Termonfeckin
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Any news or interesting items welcome in this column, births, birthdays, engagements, weddings, sports/social/special events etc. Please have all information to me by 10pm on Thursday evenings at nicholasduff66@gmail.com or contact 087-2486472.
CORONAVIRUS.
There is no let up on the need to maintain social distancing. Despite Phase 1 of the Road Map for recovery having begun, the number of new cases and deaths from COVID-19 continue to fluctuate daily in the country. The 2 metre social distancing rule remains and we must accept that. Concerns are still being expressed that younger people are not at all taking it seriously. Social distancing remains critical to any reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases. Please continue to stay safe. The good weather certainly brought people out over the bank holiday weekend. Unfortunately two major events usually associated with this time of the year were cancelled due to the current pandemic, namely the “East of Ireland Amateur Championships” at the Co. Louth Golf Club and “Vantastival”, the concert and campsite at Beaulieu House. Hopefully there will be a return to normality and these events will shine next year.
QUALITY WATER.
The Environmental Protection Agency has released the results of the 2019 Bathing Water Quality tests. The beach at Seapoint has been given an “Excellent Quality” rating and is among the 95% of beaches classed in this manner. The water was sampled as far back as last September and the 2020 samples are due to be taken soon. Hopefully this rating will be maintained. For this to happen, the EPA recommends that all rubbish is taken home, any pollution should be reported and dog owners must pick up after their pets. With the current glorious weather bringing many to the beach, the EPA is also asking that all COVID-19 regulations and public health advice be adhered to. Seapoint is described as follows on the EPA website. “The beach at Seapoint is large and open consisting of sand and shingle. The bathing water is located in an area backing onto sand dunes. The designated bathing area is approximately 1270m in length. The designated bathing area is divided by the mouth of the Termonfeckin River. There is a small rocky area and sand bars to the south of the bathing area”. We can be proud of our beach and please continue to treat it with respect. Further information is available on the EPA website and at beaches.ie When swimming, please respect the strength of the sea and stay safe.
WEEKLY CHURCH CEREMONIES.
Masses continue to be broadcast live via the internet from the Church of the Immaculate Conception on www.termonfechinparish. for the St. Colmcille’s Pastoral area. Sunday Mass is at 11am. Weekday Mass is at 9.30am: Monday to Friday. On each Monday evening, the Eucharistic Holy Hour from 7pm to 8pm continues via the webcam. If availing of these ceremonies from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, when logging in, please note the letter h instead of the letter k. All Weddings and Baptisms remain suspended until further notice.
In the case of emergency, Baptisms may be celebrated, please contact Fr. Paul Byrne P.P. Social distancing markers have been introduced in both Parish Churches and signage in preparation for an eventual return to normal Church attendance.
PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS.
Thanks to all who have continued to send in their parish envelopes and all who have contributed online to the Parish account during this period of lock down when public Masses are suspended and the Parish is without an income from weekly Mass collections. If you would like to continue to contribute to the parish during this time, it maybe more convenient for you to do so on line or by direct debit. The Parish account details are as follows, Termonfechin Parish No.3 A/C IBAN : IE97 BOFI 9033 2284 1594 48. Please remember to put your name in the Reference /Details box. If you have any questions or require any help with this, please call Ann in the Parish office. With the impact of COVID-19 on parish life, the Archdiocese of Armagh has provided on the diocesan website, an online facility to assist parishioners who may wish to support their parish in their Parish Sunday Envelope/Offertory Collection
and Priest’s Dues/Collection. To access this facility and for further details please visit www. armagharchdiocese.org and locate the “Donate to our Parishes” button. Parish Envelopes can also be dropped into the letter box at the Parochial House.
CREDIT UNION.
Termonfeckin Credit Union is open for business. We are here to help during these unprecedented times. Our 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.ie Did you know that we also offer a loan calculator online? Why not go online to try it out? www.termonfeckincu.ie
ST. FECHIN’S LOTTO.
No jackpot winner last week. The numbers drawn were 8, 16, 19 and 21. The winner of €100 was Mona Branigan. Winners of €20 were Ruth Savage, Alan and Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Ann Irwin, David Beirth and Pamela Campbell. The jackpot this week is €1,500.
Many thanks for your continued support. Particularly thanks as always to Madden’s Centra for their very valued sponsorship of our lotto which is essential to the running of our club. 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 at Pairc Naomh Feichin remains closed. The gates may be closed but thanks to a small number of volunteers Páirc Naomh Feichín is looking great, ready and waiting for our return. #staysafe #greenandwhite #upthefechins #club is community Lou th GA A Meanwhile St. Fechins Healthy Club committee are inviting the community to “Join Together While Staying Apart” .Why not join the Irish Life Mylife GAA Healthy Clubs steps challenge for the month of June. (Starts June 3rd and ends on June 30th) Walkers must be aged 18 years or older. To join, download the Mylife app from App store or Google Play store. To join the challenge- 1. tap on the social tab on the mylife app, 2. Select challenges (pending), 3. Select challenge for Leinster, 4. Tap on join and select St. Fechins. We are looking forward to stepping out together. #staysafe #stayhealthy #keepmoving Louth GAALouth Ladies Gaa.
TERMONFECKIN CELTIC.
All activities remain suspended.
SEAPOINT PITCH & PUTT.
The course is open for members only until further notice. Pitch and Putt Ireland has published protocols for a safe return to the sport and the aim is to ensure it is played in a safe environment during this pandemic. It is important that all Clubs take on board all aspects of these protocols.
Please keep an eye on www. seapointpitchandputt.com and on our Facebook page for all the latest news. Thank you to everyone and stay safe.
TERMONFECKIN TENNIS CLUB.
The courts are now open every day from 10am to 9pm. There are “on the hour” starting times on both courts.
The committee is satisfied that social distancing can be maintained on both courts as players arrive and leave. The first week back was described as “great” with players very compliant with Club protocols and it is important to continue to follow these to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These protocols can be found on the Club website and facebook page. Under Tennis Ireland guidelines, the clubhouse remains closed and a committee member will open the gates each day. Players are also asked to take any rubbish away as there is no waste collection at the courts. If you would like to play, please check court availability and contact 086-3431437to book a court. This is important in the event of contact tracing. Coaching lessons are also available on a one to one basis with family members or with coach Margaret Drew. The health and well-being of our members and their families is our highest priority Stay safe, take care, get booking and playing tennis.
SEAPOINT GOLF CLUB.
A warm welcome back to all members. Safety is our priority, please ensure you are following all the protocols on and off the course #playsafestaysafe The Tee Sheet is open for play from June 1st to June 7th. Online/APP bookings only.
CO. LOUTH GOLF CLUB.
Strict protocols are in place to ensure members safety. There is limited access to the Golf Club in accordance with Government restrictions and HSE recommendations. An Online Golf Tee Time Booking System is in operation. With any queries relating to bookings, contact reservations@ countylouthgolfclub.com
The Clubhouse, Bar and Restaurant remain closed. Co. Louth Golf Club has teamed up with 5 other Golf Clubs to raise funds for a number of Irish Charities whose fund raising has been curtailed due to Covid 19. They are “Feed the Heros”, “Alone”, “Pieta House” and “Peter Mc Verry Trust”. Known as the “Ultimate Golfers Passport”, members are invited to take part.
TERMONFECKIN MACRA.
All Macra related activities nationwide remain suspended for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19. If you are interested in learning more about Termonfeckin Macra simply like and contact the Macra Tearmann Feichin facebook page or contact Aoife on 087 6262197.
SET DANCING.
Set Dancing in Sandpit Hall on Thursday nights remains postponed for the foreseeable future.
BALSANTER.
Contact 086- 2747474 to report any suspicious activity. Anyone in need of assistance with shopping, prescription collection etc during the current crisis, please contact the Louth Community Response Helpline on 1800 805817.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
The contact number for St. Vincent de Paul is 1800 677777. The St. Colmcille Conference of St. Vincent de Paul operates in this area. All matters are dealt with in the strictest confidence.