MONASTERBOICE
Any news
If you have any Monasterboice related news, in the form of text or pictures, please don’t hesitate to send them on to [email protected] or 086 2039501. All correspondences must be with me no later than 12noon on Fridays for publication in next week’s paper.
N. Mairtin Lotto
Results 02-09-2026 No:02,04,10,31, Jackpot not won, €5,200 this week. Match 3 numbers, Robert Quaile, Deirdre Brennan, this week wins or shares €150. Buy your tickets at the usual outlets or play online with the new Naomh Mairtin Clubspot App. If your not in you can’t win.
Mullary Cemetery Lotto
Results Saturday 29th August. Winning no was 13. Winners were Fr Paddy and Bernie Connors.
Drumshallon Forge
Autumn schedule is up and running at Drumshallon Heritage Centre, with most of the regular classes and activities returning. Our centre will be a hive of activity once more with classes and activities to suit all interests and ages. Everyone is eager to get started on the many wellness and fitness activities on offer at Drumshallon. Forget about new year resolutions, why not start now.?
Our social singing sessions are making a welcome comeback too. We sing for pleasure, not for perfection, so there is absolutely no need for anyone to feel shy or embarrassed. No judgement, just good fun. I burst into song at home a few times over the summer break.Nobody said “stop that racket, Mam”, so I must be improving!
Looking further ahead, there are plans afoot for a very special concert in October. Also our annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 29th November. More details about these important events over the next few weeks.
Here is a full list of all the classes and activities available at Drumshallon from September 1st
Pilates and Weights with Sara English Mon, Tues, Wed 9.30am-10.30am, Fri 9.30am-11.30am Tues 7pm–8pm
Guides Mon 6.45pm–8.15pm.
Craft Club Tues 11am–1pm
Creative Writing Every second Thursday 10.30am–1pm.
Yoga with Miriam Gaynor Wed 7pm–8pm
Yoga with Sharon Lovie Thurs 6.45pm–7.45pm
Children’s Irish Dancing with Peter Boylan and Brenda Kerr Wed 4.30pm–5.30pm.
Social Singing Thurs 8pm–9.30pm
Next Seniors’ Coffee/Tea Gathering will take place on Friday 18th September at 11.15am
Next Wee County Vintage Club Social Dance will also take place on Friday 18th September. Dancing 8pm–11pm with music by Kieran Donoghue
Next Supper Dance with Margot October 2nd with Sammy Miskelly . Dancing from 8.30pm
It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the death of Catherine Brodigan, late of Killineer, a beautiful, talented and much loved lady. We offer our sincere condolences to the Brodigan family and to Catherine’s many friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
Catherine Brodigan
Let me echo the above sentiments by Maria, by expressing my deepest sympathies with the Brodigan family on the very sad passing of their lovely daughter and sister, Catherine. Lets face it, death is never easy. It’s gut wrenching. It cuts to the bone. But when it’s your child, adult or infant, I’d imagine it’s so hurtful that it borders on the surreal. Mary and Charlie, on behalf of all in Monasterboice, please accept my sincere sadness at your immeasurable loss and anguish at this time, but please be assured that the parish is united in your grief. Testimony to this was the seemingly endless queue at Catherine’s wake in Dublin on Sunday week last. A fitting send off to a great daughter, a devoted Mother and a loving partner. Indeed a wonderful person all round.
Catherine will be very sadly missed by her partner Oran and two adored daughters Anna and Hazel, aforementioned beloved parents Charlie and Mary, sisters Helen, Susan and Jennifer, brothers-in-law John and Mattie, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and wide circle of close friends.
God’s rest, Catherine, from all in your cherished Monasterboice.
Parish News
Parish Office is open every Tuesday and Wednesday, 2.30 to 5.30pm. For enquiries re certificates and bookings please ring Mary or Ann (087 3791443).
Internet Broadcasting: Parishners are reminded that Masses and other services are Broadcast each day over the Internet. Please feel free to ring Fr Paddy 0868807470, if advise on same needed.
TERMONFECKIN
Your news
Please have all information with me by 8pm on Thursday evenings at [email protected] or contact/text 087-2486472. Any news or interesting items welcome in this column.
Evanna gets married
Life can indeed be wonderful. From acquainting oneself with the writings of JK Rowling and believing that you are born to play the part of a Harry Potter character, Evanna Lynch’s journey in life has been remarkable. Upon reading the 4th instalment in the series, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, the addition of a character named Luna Lovegood resonated so much with the then teenage Evanna that she felt she was totally suitable to play the part when the book would become a movie. She followed her dream, attended the auditions and the rest is history.
This move catapulted Evanna into stardom and more Harry Potter films. An IFTA Award for the lead role in “My Name is Emily” followed, plus a Dancing opportunity, a stint in Hollywood, a fabulous memoir entitled “The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting”(a great read I must say) and more recently an appearance in a Play called “Pool (No Water)” were other opportunities that came her way. She is also voicing characters in some forthcoming productions. Along the way, Evanna also met her future husband-French man and Gardener Denis Skinner in 2021 in London.
So it is congratulations all round to Evanna, youngest daughter of Donal and Marguerite Lynch, Blackhall, Termonfeckin who got married to Denis recently in Islington Town Hall in London, followed by a reception in Wiltons Music Hall. We wish both of you all happiness and great health in your lives together as husband and wife. The happy couple were back in Blackhall recently and Kerry to visit family members and I understand that her father Donal has been utilising the services of his new son-in-law. Donal tells me his garden has never looked better.
Farewell to Fr. Paul
The Parishioners of Termonfeckin bade farewell to Parish Priest Fr. Paul Byrne when he celebrated his final Masses in the Parish on the weekend of August 29th and 30th. At the 7:30pm Vigil Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 9:15am Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Robert Quaile of the Parish Pastoral Committee paid tribute to Fr.Paul who came to Termonfeckin in 2018 from Coalisland Parish.
Robert referred to Fr. Paul’s enthusiasm for cars which made it hard sometimes to know who was saying Sunday Mass as his car changed almost by the week but what didn’t change was his ability to chat and greet people before and after Mass. He said Fr. Paul had journeyed with many of us in what were the happiest and saddest days experienced but to which we were so grateful. The COVID pandemic brought its challenges with Church closures and virtual Mass becoming a reality Robert referred to the greatly successful outdoor Mass at Pairc Naomh Feichin on Christmas Eve and 5 weekend Masses when the Churches re-opened to ensure everyone was catered for and mask wearing, sanitising and social distancing became a distant memory. Both Parish Schools were very fortunate to have Fr. Paul as Chaplain, celebrating Masses and Sacraments with the children and he gathered many funny stories from the children during his weekly visits.
Robert then thanked Fr. Paul on behalf of the Parish for his eight years of Ministry, wished him the best of good health and happiness and his dog Nova as he takes up his new appointment as Parish Priest in St. Patrick’s Parish Dundalk and Administrator of Holy Family and Holy Redeemer Parishes. He reminded Fr. Paul of a phrase he will need to know, which his predecessor Fr. Aidan Murphy (a big Dundalk FC supporter) will no doubt remind him of “C’mon the Town”. ]
Fr. Paul recalled some of his experiences in the Parish and said his time spent in Termonfeckin was certainly his favourite as a Priest. He also referred to the enjoyable banter he had with the School children during his visits and they asking what car he had with him. He thanked all who helped him in different capacities during his term as Parish Priest. Following both Masses, lovely refreshments were served and a big well done to those who organised them.
Council Work
Some repair work has been undertaken by Louth Co. Council around the village. Cllr Michelle Hall has welcomed resurfacing work at Seapoint, the erection of new bollards, moving forward of bins, clearing of scrub and signage indicating the presence of public toilets. Some other edge resurfacing has been done along Rath Wood and at the entrance to An-Grianan which was badly needed.
St. Fechin’s GAA
Well done to St. Fechin’s and Louth Goalkeeper Niall Mc Donnell who was recently presented with a Fairstone Ireland and Drogheda and District Chamber “Sporting Hero” Award. Niall has been described as the standout custodian in the NFL and All Ireland series for 2026. He is also being tipped to win an All Star Award this year. Niall says the win against Armagh in the last second was his number one moment during the year and his performance in the match against Derry which saw a number of one on one saves was most satisfying.
Well done to the St. Fechin’s Ladies who were victorious over St. Kevin’s. There was plenty of Blitz action for the U9 Girls and U7 Boys.
Many classes and activities take place in the St. Fechin’s Community Centre. For further information on any of the classes or to book a room for a class or function, please contact Sheila on 089-2610475 or email [email protected] Children’s Parties are also welcome.
St. Fechin’s Lotto
There was no winner of the jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 11, 15 and 23. The winner of €100 was Angela Egan. Winners of €20 were Ciara Briscoe, Brian Doherty, Ronan O’Gorman, Mark O’Neill and Geraldine and Joe Kelly. The Lotto is worth €1,900. Thanks as always to Daly’s Centra, Termonfeckin for their very valued sponsorship and to all who support the Lotto. Tickets are available in the Post Office, the Clubhouse gate or on the online lotto app.
Tennis
The winner of the latest 50/50 Raffle Prize of €310 was Sonia Duffy. Congratulations Sonia. The 50/50 Raffle is every Tuesday night at 9.45pm following Social Tennis. Tickets cost €5 for 1, €10 for 3 and €20 for 7. Ticket sales close at 9pm on the Draw night which is livestreamed on facebook and there is a link to buy tickets on Instagram which is posted every week.
The new Padel Courts are open to non-members through the Playtomic app. Padel rackets are not provided, all players need to provide their own rackets and balls. Social Padel Tennis is on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8pm and is open to members and non-members. It is limited to 12 players and costs €10 via Playtomic.
Termonfeckin Celtic
The second annual Termonfeckin Celtic F.C. 5k Run is taking place on Saturday September 19th. The Race will be run by MyRunResults and is chip timed. Entries are open through www.MyRunResults.com and the first 100 entries will receive a free t-shirt. Entry costs €20 for Adults and €15 for Juveniles (13-17 years old). All funds raised will go to support the development of Termonfeckin Celtic Football Club. Please contact the Club at [email protected] for further information.
Praise and Worship
A Praise and Worship Prayer Meeting is held on Tuesday nights at 8pm in Termonfeckin Parish Hall, Sheetland Road. All are welcome.. Eucharistic Adoration, a time of quiet Praise and Blessing takes place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8pm. There is also Adoration on Fridays from 11am to 6pm via the internet only. This is available at https://www.termonfechinparish.ie/webcam
Termonfeckin I.C.A.
Termonfeckin I.C.A Guild meets in the I.C.A room in An-Grianian on the first Wednesday of every month from 2pm-4pm from September 2nd. Members are beginning a 6 Week Course in Aromatherapy Patchwork and are taking part in the forthcoming Nancy Darcy Table Quiz. New members are welcome, please phone 089-4114382/0872591022 for more details.
Connect Credit Union
Connect Credit Union is hosting “The Big Upgrade” a free Home Energy and EV event on Thursday October 1st in the Gateway Hotel, Dundalk from 6:30pm to 9pm. This event is designed to help homeowners make informed decisions about improving their homes and reducing energy costs. Local suppliers, energy professionals, electric vehicle specialists and industry experts will all be present for an evening of information, advice and inspiration. The event will focus on issues such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles and home energy grants. Bookings can be made through Connect Credit Union. A signed Louth Jersey by Craig Lennon can also be won on the night.
An Grianan
A Lace Week will be held from Monday October 5th to Friday October 9th. Friday November 6th to Sunday November 8th is Christmas Party Weekend with a Christmas Craft Market on that Sunday. Christmas One Day Demonstrations covering crafts, wreaths and cookery take place on Thursday November 26th and Thursday December 3rd. Tea/Coffee, Scones, Christmas Dinner and Mince Pies are also included. These One Day Demonstrations cost €70. Early booking is advisable.
Many courses are held at An-Grianan including a Cookery School. For further details, contact 041-9822119 or email [email protected] An Grianan Garden Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. An-Ghrian Sauna is open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm, Thursdays from 6pm to 10pm with BOX2DETOX from 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 8pm.
Tredagh Boxing Academy
Mini Juniors for 4-6 year olds takes place at Tredagh Boxing Academy on Tuesday evenings from 6.15pm to 6.45pm. Boxercise Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6.50pm to 7.50pm and on Thursday nights from 8pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, for further information, contact Head Coach Padraig Mc Cullough at 087-9944799.
BALSANTER
Please report anything suspicious and keep our Community safe. The BALSANTER Text Alert number is 086-2747474.