Newsletter 24th March 2024 Issue 1495

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Paddy Ryall…1st A, Kevin & Mary Quinn…A, Teresa Boylan…1st A, Martin & Maureen Byrne…A, Mick Ryan…A, George Allen…A, Pete Nolan…12th A & Nolan Family, Jack Keogh…A

Sunday: James Friel…Rd, Johnny McDonald…A

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember The Following Josiah Crane…Rd, Paul Corrigan…Rem, Vera Kavanagh…Rem, Kevin Ennis…Rd

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Brendan Whelan…A, Tony Hayes…Rd

Wednesday: Get Well Mass, Noel Carroll…RD

Thursday: Holy Thursday

Friday: Good Friday

Rosary & Holy Hour: Every Tuesday, 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wednesday From 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366 or Call the office on 045365327

Minister of Eucharist March 2024, Church of Our Lady Blessington, SAT 6PM: Colette Fennan, Mary McCormack & Geraldine McMulkin. SUNDAY 10AM: Aisling Molloy & Margaret Flynn

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 14^th March: 2,5,8,30. €25 Winner: Laura Humphries Next Jackpot €1,275

Women’s Breakfast Blessington & Valleymount Parishes For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:20 Our First Women’s Breakfast will be in Coimin Centre  Sat April 20th 2024, from 9.30 to 11am. This is a great opportunity for women to get together to have a relaxing chat along with a delicious breakfast and hear a short testimony from one woman about her faith journey. A small donation would be appreciated to cover costs. Looking forward to seeing you there.

PALMS The use of palms during Palm Sunday holds great symbolic significance. Palms are a symbol of victory and triumph, and they were used in biblical times to honour and welcome royalty. In the case of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the laying down of palms was a sign of respect and homage to the King of the Jews. Palms signify the victory and triumph Jesus has over death

Notable Dates in March March 21^st – International day of forests, March 22^nd – World Water day

CARE OF THE EARTH MAINTAIN YOUR CAR Cars are a very important source of pollution today and their number is incessantly increasing every year. It is important to maintain your car in good condition. A car that has not been serviced regularly dispels more chemicals and harmful gases in the air. Regular maintenance will also increase the performances of your vehicle, do not forget to inflate your tires regularly.

Thought for the week LOOK FOR SOMETHING POSITIVE IN EVERY DAY EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO LOOK A LITTLE HARDER

West Wicklow Cancer Support  welcomes you to our weekly sound bath meditation with essential oils, hosted by Gemma Deeney. Take that hour to yourself to relax, rewind and rejuvenate. Wednesday Mornings, 11am Primary Care Centre. Open to all, bring your own cushion and blanket. No charge, no need to book. Contact us on 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com with any enquiries.

Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Monday at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

Blessington Walking Club Community support for mental emotional and physical health Morning walks during weekdays  at 9.30am Sunday walks at 11am Meeting point Blessington further ed centre WhatsApp 087 223 4005 insta@blessingtonwalkingclub

Blessington Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Main Street Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along and bring a friend.

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.

Flower Arranging Classes Venue; Band Hall Ballymore Eustace Tuesday or Wednesday mornings 10.30 to 12.30 commencing 9th, 10th, April for 7 weeks Cost €105 .00 Booking Essential Contact: Christine Hughes 0876864620

Blessington Car boot. Sunday 24th April St. Kevin’s Community Centre 9am-4pm Indoor and outdoor facilities. Free Carparking/Toilets. Teas & Coffee available. Stalls 10 euro. tables provided if required/requested. Bigi Linn. Maith sibh ar fad. Info. 0860752072 Pat Conlan

Blessington Library Creative writing by Caroline Busher Tuesday 26th March at 11.30 am Children 9-12 years old Booking required 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie Movie Afternoon Age 12+ Wednesday 27th March at 2 pm No booking required Movie Afternoon All welcome Thursday 28th March at 2 pm No booking required Easter Clay Craft Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd April at 11 am Children must be available to attend both mornings Booking required 045 891740 or blessingtonlib@wicklowcoco.ie

Feile an Chnocain is a festival of music and heritage in Ballyknockan’s Granite City running from the 2nd to the 6th of May 2024. Commencing with a Set Dancing Ceili on Thursday the 2nd at 8:30pm in Valleymount Hall. Followed by a weekend of music, guided hike up Silsean, Stonecutting demonstrations and celebration of 200 years of the Ballyknockan Quarries as well as a Family Fun Day on Sunday 5th May with lots of activities to keep you entertained. Come and join us for a celebration of Ballyknockan’s Music, Heritage and its People! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @FeileanChnocain If you have an interest in performing or running a craft stall, get in touch on 0873919111

Reminder – St Brigid’s National School’s  closing date for enrolments is Friday March 22nd, so if you wish to enroll your child in our school could you please do so  before this date. Thank you.

Blessington Welcomes is a newly established local group aimed at welcoming new members into the community from all backgrounds. The group is developing a welcome pack with information about relevant community groups, clubs, activities and services.  If you would like the details of your group, club, activity or service included in the welcome pack please email blessingtonwelcomes@gmail.com by 31st March.

Craft Market at The Avon on the 1st April 12:00-5:00pm promoting the very best of affordable art, crafts and artisan foods.’

Supervalu Blessington Communion and confirmation Cakes Made to Order Phone 087 6243933/045 265338

Conor Hendrick Carpentry Interior & Exterior 0877421407 Check me out on Facebook & Instagram

Blessington Community Employment Vacancies These are developmental opportunities, no experience necessary. St Kevin’s, Cemetery, Hollywood Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 20/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317015. Secretary, St Kevin’s  Community Centre. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to admin, answering calls,  And secretarial work. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317031. Caretaker, Hollywood Community Centre. Duties to include but not restricted to preparing hall for meetings and events, cleaning, light maintenance, and painting. Closing Date: 02/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317081 Caretaker, St. Johns Cemetery, Ballymore. Duties inclusive of but not restricted to grass cutting, light maintenance, key holding, and cleaning. Closing Date: 16/02/2024 Reference: CES: 2317525 Please contact us on 085-2523563 or martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Please note *You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for the last 12 months to qualify for these positions. * CE Rates Apply.

Blessington FETC Full and part time, daytime and evening education courses are available. We are here to help you get back into education, learn at your own pace, reach your potential, have some fun, meet other people and gain confidence. We offer 1 to 1 support in English, maths, and IT.  Courses are free, flexible, and fun. (eligibility criteria will apply). If you are interested in upskilling or learning new skills in: Gardening, Art, Sewing, Beginners Hairdressing, IT – laptop, notebooks, smart phones in 2024 contact u, or drop into the Blessington FETC. We would be delighted to hear from you.  Contact us on 045 891099/ 0868462771. West Wicklow Youthreach offers an education and training programme for early school leavers aged 16-21. We offer QQI level 3 and 4 junior and leaving cert equivalent, and personal development programmes in a small, welcoming, and supportive environment. If you are interested in our full-time programme, why not contact us to find out more! Call the centre at 086-8159593 or 045-851498 or drop into the Blessington Further Education and Training Centre and pick up an enquiry form. Alternatively, you can send an email to carolinemccabe@KWETB.ie For more information about our programme visit www.blessingtonfetc.ie/youthreach

DATE FOR DIARY Blessington GAA Development Fundraiser- Jungle Challenge Saturday 23 Mar @ 8pm Lawlor’s Hotel Naas For tickets call 083 075 7844

Valleymount Community Shed NEW MEMBERS. If you or someone you know would like to join our Shed, drop in any Monday or Friday from 10.30 to 12.30 at the back of the priest’s house (The old stables) for a chat and to see what we do.

Catriona Byrne & Co Solicitors BESIDE AIB – OVER 20 YEARS ESTABLISHED FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS 3 Mill Bank, Blessington County Wicklow Tel: 045 857 537 www.catrionsbyrne.ie

Septic Tanks Emptied & Digger Hire Call Dermot or Adam Phibbs 087 799 5320 – 083 037 4750 lizmphibbs6@gmail.com      License no: NWCPO-21-12619-01

Blessington Counselling & Psychotherapy – Mandy Downes MAPCP 085 134 9813 Specialist in CBT & Solution focused Therapy

Wicklow & Kildare Mental Health Services  Counselling & Psychotherapy. Aran Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. For Bookings please contact, by phone: 089 274 4920 or e-mail: info@wicklowandkildarementalhealth.ie

To Let Very nice self-contained private office at Aran Centre, Blessington opposite Aldi.  From €125 per week plus VAT.  Contact Sean on 087 8175227.

Building & Roofing Contractor Available All Roof Repairs, Slates, Tiles, Lead Valleys, Velux Windows, PvC Fascia & Soffit, Extensions, Attic Conversions & Renovations. All Work Guaranteed Niall Kearns 0862746969.

Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved.  Contact Michael 087 459 4258  for bookings.

GF Services Tile Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning 0899889861 info@gfservices.ie

AN SIOPA BHAILE “Your Home, Your Soul” One stop Home Improvements Store Irish Carpets & Luxury Flooring Home Repairs & Renovations Homewares, Irish Crafts & Art Wellness Space & Massage The Homewarestore.ie, Main street, Blessington. nfo@thehomestore.ie. Ph: 0867788800

The Avon has a number of functions rooms available to hire for your next special occasion. Email us at info@theavon.ie and we can send on our 2024 brochure Mark Hyland Solicitors Main Street, Blessington Phone number: 045-851149 Email: markhylandsolicitors@gmail.com

Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Call Damien 085 826 0431

HEADSTONES McEvoy Monumental Works Blessington. Headstones, Inscriptions, Renovations. Serving the people of Blessington for over 40 years. Call to our workshop at Millbank Blessington Call: Mick 045 865 487 – 086 843 8832 or Gary 087 933 3487 www.mcevoymonumentalworks.com

Local Builder Available All services under one roof, Windows & Doors, Plumbing, Tiling, Roofing, Plastering, Electrical, Carpentry, Insulation. All levels of construction services available. Fully registered. Call Paul: 086 309 1829

Paying too much for SKY or Virgin Media? We Install or Repair Free to Air & Saorview! No more Bills! Call Billy 086 868 0053

Eagle Cleaning Solutions Chimney Cleaning, Exterior Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning & Repairs. Find us on Facebook! Call for appointment: 087 247 4388. info@eaglecleaningsolutions.com

German Autoworks – Service Specialist VW/Audi, Mercedes, Skoda, Seat, Opel – Call 087 286 3997 www.germanautoworks.ie

Job Vacancy R&H have vacancies, for general operatives., Please email your CV to Sharon for further information s.casey@rh-lenses.com