Termonfeckin
NEWS
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 rejection of the NPHET recommendation to implement Level 5 of the Living With COVID-19 Plan is a political hot potato but nevertheless it cannot be far away given the massive increase in the number of cases on a daily basis. Level 3 of the Plan where we currently find ourselves has brought further challenges for us all. Words like “exponential growth”, “rapidly deteriorating situation” are in a nutshell “terrifying”.
According to the Taoiseach, “if we act now, we can stop the need for Level 4 or Level 5”. The thought of over 1,000 cases per day being reported in the next few weeks is something that cannot be comprehended. There are those who are listening but also those who are not which has placed us in the current very precarious situation. Social distancing, using face masks and washing our hands are absolutely critical to beating this virus. Please heed all advice and recommendations. Stay safe.
CHURCH CEREMONIES
Following the move to Level 3 of the Living With COVID-19 Plan, all Church services are back on line on the St. Colmcille Pastoral Area Oratory. Sunday Mass will be broadcast at 11.30am and weekday Masses (Monday to Friday) are at 9.30am. Eucharistic Adoration on Monday evenings from 7-8pm is also on line and on Fridays from 11am to 6pm. To access Masses and other services, check out the termonfechinparish.ie website and click on oratory. If you experience problems, you can also access https:www. churchmedia.tv/camera/oratoryThe Rosary will take place as normal Thursday evenings at the Grottos in the Parish but in compliance with Government recommendations regarding outdoor gatherings which are limited to an attendance of 15. Weddings are permitted a maximum of 25 guests while Funerals are allowed a maximum of 25 mourners. Please check the Parish Bulletin or facebook page for weekly Mass schedules or details of Anniversary Masses. . Baptisms take place in line with Government restrictions. To book baptisms, please call the Parish Office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9am to 1pm.
CONFIRMATION
The move to Level 3 has prompted the postponement of Confirmation. It is now hoped that the original dates in November will stand.
OCTOBER ROSARY
The Rosary is being prayed at the various Grottos in the Parish during October. This Thursday October 15th, the Rosary will
be prayed at the Grotto in the grounds of Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Sandpit at 7.30pm.
OUTDOOR GATHERINGS
The limit of 15 people outdoors has affected local restaurants not to mention a cessation of dining indoors. Triple House has closed for the 3 week period but is offering a Takeaway service. Operating from Thursday to Sunday, orders can be placed before 1pm for collection on the same day and then be collected from 5pm7pm. The World Gate Restaurant at the entrance to An-Grianan is also on a full takeaway service. Operating from Wednesday to Sunday, evening meals can be ordered from 8am to 2pm, collect Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 5.30pm and Sunday to 12.45pm. Lunches can be ordered from 5.30pm to 10pm and be collected the next day from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Likewise the Coffee Shop at Forge Field Farm Shop is also offering a daily take away service only. Other businesses still operating include The Secret Hair Salon, The Village Salon and Feckin Barber and the Village Launderette.Please respect these local businesses as they
deal with the latest Government and NPHET recommendations.
BLAS NA HEIREANN AWARD
Congratulations to Drummond House Garlic on receiving another Award. This time it was a 2020 Blas na hEireann Award for Black Elephant Garlic, the first time for such a product to be entered in this competition which sets out to recognise excellent Irish produced Quality Food. Drummond House Garlic was entered in the “Chef’s Larder Category” and won the “Chef’s Choice Award”.
ST. FECHIN’S GAA
Alas, a 3rd County Senior Hurling title eluded St. Fechin’s as the victory went to Knockbridge on a scoreline of 3-16 to 2-14. Tough luck lads but a great game nevertheless. There was also disappointment in the opening game of the Division 1 League campaign against St. Mary’s with the Ardee men winning 2-13 to 1-09. The U14 Girls were also beaten 5-08 to 5-03 by Kilkerley Emmets in the Division C Cup Final. The GAA has suspended all Club fixtures until further notice following recently problematic post match scenes. Training can continue in pods of up to 15. The
Dressing and Meeting rooms remain closed for the foreseeable future. The Astro Pitches are available to hire, contact Mary at 086-0802367. Social distancing must be adhered to when using the Walkway. The new Community Centre was also in use however activities inside have been postponed following the move to Level 3.
ST. FECHIN’S LOTTO
No jackpot winner last week. The numbers drawn were 2, 8, 16 and 17. The winner of €100 was Peter Mc Manus. Winners of €20 were Ciaran Grennan, Betty Levins, Colin Griffin, David Beirth and Aidan Mc Cabe. The jackpot this week is €3,400. 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.
DRIVE IN BINGO
The first St. Fechin’s Drive in Bingo was a huge success. Despite the wet conditions, Bingo enthusiasts turned out in large numbers to play. The jackpot was won by Breda Coyle. Thanks also to Wogan Build Centre who sponsored the jackpot. Drive in Bingo will continue to be run on Sundays at 3pm at Pairc Naomh Feichin but under strict guidelines. The Jackpot is €1,000. Gates open at 2pm. All support welcome.
REMOTE WORKING
St. Fechin’s GFC is working towards kitting out a room as Office Space in the new Community Centre to facilitate Remote Working. The current COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in people being unable to commute to work or having to work from home. The work would be able to accommodate up to 6 people thereby allowing for social distancing. The Community Centre has the latest e fibre high speed broadband and Kitchen facilities are also available. Should anyone wish to avail of this Office Space, contact 086-8386363 for further details.
COMMUNITY GROUP
Are you interested in getting involved in a new Community Group in Termonfeckin. Hopefully the new group will draw a cross skill set from the different groups operating within the village. If you are interested, please contact Cllr. Michelle Hall and a public meeting can be organised. Cllr. Hall can be contacted at 0861437079 or at Michelle.hall@ louthcoco.ie
TERMONFECKIN MACRA
New members welcome as always. If you are interested in learning more about Termonfeckin Macra, simply like and contact the Macra Tearmann Feichin facebook page or contact Eamonn on 086-2014735.
CREDIT UNION
Termonfeckin 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.
AN-GRIANAN
An-Grianan will remain closed until restrictions have eased and numbers of positive Covid cases decrease. Please look after yourselves, stay safe and follow HSE advice.
TERMONFECKIN CELTIC
Prior to the move to Level 3 of the Living With COVID-19 Plan, there was plenty of activity in Termonfeckin Celtic FC. In the Drogheda School Children’s League, the U9s, U11s, U12s and U13s were in action. The U16s were busy with the Dundalk School Boys League while the U12s, U13s and U14s all contested matches in the North East Counties League. The Club is always on the lookout for new players to join the squad. The new Astro Pitch is getting used and is also available to hire. Enquiries to Termonfeckinfc@gmail.com The FAI has suspended all adult and amateur and underage football matches nationwide. Training can continue under non contact conditions and under Government and FAI guidelines.
SEAPOINT PITCH & PUTT
Following the latest Guidelines from Government, no players from outside Louth are allowed to play in Louth competitions and no players from Louth are allowed to play in Clubs outside the County. The previous weekend saw the start of the Turkey competition with an 18 Nett competition. The Senior result was not declared. Inter-1st: Andrew Lawler 44, 2nd: Ray McEvoy 45 (ob9 22). Junior-1st: John Kelleher 40 (ob9 17½), 2nd: Tom Carolan 40. Ladies-1st: Barbara Murphy 39, 2nd: Christine Carroll 46 (ob9 22½). Last weekend was Week 2 of the Turkeys and was an 18 Gross (18 Nett Seniors). The presentations of the winners of the Captain’s prize took place last weekend as did the Captain’s Pitch In. Unfortunately due to bad weather the semi finals and finals of the club singles matchplays due to take place the previous weekend also took place last weekend. The draw for the Club Doubles matchplay was made and is on the wall in Seapoint as well as on the website and Facebook. Please get your matches played as soon as possible. Please check www.seapointpitchandputt.com for all the latest Seapoint News.
TERMONFECKIN TENNIS CLUB
The move to Level 3 of the Living With Covid-19 Plan has created some implications for the Club. Coaching can continue but competitive activities are postponed. Casual play, both Singles and Doubles is allowed but players are asked not to travel outside the County to play. The current restrictions can be viewed at the followingTennis Ireland link http:// www.tennisireland.ie/wp-content/ pdf Members please stay safe and take care.eplayon the notice board as some entks, including our Club Ma
SEAPOINT GOLF LINKS
Bookings are only online at seapointgolflinks.com Open Singles continue to take place every Tuesday. The recent Scratch Cup competition proved very successful. Please observe the strict Covid-19 protocols in place. Members are advised not to play outside the County for the next few weeks.
CO. LOUTH GOLF CLUB
No competitions will be held over the next 3 weeks. The course is limited to members only and only guests from Co. Louth can play. The Restaurant is moved to the Foyer outside to comply with the 15 people outdoor limit and is also operating a takeaway service.
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.
Tullyallen CONTACT ME
If you would like to see your news in this part of the newspaper, a celebration, weddings, anniversary, family party, births or anything that might be of interest to the local community, please have no hesitation in contacting. Give me a ring at 087 6366605 or pop me an email at hilary.a.kelly@ But one thing to remember is that the deadline to get your items to me is Friday Lunchtime as the paper will now be in the shelves from Tuesday mornings.
CHRISTMAS CLUB
This year more than ever, we need to keep our business local for safety and economic reasons but also because our pharmacy has a great selection of Christmas gifts. So when you are planning your shopping, why not consider joining the Pharmacy Christmas Club. Club Members will be offered private shopping times to browse the gifts in a stress free comfort zone. Club Members will receive exclusive text messages and in store promotions, luxurious gift wrapping and free entry into a raffle for a hamper. Why contact the Pharmacy in Tullyallen or Slane for further details on how to join up. Telephone 041 9837760 (Tullyallen) or 041 9884925 (Slane).
PARISH NEWS
In line with government announcement the public celebration of Mass has been suspended. Mass will continue to be streamed through our Facebook Page. Tuesday 9am, Wednesday 7.30pm, Thursday 9.00am, Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 11am. These Masses can be watched live or should you wish you may watch at a time that suits you by clicking on the link at any time on Facebook Page.
The Church will remain open for solitary prayer from 10am– 4pm each day.
Link onto our Parish Facebook page Mellifont Parish- Tullyallen for Parish updates and daily Masses. If you are on our Facebook page like us, invite and share this information with others too. Spread the word that our Parish Facebook is active.
These are challenging times: each of us is struggling with our own individual circumstances: frontline work; reduced income; unemployment; anxiety; isolation; lack of routine; domestic tensions, and many other issues. Some parishioners are trying to facilitate other avenues of income for upkeep of the Parish; as we have no envelope income since Mass is being celebrated without a congregation. Parishioners, who wish to and are able to, might use one of the following: Standing order forms are available either in the porch of the church or we can post one to you if you message our Facebook page Mellifont Parish-Tullyallen.
The Parish have linked up with idonate to facilitate on-line donations. By clicking the link on our Facebook Page you will be brought to the Parish of Mellifont page where you will be given the opportunity to make a one-off OR regular donation to the Parish. The link is: https://www.idonate. ie/mellifontparish–Cheques can be made out to Mellifont Parish.
Uou may wish to store them until the return of public Masses.
Your support is gratefully appreciated these days.
LOTTO RESULTS
Results for the Glen Emmets Lotto sponsored by The Morning Star are as follows: The draw was held Tuesday, 6th October in the Morning Star and the Grand Prize Draw was for €4,500 and there was no winner. The numbers drawn were 13, 24, 28 & 31. The Lucky dip winner was Breda Hand who will receive a ‘Wee County’ Double House Draw ticket worth €100. Next week’s draw is for €4,600. You can see this online on the Glen Emmets Facebook page and tickets are on sale in Centra Tullyallen or online at https://www.locallotto.ie/ play_newa.asp?ll_id=1329#Anchor. If you would like your envelope collected, contact any member of the Emmets and they can organize to collect your envelope or call into the Hut that has now made its return to the Centra Shop on Saturdays so it is now even easier to get your numbers in.
DRIVE IN BINGO TAKE A BREAK
Following on from last week when the Government announced that we are moving to Level 3 restrictions, the executive committee of the Glen Emmets decided to make the difficult decision to cancel the Drive in Bingo in the interests of Public safety. The safety of the participants, stewards, their families and the community is paramount. The Glen Emmets were delighted to be able to provide a social outlet to so many who had none since March, and they loved every minute of it. But rest assured they will be back.
The committee will keep you all posted on details. They wish to say a big Thank You for all the phenomenal support they received over the past eight weeks when they gave away a whopping €32,000 in prize money and donated €3,215 to Tullyallen and local Community projects! The organizers are directing the profit money to a super project which will be revealed soon. Well done to all involved.
MEN’S SHED
The Men’s Shed opens on Tuesday and Friday mornings, 10am till 1pm. They are also there on a Wednesday evening 7pm till 10pm. Everyone must wear a mask or visor in line with Covid 19 Guidelines. All men from the parish and surrounding area are welcome to come along and join in.
They are organizing a raffle to help get funds to get a workshop. Tickets are on sale for €10 and enter you in a draw to win a 8 x 6ft Garden Shed, kindly donated by Watters Garden Sheds. Second prize is a Wishing well wheelbarrow planter made by the men’s shed members. The draw will be held Friday, 30th October and tickets can be purchased from Watters Bros, Drumcashel, Stabanon, Lambe Butcher’s Tullyallen or any member of the Tullyallen Men’s Shed or outside Centra in the village on Saturday mornings from 10am for the next few Saturdays.
GRAFT BISTRO KEEP GOING
Our new local Graft Bisto have not taken the Level 3 restrictions lying down and have decided that within current guidelines that they will open up the new Boxed Burger and Butty Shack at Graft Bistro in the covered area at the front of their premises. They opened 12 noon to 6 last weekend and have published their tasty menu on their facebook page. Why not log in and see their menu or better still pop along and sample their tasty menu. It looks delicious and by all accounts tastes delicious too. Contact them on 083 023 9358.
TAYTO IS GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Tayto Snacks, Ireland’s leading snacks manufacturer, is proud to announce that it has officially been certified as a Great Place to Work. To achieve the certification, the company, which is based in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, engaged in a process that examined employee feedback, and the workplace culture at Tayto Snacks.
The company was singled out by the Great Place to Work Institute as having a particularly employee-focused philosophy. According to Cathal Divilly, CEO, Great Place to Work Institute Ireland, “We were very impressed with how Tayto Snacks methodically set out an action plan covering each of its departments, actively listened to colleagues about what was and wasn’t working, and was quick to adapt and change to reflect that dialogue. It’s great to see such a strong brand like Tayto Snacks, with such a strong Irish legacy, receiving recognition as a great place to work. Given their commitment to their people, the high trust levels within the organisation, and the focus on continuous improvement we are delighted to certify Tayto snacks as a Great Place to Work”.
A specific highlight was the development of a bespoke colleague recognition programme – Tag’ed. The Tayto Snacks Tag’ed programme gives recognition for living the company values to colleagues, by colleagues and received specific recommendation as one of the many factors that contributes to enhancing the workplace culture at Tayto Snacks.
“We are delighted to have officially been recognised as a Great Place to Work’ said Annamarie O’Connor, People & Culture Director at Tayto Snacks. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the feedback and engagement from our colleagues. It is through this dialogue that we knew where to focus our attention which helped us put initiatives in place that would make a real difference. As a result, we set ourselves the challenge of doing the basics really well, such as communication, recognition, development and support. This proved invaluable to us, particularly throughout the current pandemic and the challenges that it brought. I am extremely proud to work with such a great team of people who are not only dedicated and hard-working, but who are also committed to making Tayto Snacks an even better place to work.”
MASS ONLINE AGAIN
All Masses now online via our webcam: To tune into Mass, go to either, currahaparish.ie or ardcath-clonalvyparish.ie and click on the YouTube link. Monday 7.30pm. Tuesday 9.30am. Thursday 9.30a.m. Friday 9.30am.
Sunday Mass 11.30am. All Mass Intentions Booked will be offered online.
All welcome to join us online.
Please let family and neighbours know.
If any elderly or vulnerable in our parishes require help over the coming weeks please don’t hesitate to contact the parish 018350136 and assistance will be organised. If you know of fellow parishioners, neighbours living alone please check on them preferably by phone. All Mass Intentions
ARDCATH WINDFALL
Ardcath Windfall: Draw 1. Windfall not won. Numbers drawn were 19- 23- 33. Names drawn were Brendan Shalvey and Libero and Maria. Draw 2. Windfall not won. Numbers drawn were 16- 24-26. Names drawn were Gerard McGuinness and Sean Carty (Navan). Next week’s Jackpot will be €3,000.00
DULEEK LIBRARY
Under Level 3 libraries are not accessible to the public for browsing. You can contact Duleek on 0419880709 to request items or you can request items online. You can pick them up during normal opening hours.
SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
COVID-19 Support Line for Older People ALONE manage a national support line and additional
supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am– 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
The annual Blessing of Graves video is now available on YouTube where Fr. Brendan Ferris blessed all the graves and said prayers.