Castlepollard Notes

Castlepollard Community Council meeting was given an update on the issue of the Garda Station opening hours and it was agreed to continue making representations to have the Station open at a fixed time.Members of the public could then call confident of finding the station open and a Garda present.Plans to run a series of cooking classes next Winter are advancing. Discussion took place on organising a series of talks on a wide range of topics of public interest. Suggestions for topics included dealing with stress, managing finances, unemployment issues, entitlements, health issues.Members of the public are asked to inform Jimmy Halligan, Chairman of the Community Council, or any Committee member of any subject that they would like a presentation on from an expert in that particular topic.Some members of the public have asked the Community Council to set up a Drama club with the intention of staging plays, eg a John B. Keane play, and others have requested ballroom dancing or other type dancing lessons.It is necessary to assess the level of interest before proceeding with these projects. If anyone is interested in drama, either acting, directing or backstage please contact Jimmy Halligan or Anne Keating. Likewise, anybody interested in dancing, either giving or receiving lessons, should contact any Committee member.KilafreeThe sponsored walk which was held recently to raise funds for the clean-up and maintenance project was a great success. A large number of walkers completed the walk from Castlepollard to Tullynally and back. The organising committee would like to thank all who took part, all who provided sponsorship and all who attended and provided help at the social event in the Parish Community Centre after the walk.Work on the Church and Cemetery continues every Monday and Wednesday evening at 7.00pm. Due to the inclement weather, progress is behind schedule and the committee have issued and appeal for volunteers for one or two nights to get the project back on track. Contact Ronnie Ball or David Lawlor for further information.CU On The Square DayPlans are progressing for the 40 year celebrations of the founding of Castlepollard Credit Union which will be held on the Square on the afternoon of Sunday, May 31st (Bank Holiday Sunday). The day will include a number of different musical acts and will end with the Monster Car Draw.Sponsored walk/runLough Gaels Camogie Club has organised a fundraising walk/run that will take place next Sunday, May 17th, in Mullaghmeen Forest, Castlepollard. This forthcoming walk/run is a great day out for all the family.Sponsorship cards are available from Sheila on 087-6734509. The event is timed to start at 1.00pm. Your support for this very worthwhile event will be greatly appreciated, and the occasion promises to be a very enjoyable family activity day out.Baptism preparation courseThe next Baptism Preparation Course for parents takes place on Wednesday, May 20th, at 8.00pm in the Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Castlepollard. The course is being run by the Multyfarnham Group. Parents who do not have a babysitter may bring baby with them to the meeting.First Holy CommunionA short meeting for parents will take place in the school at 7.30pm on Monday, May 18th. Confessions for parents, families and children will take place at 8.30pm on Thursday, May 21st, in St. Michael"s Church. First Holy Communion ceremony with Mass will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, at 11.00am.Parishioners are asked to assist the parents Committee for the party in the Parish Community Centre afterwards by donating cakes, buns and refreshments.EntitlementsA representative from Mullingar"s Citizen"s Information Service will attend the Library/One Stop Shop on Mullingar Road, Castlepollard, every Friday between 10.00am and 1.00pm to give advice on entitlements.A night at the dogsCastlepollard Celtic FC are holding A Night At The Dogs in Mullingar Greyhound Stadium on Thursday, May 28th. The night promises to be a very enjoyable social event and the ideal way to round off a very long and successful season. The club are hoping for a large attendance to support the event. For further details contact John O"Reilly on 087-968242, or Paula Lawlor on 086-8030835.Coole NS EnrolmentParents interested in enrolling their child in Scoil Mhuire National School, Coole, for September 2009, are reminded to contact school Principal Mr. O"Fearghail at the school or ring the school on 044-9661669 before Friday, May 29th.Alcoholics AnonymousA meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous takes place every Tuesday evening in Room One, Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Castlepollard, at 8.30pm. For further information contact Bill on 087-6282646.Westmeath Hospice fundraiserCastlepollard Fire Brigade recently held a Charity Car Wash in aid of Westmeath Hospice Homecare. The event, in addition to a fundraising night in Farrelly"s Pub, The Square, Castlepollard, realised a total amount of €4459.20.A cheque representing the amount was presented to Marie O"Brien, Westmeath Hospice Homecare, at Drill Night in Castlepollard Fire Station on Wednesday night, May 6th.