Newsletter 14th April 2024 issue1497

Mass intentions in Blessington

Saturday: Kay Murphy…A, Maureen Dunne…A, Fintan Byrne…A, Brian & Patrick Quigley …A, Dot Kelly…A, Bosco McGuire…A

Sunday: Eileen McGreal…A, Charlie Egan…Birthday Rem

At Masses This Weekend, We Remember The Following Micheal & May Myles…Rem, Vincent Parke…Rem, PJ & Thomas Myles…Rem, John Pollard…A, Catherine Fallon…Rem

Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital

Tuesday: Get Well Mass, Mary Fanning…RD

Wednesday: Jimmy Greaney…Rem, Rosaleen Paisley…Rem

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Anthony Harney…Rd, Des Sunderland…Rd

Rosary & Holy Hour  on Tuesday 16^th April 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

Pray & Play Group In the Coimin Centre, Every Wed 2.45pm to 4.30pm. For children of all ages with their parents, grandparents, guardians. Contact Áine 0833798366

To Our Church of Ireland friends We wish Rev Niall Stratford who has been instituted in the parish of Blessington, all the best in his new role.

Trócaire 2024 Many thanks to all who contributed to the recent Trócaire Lenten Collect in the Parish.

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 4^th April: 4,5,12,28. €25 Winner: Lisa Kavanagh Next Jackpot €1,375. Numbers on 28^th March: 8,14,20,28. €25 Winner: Lisa Kavanagh.

Popes’ Intention for April For the role of women We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.

Minister of Eucharist April 2024 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton, Margaret Keogh & Annmarie Wall SUNDAY 10AM: Mary McHugh, Charmaine Quinn & Geraldine McMulkin

A Prayer for our ParishHeavenly Father, Bless our Church and our parish, And all the good work that goes on in them. May all who are Christians live and work together for the good of each other andthe glory of your Name. May those who do not know you be brought by our example to a loving knowledge and peace with you. Amen

Celebration of Renewal With joyful hearts, we gather to proclaim, The miracle that Easter morn did bring. In every church, choirs joyfully sing, Celebrating life, in His holy name.

CARE OF THE EARTH Pressure your civil servants. It cannot rest on the scientific community alone to defend the natural world, voters and consumers must take a stand. This means singing petitions, writing letters and donating so changers can happen.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Valleymount and Lacken Parish Draw FEBRUARY Paul Farrell, Matt Reid, The Twins Five, Alan Ridge, Jacinta Shannon, Tanya & John Cullen MARCH Angela & John Richardson, Shann & Mark Morris, Ann Nolan, Matt Reid, Corine & Leo O Connor, Terry Kearney.

Have you ever dreamed of walking the Camino.  Join the MSC Missions as we walk the shaded lanes and valleys of the Camino Ingles. Walking from Ferrol to Santiago in Northern Spain. The temperature in this part of northern Spain in July is perfect for walking, like a balmy summer day in Ireland. For more details of this fundraising pilgrimage ring Mary at 021 454 6691 or email mary,morrish@mscmissions.ie

CARE OF THE EARTH Pressure your civil servants. It cannot rest on the scientific community alone to defend the natural world, voters and consumers must take a stand. This means singing petitions, writing letters and donating so changers can happen.

Thought for the week God always leaves the door unlatched. Blessed John Sullivan SJ.

Spring Fete Come Along And Join The Fun In St Kevin’s Hall On Saturday 27th April 1pm – 5pm Fun For All The Family, Tea & Cake, Bottle Stall, Books & Toys, Pre-Loved Clothes, Bric A Brac, Home Made Cakes, Plant Stall, Pony Rides, Children’s Games, Monster Raffle Something For Everyone In aid of St Mary’s church Your support is greatly appreciated

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.

June Blakes Garden. As our garden re-opens for the Spring/Summer, we have a part-time position available to help with tours, serving refreshments and engaging with customers to the garden. An interest in gardening a plus, but not essential! For more details email fiona@juneblake.ie

Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Teresa & The Stars. In Donard Community Hall. Saturday 20^th April 9pm -12am. All Welcome

Blessington History Society  are hosting a talk on Thursday 18th April 2024 at 8pm in the Coimin Centre. The speaker is Muireann O’Callaghan from IAC Archaeology, and the talk is based on further archaeological developments connected to the Cairn Homes housing site, formerly O’Leary’s farm, rear of the shopping centre Blessington.  The original talk was held on 17th November 2022.

Blessington GAA  are running a FREE “Introduction to Irish” course which is suitable for Beginners and those have forgotten their school Irish. The course will be held in the clubhouse every Wed commencing 17 April for 6 weeks. Classes start at 8pm sharp until 9pm. Anyone interested can text/ WhatsApp Noreen on 087 2858375 or email noreenkeegankavanagh@gmail.com. The focus will be on conversation Irish.

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.

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 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.

Job Vacancy Sakura Montessori require a Part-time morning Childcare Practitioner with minimum level 5 qualification to cover maternity leave. 9am – 1pm, Monday – Friday, immediate start Please apply with CV and cover letter to: Antoinette Byrne, Sakura Montessori at antoinettebyrnesakurabless@gmail.com

Plant Swap – Blessington Library,  Saturday April 20th! The Blessington Allotments Campaign are organising another seed and plant swap on Saturday April 20th from 1pm to 3pm in Blessington Library. If you have any plants or seeds to swap, simply drop down to the library between 1pm and 3pm and swap them for other seeds or plants. Even if you don’t have any to swap, drop by to see what seeds or plants are available. All welcome! For more details on this, email blessingtonallotments@gmail.com

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

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.

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

Gardening For Hedge clipping, Beds overhauled, Pruning, etc Phone Mark 085-1337714 (Greenleaf Garden Care)

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

Motorbike Mechanic Repair and maintenance services Call Alec 0858698027

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

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