AROUND THE DISTRICTS
Stamullen IN MEMORY
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Kathleen O`Callaghan, nee Caulfield, late of Trimleston Drive, Booterstown Co. Dublin, who passed away peacefully, aged 95 years, under the wonderful care of the staff of the Carysfort Nursing Home in Glenageary Dublin. Kathleen spent much of her time in the East Meath area over the years and had a holiday home in Bettystown which she dearly loved. She was a first cousin of the former Nurse Clarke of Stedalt and Kilbreckstown and was a frequent and regular visitor to the Stamullen district over the years. Sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of John (Jack) Duffy, late of Alverno Heights Laytown and formerly of Julianstown, who passed away in mid. June.
PLAYGROUND.
With even more housing developments currently under construction in the Stamnullen village area, there is still no sign of a central children`s playground. Why is it that these developers are not oblidged to erect a children`s playground as part of the planning conditions? With all the green space areas that developers are supposed to provide as part of the planning agreements, wouldn’t it then make sense to install a playground on such a green space? Housing estates that have been constructed in Stamullen during the first five years of this new millennium have huge open green spaces, yet there is not as much as a children`s swing or slide placed there; just wide open spaces with a few, very few, colourful trees placed here and there. Land prices, in such an area as Stamullen at the moment, has soared, so the chances of our `favourite` Co. Council actually coming up with a suitable site/location for such a children`s playground is slim to nil. There is still much infrastructure to be carried out in Stamullen as the population expands, yet, over the years it remains the same; build houses, more houses & more houses. Turn a `blind-eye` to the huge number of babies, small children, preteens and young teenagers that can be seen in various different groupings all over the areas of Stamullen & Gormanston and then fob the people off by telling them that there is `pleanty for them to do in the parish`! These type of `announcements` and notices are constantly being implied by some Councillors and certainly by Estate Agents and Auctioneers when flogging a proposal for a further housing development. The reality on the ground, however, is a little different!
COASTAL EROSION.
Over the past ten years or more, the issue of coastal erosion taking place on stretches of Gormanston beach, has been highlighted in the Stamullen Notes and a walk along the strand from Ben Head to the Delvin Estuary will provide enough evidence for anyone who may wish to take a look, yet nothing; absoloutely nothing has been done to protect this `cliff-face` coast-line; yet there are archaeological remains falling out of the cliff face as this erosion takes its toll; remnants of our ancestor`s activity which took place here more than fivethousand-years ago!
KNOW YOUR PARISH.
The following is an extract from the British Parliamentary Papers in relation to a Census of Ireland carried out in the year 1821. Although most of these records were destroyed later on, this is what survives from that Survey regarding Stamullen; the records are held in the Irish Archives in Dublin. The Census of 1821 shows that within the parish of Stamullen there was a population of 1241 of which there were 618 males and 623 females. There were 217 houses containing 221 families, while 78 children attended school. 212 people were employed in agriculture with a further 200 individuals employed as mill-workers, quarrying, coachmen, domestic servants, etc. There were 55 people employed in trades, manufacturing and handicrafts. At this time, Stamullen village consisted of approximately 8-acres of land on which there were 25 houses and 106 inhabitants.
Termonfeckin CONTACT ME
Any news or interesting items welcome in this column, births, birthdays, engagements, weddings, sports/social/special events etc. Please have all information with me by 10pm on Thursday evenings at nicholasduff66@gmail.com or contact 087-2486472.
CORONAVIRUS.
The current situation in Ireland fluctuates regarding the number of new cases and deaths on a daily basis although they remain low. While moves are underway to improve the economy and with a new Government in place, we still cannot be complacent. Stay safe, maintain social distancing and use face masks if necessary.
CHURCH CEREMONIES.
By now, there has been a return to worship for some parishioners following the division of the Parish into 5 different areas and a Mass assigned for each area. It will take some getting used to but all details are included in a newsletter which every household received. Masses from the Church of the Immaculate Conception which are also live streamed are on Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 11.30am, please note the change of time for Sunday Mass. The Masses from the Church of the Assumption in Sandpit are on Sunday at 9.30am and Monday evening at 8pm. Note that all Masses or other ceremonies are limited to 50 people only. Please do not attend on any day you are feeling unwell. Churches will be sanitised after each Mass. Social distancing applies entering and exiting as well as in the church. Stewards will be available to assist, please cooperate with them and follow their instructions at all times . Please sanitise your hands on entering and exiting the Church and hand sanitising points will be clearly marked. Church capacity is greatly reduced with every second pew closed off for social distancing.. Available seating will be clearly marked. Face coverings may be worn if desired. Distribution of Holy Communion is at the end of Mass as you exit the Church. Months Mind and First Anniversary Masses will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 8.00pm rather than on the weekends due to reduced capacity. Otherwise please check the Parish Bulletin or facebook page for weekly Mass schedules. This week there will be a Padre Pio Mass on Tuesday evening at 7pm which will be said privately on the internet and there is a First Anniversary Mass on Wednesday evening at 8pm. Eucharistic Adoration on Monday evenings is from 7-8pm and is also live streamed via the internet at termonfechinparish.ie. The email is termonfechinparish@gmail.com.
CREDIT UNION.
The Credit Union office remains open every Friday from 3pm to 7pm. Why not apply online for your next loan or make an appointment to meet one of our officers, officeadmin@termonfeckincu.
ST. FECHIN’S LOTTO.
No jackpot winner last week. The numbers drawn were 9, 16, 19 and 20. The winner of €100 was Olive Sheridan. Winners of €20 were Ambrose Mc Ginnity, Paul Holcroft, Raymond Devlin, A and V Dolan and Jim Duff. The jackpot this week is €2,000. Many thanks for your continued support. Particularly thanks as always to Madden’s Centra for their very valued sponsorship. Tickets are available at the Club House, Post Office, Forge Field Farm Shop or on line at https:// www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/St_ Fechins_GAA/lotto Tickets can be left in the Lotto Box located at the Gate to Pairc Naomh Feichin.
ST. FECHIN’S GAA.
The Walkway is now fully open. Social distancing needs to continue to be adhered to and please walk in an anti-clockwise direction. Teams are back training and Juveniles also but having to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines particularly with continuous health checking. A one way system is in operation to keep different teams separated. The Astro Pitches are available to hire. The Club is looking forward to a resumption of competitive games. The 2020 Kelloggs Cul Camp rescheduled for August 10th to 14th at Pairc Naomh Feichin is fully booked out.
5K RELAY.
St Fechin’s had 3 Adult teams undertaking a 5K Relay recently to raise funds for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. The Club presented a cheque for over €5,000 to Ann Tracey from the Gary Kelly Centre. Well done to all concerned.
TERMONFECKIN CELTIC.
Termonfeckin Celtic F.C. is back in business. Teams are hard at work training and looking forward to a resumption of games. The Club is expecting to play some Friendly matches this month but also awaits clarification from the FAI and various League bodies on a restarting of the League.
SEAPOINT PITCH & PUTT.
In line with government and PPUI regulations regarding Covid-19, Seapoint P&P Club was able to open the course to green fees from Monday June 29th. Players please follow directions at the clubhouse. If you need any more information, call the clubhouse on 041-9881315.
TENNIS CLUB.
The courts are open every day from 10am to 9pm with “on the hour” starting times. Tuesday Adult Social Tennis is back taking place every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm but with current restrictions, is limited to 10 people. Singles and Doubles Tennis is also back but please keep a 2 metre distance as much as possible. The Clubhouse remains closed but this is under review. If you would like to play, please check court availability in the following link and contact 0863431437to book a court. It is hoped to hold the AGM via zoom meeting on Monday July 13th at 8pm. The Club hopes to elect a new committee and nominations can be sent by text. The Club would also like to hear from any members who are able to help out with Junior or Adult activities. Meanwhile two Intensive Coaching camps for Junior will be run with Coach Margaret Drew in July. They are-Intensive Coaching for 9-12 year olds: Monday July 20th to Friday July 24th from 2pm to 4.30pm.The other is Intensive Coaching for 13+ years old: Monday July 27th to Friday July 31st from 2pm to 4.30pm. Both camps cost €80. There will be 2 Fun Summer Camps with Coach Karl Purcell taking place from Monday July 20th to Friday July 24th and Monday August 17th to Friday August 21st. Both camps are from 10am to 1pm each day and are open to children from 4 years to 14 years. They cost €70 for members and places are limited.
SEAPOINT GOLF CLUB.
The course is open again and there has been a return to competitive Golf. The PRO Shop has been revamped and is open for business with social distancing measures in place. The Restaurant remains closed but is expected to open in the next week or two.
CO. LOUTH GOLF CLUB.
There is limited access to the Golf Club in accordance with Government and HSE recommendations but for members only. Pre-booking is mandatory. For any queries relating to bookings, contact reservations@ countylouthgolfclub.com The Clubhouse, Practice Facility, PRO Shop and Restaurant are open again but for members only. The Bar remains closed.
BUSINESSES REOPENING.
Triple House has reopened for business. The opening times are Thursdays to Saturdays at 6.30pm and Sundays at 5.30pm. Social distancing measures will be in place. Social distancing also applies in the World Gate Restaurant at An-Grianan with less booking times which are 6pm and 8pm. The Coffee Shop at Forge Field Farm also re-opened and again social distancing guidelines are in place. Regarding Public Houses, Flynn’s hope to reopen around July 20th. Glad to see the re-openings of The Village Laundrette, The Barber Shop and The Secret Hair Salon.
AN-GRIANAN.
All activities at An-Grianan remain suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Handcraft Week has been postponed until early September. Any events that can be rescheduled will be once the decision is made that it is safe to re-open.
BALSANTER.
Contact 086- 2747474 to report any suspicious activity.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
The contact number for St. Vincent de Paul is 1800 677777.
Laytown/ Bettystown CONTACT ME
Ring Iris on 0864033557 or email irismaryg@gmail.com with items of interest in the area.
SUMMER CAR FREE BEACHES
It was announced last Friday that our beaches will be car free for the summer. Following lengthy discussions, a unanimous agreement was reached to keep cars off the beaches, and introduce 12-15 spaces for the elderly and those with disabilities. People Power at its best.
NAN’S CAFÉ & BAKERY
The ever-popular café & bakery in Laytown is open again with all your favourite salads fresh and alternated daily, pre order the daily specials hot from the kitchen and they are also doing chicken fillet rolls and milkshakes! It might not be what we’re used to but we’ll get there. The staff look forward to seeing all their regulars back again and welcome visitors to the area. Support your local businesses.
MR. NOEL O’CONNOR
There was widespread shock and sadness last weekend when it was known that Noel O’Connor from Brookside Bettystown and formerly from Rosslare Co. Wexford, had died suddenly at his home. Noel was well known and respected locally and in the wider Drogheda area where he had served as a Garda Sergeant for many years.
Beloved husband of Patricia (Pat), and loving Dad of Lorcan, Roisin, Fergus, Cormac, Donal and Sean. He will be sadly missed by his wife and family, daughters-in-law Sarah, Aíne, Liviana, Clare and Mel, grandchildren Liadan, Ronan, Caelan, Alessio, Dominic, Ailbhe, Arianna, Walter, Ralph and Skye, his brothers Timmy and Norbert, sisters-in-law Patricia, Maura and Peggy, brother-in-law Jackie, relatives, former colleagues and many friends. Predeceased by his brother Paud and sister Maura. Respecting current national health guidelines and subject to restrictions of 50 people in the church, Noel’s funeral took place for family in the Sacred Heart Church Laytown on Monday (July 6th). Burial afterwards in Reilig Mhuire, Piltown. May Noel O’Connor rest in peace.
PUBLIC MASSES RESUME
Public Masses have resumed at the Sacred Heart Church. Numbers are restricted and 2m distancing is maintained, all the time.. A 2m distance will need to be maintained between parishioners both approaching the church and within the building. This may mean that it will take longer to enter and leave the church on weekends. Please be patient.