Crossmolina.ie

Apr 13, 2006
Author:

The Yanks are coming...

THE Martha’s Vineyard Minnesingers are coming to Ireland this spring, April 13 to 21 to sing, dance and dazzle audiences with a spirited brand of traditional choral works and show tune song and dance.

Described by the Boston press as ‘a musical bash of Bach meets Broadway,”, the all-high school mixed ensemble of 32 students has toured Europe many times since the group’s inception in 1967, including concerts at Salisbury and Exeter Cathedrals. A highlight of the 2001 tour of Lithuania featured an Easter recital at St. John’s Cathedral attended by the Lithuanian president.

A typical concert begins with a formal performance of both sacred and secular music of different periods and styles, together with works of contemporary composers. The second part includes elaborately choreographed and costumed revues, rivalling the staged productions of Broadway. Past themes included Movie Magic, featuring the music from Hollywood films, Rockin’ Through the Ages, a swing through early rock-n’roll, doo-wop, and contemporary ballads, to The Best of Broadway. This year’s theme surrounds the popular music of the 1980s.

After graduation many Minnesingers go on to vocal, theatre and dance programs in the most prestigious United States universities, but all agree that the friendships and music made during the European Tour are the treasures of their lives.

Crossmolina Community Festival are delighted to welcome all the way from Marthas Vineyard in USA, a selected group of highly talented young musicians and dancers from Marthas Vineyard High School. The group known as the Minnesigners have already toured France, Germany, and Lithuania and will be in Ireland in the next coming weeks. Cross-molina is the chosen venue for the West of Ireland performance, and it will take place in Crossmolina Town Hal on Easter Saturday night on April 15th at 7pm. A tremendous night of talented performances is expected so it is strongly recommended that tickets are booked now on 087-0506353.

Bheannachta Na Feile Padraig

ST. Patrick’s Day Blessings to everyone. On Friday, March 17th we celebrate the birthday of our Patron Saint.

Millions of Irish people throughout the world will be doing likewise and although there is no documentation that this is his actual birthday.

It is a day when everyone wants to be Irish, even if it goes back many generations, thus proclaiming their solidarity with the ancestral homeland. We always remember in a special way on this day our exiles that reside far from their homeland, especially those from our own parish. Many legends have grown up around St. Patrick and his visit to Mayo, and climb and fast on Croagh Patrick, Irelands Holy Mountain is well known.

“Hail glorious St Patrick, we honour thy name Though Erin may claim thee, the world knows thy fame”.

LOTTO

There was no winner of the Crossmolina GAA club lotto jackpot on Saturday night, February 18. The numbers drawn were 2, 10, 17 and 25. No punter matched three numbers either. Six tickets were drawn from the drum; Eilish, Amy and Michael Lavelle, Ballina, Peter P McAndrew, Porturlin, Ballina, Stephen Gilroy, Rathmore, Nicola Judge, Knockleggan, Crossmolina, Dermot Ferrick, Ballina, Carmel Prior, Moneymore, Crossmolina. The draw takes place in Reillys next week and the jackpot will be €2450.
Healing treatment

A Bowen Technique treatment affects the body in ways, which promote healing, pain relief and recovery of energy. The experience of the treatment is gentle, subtle and relaxing, which makes it so unique. All who practise it are continually amazed at the effectiveness of this simple hands on treatment.

The Bowen Technique encourages the body to realign itself; there is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used or needed. A treatment will take approximately forty five minutes and most of the work can be performed through light clothes. It is not a form of massage.

If you would like more information contact your local Bowen Therapist Ms Mary Loftus, Crossmolina, on 096-31462.

Crossmolina gears up for tidy towns

A PUBLIC meeting, hosted by Crossmolina Community Council, with regard to Crossmolina entering the Tidy Towns Competition 2006, will be held in the Town Hall on Monday evening, February 13, at 8.30pm. For this effort to be successful in Crossmolina, all local-groups, business people, teachers/pupils from the schools, Mayo County Council, Rural Social Scheme, An Garda Siochana, public representatives and you the local residents are invited to come and show your interest.

Crossmolina Community Council leads way

The first meeting of Crossmolina Community Council for the year 2006 was held on January 16th in the Enterprise Centre.

Chairman, Dr Michael Loftus opened the meeting by welcoming members’ present and extended good wishes for the coming year.

Secretary, Mr Padraic Langan proposed a vote of sympathy to Chairman on the sad death of his brother Dr Vincent Loftus, RIP that occurred since the last meeting of the council. Dr Loftus thanked those present for sentiment expressed. A full agenda relating to local concerns was for discussion.

Bank of Ireland representatives was expected to view a site for the new ATM machine in the Enterprise Centre, which is part of the old Library building. A decision is due on its suitability short-ly, pending a number of considerations.

Mention was also made for an alternative Bank/Credit Union for Crossmolina. Dr. Loftus said he felt Crossmolina was not getting its fair share of support from different quarters, on many issues such as job creation, publicity, Civic Centre etc and this should not be allowed to continue in future.

Crossmolina Community Council supports development plans for the construction of new Hotel/Conference Centre on the Crossmolina/Ballina Road area. This development would help create jobs and be of great benefit to many.

Serious road accidents relating to some young people over Christmas on the outskirts of town and near Lahardane was mentioned - best wishes for a speedy recovery to all concerned. Garda Siochana vigilance was commented on, and again the hope for a resident member in town was made.

It was considered that the Christmas lights for town were an improvement on last year but a firm date arranged with future provider, that he will honour switch on/take down date, to be perused for 2006. It is hoped some funding will also be provided this year for these. Funding for the continuation of Community bus has already been applied for. This service that is sponsored by Crossmolina Community Co. is very much appreciated by its passengers.

The financial account of company was given, and intended Westbic account mentioned. Tax clearance cert for 2006 waited on.

Receipts from the ATM machine on the new closed BOI on Bridge Street thrown on the ground, was seen as an eyesore and only added to the litter problem.

For Crossmolina to enter the Tidy Towns competition in 2006 it would need the cooperation of its every citizen. Local schools can play its party by youngsters been made more aware of our environment and becoming more proud of our native place. It is down to you, parishioners, if you are interested enough to do something about it. Mayo Co. Co. Rural Social Scheme etc and also play their part. A public meeting will be arranged shortly, possibly upstairs in the Town Hall, to hear your views. This, if possible to arrange, will include a detailed discussion on community radio.

The community’s sympathy was with the local clergy on the mean theft from the crib in St. Tiernan’s Church and admiration for curate Fr. Michael Reilly’s stand and publicity given on RTE News was expressed. Great credit to those who arranged subsequent social. A few other incidents in town mentioned, possibly a foiled robbery, car interference, assault which could be alcohol related, but the ugly face of different drugs not ruled entirely out either.

The meeting concluded with a word of congratulations to different groups/individuals in the parish; annual Chronicle committee, organisers of Children’s Party that was sponsored by Community Council, organisers of St. Stephen’s Day swim in Lough Conn that got huge support, local writer Ms Philomena Cronin on her new book that was eagerly awaited and was launched mid-December now very much in demand, congratulations to Mulkearns family on the birth of new grandchild and word of thanks to Breda for organising Christmas dinner in Dolphin Hotel.

Meetings of Community council are held approximately once a month.

Late Dr Vinny Loftus

The death occurred after a short illness at St Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina on Friday, December 16 of Dr. John Vincent Loftus, Gurteens, Ballina. His remains were removed from McGowan’s Funeral Home on Monday evening to St. Muredach’s Cathedral, and burial took place in Crossmolina cemetery on Tuesday after Requiem Mass.

Dr Vinny, as he was affectionately known, is survived by his wife, Dr. Angela, sons Fr. John, Dr Enda, Noel, and Donal, daughters Dr Angela and Emer, brothers Marty, Dr Mickie, Kevin and Danno, sister Ettie Clinton, step-brothers Dr Declan, Finian, Dr Colm, Shane and Liam, step-sister Siobhan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, son-in-law, daughter in law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relations and many friends.

Dr Vinny was an outstanding sportsman, who excelled for St. Muredach’s College in his teens. Later, he won a Junior championship medal with Crossmolina in 1947 and was right full forward on the historic first Crossmolina Senior team that won the county title in 1949. He was recipient of the Crossmolina GAA club Hall of Fame Award in 2002.

Dr Vinny was a very popular and extremely caring medical practioner in North Mayo for forty years. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and patients. May he rest in peace.