet resolution until after the event as there will be a generous supply of seasonal refreshments on this occasion. It is great to see the maestro Sean Walsh back in action.

AVOCA RECYCLING CENTRE

The staff of Avoca Recycling Centre and fund-raising committee would like to express their appreciation to all who helped to make the Christmas fundraising on 15th December an excellent success. The total amount raised was €1,011. This money will go to the E.S.B. and for maintaining the area around the Miners Memorial Cross over-looking Avoca Valley.

The recycling staff have been very active in supporting the Cancer Support Group in looking after the clothing for recycling and a number of initiatives throughout the year. While they would like to extend best wishes to all we (the public) should return the compliments to them and wish them every success and happiness for the New Year.

COMMUNITY GAMES

Rathdrum has been participating in Community Games both at county and National level for almost 40 years. This has been a marvellous way for young people to develop their athletic talents. Rathdrum participate in Track and Field events as well as Badminton and Swimming.

The local committee are finding it difficult to keep up the activities. Expense of entry fees and transport of competitors to events is a heavy burden. The committee are currently organising a Raffle in an effort to off-set these expenses. Details of the Raffle will be announced at a later date.

A PLEASANT CHRISTMAS

The weather conditions were perfect for the Christmas celebrations. There were very large attendances at Church ceremonies. The décor in Rathdrum parish Church was very special with nicely decorated Christmas Trees and a display of red lighting surrounding the Altar.

Fr. O'Reilly thanked all who helped on the Altar and all the groups who gave their time throughout the year. He said he was very encouraged by the large attendances. When we are stronger we are happier as we go through our human journey, he said.

BINGO RESUMES

The bingo players will be back in action in the R.D.A. Hall on 4th January. It took a well-earned rest last week. The players will come back with renewed anticipation and hope that they lay their hands on the Free Book for the year or some of the many cash prizes on offer.