Castlepollard Notes

The Board of Castlepollard Credit Union held their first meeting of 2009 in the Credit Union Offices, The Square, Castlepollard, on Monday, January 12th.A wide ranging discussion took place on the current worldwide financial problems and on how best the Credit Union could assist members in these difficult times.The Chairman and Manager asked that members, who have problems repaying loans, contact the Credit Union to discuss how the problem may be resolved and not to ignore correspondence from the Credit Union.The Board resolved to pass the accounts of members who fail to repay their loans and who ignore contact from the Credit Union, over to Debt Collection Agencies or to the Solicitor for collection. Over 550 loans were issued in 2008 and it was reported at the meeting that demand for loans continues to grow.The Manager informed the meeting that the 2008 Dividend of 1.50%, had been paid into members accounts in December. Training for Directors and staff was discussed and a number of training courses in the next few months, organised by the Irish League of Credit Unions, have been booked. It was also agreed that a number of Directors should attend the AGM of the Credit Unions where problems common to all Credit Unions will be discussed. Congratulations were extended to Thomas Duffy, Cresley, Ann Nea, Castlepollard, Richard Ryding, Drumcree, and Sharon Moore, Castletown, all winners in the members Christmas Draw. The Credit Union Schools Quiz will be held in Hotel Castlepollard on Monday, February 2nd, at 8.00pm. This quiz is confined to the National schools in the area with the winning team in each section representing the area in the regional final. Schools should contact the Credit Union office for details. The Credit Union in Castlepollard is 40 years in existence this year and to mark the occasion and to acknowledge the support of the local people for the Credit Union, there will be a number of new initiatives, the first of which is the Credit Union Calendar. This calendar, which has a photograph of the Credit Union Office on the cover, is available free of charge in the Credit Union Office and also a number of shops in the area. The Credit Union will host a festival day on The Square on the last Sunday in May which will include a number of different bands and novelty events. There will also be an extra big Car Draw on that day. There will be an Art festival during the year when local artists will have a chance to display the pick of their work. The support of the local schools in the development of Castlepollard Credit Union over the past 40 years will also be acknowledged by a small presentation to each school. More details will be available as the year progresses.CastlepollardCommunity CouncilThe local Community Council met on Thursday, January 8th. Chairman, Jimmy Halligan, welcomed all and outlined the agenda for the meeting. The Secretary, Anne Keating, read the minutes of the previous meeting and the correspondence. A discussion took place on a number of topics. David Lawlor made a presentation in the development of a web site for the Community Council and the sub-committee will progress this project before the next meeting. Ronnie Ball advised that the Kilafree sub-committee will be meeting shortly to plan their schedule of work for the coming year. More help is needed if the clean-up of Kilafree is to be complete this year. Volunteers should contact Ronnie or any member of the Community Council.Treasurer, Jim Kearney, gave an update of the accounts and warned that some fundraising will be required to keep the Community Council functioning. Every effort will be made to avail of any grants or subsidies which become available. Council member, Joe Monaghan, told the meeting about the work of the Tidy Towns Committee. Tidy towns issues featured strongly in the Needs Survey carried out in 2008 and the Community Council is anxious to respond to the issues that arose. Frank Higgins said that he had been contacted by a member of the public requesting the Community Council to organise cookery classes/cookery club. The meeting agreed to consider the request and research the feasibility of the suggestion. Any member of the public interested in this or in any topic discussed, should contact any Community Council member.Road accidentA traffic accident took place on Saturday morning, January 10th, on Athboy Road, Delvin, which involved three vehicles. The Ambulance Service, Gardai and Castlepollard Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance. The road was blocked for a period, with traffic being diverted. A number of casualties were removed by ambulance to the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar.EntitlementsA representative from Mullingar"s Citizen"s Information Service will attend the Library/One Stop Shop, Mullingar Road, Castlepollard, every Friday between 10.00am and 1.00pm to give advice on entitlements.Community CollegeCastlepollard Community College will hold an Enrolment and Open Night for first year students on Thursday, January 29th, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, to affortd 5th and 6th class students and their parents an opportunity to view the ultra modern facilities the school has to offer. There is a wide range of Honours level subject available for Junior and Leaving Certificate, as well as a host of extra-curricular activities. Adult education programmes are available in a wide range of topics.Castlepollard CelticTeams are now back in training after the Christmas shutdown, and anyone requiring information should contact Managers for details. Parents please drop their children in the carpark at Fagan"s Field. Players cannot be dropped off outside on the roadside. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Consideration of our neighbours is also requested. All U12, U13 and U14 players interested in the Easter Trip are asked to contact their Managers for details. Last weekend the club had four of its young players playing for the Longford & District League in Inter-League competitions. Ian Kilcoyne and Michael Daly played for the League"s U12 side in what turned out to be a last minute defeat to very strong Mayo side that contained two internationals. Kilcoyne played up front and Daly palyed in midfield. Emmet Corrigan and Christopher Lawlor played for the League"s U14 team away to Mayo in Castlebar. This Mayo team also contained internationals but the two Celtic players acquitted themselves very well. Emmet also represented the Midlands Development Squad during the week.M4WOMEN"S GroupFirst things first - Happy New Year to all members and friends! Thanks are extended to all for the support in 2008 and we look forward to lots more of the same in 2009. The next meeting is on Wednesday 28 January and it is also the first AGM. The group has decided to use the opportunity to celebrate our first year and we hope you can come along to help us celebrate - we promise birthday cake, spot prizes, and more!If you would like to be a member of your local women"s group - M4Women - come along and join in! Members meet on alternate Wednesday mornings at 10am in the Hotel Castlepollard. New members are welcome at any time. Membership costs €20.00 and the fee is €5.00 per meeting. Come along and bring a friend!CastlepollardYouth ClubThere were two winners in the Christmas card competition, which was judged in Athlone. Kristy Fivey came third in the under 6 category, and Eva Kiernan third in the under 9.The Youth Club resumed last week after the Christmas break and games continue every Friday in the GAA Complex .The Club is planning a trip for the mid-term and more details will be announced shortly .Due to health and safety and increased numbers of members, the Committee have decided to break up 4th, 5th and 6th Classes.From Friday 23rd January, 5th & 6th Classes will have Games 8.9p.m.and every 2nd Friday from then on.4th Class will have Games 8-9p.m. on 30th January and every 2nd Friday from then on.We would ask parents and children to be patient during this transition as the Committee only have the safety of children in mind will follow.Castlepollard BowlsMembers played their first game of the league on Wednesday night last and played host to Mullingar. It was a very exiting game with the result of two and a half points each. The next game is on Thursday night away to Tyrrellspass.We would like to invite new members to the club and bowling takes place every Monday and Wednesday night from 8p.m. to 10p.m. in the parish hall in Castlepollard. Everyone is very welcome.