St Patrick's Weekend
The third annual St Patrick's Weekend festival in Banagher will get underway at 1.30pm on Saturday, March 13 at the West End car park. Activities there will include a Canine Agility Display where trained dogs will demonstrate t
heir agility over various obstacles, and a Working Dog demonstration. There will also be professionals available to answer questions on dog care and the GSPCA will provide a presentation on Dog Rescue. The Dog Show itself will start at 3pm, with registration taking place between 1.30 and 2.45pm. Deirdre Woods of Paws & Claws will officiate at the events.
Saturday's activities will also include a children's Treasure Hunt around the town, Punch & Judy puppets, pavement art, craft display and traditional music.
On Sunday, March 14 the Saint Patrick's Festival Cruise on the River Shannon will start at 10am with boats departing Banagher towards Inishee Island with a return to the harbour for 11am where there will be blessing of the flotilla by Fr Pierre. The parade through the town will start at 3pm from St Paul's. Registration for participants will take place at the GAA centre earlier.
The committee would like to invite all local businesses, clubs and individuals to enter a float in the parade. The emphasis this year will be on showcasing local talents and we would ask all to be creative when making their floats. Householders and businesses are also asked to get involved by decorating houses and windows for the day.
St Patrick's Day
To mark our Patron Saint's day, the parish will host a 'Traditional Session' after the 11.30am mass on March 17. At this session it is hoped to have Irish dancing, music and refreshments. The event will be held in the grounds of the church. All are invited to take part.
Soccer Club Draw
The fundraising draw will take place in Flynn's on Saturday, March 13. First prize is a full package trip to Manchester United v Liverpool. Second prize is an autographed Irish international soccer jersey. Third prize is two tickets to the next Irish home match. Tickets are still available from any club member. Your support would be much appreciated.
School Enrolment
Parents/Guardians wishing to enrol infants for September in St Rynagh's Primary School are asked to contact the school this week at (057) 91 51419.
Shannonside Sub-Aqua Club
Would you like to learn to snorkel/scuba dive? If interested then contact Robert (085) 7650720, Tom (087) 998299 or Colin (087) 7695582 to find out more, so why not give it a try. New members are very welcome.
Brosna Lodge Lourdes Fund
Following on from Fr Vincent Mulligan's recent visit to the parish, if you are interested in travelling to Lourdes as a pilgrim or a helper, from September 17 to 22, please contact Kieran Horan (087) 6592637 or Della Horan (087) 7585284 for further information.
Free Pre-school Year
Offaly County Childcare Committee is holding an Information night on the 'Free Pre-school Year' for parents on Monday, March 22 from 7.30 to 9pm in Dooly's Hotel, Birr.
Snooker Club
Members are asked to make every effort to complete the first round games in the Scratch Snooker competition. Details are on the club notice-board.
Cancer Support
The Dochas Offaly Cancer Support Group has a weekly coffee morning every Tuesday from 10.30 am to 2pm in the Health Centre, John's Place, Birr. All are welcome.
Banagher Review
The last few copies of the 2009 Review are available in Kelly's and Seamus Flynn's. The Review is in production throughout the year, so feel free to submit photos/material at any stage to Dave Boylan or email to boylandave@eircom.net.
Foroige
Banagher Foroige Club meets each Thursday in Quigley's Hall from 8 to 9.30pm. New members welcome.
Baby & Toddler Group
Banagher Baby & Toddler Group meets on Tuesdays and Fridays in the Community Centre. Play time for the children will be from 10.30am to 12 noon throughout the year. All are welcome! For more information please ring Petria (057) 91 51321.
Sympathy
Please remember in your prayers Kevin Kenny, Ballinakill, Una Horan, Five Roads, Michael O'Connor, Gorey, brother of Cormac and Joey, and JJ McHugh, Manchester, brother of John, Cuba Avenue.
Notes
Items for inclusion in the Banagher notes should be left in to Seamus Flynn's before 12 noon on the Monday before publication.
