Virginia news

Special guests officialy open Credit Union offices The magnificent new Credit Union Building was officially opened on Saturday 8th September by two very distinguished guests, John Hume MBE Nobel Laureate, and Anne Byrne, president of the Irish League of Credit Unions. In brilliant sunshine before a full turnout of members and invited guests, Thomas Farrelly, Chairman of Virginia Credit Union, welcomed the honored guests and members. When he introduced John Hume he received a rapturous applause. John spoke about his involvement as a founder member of the Credit Union movement while still in his twenties. He was and still is a man of vision and great charisma and spoke without notes. His belief in the movement is still as passionate today as it was when he set up the Credit Union in Derry. He informed all present that C.U. membership stands at 3 million in a population of 5. He believes no other movement has done so much for the ordinary people of Ireland, and it?s economic life both north and south. His dearest wish is for a monument to be erected to honor Nora Herlihy the founder member of the Movement in Ireland in 1958. It encouraged people to save and borrow from each other as part of a local Credit Union. Run mostly by volunteers acting in the interest of their community. At that time the only credit for many were pawn shops and loan sharks. Banks were for those who already had money. He closed by urging all present to put pressure on the Government to erect some monument to commemorate such a fine Irish citizen as Nora Herlihy. Current President of the Irish Credit Union Movement, Anne Byrne also spoke without notes, stressed that splendid though the new building is, what makes a Credit Union are it?s members. She believes that now more than ever we need to educate people about financial management. With access to credit almost out of control many are again in the grips of debt. Education is key to fighting this growing problem in our society. Credit Unions have a vital role to play. Anne paid tribute to the often forgotten supporters a Credit Union the next of kin, the spouses and families. They enable the volunteers Directors and Supervisors to devote the long hours to the movement, year in year out. The first Chairman of Virginia Credit Union, John 0?Reilly entertained everyone with the history of the humble beginnings of Virginia Credit Union back in 1988. Back then it was a marathon task to get people to borrow money and most of the required numbers were either family or friends of the founder members. The first Board of Directors: John O?Reilly Chair, Sean Callaghan Vice Chair, Nora Hopkins, Secretary, Sheila Courtney, Treasurer, Kathleen Cahill, Assistant Treasurer, Michael Cahill, Joe Ferguson, RIP, Jimmy Fitzsimons, Maurice McHugo, Bridie Dunne, Bridget Murphy, RIP, Nuala O?Reilly, Margaret Hopkins, Bridie Farrelly, RIP, Tommy Erickson RIP. Supervisors: John Brodie, Tom Fitzpatrick and Paddy O?Reilly. These founder members held the first meeting in Mary Rudd?s premises on the 8th December 1988, ninety six members were admitted to membership. The opening hours were from 7 to 8.30 on Fridays. The First Treasurers Report showed a share balance of ?8,691.55, today it is _(10,219,559.77, and a loans balance of ?600 which today is _(8,294,905.02. Deceased members were remembered but not forgotten. Joe Ferguson?s memory lives on in the Scholarship awarded to 3 level student members. Bernie O?Brien RIP was the first employee of the Branch and her daughter Geraldine is now Treasurer. Former Director for many years Bernie Brogan RIP, Bridget Murphy RIP, Tommy Erickson and Bridie Farrelly was also fondly remembered. Tommy?s son Pat is Board member today and Bridie?s daughter-in-law Kay is the current Manager. Very special tribute was paid to Nora Hopkins to mark her retirement earlier this year and to say thanks for her long involvement. Nora acted in various roles right from the beginning and was presented with a bouquet by a Junior member, Ruth Kelly. Ann Wilson who also retired from staff this year was also presented with a bouquet and everyone wishes her many years of good health and happiness. Past Directors were: Norman Andrews, Bernie Brady, Hugh Brady, Bernie Brogan RIP, Ita Cole, Declan Cooney NT, Eileen Cooney, Deirdre Corrigan, Patrick Corrigan, Margo Kellett Duffy, Sue Dunne, Pat Erickson, Charles Farrelly, Kay Farelly, Michael Farrelly, Patrick Farrelly, Frank Heslin, Evan Jameson, Carmel King, Joseph Lynch, Desmond Mooney, Helen Murphy, Bernie O?Brien RIP, Janette Roche and Rene Sheridan. A Blessing was performed by Fr Johnny Cusack PP Virginia, Rev Craig McCauley Church of Ireland Rector Virginia Parish, Fr. Dermot Prior Virginia and Rev Jean Mackeral Presbyterian Minister. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque was performed by Mr John Hume and Ms Anne O?Byrne. A Musical Recital was given by Miss Ciara Queally another Junior member. Junior members who presented bouquets were: Ruth Kelly, Alan and Shane Queally, Dylon and Caoimhe Farrelly and Emma Nulty presented a surprise one to Bernie O?Donoghue. All present were treated to a full buffet lunch provided by Jimmy Murray and his staff from the Riverfront Hotel. Fun and Frolics was laid on for children with two bouncy castles, face painting, and balloon art courtesy of a large (Clancy) clown. Virginia Credit Union Office opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Daily for lunch from 12.30 to 1.30pm. Phone: 049 85 48 022. Virginia Forest Slí na Sláinte A large crowd of walkers enjoyed the beautiful Slí na Sláinte walk on Sunday 2nd September organised by the Virginia Community Health Forum (made up of representatives from the Virginia Primary Care Team and the local community. Also involved were the Irish Heart Foundation, Coillte and the HSE. Families with buggies and small children opted for the short route led by Tina Aughney and Aileen Cahill (2.5km walk). The fitter seasoned walkers were led on the longer route of 5.5km by Gerry Hopkins and Eddie Winterlich. The message from the Irish Heart Foundation was that walking is a fun way for people to get fit, and to stay fit, as part of a healthier lifestyle. It keeps your heart strong, improves muscle strength and makes you feel good. It is hoped that the Slí na Sláinte route will provide an excellent way for local to accumulate the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. All you need are good shoes and the appropriate clothes for whatever the weathers. With physical inactivity being one of the main risk factors for heart disease, walking part or all of the Sli can only be beneficial to health. Guest speakers were Colm Casey and Yvonne Gilsenan (HSE), Tania Comber-Rait (Irish Heart Foundation), and George Beirni (Coillte). Mary Whelan represented the Forum on behalf of Chairperson Jean Broletti and welcomed everyone to the Forest. All Dogs were on Leads and were commended for paying heed to the signs, by George Beirni from Coillte. Refreshments were provided in the Rugby Club after and were greatly appreciated. New charity shop Manna is the new charity shop opened on the Cavan Road. It will accept Bric-a-Brac, Soft Furnishings, Furniture, Pictures, Bedlinen, Jewellery, Footwear, Clothes in good condition and cleaned and pressed please. Volunteers urgently needed for the shop and for the Stockroom. Contact Monica at 08633 96 427 or 086 22 55 967 for details and literature. Billis whist drive results Results of last two whists Top Score Danny Fay 1st Lady Mary Carolan 1st Gent Jonnie McEnroe 2nd Lady Bella Henry 2nd Gent Julie Lynch 3rd Lady Maura Smith 3rd Gent Tommy Smith 1/2 Time Lady Kit Lee 1/2 Time Gent Joe Murphy Raffle 1st Kit Lee 2nd Danny Fay 3rd Kit Lee Top Score Vera leahy 1st Lady Olive O'Reilly 1st Gent Phil Reilly 2nd Lady Jimmy Smith 2nd Gent Joe Murphy 3rd Lady Ina Jameson 3rd Gent Willlie Reilly 1/2 Time Lady Eva Mara 1/2 Time Gent Frank Donohoe Raffle 1st Robbie Fegan 2nd Victor Kane 3rd Pat McKeirnan Next Whist Drive in Billis Hall Monday 10th September 8-30 pm Holistic free magazine Local woman Margaret Neylon and Ballinagh-based Margaret Smith are launching Free Spirit Magazine, a publication which is free to the public and will aim to demystify the field of holistic therapy choices and the practictioners available. It will be distributed in Counties Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Monaghan, and will offer, among many quality articles, a directory of practitioners in the complementary holistic field based in these northern counties. The two Margaret?s have worked in this field for many years and Margaret Neylon instigated the Health, Wealth and Wisdom Fairs held at the Cavan County Museum every February. If you are involved in this field and want to advertise your services, store or products, contact Margaret at 049 8547525 or info@freespiritmagazine.com Watch out for the launch in October. Night classes Co Cavan VEC's Adult Education Programme enrolment night will take place on Tuesday 11th September between 8.30 - 9.30pm in Virginia College. If you would like to enrol in one of the many classes on offer then please come along on the night where VEC staff will be there to advise & help you"" Cavan AEGIS Ground Floor, Unit 12 Church View Square Cavan Town Tel: 049-4377001 Fax: 049-4377563 E-mail: cavanaegis@cavanvec.ie Website: www.cavanvec.ie Line Dance Classes Resume in Munterconnaught GAA club on Wednesday nights from September 12. Beginners welcome: class 8.30 to 9.30. Advanced Class: 9.30 to 10.30. For more information contact Stella on 087 6469469 GROW GROW meetings take place every Tuesday evening in the Virginia Health Centre, Dublin Road, Virginia, from 8 till 10pm. Why suffer in silence when this 12 step program can help anyone with both mental and social problems. For further information on this and all our other meetings contact Ann on 049 8547337. W.I.N SHOWCASE GREAT SUCCESS WIN (Women into the Network) IRELAND held a very successful showcasing of regional and local women?s business, at the Backyard, Moynehall House, Moyehall, Cavan. It is a new venture of one of it?s members. WIN provides links for Women to Business Opportunities and provides Support and Training. The event was opened by Minister for Children Brendan Smith on Sunday 9th Sept. It was a great success and drew very large crowds for the 4 hours it was open. All the family enjoyed a fun outing with exhibits, demonstrations, music and dance provided free. Active Virginians The new season resumes with a packed programme for members. Bowling resumes on Tuesday 18th September at 7.30pm in St. John?s Hall, Oldcastle Road. Wednesday Meetings start back on 19th September 2.30pm in St. John?s Hall. Art at 10.30am to 12 in the Pavilion, Showgrounds, Virginia.: Oils with Margaret on Monday 17th, Watercolour with Margaret on Tuesday 18th, Oils with Avril on Friday 21st. Crafts: in the Pavilion starting Monday 17th at 12 to 3pm Booking for all Art and Craft Classes phone Ann at 85 47 232 Members are looking forward to meeting everyone and catching up on all the news. New members are always welcome. Swimming lessons East Cavan swim Club are resuming their sessions at Bailieborough Leisure Centre on Wednesday 5th September. Members should attend at their usual times. For details on how to join the Club or any other enquiries contact Yvonne 042 9666036. Irish dancing classes Irish Dancing classes will resume in St. Mary's School Virginia on Wednesday 5th Sept at 3pm. New pupils welcome. Phone Moira 0863143260 or 0498547484. Lurgan underage football U-8?s and U-10?s Training continues as normal on Saturday mornings at 11am. New players are always welcome. All tickets sold for ""Thousandaire"" are to be returned as soon as possible please. U-16?s Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7.30 pm. With the U-16 Championship approaching, it is vital that all players attend on both nights. ""Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire?"" The Lurgan Club are proud to present the ever popular show ""Who wants to be a thousandaire?"", in the Riverfront Hotel on Friday night, September 28th at 9pm. This promises to be a great nights entertainment, and an opportunity to possibly go home a Thousandaire!! The Lurgan Club has teams from under 8 right up to Minor Level(U-18), involving a great number of children and young adults. Girls play with Lurgan up to U-10, and skills development in the club starts with the 6 year olds, and continues right through to Minor level. On hand week in and week out are a very dedicated, committed group of coaches, all of whom have completed coaching courses. This is all done on a voluntary basis, and we are very grateful to the men and women who give up so much time to encourage and train these young players. It takes a lot of money to successfully run an under-age club, and as this is the main fund- raiser for the club, your support would be much appreciated. The money raised from this venture will go directly to players, for expenses such as equipment, training, medical costs, transport, meals, etc. None of the money raised will be going to the building development at the grounds. The Lurgan Club has a very fine tradition in Cavan at all age groups, having won numerous championships and Leagues at the top level in the County. You can be assured that your son or daughter will benefit directly from the fundraising done by the Club. So why not come along on the night, support your local club, and maybe win a thousand or two!! Tickets are on sale at _10 each and can be obtained from the Fund-raising Committee. Minors Wishing the Minors the very best of luck in this years Championship!They recorded a good win over Parnells on Thursday last in Virginia, The score was 1-7 to 0-7. Sympathy The Lurgan Club wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to David Daly and his Family on the sad death of his mother, Margaret. May she rest in Peace. Ramor Theatre Thursday 13th Friday 14th and Saturday 15th September ""Carnival at Glenaduff"" Written and directed by Padraic McIntyre. This new play by Padraic McIntyre as part of his role as Theatre Director in Residence takes a nostolgic look at the swinging sixties in Ireland, when the showbands and their music was king. This county wide production draws on actors from different areas around the county and is a joint initiative between Cavan Arts Office and Ramor Theatre and is funded by Cavan County Council and the Arts Council _15 & _12 8.00pm (please note early starting time) Padre Pio Pilgrimage The annual pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday 16th September. A bus will leave the Square, Virginia at 8.30am SHARP. The route will take it to Billis, New Inns, Ballyjamesduff and Kilnacrott. Anyone interested in travelling please contact Mary Glackin at 049 85 47 382. Bridge club Virginia Bridge Club resumes for the Winter season on Tuesday 18th September at the Riverfront Hotel at 8pm. New members welcome. Double Silver for Lurgan in Community Games National Finals Congratulations to all the young people from the Lurgan area who represented Cavan at the Community Games National Finals in Mosney over the last two weekends in August. Special congratulations to the U-15 Boys Indoor Soccer team and Seán Brady (U-12 Boys Ball Throw) who won Silver medals. The soccer team won a very exciting semi final game against the Kildare champions on Saturday but came up against a very strong Limerick team in the final. The team members were Jack Brady, Conor Clowes, Adam O'Connell, Naoise Tuite, Cian Wogan, Brian Traynor, Kevin Mulvaney and James Bradley. Well done also to their team manager John Brady. In the U-12 Boys Ball Throw Seán Brady, having produced three throws of over 50m, was lying in fifth position when the competitors were narrowed down to the last eight. He then produced a super throw of 55.99m to claim the silver medal position. During the relays on Saturday the U-12 Boys relay team of Brian O'Connell, Ryan Mannion, Ben Nagle and Mícheál Smart ran a very fast time to qualify for the semifinals that afternoon. The boys raced their hearts out in the faster of the semi-finals and were very unlucky to miss a place in the final in a photo finish on the line. The U-14 Girls team of Natasha Antonakis, Niamh Daly, Sinéad Reilly and Dearbhla Reilly also ran a very fast time in their heat but it wasn't enough to qualify for a semi final place. Also in action on the track were Adrian Brady (U-14 Boys 100m) and Amy Gaynor (U-10 Girls 60m Hurdles). Well done to all the athletes and their coach, Joe Duffy. The previous weekend Lurgan was represented in the National finals of the Art by Peter Nulty (U-10 Boys) and Aaron Farrelly (U-14 Boys). The National finals brought to an end a very successful and busy year for Lurgan Community Games. The achievements of all the children and their dedicated coaches and managers will be acknowledged at the annual presentation night a little later in the autumn. Full details will be publicised closer to the date. For any information about Community games contact the Lurgan secretary, Brian O'Reilly at 0872445597. Pumpkin festival ""Planning is well underway for the Virginia Pumpkin Festival on 26-28 October 2007. The pumpkins are growing, despite the wet Summer, and the posters are up. Do visit our website www.virginiapumpkinfest.org for more details. The festival organisers are committed to making this event a success for the town. With a crowd-pulling programme, there are still openings for sponsors, both local and national. Additional help on the day and during the lead up to the weekend is always welcome. Contact Celia McClements, Festival Secretary, Tel. 049 854 36 67 or email virginiapumpkinfestival@gmail for more information. New Heritage society On Thursday 30th August a meeting was held at which Munterconnaught Heritage Society was formed and a committee was elected. The society?s purpose and objectives were discussed, and the feasibility of specific projects such as signposting of historical sites and the marking of town-land boundaries was debated. The next meeting will be on 24th September. Everyone with an interest in the local area (buildings, landscape, history, environment, etc.) is invited to come and share ideas on what the society?s aims and activities should be. Contact PRO Pauline Munterconnaught Heritage Society Tel. 049 8541041 Aerobics Aerobics resumes in Munterconnaught every Monday and Thursday at 7pm at the usual venue. Everyone welcome Performing arts in Virginia The Academy and Agency of Performing Arts held their summer camp in the Riverfront Virginia in August. It was a fun filled action packed week with all singing, dancing and drama for children aged 5-18 years. The camp was a great success and enjoyed by all. It was an interesting and eventful week where special guests popped by to meet the kids. Firstly we had Sinead Kennedy (presenter) and James Conlon(Ice producer) from RTE. Ice is a new, cool, cutting-edge daily live chat show, aimed at kids between the ages of 9 - 13. It's scheduled to air this September on The Den. Shehara Peiris a student in our Virginia academy will be featured on this new programme performing her dance routine, which was videoed on the day. It was a fantastic experience for her and we look forward to watching the show! After Shehara?s interview the RTE crew met with the other children at camp and answered their questions about working in RTE and the life of a presenter and producer. Later in the week, Henry McKeen from Newstalk 106 Radio station called in and interviewed some the younger students at camp. They were asked questions about farming life, living in Cavan, going back to school and the weather..! It was a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed their moment of fame! The interviews were aired on the Sean Moncrieff show last week and as you can imagine the listeners ratings were up as all the parents tuned in. The students really enjoyed the experience and well done to them all. The school reopens in the Riverfront Hotel, Virginia on Wednesday 19th September 07. For details about classes for boys and girls aged 3-20 years, please call us on 046 94 36324, email us at info@theacademy.ie or check us out on www.bebo.com/sheilsacademy Comhaltas weekend in Cootehill Co Cavan from Sept 21st - 23rd . The late Gerry Whelan was actively involved with Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann since the organisation was set up in 1951, and was President of the Ulster Council for a period of thirty years. With his beloved melodeon or bodhran in hand, Gerry liked nothing better than to settle down to a good seisúin.Cootehill will host a weekend of Sessions, Cd Launches, Recitals,Traditional Concert,Marching Bands display. Info and Concert tickets from Geraldine Whelan-O'Meara 085 7766217 ,Seamus Smith Cootehill CCE or Martin Donohoe 0862342270 www.cavanmusic.com New Montessori School A new Montessori School will be opening in Munterconnaught on the 17th September. Its called First Steps Montessori School Times: 9.30- 12.30, children aged: 2&10months-5 years. It will be run by a fully qualified Montessori and Childcare Teacher with years of experience working with children. The school is fully insured and Health Board notified. It will guarantee small classes in a friendly environment and with an outdoor play area. For Enrollment contact Michelle @ 049 8548502 & 086 1594970. News deadline All news items must be submitted by Sunday night. Wanted for this column Items of local concern or interest to readers are welcome from Individuals, Clubs, and Organisations in Virginia, Munterconnaught, Billis, Maghera, Lurgan and surrounding areas. This is a free service and as the paper is widely read it offers a unique opportunity for voluntary organizations and individuals to get their message across. For example ie: Death notices, Fund-raising events, Special achievements, Public Meetings, Competitions, Outings, Classes, Special services, Forthcoming events, Local concerns, Environmental issues etc. Please contact: Margaret Hopkins, Cavan Rd, Virginia. Phone: 086 31 11 398. email: margarethopkins2@eircom.net