I am not very fond of this time of the year, the news is as scarce has hens teeth, and this very wet weather is quite depressing; however we will just have get over it and get on with it.

Cashel Pastoral Committee:
In this day and age of uncertainty of the potential danger of not having a priest in the future to serve our communities my congratulations to the six members of the Cashel Community, on becoming ministers of the Eucharist, it’s a great step to protect the church and our religion and to serve the community the best way we can, being a Minister of the Eucharist at least will now be able to hold a prayer service and receive Communion, which we in Roundstone do each Wednesday. As Ann mentioned some weeks ago we took a Sunday service with Father McCarthy to show the community what we can do in the eyes of the church, in time we will be able to do so much more with every thing that is sacred. As you now Father McCarthy will retire in early July next year, Roundstone will be the lucky one to have a priest to replace him for the parish, but lets be aware Father Breen will retire one day, and there are serious doubts that there will be another priest to replace him, what I am getting at, is that the parish is a big one for one man, so I feel the more ministers, readers etc that come on board the work will be invaluable and we must not be afraid to be part of it, as someone said to me when approached to be a minister and serve at the Alter “ I am not holy enough” correct me if I am wrong, but if one believes in our religion and respects the catholic Church, and our fellow Christians and is prepared to help out that’s holiness in it self, I suppose “ love thy neighbour as thy self. Golly I must stop pontificating, nearly as bad as banging on about the mink, but the church and its future is important to think about.

FAS;
Well done to the FAS lads here in Roundstone some wonderful work is on going down at the National School, the widening of the road and a foot path with some very nice lighting already erected, and work will be starting to create a car park behind the school, the only thing that is out of place right beside the street light is a telegraph pole placed in the middle of the art work pavement, oh well beggars can’t be choosers, the whole area is a vast improvement, and we have to be grateful for the funding and the work that the lads are carrying out to ensure the safety of the school kids, plus the fact a few more brownie points will be gained for next years tidy towns, talking about the Tidy Towns, Mehall Mc Donagh, the principal National School Teacher, has been teaching the school children about litter and recycling etc, as we are the only school without a green flag, this is one of their on going projects for next year, if this comes about it would be a great feather in their cap and good for Roundstone, so good luck to all the kids, at the same time with all Mehall’s teaching, I was walking around the village, yesterday and spotted, young Allan and Cian Conneelly, young Michael MacDonagh and following in the rear young Dillon King, with their pincers picking up rubbish around the village, this has to be applauded,

“Praise youth and youth will prosper” also say a lot about the teachers and of course the parents. Well done lads

Condolences:
Our heart felt condolences to Jimmy & Pamela Smyth, who have always supported Ann and myself as patrons of the Arts week, Jimmy and Pamela by the way have a house on Innishnee, so we say to you both and of course your immediate kin on the loss of your baby grandson who passed away a few days ago.

To Conor and Helen Hanrihan on the death of Conors mother, Maureen who passed away last week. Maureen, was known during her visits to Roundstone when Conor was our local doctor. Our deepest sympathies go to all the immediate family as well.

Also our sympathies to Chris and James on the loss of Chris’s brother in Law who died this week end in Kerry.

May they all rest in Peace

Telephone Number 095 35834:
I would just like to put this little notice out, people are getting a little worried that they can not reach me on my land line, the reason for this is that I no longer have a land line any more for the time being, but still have my Mobile number 086 8215153, and of course the same email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , so don’t loose touch with me.

To end off on a really good note, that is just to congratulate, Marie & Anna O’Donnell, daughters to Martin & Ellen O’Donnell, my neighbours!! daughter Marie who has been working for KPMG an Accountants firm in Dublin, and other daughter Anna, who has been for some time with Price, Waterhouse Cooper in Galway, they both have passed their final exams, and have now become qualified Charted Accounts, there you are Roundstone sure can produce some highly qualified people for the business world, mind you I am sure its been a hard slog to get where they wanted, but they did and therefore we all wish them well for the future. Well done girls, also well wishes from two very proud parents.

Ferron’s Shop:
Last Sunday night Michael Reynolds hosted his annual Wine testing party in his top shop as usual it was a great success with quiet a few turning out to Sample the lovely wines he had on offer in Ferron’s shop. This is a lead up to the Christmas season which is just around the corner. I am sure Michael would like to thank Siobhan Vaughan for her lovely crab sandwiches and Mary Mc Donagh, Shamrock Bar for her cocktail sausages. Well done the Reynolds family Michael, Carol, and Sam.

Seanos Dancing:
Seanos dancing with Gearoid Devanney is on going in the Roundstone Community hall with a nice turn out, but there are a few more places available if anyone would like to join and from what I hear from those attending he is taking it very easy at the beginning to give all the newcomers a chance. So if it is something you always wanted to do now is the time Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 9.30

The late Martin Folan:
Last Sunday a session in memory of Martin Folan, Carna, of traditional accordion player’s took place in the Hotel in Carna. Martin who died a few years back was a very fine accordion player and spent many memorable nights at the Roundstone Irish nights with Marcus Hernon and friends. It is nice that he is still being remembered by his musical neighbouring friends.

Deaths:
The people of Roundstone wishes to extend their sympathies to Bridie Bolger and her family on the sudden death of Bobby. Bobby who was so well known particularly in the equestrian circle died suddenly last Monday evening

Forum:
Towards the end of this month Forum are hosting a lunch for the males of this area who are over 55. It will be held in Eldon’s Hotel. To be part of that group all you have to do is contact Richard, or Forum direct and arrangements will be made for you to be at the dinner and also to be picked up if you would like to have a drink with your meal (That should take care of the drink driving Issue) Do go along and enjoy the day you men.