Clonegal/ Kildavin

SPINE-CHILLING EVENT

Huge crowds gathered to enjoy a spine-chilling tour at Huntington Castle, Clonegal. Men and women discovered the dark side of the castle as they listen to spooky tales from their tour guide (Harry Durdin Robertson). Men and women could be heard screaming from the castle courtyard, down by the river and even as far as Clonegal NS, which made those waiting for the next tour even more nervous.

After the tour, shaken by their experience, having caught their breath, it was said to be ‘the best haunted castle they have been at, it will be very hard to beat that next year’. Owner Alexander would like to thank all those who came far and near and promises that next will be even better.

HALLOWEEN PARTY THANKS

Clonegal Tidy Village committee would like to thank those who supported this year’s Halloween Fancy Dress in Dunne’s Lounge, Clonegal on Sunday, October 30. There was super turnout and the effort and imagination put into the costumes was fantastic. There were prizes for the best recycled costumes and this year it was hard to pick a winner. Entertainment on the night was by ‘Trademark’. Thank you to Urban Barbers, SuperValu, The Wishing Well, Dunne’s Shop, Johnny Dunne’s Pub, Plunkett’s General Store, Sinéad Redmond, Nicola Gray, Jonathan Dunne and Micky Dunne for sponsoring prizes on the night.

PENNY BANK

There’s only three weeks left to the hand out of the weekly Penny Bank Savings. All books will be collected by committee members on Friday, November 25; you may wish to save on that night as usual. All cheques will be handed out the following week, Friday, December 2, in Dunne’s Bar at 7 p.m.

VETERAN PLAYERS

Clonegal/Kildavin Veteran Players In collaboration with the Ben Mulhall Memorial Park and Kildavin-Clonegal GAA Club will host ceremonies of remembrance for those commemorated on the Memory Walls at the Ben Mulhall Memorial Park on Sunday, November 13, and the Spellman Park Kildavin on Sunday, November 20. Anyone wishing to have a loved one added to the wall please contact 087 8330018 or 087 9110555 or any member of the committee.

HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

It’s that time of year again when we are all asked to think especially of children in poorer countries and to bring them some happiness at Christmas. We can do this by filling a shoebox with small items that will bring a smile to little faces when they open the shoebox. Last year, a total of 118 shoeboxes were donated. These shoeboxes brought them hope, love, excitement and happiness.

You can fill it with any of the following: Small items of clothing: hats, scarves, gloves, underwear etc. Items for school: copies, pens, colouring pencils, markers etc. Hygiene items: Toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, facecloth etc. Treats: toy, game, doll, sweets etc. Please do not include: food, chocolate, liquids, medicines, scary/war related items, sharp items, books with words or large clothing items.

It is relatively cheap to fill a shoebox and hopefully many of the senior pupils – and possibly even the juniors – will use their own pocket money to bring happiness to another child at Christmas. Boxes need to be returned on or before Thursday, November 10, as they will be collected by pupils from FCJ Secondary school. Please enclose €4 with each box.

USED CLOTHES COLLECTION

If you are tidying out presses and making more space, please consider donating your unwanted items to Clonegal NS ‘Used Clothes Collection’. The collection will take place on Monday, November 14.

They will collect men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, belts, handbags, household textiles i.e. curtains, towels, laptops – not damaged (no cracked casings or screens) and are complete with power leads, and mobile phones that are under four years old and not damaged. Please note that they will not collect duvets, pillows, dirty/ wet clothing, mats, carpets or books.

All items need to be in tied plastic bags and in the school before 9.30 a.m. on November 14. Any funds raised will go towards the purchase of a storage shed at the school. Please tell your family and friends and encourage them to support the collection.

COUNCILLOR CLINIC

Senator Jennifer Murnane O’Connor will hold a clinic in Dunne’s pub, Clonegal, on Friday, November 11, at 6.30 p.m.

SONG AND STORY

The house of song and Story takes place every third Monday of the month in St Brigid’s hall, Clonegal at 8 p.m. The next session will be held on Monday, November 21. All are most welcome.

CHILDCARE VACANCY

Carlow Early Years Training Scheme CLG is recruiting a Childcare Assistant in Kildavin Childcare. Quality work experience and training will be provided. 19.5 hours of work – CE rates. To be eligible the applicant needs to be in receipt of social welfare payment and be over 21 years of age. Please contact Eileen at 087 1952980 or 059 9134996.

TIDY VILLAGE MEETING

Clonegal Tidy Village Association will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, November 16, at 8 p.m. in St Brigid’s hall, Clonegal.

GAA LOTTO

There was no winner of the jackpot of €4,000. Numbers drawn were 07, 10, 15, and 22. Winners that matched three numbers were: Mgt Roache, Monaughrim, Sinéad Gray and Michael Balfe, Eddie Byrne, Courtown and Murphy’s Craan, receiving €40 each. Seller’s prize goes to Thomas Redmond, receiving €50. Next draw will take place in Osborne’s Lounge, Clonegal, on Sunday, November 13, at 10.30 p.m., tickets €2 each. New jackpot amount €4,200.