Newsletter 15th October 2023 Issue 1474

Mass intentions in Blessington. John Mahon…RD Valleymount

Saturday: Paddy Nolan…A, Mick O’Brien…A, David Magee…1st A, James Byrne…A, John & Bridie Richardson…A, Kathy & Willie Dunworth…A, Betty Tyrrell…A,

Vincent Bohan…Bir Rem, Margaret Murphy…A, Edward Ball…A

Sunday:  Rosanna Wright…A, Paul Higgins…RD

We also Remember: Deceased Members of the O’Brien Family

Monday:  Mass offered for the sick.

Tuesday:  Jimmy Keogh…RD, Eilís Conway…RD

Wednesday: Mick Farrington…RD, Intentions Mass

Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List

Friday: Mass Bouquet, Birthday Intention

Tuesday 17th Oct:  Rosary & Holy Hour 7pm to 8pm in Church of Our Lady Blessington

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

The November Mass for the deceased, will take place on Thursday 2nd November at 7.30pm in the Churchof Our Lady, Blessington. This mass remembers all those who died in the parish over the last year. If you have a family member or friend who died in the last year (from outside the parish) and would like to have them included in this mass, please contact the parish office on 045 865 327 before Tuesday 24th October

I would like to thank you all for your continued support in these challenging times, it is greatly appreciated. Since the closure of Ulster Bank in the town, our standing orders have dropped off significantly. We now have a new Neighbourhood Collection account with AIB if you would like to renew your Standing Order or set up a new one, the account details are:

IBAN   IE10 AIBK 9332 3642 2314 05           BIC      AIBKIE2D

Donations can also be made through the Neighbourhood Collection envelopes which are available from the parish office ,Once again, may I thank all who support the parish through your donations and thank you for your generosity. With every blessing, Fr Richard

Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 5^th October:4,14,25,29. €25 Winner: John Keogh Next Jackpot €3,600

Congratulations to Blessington Tidy Towns who have secured it’s very first medal in the 2023 National Tidy Towns competition. The success this year was brought about through collaboration with Blessington Allotments for the edible Blessington project. Local schools were gifted with fruit trees and strawberry plants and over several years observed how plants grow and the vital role of pollinators in the eco system. Well done to all our volunteers who work tirelessly in all weathers!

Blessington Historical Society will be holding a talk on 19th October next in the Coimin centre at 8pm. The talk will be given by James Durnan Author and Historian and will be based on his book ” Stand you now for Ireland’s cause1913 – 1923 ” with a focus on the Wicklow connections.

Mary’s Junior School Open Day. On Wednesday 18^th October,  St. Mary’s Junior School will open its doors to the public. Please visit our school from 3-4pm in the afternoon and from 7- 8pm in the evening to see the wonderful work of our children, to meet our team and to have a wander around our historic building. Our current pupils love showing off their work to their families and it’s a great opportunity for new parents and future parents to meet staff and have a look at the whole school. All visitors are most welcome, and we look forward to seeing you on the day. Míle Buíochas Carmel Dillon, Principal

“YOU DON’T NEED IRISH TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO THE GAELSCOIL! Gaelscoil na Lochanna is accepting places for the school year 2024-2025 from October 2nd. The enrolment window is open between October and the November 24th. We will notify parents before Christmas of the places. The ANNUAL ADMISSIONS NOTICE is now available to view on the school website www.gaelscoilnalochanna.com, along with enrolment forms. For those considering the Gaelscoil over the next few years we will host an Open/ Enrolment Evening on WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25th, 7:30pm to give everyone a chance to see how it all works in a Gaelscoil. Fáilte gach duine!!!! Follow us on Instagram #gsnalochanna You don’t need Irish to send your child to the Gaelscoil!

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

Happy Faces Pre-school St Marys JNS Contact 0877658420 Email: happyfaces.blessington@gmail.com ECCE places available

Ігрова група Valleymount Parent & Baby/toddler працює щочетверга протягом шкільного семестру з 09.30 до 12.00 у Valleymount Hall.  Щиро вітаються нові батьки.  Заходьте випити чашечку чаю та побалакати Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Thursday during school term from 9.30am to 12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.

Tuesday Rural Bus Service to Naas & Newbridge. Your support is needed to keep this service open. This is ideal as a “shopping bus”. Adult return journey €3.50 & €1 for students. (a free service for many qualifying adults) Departs Blessington Bus Shelter at 10am via Naas to Newbridge (Whitewater Shopping Centre) Departs Whitewater at 1.45pm. Further info: Jane Auld 087 266 0616 or Pat Conlan 086 075 2072

Blessington Bridge Club meets every Monday 18th September at 7.30pm in the Kare Centre. All new players welcome.

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

Looking to upskill or do a new course? Blessington Further Education and Training Centre are now enrolling for Part Time courses in September:

• Digital Marketing
• Database Methods
• Early Leaning & Care
• Stage 1 – Childcare
• Care Skills & Care
• of the Older Person
• Horticulture Science
• Word Processing
• Tourism
• Spreadsheet Methods
• Business Administration
• Social Studies
• & many more… All courses are QQI certified in either Level 4 or 5 Contact: 045 891 099 – 086 850 3833 – 086 806 1569 or email karentownsend@kwetb.ie irenehayden@kwetb.ie

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

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

Ashling Frames are delighted to now offer a full photo printing service in Blessington, including passport photos, in partnership with Fujifilm, in addition to our custom and standard framing. ashlingframes@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram

MANOR KILBRIDE MUSIC SCHOOL Vacancies for flute, piano and guitar students. Contact Maria 087 9656257 Email info@manorkilbridemusic.com

Do You Want A Helping Hand! Call West Wicklow Cleaning Services 0851018792

Cleaner wanted once a month  for 4 hours. Blessington Office Contact peter.doyle54@gmail.com

Embankment Plastics Limited, Blessington W91YC64 We have vacancies for Production Operators. Shift work will apply (days/evenings/nights) Previous experience in a high-volume manufacturing facility essential. Experience in Injection or Blow moulding manufacturing would be an advantage. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Depending on experience If interested, please email HR@embankment.ie

Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393

SeeThru Solution – Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Softwash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850

Painter & Decorator – Interior & Exterior Phone: Damien 085 826 0431

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

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

Interior Designs by Elizabeth Creative, Unique, Personal. Please phone: 086 088 1806. Email: elizabethdoyle.ed@gmail.com

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

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

Noel Nolan – Blessington Heating & Plumbing Service  www.blessingtonheatingandplumbing.ie Call Noel: 087 243 1499 or email nolannoel2@gmail.com

Clarkes Funeral Directors I.A.F.D. Funeral Home & Office, Burgage, Blessington. All areas serviced. Phone: Tony, Regina or Gordon: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 / 087 249 5411 www.funeraldirectorsblessington.ie

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

Newsletter Advertising Rates, For just 50c per word per week you can reach a large, local audience. Cut-off for receiving adverts is Wed 10am. You can email the copy to office@blessington.info and pay in the Parish Office, or via the Donate button on our website or by bank transfer. Call the Parish Office: 045 865 327

• PARISH INFORMATION

Church of Our Lady, Blessington – Mass Times: Saturday 6.00pm.  Sunday 10.00am

Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9.30am – Fr. Richard Behan PP. Tel: 045 865327

Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel – Mass Times: Sundays 11.30am

St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride – Mass Times: Sundays 11.00am

Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9am – Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S. Sp., Tel: 01 4582154

St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount – Mass Times: Sunday 10am

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken – Mass Time: Saturdays 7.30pm

Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327