It was a beautiful crisp afternoon on the 16th December when Santa Claus came to Donadea. Ballagh Cross was a sight to behold, children and adults alike crowding the pavements and between the cars anxiously awaiting their first glimpse of Santa. The bell was rung loudly and a great cheer rose up as the most beautiful pony, mane tied with ribbons, proudly appeared round the corner.
Gerri opened her doors and welcomed Santa into the custom built grotto. Santa and his helpers greeted the kids for the next couple of hours. The children loved him, some even went back twice! Finally Santa, exhausted from the long journey and so many children, fell asleep in his chair.
The day was a resounding success, children playing happily with their toys, while parents enjoyed a drink and a chat with their neighbours. It would not have been possible without the generosity of local people, who gave of their time; the pony and trap; and prizes for the raffle. A special thanks to John Crean, Norman Beattie, Gerri Connolly and Santa’s Helpers. We look forward to seeing Santa in Donadea again next year. Siobhan Harrington.

The Donadea social night took place in Connelley’s of Ballagh in December. The night had the dual purpose of encouraging people from Donadea to meet as well as raising a few pounds for our local Donadea Development Group. It turned out to be a most enjoyable night with a wonderful selection of music by our own Colin Hickson, which led us beautifully into that pre Christmas spirit.
The event was very well supported locally and a special thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend. For those people who bought tickets and were unable to attend thank you also. Approx. £400 was raised on the night and some of that money came in very useful the following week for the Santa Clause event.
A raffle was held near the end of the evening with prizes going to:
Peter Fitzsimmons (hamper),
Jim Colgan (hamper),
Steven Caine (turkey),
Ruan McLoughlin (ham),
Carol Chellar (bottle of hennessey),
Joe Maher (whiskey),
S Buckmaster (chocolates),
Cormack McMahon (chocolates)
Martin Byrne (biscuits),
Martin Finn (Cooleragh)(biscuits),
Threasa Noone (leg of lamb).
Congratulations to all who won prizes. I wish to thank everyone who so generously donated prizes on the night. All prizes but one were donated locally which goes to show the great support that is within the area.
Thank you to the local committee for arranging the night, to Coln Hickson for the music and to everybody who supported it. We should be proud of the real community spirit that exists in the area and if you are interested in getting involved in local matters a meeting is held on the last Tuesday of every month in Ballagh.
Many Thanks.

Newtown Donadea senior citizens “Young at Heart” committee would like to thank most sincerely all those involved in the Tir Na Mona Wren Boys fundraiser in Donadea Forest Park which raised in excess of £500 for the group. To those who organised the fabulous stage, the musicians and Colin who had us all dancing along the forest trails, the collectors, the handsome strawboys, the wrenboy, and also the generous public – your contributions are all gratefully appreciated.
Thanks are also extended to those who made our December Sale of Work/Craft Fair such a success. If you know of anyone who would like to join our group each Thursday from 10-2 p.m. please contact Marion at 869303. Alternatively if you have a hobby or craft you would like to share with us we would love to hear from you.

For approximately the last eighteen months there have been severe voltage problems on the ESB Enfield backbone line. The nominal ESB supply voltage is 230volts. Recently voltage in the area has been dropping as low as 189V.
Low voltage causes an increase in current being drawn by equipment resulting in damage to and premature failure of electrical appliances such as washing machines, dish washers, well pumps, central heating pumps, electrical kettles, light bulbs, televisions, videos, p.c.’s etc.
If you have had to replace any items such as these more frequently than expected it may be as a result of low voltage. The ESB is liable for damage to property that is caused by ESB’s negligence or failure to provide the contracted level of supply. The ESB are and have been aware of the low voltage problems in the area since 1996 and have failed to correct or to take any or appropriate measures to guard against damage to consumers (your) property.
If you have experienced any of the above problems you should contact:
Fergus Clinton, ESB Enfield, Co. Meath. Tel: 0405 41016
Pauric Fleming, ESB, Gerrycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 01 7027455.
If you are seeking recompense from the ESB and need assistance please provide written details of the equipment lost or damaged to:
SLS group, Derryvarogue, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 045 - 869571
Fax: 045 - 869573
Email: slsgroup@eircom.net

ROCHE'S PUBLIC HOUSE

Quaint, but small, To the locals it’s their town hall,
They come to drink, they come to chat,
About the weather, sports and things like that.

It’s on a lonely road,
On busy nights it holds a load,
Drinking, chatting and merry-making,
Watch the ground, you’ve got it shaking.

For fun, laughs and socialising,
It’s atmosphere is moralising,
When all the other pubs are dull,
You’ll surely find this one full.

Delight in meeting friends and strangers,
If you know the way there’ll be no danger,
Get away from your busy life,
Forget your fears, all trouble and strife.

Before you go,
Bring someone you know,
So you’re not sitting on your own,
Wishing that you had stayed at home!.

Lynda Cosgrove
Aged 20