Tubbercurry in the Spotlight

Banada

Rise in Fuel Prices

Those listening to Morning Ireland a week ago were not too pleased with the news. They listened to the announcement of a raise of eight cents in the price of a litre of petrol and five in the price of diesel. It was dear enough already and the added cents will do nothing more than aggravate the economy. It will affect those travelling to work and those engaged in haulage which in turn will come back to the consumer across the counter. Further levies as forecast will disrupt businesses and ultimately vehicles will be grounded or else be on the road breaking the law.

A few months back oil companies increased their prices as they had information of the government’s intentions. They clapped ten cents on petrol and five pence on diesel. The diesel regarded as the worst polluter of the two got off lightly while hybrid vehicles reliant on petrol took the hit. If this is the way people are to be encouraged to change from fossil fuels it looks as diesel has a future and will be around for a long time to come.

Shortage of coal in China, cut backs in oil production in Russia, and the Middle East, wind not blowing as it should, climate control levies, all are blamed for the hike. All that said the present rise took effect at the pumps at midnight on September 1. We are informed that another sting is in the pipeline in the not too distant future and that by Christmas two euro at the pump will be the norm. It will affect businesses, transport, right down to the parent who has to drive the children to school. One well may ask why producers of energy as gas, electricity and oil get away with it. They can make governments dance to their music and stack billions in profits at the same time.

The late Jack Murtagh NT

On Monday, August 28, Jack Murtagh, late of Ougham, Tubbercurry, following a short illness died peacefully at his home. He is predeceased by his wife Geraldine, his parents John and Una, sisters Sr Carmel, Eithne, and Una. He is survived by his brother Liam, daughters Niamh and Una, son Ronan, sons-in-law Michael Gallagher and Denis Kelly, grandchildren Bertie, Bronagh, Caoimhe, Siofra, and Taidgh, nieces, nephews and relatives.

Jack was born in Ougham and at an early age attended school in the 1940s in Castlerock National School where his uncle Frank Haran was principal and aunt Kate Murtagh assistant. At school he was a bright attentive scholar and in 1948 secured a preparatory scholarship to Colaiste Einde, Galway, where he spent four years in secondary study. In 1948 after doing his leaving cert he was called to St Patrick’s Training College where he did two years training. graduating in 1954 as a trained teacher. Once trained he spent his teaching career in the West of Ireland in Mayo and Sligo.

He was a quiet gentle soul fully dedicated to his profession.He had a great sense of humour and turn of phrase. He enjoyed his work as an educator as he went through life, and students whom he taught remember him with warmth and gratitude.

Tubbercurry was always noted for its drama and Phoenix Players. Jack became a member and lifelong supporter. He appeared in many of the great pantomimes along with fellow actor John Kilcoyne and others.

He was the son of a farmer and after school enjoyed working on the farm which he inherited. Farming was his hobby and there in the fields of Ougham he passed many a happy day making the hay and caring for his stock. Thus he spent his life, a good teacher, a good husband, a good father, carer of the acres under his care. His remains reposed at the home of his daughter on Tuesday, from 5 to 8pm and on Wednesday Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul at St. John The Evangelist Church and funeral followed to Rhue cemetery where he was laid to rest.

Sincere sympathy is offered to his family and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh se.

Month of August

The month of August has come and gone and so has the bad weather it brought. The amount of rain that fell caused much distress to farmers and holiday makers yet it was mild in comparison to that across Europe where forest fires raged and villages were swept away with floods caused by the torrents of rain. Now August was the sixth month in the Roman calendar and was named after the Emperor. The Roman calendar had just ten months starting with March. They ignored January and February as their armies could not operate in Europe due to dark days, snow, frost and bad weather, so time stood still in Rome during those months. However in the month of August in Rome there was full and plenty fruit on the trees, plenty to eat and so the Emperor claimed the month as his and named it after himself. August in Ireland is the holiday month. Children are home from school and families seeking holidays go southward to Spain and the Mediterranean countries where there is plenty of heat and sun. The rise in temperatures there attributed to climate change, caused fires and flash flooding which left many holiday makers unnerved. They went out there lured by the sun and low prices. Many of these would gladly have holidayed at home but for the high cost.

Looking back the grain farmers had a tough time trying to cut crops between showers. August weather, was to say the least trying for all. The Bean a Ti had to maintain a watchful eye on the sky above as she tried to dry the clothes on the line. Apple crops were fair and the yield would have been good were it not for the dawn raids of jack daws and magpies. Trouble with the birds they just knock an apple off the branch take a few picks and repeat the act. Netting is the solution but it is added cost which the grower could do without.

Last week in August the schools were preparing to open and the schools bags were hauled out and dusted. Trips to the outfitters for uniforms were made and transport arranged. It was also an extremely sad end to the holidays in the South when so many young lives were lost and families and communities left heartbroken. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to them.

Gurteen

The late Tommy Coleman

The death has taken place on August 15 of Tommy Coleman, Burnage, Manchester and late of Cuilmore, Gurteen. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary, baby son Christopher, parents Pat and Bridie, brothers James, Pat, Joe and Frank. He is survived by his sons Jim, Pat John and Dave, his daughter Bernie and grandchildren and his sisters Kathleen, Beatrice and Carmel, brothers-in-law and extended family and friends. Tommy reposed at Fallon Family Funerals Burnage with Requiem Mass on Monday, September 11, at 10am in St. Bernard’s RC Church, Burnage, followed by Committal at Manchester Crematorium, Chorlton at 11.30am. May he rest in Peace.

Culfadda Walk for Hospice

Culfadda’s 30th annual Walk for North West Hospice will take place on Sunday, September 17, with registration at 12.30pm. The walk starts at 1pm. Cards are available from Christy Kielty, Margaret McGowan, Sean Connolly, Annette Henry or Kieran McGill at 087 1676180.

Bingo

Bingo is held in Gurteen Hall every Friday night at 8pm. The jackpot of €3900 was won recently by Marian Maheady. And it now reverts to €1500 next Friday on fifty calls. The lotto raffle jackpot is €450 and there is also a 50/50 split.

Gurteen Celtic lotto

The Gurteen Celtic jackpot was not won and the numbers drawn were 10, 14, 20, and 28. The winner of the €50 prize was Rose Keane, Gurtigara, Gurteen. Next weeks jackpot will be €5,600 in the Crossbar Gurteen. The club greatly appreciate all support received.

Eastern Harps draw

The Eastern Harps 50/50 draw on Monday night last with a jackpot of €621 was won by Elizabeth Shannon, Cloonanure. The club appreciates all support.

Coleman Music classes

It’s that time of year again - back to the music classes. They are commencing in the Coleman Centre, Gurteen on September 12 (today). There are seven weeks of classes and they must be prepaid. More information from 071 9182599.or www.
colemanirishmusic.com.

Dancing classes

Ethna Fahy School of Irish Dancing resumed in the Coleman Centre, Gurteen, on Saturday last, September 9 from 9.30 - 12.30pm. New beginners are welcome and may come at any time during those hours. Preschool catered for. Further information at 087 6661905.

Concert in Gurteen

The Ox Mountain Quartet with Siobhan O’Donnell, David Doocey, Patrick Doocey and Stephen Doherty will perform in concert in the Coleman Centre, Gurteen on this Saturday night, September 16, at 8pm. This is always a great nights entertainment. For more information contact 071 9182599.

Paddy Killoran Festival

The Paddy Killoran Festival, Ballymote, is being held from Friday, September 15 to 17 inclusive. The concert on Friday night for Ballymote Nursing Unit will be held in the Coach House Hotel featuring Mary Bergin whistle, PJ Hernon accordion, Ballymote CCE All-Ireland Fleadh prizewinners, local musicians, singers, dancers. The event starts at 8pm and admission is €15 with children free. Music sessions will take place all weekend and there will be a failte roimh gach duine. Contact
ballymote@comhaltas. net or Facebook CCE Paddy Killoran, Sligo.

Concert in Gurteen

Country comes to the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen for 1 night only with a wonderful line up of acts including Carmel McLoughlin, Mick Flavin, John Glenn, Declan O’Hare, Brian Kerrigan and special guest Maureen O’Dowd on Thursday, September 21 at 8pm. Tickets on sale at 071 9182599 or www.
colemanirishmusic.com.

Sean Nos class

Séan Nós dancing classes for adults will have beginner class commencing this evening, Tuesday, September 12, from 7-8pm in the Coleman Centre, Gurteen, with Áirc Damhsa Culture club. For further details visit www.aircdamhsa.com/classes.