Local Notes: Bonniconlon ICA Charity Christmas Craft Fair.
Bonniconlon ICA Charity Christmas Craft Fair in aid of St Dymphnas School Bus with members of the ICA. Picture: John O'Grady.
On Friday evening, November 21, Brendan Blewitt, went to his eternal reward surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Brendan was a beloved dad, grandad, brother, uncle and friend and his passing has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew him.
Brendan’s remains reposed at his home in Runagry on the Sunday afternoon and his removal took place on Monday morning to Christ the King Church, Knockmore, for his 1pm Requiem Mass. There his nephew Bishop Kevin Sweeney, who flew in from New York that morning, was the chief celebrant for the con-celebrated Mass. During the eulogy the huge crowds present heard Bishop Kevin pay glowing tributes to his uncle Brendan. He spoke of his great faith and commitment to his church, he spoke of the great example he showed to his family always, he spoke of the great welcome both he and Christina extended his family members down the years. He spoke of the outstanding care the family extended their father enabling him to stay at his home until his final weeks, he spoke of Brendan’s love for nature and the land and his positive attitude always to the many ups and downs he experienced in life. Brendan was laid to rest afterwards in Cloghans Cemetery.
Brendan was born in Calladashin in 1935 to parents Hubert and Winifred Blewitt and was a member of a family of eight. On his marriage to Christina Brogan they set up home in Runagry, the next village and reared a family of four - Brenda, Cathriona, Joseph and Laurita. Both worked hard to rear and educate their family, a family they were always so proud of and their many achievements. Both Brendan and Christina had an open door for family visits and holidays and a welcome always for all who visited.
Brendan, though quiet and unassuming in his manner was very much involved with his local community most notably with Knockmore GAA Club where he served on the committee for many years. He took great delight in attending all the local matches while also listening in to Laurita’s match commentary on Mid West Radio. Brendan too participated in many local quizzes and was always willing to stand in to make up a team if need be.
Coming from a very close family, Brendan experienced much sadness with the passing of his parents and five of his siblings but he was to experience his greatest sadness with the passing of his beloved wife Christina a few short years ago.
Brendan was a farmer through and through and while he was able, continued to work his farm and enjoyed nothing better than heading off on his tractor to check his stock. He also took great pride in growing his vegetables and sharing them with friends and family. With the loss of his mobility a few years back, Brendan continued to keep up to date with farming activity through his tablet, checking in on the weekly local Mart sales etc. and the local parish Mass.
Brendan together with his family took great joy and delight in meeting his cousin President Joe Biden while on his visit to his ancestoral home in Mayo in 2023 and his joy was shared by friends and family who joined in with all the celebrations. The visit of his nephew newly ordained Bishop Kevin Sweeney from New York, son of the late Joe and Agnes Sweeney nee Blewitt, was another great highlight in Brendan’s life in recent years.
Those many memories of Brendan we hope will be of some comfort to his family at this time and we take this opportunity to extend them our deepest sympathy. To his beloved family - his son Joseph, his daughters Brenda, Cathriona and Laurita, to his seven grandchildren, his last remaining family siblings Sr Aloyious, Mercy Sisters, Galway and his sister Nora USA, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law Deirdre, nephews, nieces, in-laws, cousins, neighbours and many friends. Brendan was pre-deceased by his wife Christina, his brothers Paddy Joe (USA), and Mike (Ballina), his sisters Sr Brigid (Mercy Sisters, Limerick), Breege Bourke (Ballina), Agnes Sweeney (USA). May his gentle soul now rest in peace.
The annual Padre Pio Novena continues every Monday evening for Advent in Knockmore Church at 7pm and it includes Mass and Benediction. All welcome
A 5k Fun Run takes place in the parish on St Stephen's Day in aid of the Parochial House Restoration Fund and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Training is held every Wednesday evening for at 7pm, meeting in the Knockmore GAA car park. The event is suitable for over 18's only. Wear hi-viz clothing and please bring a light.
The numbers drawn last week were 2, 5, 6 and18 and there was no jackpot winner. The €25 weekly winner Jessica Duggan. Thank you for your continued support.
Delicious hot and nutritious meals are available to the local community and surrounding areas on all weekdays from the centre in Knockmore. Customise your delivery schedule to suit your needs so that you can enjoy the convenience of daily meals right to your doorstep. Call 094 92 58016 for further details.
The Ballina Christmas Market will run from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14, at the Innovation Quarter, Ballina. Spaces are limited. Entry fee is €140. If interested email ballinalights@gmail.com for an application form.
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A Carol Service will be held in St John's Church, Ballycastle, on Friday, December 12, at 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along.
Christmas Monster Bingo will take place in Ballycastle Community Hall on Monday, December 15, at 8pm, with a guaranteed €1,000 jackpot and great prizes. Congratulations to Francie Murphy, last week's winner of €233 in the GAA 50/50 draw.
News items for inclusion in Ballycastle Notes in the Western People can be sent to ballycastle4@hotmail.com by 8pm on Wednesday evenings for inclusion in the following week's edition.
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Bonniconlon Lotto Results The numbers drawn on Saturday, November 29, for a jackpot of €11,450, were 8, 27, 35 and 36. There was no jackpot winner. The €40 winners were; Alan Igoe, Bonniconlon; Katie Duffy, Bonniconlon; Chris Meer, Bonniconlon; Brendan Conlon, Leeds x 2. The latest draw took place on December 6, for a jackpot of €11,600.
Notices for the parish bulletin can be emailed to cebonniconlon@gmail.com on or before each Wednesday.
