Recent Events
THE VINTAGE TRACTOR RALLY HITS CLOGH - Oct 07
Coubcillor Johnny Brennan in his Ford 2000 and on right, the tractors arriving in Clogh.
Cloney's Group at Newark Airport and outside Hurley's on 48th Street.
CLONEYS ON TOUR FOR ST. PATRICKS FESTIVAL.
On Wednesday 14th March the temperature in New York’s Central Park was 65 degrees farenheit as the Moneenroe group, supplemented by a few each from Coon, Clogh and Kilkenny City, were preparing to spend the St. Patrick’s Festival in that great U.S. city. The P.A. system on the Continental Airlines Boeing announced the various statistics about speed, height and time of arrival and added that there was light snow at the other side. Those who put their watches back by the usual five hours were caught out by the decision of the Yanks to introduce ‘Spring Time’ for the first time in which they had moved the time forward by an hour just a week earlier.
As the Airliner touched down at 8.30 am local time there was something more like a blizzard blowing, depositing about six inches of snow over the area. In fact, by nine 0’clock, all the airports were closed.
The group travelled to the Kilkenny Association Dinner at the Lake Isle Country Club, a journey which took over 2 hours, normally 45 minutes, because of the heavy snow. A number of expected revellers simply could not make it. The attendance was enhanced by the local visitors and a group from Gorman’s pub, John Street. As well as James McGarry and his wife Vanessa, presentations were made to Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien, Mick ‘Cloney’ Brennan and Murty Kennedy, all former stars of the Black and Amber. A special tribute and presentation was made to former Dicksboro man, Dick Lyons, who has played a massive role in the Kilkenny Association for several years.
Fifth Avenue had been cleared of snow for the start of the massive parade, but the footpaths and side streets were under deep snow.
Word is that another trip is being organised by Shirley Dowd foe 2008.
Had to put this one in for the benefit of our exiles
Not Bagdad butThe old Barracks in Comer on fire February 2007. Comments on the Forum.
Five Year Community Plan
On Thursday, 9th December 2006 Clogh/Moneenroe launched a Community Plan for the years 2006 to 2010, at the Clogh Family Resource Centre. Bernie Byrne, BNS Leader will launch the Plan. Many dignitaries were present including the Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Mr. Billy Ireland and members of community and voluntary groups in the area. Clogh/Moneenroe area has a population of 2,300 or so. The people live in the north east of County Kilkenny, close to the border with County Laois, twenty kms. or so from Carlow, and eight kms. from Castlecomer, with the Castlecomer Athy road running through it. This is the third such Plan, previous plans having being launched in 1995 and 2000. There were some notable achievements during that time. Cloneen Hurling Club and The Railyard Football Club were involved in major development of their facilities. Moneenroe National School was refurbished, and a new school was built at Clogh. Clogh Family Resource Centre was refurbished and extended. Moneenroe Community Council acquired and developed Massford Stores as an Enterprise Centre. The Colliery Christians Housing Association built 12 homes for the elderly in Clogh. And eight similar homes are now completed in Moneenroe.
Traffic speed, recycling and dumping/litter were the main environmental concerns. The water treatment plant and sewerage are in great need of upgrading, as otherwise future housing development will be put on hold. The majority or respondents leave the area each day to travel to work. Many wished that there would be greater local employment opportunities. As elsewhere, the local farming population faces many challenges. Farmers, with smaller holdings, would be well served with wider support and advice services that would maximise the viability of their holdings.
Great credit is due to all who played a part in the Plan. It isn’t a magic wand that will get things done. However, in the words of its mission statement, it is for groups and agencies ‘to work in partnership to empower people to share the diverse nature of their talents for the betterment of our community and to promote sustainable economic, social, cultural, spiritual and environmental development’. In our modern day society, partnership would seem to be a keyword.
The Parish Plan Group . L/R Joe Mooney, John Brennan, Monica O'Shea, Patsy Barcoe, Richard O'Gorman,Catherine Brennan, Fr.Dan Bollard and Charlie McCarthy.
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Birdie and Ciro (See Forum)
The Big shave in Ryans helped raise about €5,000 in funds for young handballers who travelled to Canada for the World Championships was a real blast. Big enthusiastic crowd made a load of money. Well done all. (See Handball Page)
Patsy Wilson having a go at Martin Nore's hair in Ryan's (Left)
and Franko enjoys Dom Dom's grimace.
Congratulations to Paddy and Anne Purcell (Clogh) who celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary in July.
Anne and Paddy Purcell's wedding, July 1966 in Camberwell, London, while on right, celebrating their 40th Anniversary with Grandaughter Leah,recently.