The annual general meeting (AGM) of the Donadea Development
group took place on 6th of September 1999
Pat McLoughlin was elected chairman; Jane Carlyle was elected secretary; Siobhan
Harrington was elected treasurer and Dolores Kennedy was elected p.r.o.
The working groups, namely friends of Donadea Forest, the water scheme, Mona newsletter
and community alert are all continuing and are making good progress in their projects.
The Community Alert is extending to include the area from Mount Armstrong to Blackwater
bridge.
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday 5th of October 1999 at Connollys Pub, Ballagh at 8.30 p.m. please
support
All welcome
FRIENDS
OF THE FOREST, DONADEA GROUP.
Work is almost concluded on the Nature Trail and on the long distance walking route,
now named the Alymer walk. Local contractor Paul Grogan is to be commended on a job well
done.
Work is about to commence on the fully accessible route and lastly the new internal
signage and information/interpretation panels will be erected.
Literature on the nature trail and park with information input from Mr. Dick Warner, Ms
Anne Behan and ourselves will be available in the future.
The feasibility study on the walled gardens is under way and the report with
recommendations is expected by the end of October.
In Donadea woods, in the eerie light of dawn, a shadowy Indian-like figure is often
spotted prowling around the tracks on the hunt for litter. He is never disappointed; his
sacks are always full. We have it on good authority that he is harmless, but could be
aroused to rage if approached without warning or, God forbid, if one was spotted dumping
or littering in his woods. Perhaps you would consider joining his tribe; there is plenty
of rubbish for all and we believe he is having a "picking litter party" in
Donadea Wood on Saturday 13th November 1999. By the way he is known as Running
Bear. "The cowboys"
DONADEA AREA ART EXHIBITION
Attention all artists in the broader
Donadea area. The second Annual Art Exhibition of Tir na Mona, Friends of the Forest and
the Donadea Development Group will be held at Connolly's, Ballagh House on Thursday 28th
of October 1999 at 8pm
All artists interested in exhibiting any medium please contact
045-869138 or 045-870210
Before 8pm Tuesday 26th of October 1999
Paintings, sculptures, bog oak, wood turning, stain glass, leaded glass, pottery etc.
all welcome.
There will be a small commission charge on each sale. A raffle will be held on the
night.
So artists get working!!
CAPPAGH G.F.C
Main Sponsor:
Joe Mallon Motors, Naas
Activity on the playing field has ceased for the year with the exception
of the under age teams taking part in the North Kildare league and Bord Na mBun Scoil
competitions. We would like parents to become more involved with the under age teams both
in their training and whenever possible in supporting them at games. We wish to express
our thanks Connollys of Ballagh, Paul Towell, Cappagh, and Paddy and Martin Byrne of
Ballagh for their recent sponsorship of playing gear for adult and under age teams.
CAPPAGH CAMOIGE CLUB
The under 18 and under 21 teams are currently preparing to defend their county titles.
They wish to thank Byrne Bus Hire, Kilcock for sponsoring skirts for the under age teams.
ST. COCAS
St. Cocas minor footballers put up a brilliant display in the
county final but unfortunately were beaten Leixlip in a high quality game. Special mention
to the two Cappagh representatives Alan Morrin and Edward Hopkins who performed with
distinction throughout the season.
Sean Gorman P.R.O.
HERITAGE WEEK
Despite inclement weather the walk to commemorate National Heritage Week took place in
Donadea Forest Park on Saturday 11th September.
Sean Flannery and Noleen Walsh who are both very knowledgeable on the woodland
structure and history of Donadea demesne made it a most enjoyable and informative
"walk and talk" afternoon for the group.
(which included councillor P.J Sheridan chairman of Kildare County Council) who braved
the elements to attend.
Next year Duchas, the Heritage Service, hope to hold Heritage week from 3rd
10th September. In accordance with the direction from the Council of
Europe, the theme for next year will be the same, "Europe, a common heritage".
The theme is to remind the public of the value of EUROPES HERITAGE.
SYMPATHY
We would like to join with St. Farnans Parents Council in expressing our sympathy
to Frank Kilcoyne and family on the recent death of his sister, Mary Hughes. We offer our
sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
Sympathy is extended to Bertie Dunne and family on the recent death of his wife. We
offer our sincere condolences to the Dunne family and their friends.
Woodlands
Golf Club News
The annual weekend away was organised to commence on Friday 27th
September with an early start for participants. This year venue was to Clonee Strand
Hotel, Dungarvan, a beautiful hotel situated near the coast with plenty of amenities for
both golfer and non-golfer alike. Three days of golf was organised and unfortunately
Saturday proved a bit of a challenge with severe weather conditions. This did not prove to
be an obstacle to those golfers who battled the winds to play a game. The difference in
the weather on Sunday was amazing, with bright warm sunny weather, which provided
excellent conditions for the game of golf. The hotel accommodation proved its weight
in gold and the faculties it provided for its guests included a swimming pool, gym,
snooker & pool so there was plenty of entertainment and activity for non-golfers. The
cuisine was outstanding, mouth watering and to the highest standards. The weekend was
enjoyed by a party of over 60 including both golfers and non-golfers. Our thanks to
members of the Woodlands Social Club for organising this weekend and also to the staff at
the Clonee Strands Hotel for making it so memorable.
From a golfing point of view the month of October sees the end of the 18 holes
competitions for 1999. The Lillian Behan Cup for Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th
October has been changed to a 9 hole competition. The last presentation night for the 18
holes competition will take place on October 10th.
Our captains, Noel OConor and Mary Cradock, are busy with the organisation of
their upcoming Captains Dinner Dance on the 13th of November in the Ambassador
Hotel in Kill. It commences at 8.30pm with a beautiful catered meal after which there will
be an entertaining night with music provided by the Freaks. So dont forget your
dancing shoes! Tickets are available now, price £22.
Congratulations
Congratulations and best wishes to Linda and Anthony Smullen on the recent birth of
their baby girl.
DONADEA ISLAND TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
On Saturday 28th August the local community gathered
at Donadea Cross with family members of the late Rosa Costello and Thomas Larkin to plant
trees in their memory. The trees, an oak and a crooked hazel were blessed by Fr. Eric
Cantillon of Clongowes Wood College.
Rosa Costello was post mistress at Donadea for 45 years and passed away in 1994. Thomas
Larkin from Coill Dubh/Donadea CE project, died last June at only 46 years of age.
Rosas children, Colette, Edward, Nicholas, and Paddy were present. Thomass two
brothers John and Martin and his sister Mary were also in attendance.
Liam Holton, chairperson of the Donadea Development Group acted as MC for the occasion.
He explained that the island at the cross has become an eyesore after three trees were
removed for safety reasons ten years ago Donadea Development Group accessed funding to
landscape the island from Oak Partnership in Edenderry . The local FAS project, Coill
Dubh/Donadea CE project together with local volunteers carried out the work. Kildare
County Council were also very helpful. Local stone from Staplestown quarry was used and
nurseries in the area donated most of the shrubs. Liam thanked Bernard Groome, a local
headstone artist for his work on the Donadea name stone. He also thanked, George Hipwell
of Coillte, Sean Flannery, Larry Doran, Albert Doran and Sean Ward for their donations.
Further thanks were made to the FAS CE team of workers, Mary Lynch- co-ordinator, Martina
Dempsey - trainer, Josh Rose, the Mackey family Ronnie Harris, Alan Mooney and Kit and Ann
Ward. Liam then proceeded to pay tribute to Rosa Costellos considerable contribution
to the local community over 45 years, her interest in local history and her love for
music.
Mary Lynch, local FAS co-ordinator spoke of Thomas Larkin as being a special person who
made every one he came into contact with happy, and also spoke of his endless enthusiasm
and hard work for Coill Dubh village. He died before the island project was completed and
all the workers put in extra time to finish it before his funeral. John Larkin and Edward
Costello then spoke on behalf of both families .
Afterwards everybody adjourned to St Kevins GAA club for refreshments provided by
Dolores Kennedy, Morna Hosey and Noleen Walshe. Congratulations to all involved for a job
well done and a most memorable function.
[ Top
| Kildare Community Network ]
|