Kiltealy-Ball in dag gin
BLACKSTAIRS FARMING GROUP
The Blackstairs Farming group (BFG) and the Blackstairs Farming Futures (BFF) project have condemned the current spate of illegal and damaging fires that have taken place on the Blackstairs Mountains. ‘The illegal burning of commonages is unacceptable to 99.9% of the Blackstairs farmers’ said Martin Shannon, chair of BFG.
Three years ago over 300 of the Blackstairs farmers signed an agreement not to burn their commonages, The BFG project is organising training in controlled burning with Carlow and Wexford Fire Services and the Forestry Service of Department of Agriculture for farmers participating in the project. Controlled burning is permissible between September and February. The Blackstairs has over 17% of the protected and unique dry heath habitat in Ireland that is now being damaged by these fires.
The BFG farmers have already been active in trying to stop this illegal burning. The BFG farmers and the BFF project team have been working with the Fire Service and An Garda in creating awareness and encouraging vigilance.
There is a huge sense of frustration and disappointment among the Blackstairs farmers. The recent fires have caused significant damage to the habitat. It is also putting in danger the farmer entitlements from agri-environmental schemes and the payments they will receive from the BFF project. Those lighting the fires are showing little respect for their neighbours and the broader Blackstairs community and are putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
The Fire Service are part of the Government’s front line team in responding to Covid 19 crisis, and these fires are adding an unnecessary strain on their vital and already stretched services.
‘We need the farmers and broader Blackstairs community to remain on high alert and report any fires or suspicious activities on the mountain at this time of high risk’ said Thomas McCarthy. The BFG and BFF project pledge to continue working with the authorities and farmers to put an end to this activity.
CHURCH DONATIONS ONLINE
In recent weeks we have all being doing our best to stay at home as much as possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones. While staying safe remains our priority, many are mindful of the fact that income for our parish has all but dried up and have enquired how best to support their church in these uncertain times.
In response to this the diocese of Ferns has set up a new facility for parishioners who wish to pay their weekly envelopes for the upkeep of their parish online. If parishioners are in a financial position to do so and wish to pay their yellow envelope, a new ‘Donate’ button will be included on the diocesan website Fferns.ie from Sunday, April 26.
Please note that this donation is towards the upkeep of the parish and does not go to the priest. Click the ‘Donate’ button on ferns.ie and follow the instructions to make your donations to your local church.
The new online facility is completely optional. Parishioners a free to use the traditional physical envelope method if preferred. Again, parishioners are only expected to donate if they are in a financial position to do so. We all look forward to the time when we can pray together in our church as a community once again.
CHURCH WEBCAM
Please note, the webcam address for Ballindaggin has changed to churchmedia.ie. Select Churches and then St Colman’s Church, Ballindaggin from the drop down menu.
LATE CATHY ATKINSON
The death occurred on Friday, April 17, of Cathy Atkinson, Booladurragh, Ballindaggin in the wonderful and dedicated care of the staff at Knockeen Nursing Home, Barntown.
Deepest sympathy is extended to her sons Tom and Paddy and to her daughters Cathy and Deirdre and also to her sister Sr. Christina, John Of God Order. Sympathy also to her nine grandchildren Katie, Denis, John,
Niamh, Seán, Jack, Conor, Aidan and Kate, to her great granddaughter, Ellie, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and extended family and many friends.
Cathy was pre-deceased by her husband Denis by over sixteen years. She was formerly Cathy Keating, Coolree, Ballindaggin and was pre-deceased by her sisters Molly, Sr. Joachim, Betty and Sr. Jacinta and by her brothers Mike and Owen.
Cathy was a woman of deep faith and very popular and well known in the area and with her late husband Denis farmed extensively. She will be fondly remembered by many who had the pleasure of her company over the years but especially by her loving family.
Funeral service took place in Ballindaggin Church. A memorial Mass will be held for Cathy at a later date. May she rest in peace.
BEST WISHES
Best wishes to anyone who may be ill at this time and to the many front line workers who are looking after us all in these challenging times. Ye are all in our thoughts and prayers.