Tubbercurry
OWEN MCGUINNESS R.I.P.
The recent peaceful death occurred of Owen McGuinness, late of Lissaneagh, Lavagh. Aged 87, Owen was a native of Attymass, Co. Mayo, but moved to Co. Sligo in 1960 when he purchased a farm at Lavagh. On marrying local girl, Bridget Armstrong in 1961, they made their home at Lissaneagh, and reared their family.
Owen spent some time in England at the beginning of the ‘50’s but returned to Ireland to attend Agricultural College at Ballyhaise. There he learned many of the finer points of farming and soil composition, a knowledge and skill he put to good use over the following 40 years on the Land Reclamation Business of McGuinness Brothers Plant Hire which he set up with his brothers Michael and Edward in 1954. McGuinness Brothers Plant Hire could be seen anyplace in Counties Sligo and Mayo as well as further afield from the mid ‘50’s to the late ‘80’s, and they did land drainage, improvement and reclamation on hundred of farms and tens of thousands of acres over those decades.
This was an era when farming was being taken as a serious industry to contribute to the National Income and an era when Ireland joined the European Common Market.
Land production and improvement was encouraged with grants to farmers, and the McGuinness Brothers were to hand with diggers and equipment to help the farmers. Many small and wet fields benefitted from the works of Owen and Michael McGuinness.
Their brother Edward died in a traffic accident in 1961. Much of today’s field patterns and landscape in Co. Sligo and Mayo is as a result of the fine upgrading works done by Owen McGuinness.
Owen was an easy going, soft spoken man who had a surprisingly wide range of interests including, American History, Poetry, Politics, Gaelic Football and travel, and, time spent in conversation with him was always a pleasure.
If he earned money from a client he always tried to give business back to that client, be it through a referral or making a purchase. He was a kind, honest, decent and generous man with a great interest in people, their families and their welfare.
Owen’s remains reposed at the family home in Lissaneagh where a large circle of friends and acquaintances called to pay their respects. Burial took place in Court Abbey Cemetery after funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mullinabreena.
He is survived by his wife Bridgie, sons Eugene, Joseph and John, daughters Maura and Fiona, sisters Bridie and Mary, in laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. May he rest in peace.
COMHALTAS NEWS
The monthly Comhaltas session will take place in Nathy Brennan’s on Friday night, October 6. This will be a special celebratory night for all our musicians who participated and gained accolades at county, Provincial and all-Ireland Fleadheanna.
We are very proud of their achievements and the boundless enthusiasm they have for our traditional music. Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh siad. Junior session starts at 9 p.m. And senior session at 10 p.m. All musicians very welcome.
ADULT EDUCATION
Free Computer classes for beginners will be held every Tuesday evening at St Attracta’s for five weeks starting Tuesday, October 10, till November 14 from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Ring 071 9120814 or email mroddy@stattractas.ie for details.
SOUTH SLIGO AC
South Sligo athletic club junior training is back in action every Tuesday evening under the watchful eye of our trainer Dermot McDermott and our very own coaches.
Training takes place in St Attracta’s Hall for 6, seven, eightyear-olds 6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. And nine years plus 7.15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Senior training is also every Tuesday evening meeting at the FRC car park at 8.30 p.m. Club members also meet every Thursday evening and Saturday mornings for training sessions to cater for all abilities.
For any queries or for more information follow us on Facebook or check our website southsligoac.net.
A WORD OF THANKS
Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the North West coffee morning which was held in Killorans, Tubbercurry recently. There was a great response and your generosity is much appreciated.
FOYE GATHERING
A large number of the Foye family, originally from Connolly Park, Tubbercurry convened recently to celebrate the 80th birthday of Betty McAul (née Foye). The Foye family were a well known and respected family of Jack and Eliza Foye, who grew up in Tubbercurry during the 1930s and ‘40’s. Jack worked for many years in Mastersons Shop in Tubbercurry.
A large family of 13 children, many emigrated as was the norm in the 1940s and ‘50’s to England and elsewhere. Three generations, covering children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate Betty’s birthday, along with extended family and friends. Plans are already afoot to reconvene next year, possibly around Old Fair Day.
Betty, who spent 52 years in London, but now living locally, extends thanks to all who sent good wishes, and she is already looking forward to her 81st birthday.
ROCK GIG
Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA are thrilled to announce the confirmation of an event sure to have a huge appeal near and far.
‘TubbeRocks’, A major rock gig headlining the superb talents of Sligo musicians, Shane McGowan, Séamie O’Dowd, Ki- eran Quinn, Ken McDonald and Donal Cunnane will take place in St Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry on Friday, October 27, This brilliant band of legends are widely renowned and tickets are sure to be in great demand.
The support acts have been announced as Lana Moore, Daragh McDonagh, Colin Marren and Fergus McGowan. All proceeds go towards the Nace O’Dowd Park development fund. So save the date and be sure not to miss out. Late bar on the night.
Tickets, at €15, are now available from event organisers and from MIcky Macs Bar, Computer.
Bits, Homeland Achonry, O’Grady’s Coolaney and Anderson’s Bar Sligo. Booking early is advisable.
NORTH CONNAUGHT COLLEGE
Are you interested in a free course that will not affect your social welfare payments? There will be a one morning a week QQI Level four course in General learning starting soon in North Connaught College. It will suit you if you are thinking of returning to education but need something part time and introductory to start with. Phone 071 9185035 for details of this new Level four Course.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
A Christmas Market will be held in the CBD Sports Complex Charlestown on Sunday, November 26, from midday to 4 p.m. Anyone, who would like to book a table contact Caroline 086 1757719.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Classes have resumed in the Family Resource Centre, Tubbercurry, and continue every Monday night with Whistle and Flute for beginners at 6.15 p.m., and advanced whistle and flute at 7 p.m. Fiddle Classes at 7.45 p.m.
CARD GAME
Single hand, 25 card game every Sunday night in St Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry, starting at 8.30 a.m.
COLLOONEY BINGO
With a jackpot now of over €5,000.00, bingo continues every Thursday night in the Parish Hall, Collooney at 9 p.m. Come early to avoid disappointment.
WOMEN’S GROUP
Looking for some crafty time? Why not come and join the Tubbercurry Women’s Group. We meet every Wednesday from 5.30 p.m. till 8.30 p.m. at the community room at the Tubbercurry library. We’ll be delighted to see you.
GUIDED MEDIATION
Mediation classes continue every Tuesday night at 8.15 p.m. in Curry Community Centre. Please bring a mat and blanket. Fee of €8 per class is ‘pay-asyou-go’. We also run a Yogalates Class on a Thursday Evening at 7 p.m. in same Venue. For further enquiries contact Ros at 087 2617309.
CORRESPONDENT
Email Roger McCarrick – tubbercurrynotes@eircom.net.