RATHDRUM

APPRECIATION

Rathdrum St. Patrick's Day Parade committee met last week to review this years Parade and to discuss future plans. They were very encouraged by the complimentary feed-back received from the large attendance.

Fr. Brian O'Reilly P.P. in his Weekly Newsletter described the Parade as “A spectacle of colour and imagination that gave us all something to be proud of”. He went on to pay tribute to all who work so hard to bring such an enjoyable event to the town each year.

The committee wish to extend their appreciation to the Businesses in the area for their generous support financially. They have been very supportive of the Parade over the years which has been vital to its success. They would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the many people who gave their time and talents to make the event entertaining.

The heroine of the occasion was Grand Marshall Gerardine Cooper and last weeks meeting expressed their thanks to Gerardine for taking part. The future is bright for the Parade judging by the large number of young people participating.

While the committee were happy with this years route they identified a number of items for improvement. More parking restrictions around the start at Avon Motors and down the Main Street. The encouragement of more Community Floats was also discussed and the recruitment of new members on the Parade Committee and more stewards. A special word of thanks was extended to the Gardai for their assistance. AVONDALE CAMOGIE

Avondale Camogie club will host an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19th April in Parnell Memorial Park starting at 12.00 noon. Entry fee will be 5 euro per child or €10 per 3 children and €2 for any remaining entries. There will be lots of fun activities including Face Painting, Welly Throwing, Wheel-of-Fortune and much more.

There will be a Cake Sale plus Tea or Coffee. So why not come along for a funfilled afternoon and help raise funds for the Camogie club. Under-age Training takes place on Tuesdays at 6.15 p.m. New members welcome. COUNTER CULTURE

Katie O'Kelly brings her Dublin Fringe Festival Hit Show “Counter Culture” to Conary Community Hall on Saturday 12th April at 8.00 p.m. RACE NIGHT

Glenmalure Golf club are hosting a Race Night which will take place in The Corner House, Rathdrum this Friday night 11th April at 8.00 p.m. A great night is guaranteed and all are welcome. Admission free. COMMUNITY GAMES

The Final of the running section for Rathdrum Community Games will take place in the Rugby Grounds at the Ivy Leaf this Thursday 10th April at 6.00 p.m. PARNELL A.C. NOTES

Mick Byrne came home first in the recent Dunboyne Four Mile Challenge in the 0ver 50's. M.J. Bolton was 4th in the over 55's and Martin Breen received a P. 3 in his category. The club members are now training for county and Leinster Road Race championships. This will include all Senior Men and Women. GARDEN CLUB

Avondale Garden club will hold their meeting this Thursday 10th April in the Function Room of Jacob's Well, Rathdrum at 8.00 p.m. John Ryan, well-known Gardener and Tree Expert will give a presentation on orchards, pruning and planting. All are welcome.

I.C.A. GUILD

Rathdrum Guild of I.C.A. will hold their annual general meeting in the R.D.A. Hall on Tuesday 15th April at 8.00 p.m. Fees are now due and new members are always welcome.

READY TO GO WALKING

This Thursday 10th April Rathdrum Walking Group will be back on the trail for their first Evening Walk of 2014. Anyone wishing to join in can come along to Parnell Memorial Park at 7.00 p.m. All you need is walking boots or shoes and rain gear. The Leaders are well-rested after the winter and are looking forward to renewing friendships from the past. The plan is to bring the Group over 20 separate locations around the area highlighting the scenic beauty and historical sites plus all the fresh air they require.

EASTER EGGS RAFFLE

Over the next few weeks a large number of Easter Eggs will be on offer at the Friday night bingo in the R.D.A. Hall. This is a Special Easter Raffle and is in addition to the super cash prizes to be won.