Terrific attendance at Historical Society lecture

It"s been remarked that after the tremendous success of RTE"s family history programme, 'Who Do You Think You Are?', that Irish people are becoming more in tune with their past, and the history their family and local area.The suggestion rang true in Delvin on Thursday night last, January 15, when over seventy people gathered in Gaffney"s, Main Street, Delvin for Delvin Historical Society"s inaugural lecture.It was a remarkable first night for the fledgling society, with the former Chief Archaeologist with Dúchas, David Sweetman, taking the stand to inform people about Anglo-Norman castles in the baronies of Meath and Leinster, focusing mainly on Trim Castle.Drawing on his many years of experience with Dúchas and as an academic, Mr. Sweetman showed an immense knowledge of life in the medieval castle, and he was able to paint a vivid picture of what the still imposing structure of Trim Castle looked like during the 13th Century, when it was at its most impressive. The speaker also touched on Delvin Castle, which he described as a 14th century hall-house.Delvin Historical Society"s Committee welcomed visitors from Meath, the rest of Westmeath as well as the local area for Thursday night"s lecture, all of whom felt very generous on the night, making some welcome contributions at the door.Mr. Sweetman was welcomed to Delvin by the Society Chairman, Eamon Clancy, with Honorary President, John Gavin, and Fr. Seamus Heaney (P.P., Delvin) saying a few words of thanks after the lecture. When the lecture ended, those in attendance were given the opportunity to ask Mr. Sweetman some questions, all of which were answered with great authority.The next Delvin Historical Society lecture, it was announced, will take place on February 19, with well-known Westmeath historian Micheál Ó Conluain set to speak on a transportation theme.After Thursday"s lecture, a number of people approached the DHS committee about signing up for membership. Such is the popularity of the new society, that a meeting will be held in the near future to set fees, and to register people for membership.For now, more information can be gleaned from any of the committee members, John Gavin (Honorary President), Eamon Clancy (Chairman), Bernie Clancy (Secretary) and Paul Hughes (Treasurer), or by e-mailing delvinhistory@gmail.com.Clonmellon Youth ClubThe latest news from Clonmellon Youth Club is that the popular local group is set for a rebranding, with its youthful members about to come up with a new name for the club.Last week, the club"s diverse activities continued, with the children making ice cream sundaes, and taking part in an enjoyable game of bingo.The club is always willing to receive donations, be it in monetary form, or as a donation of your time as a volunteer. All interested are asked to phone (086) 0710874 for information.ClonmellonParents" AssociationLast week, Clonmellon Parents" Association held its first meeting of 2009, and all the ladies who usually attend were welcomed back for the new year.The members hope to see a lot of new ideas and activities come to the fore this year, from table quizzes to art competitions.Any parent who would like more information is invited to call (086) 0710874, or e-mail clonmellonnsparentsassociation@gmail.com.Delvin to run in four senior Scór eventsDelvin is an area renowned for its association with the GAA"s cultural competition, Scór, be it at underage or senior levels, and participation in the senior competition has been strengthened in 2009 with the news that Delvin will enter in four Scór events.After a meeting on Thursday night last, it was decided that Delvin would contest the Recitation, Question Time, Solo Singing and Ballad Group events, with the teams now in practice mode for the first big date at The Downs on Sunday, February 15.Underage GAA registrationRegistration of young people for Delvin GAA"s underage football and hurling teams in 2009 will take place in St. Patrick"s Hall, Delvin on Sunday next, January 25 at 12 noon.The cost of registration is €20 for one child, €35 for two children, and €50 for three children. New members are very welcome.Hospice to benefit from variety gigDelvin Hospice Homecare is one of the local charities which will benefit from a variety show being organised by Mullingar Charity Variety Group at the Mullingar Park Hotel, from Wednesday to Saturday next, January 21 to 24.Tickets for the raffle being held in conjunction with the show were on sale locally over the past few weeks, and were returned to the Hospice meeting on Monday night. The support of the people of Delvin was greatly appreciated.The keys to the CourtyardWednesday of last week, January 14 was a happy, recession-free day in Delvin, with the news that tenants chosen by Westmeath County Council for the new apartments at The Courtyard, Main Street, Delvin, received the keys to their new living quarters.The new residential, office, retail and recreational development was finally completed in recent weeks, and an official opening - likely to be presided over by Cllr. Frank McDermott Chairman of the Council"s Coole Area Committee - will take place in the near future.As well as the residential apartments and retail units, The Courtyard also features office space for Westmeath VEC, which will now become the home of Delvin Youthreach.Also built on site is a state-of-the-art handball alley, the development of which is poised to make Delvin a national handball centre once again.