Newsletter 16th NOvember 2025. Issue 1569
COMMUNITY DIARY
SATURDAY 15th Nov
11am Donard Christmas Market, Information on pg. 3
The West Wicklow Festival’s Winter Weekend 11.30am works by Schumann, Garth Knox and Clarke.
5pm works Mozart, Stravinsky and Brahms
9pm a traditional / classical fusion recital.Info on pg. 3
6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington First Holy Communion Mass
Sacrament of Confession: After 6pm Mass
7pm A winters Night of Music Valleymount. Info on Pg 2
7.30pm Mass Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken.
9pm Social Dancing.In Donard Community Hall. Info on pg. 3
SUNDAY 16th Nov
10am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
11am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
11:30am Mass Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
The West Wicklow Festival’s Winter Weekend3pm popular songs and arias from well-known operas and musicals. Info on pg. 3
MONDAY 17th Nov
9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
7.30pm What happens when we die? A conversation on the Four Last Things Coimín Centre
Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3
TUESDAY 18th Nov
9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
7.30pmTramway Theatre AGM Information on pg. 3
WEDNESDAY 19th Nov
9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Rosary & Holy Hour 10am to 11am Church of Our Lady, Blessington for the duration of the winter months
Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre
Blessington Parish Children’s Choir4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome
THURSDAY 20th Nov
9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
10am Art Exhibition Naas Library & Cultural Centre. Info pg. 3
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3
7.30pm SET DANCING FOR BEGINNERS Kilteel Inn. Information on pg. 3
FRIDAY 21st Nov
9am Mass St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Darach Keane…RD, Beechdale
Saturday Rita Janeson…A, Nellie Carroll…A, John Sherry… 1st A Fintan Gilheany… 3rd A
Sunday Netta & George Campbell…A, Ray McGreal…A, Mick Mills…A, Billy Sargent…A, Michelle Pender…6th A
Monday Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday Special Intentions Mass, Rita O’Brien…RD
Wednesday Bertie Montgomery…RD, Mary O’Toole…RD
Thursday Blessington Deceased Card List
Friday Jason McMahon…A, Get Well Mass
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Women Breakfast
Let’s Connect!
Our next breakfast will be on Sat 22nd Nov 9.30am to 11am, in the Coimin Centre
Sunday 23rd Nov
Family Mass at 10am Mass in the
Church of Our Lady Blessington Refreshments in the Coimin Centre
www.thesower.net In November we remember. Did you know that you can light a candle and leave a prayer request on Deacon Gerrys new website www.thesower.net
Feast Days – 22nd November – St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr. Saint Cecilia probably lived in the second or third century, and tradition says she died about 177 AD. Although details of her life may be unknown to us, Saint Cecilia was one of the most revered early virgin martyrs of Rome, as evidenced by her name appearing in the Roman Canon of the Mass. She is the patron Saint of Music and Musicians.
Prayer to Saint Cecilia O glorious St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, you won the martyr’s crown without renouncing your love for Jesus, the delight of your soul. We ask that you help us to be faithful in our love for Jesus, that, in the communion of the saints, we may praise Him twice in our song of rejoicing for the Blood that He shed which gave us the grace to accomplish His will on earth. Amen.
Minister of Eucharist November 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Charmaine Quinn & Catriona Cullen.
Popes Intentions NOV 2025 FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of Life.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGSAuthentic social peace is possible only if we strive for justice through dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation. Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti
The Wonder of Creation Butterflies can taste with their feet Their feet have taste sensors, so they know if a leaf is good to lay eggs on just by landing on it.
Prayer for November Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies beyond counting, keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope, perfect in love. And when our earthly journey is ended, lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live forever and ever. Amen
Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest.
Holy Communion Dates 2026
Lacken National School – Sat 2nd May 2026 at 11am
St Josephs School Valleymount – Sun 10th May 2026 at 10am Mass
St Marys School Blessington Sat – 9th May 2026 at 11am
No.1 School – Sun 17th May at 10am
Gaelscoil Na Lochanna – TBC
Confirmations Dates 2026
St Josephs School Valleymount – Thurs 4th June 2026 at 11am
No.1 School – Tues 9th June at 11am
St Marys School Blessington Thurs 11th June 2026 – Times TBC
Gaelscoil Na Lochanna – TBC
Church of Our Lady, Blessington & Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount & Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lacken Fr. Gerry Kane PP. Tel: 045 865 327
St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride Fr. Paraic McDermott C.S.Sp. Tel: 01 4582154
Parish Office: 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday Tel: 045 865 327 admin@blessington.info
AWARE SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.
Accord Prayer for Marriage & Family Life God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love. Give to us the gift of respect, empathy and understanding. Bless and strengthen our love for each other. Help us to appreciate the value of family life and to live in harmony with all whom we come in contact with. Encourage us, we pray, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with the Lord. Praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.
Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 30th October. 3,5,6,10. €25 Winner: Sinead Walsh Next Jackpot €3000.
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club meet every Thursday night at 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Blessington. Guests are most welcome, why not come along & bring a friend.
Blessington Bridge Club Meets every Mon at 7.15pm in the Kare Centre. New players welcome.
Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to Noel Ryan In Donard Community Hall Sat 15th November, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.
Blessington U3A are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Rory O’Farrell Title: “Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen” Date: Tuesday 18th November at 10.30am Venue: The Hollywood Centre (Eircode W91 NWK5) All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person. People wishing to register for 2025-2026 are requested to come from 10.00am
The West Wicklow Festival’s Winter Weekend returns to Tulfarris from 14th-16th November for a magical weekend of concerts by Irish and international artists.
Friday 14th Nov, 8pm: Fiachra Garvey (piano), Gwendolyn Masin (violin), Sara Ferrández (viola) & Brian O’Kane (cello) perform piano quartets by Mozart, Mahler & Brahms.
Saturday 15th Nov, 11:30am: Fiachra de hOra (viola) & Claudia Fernández Parrono (piano) perform works by Schumann, Garth Knox and Clarke.
Saturday 15th Nov, 5pm: Rosanne Philippens (violin) & Finghin Collins (piano) perform works Mozart, Stravinsky and Brahms.
Saturday 15th Nov, 9pm: Aoife Ní Bhriain (violin) + Catrin Finch perform a traditional / classical fusion recital.
Sunday 16th Nov, 3pm: Niamh O’Sullivan (mezzo-soprano) & Fiachra Garvey (piano) perform popular songs and arias from well-known operas and musicals.
For tickets and more information see westwicklowfestival.com
Ceolchoirm Ceoltoiri Cois Locha. Shed Sessions Fundraising Event at Blessington’s Men’s Shed, helping the promotion of traditional culture and music, enhancing the lives of so many/musicians/ poets/story tellers/singers/ with young trad players giving a helping hand. We are all joined in the promotion of traditional culture and music. Bigi Linn. We meet on the 1st Monday of each month from 7.30pm-10pm. An interactive settling with an’ Open Microphone’ Further info on Blessington Shed Sessions 0860752072 Pat Conlan. Ceoltoiri Cois Locha. Oiche Specialta Iontach daoibh ar Fad. Monday 17th. November.7.30pm – 10pm. Refreshments/Raffle. Ceol.Old Library. Blessington.
Tramway Theatre Blessington will hold their Annual General Meeting on: Tues18th Nov 2025 at7.30pm in the Tramway Theatre. All members of the community welcome. To register your attendance email: tramwayevents@gmail.com
Looking for a great day out? On Sat 15th November Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57, is holding Donard Christmas Market, 11 till 4 (free entry). The hall will be packed with a great variety of quality items for sale. So get in early and buy that special Christmas gift and enter the raffle and be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize. All money made on the day going to Donard National School.
SET DANCING FOR BEGINNERS Thursdays 6th, 13th, 20th November 7.30-8.30pm in The Kilteel Inn €7.50 per class, free for unwaged. Contact Patricia 087 2388487
Art Exhibition. Ladies who Paint. Thurs 6th Nov to Sat 15th Nov. Naas Library & Cultural Centre , North Main St, Naas. Mon – 10am to 5pm Tue to Thurs – 10am to 8pm Fri to Sat 10am to 5pm. All Welcome
Blessington Carboot Sale Sunday 23rd November 8am to 4pm. St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store on Main Street. Free Carparking. Stalls indoors and outdoors available Teas / Coffee. Toilets. Stalls €10 This is our last Carboot Sale of 2025 Next is February 2026. Please Support. Bigi Linn. Info / Booking 0860752072…Pat Conlan.
Helix Motorcycles repair shop just opened in Stratford, if you need a simple service, complex repair or just a touch up on the paintwork call or text on 087 373 5709
GARDENING SERVICES Grass cutting / Ride on lawnmower Push Lawnmower, Hedge cutting Chainsaw Cutting, Splitting Timber, Spraying, Weeding, Powerwashing Driveway Patios, General Maintenance around your home. Just Call for reasonable Quates/ Price. Call or text 0876640695.
Blessington Taxi Phone Greg 087 2626 393
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
Driving instructor RSA and ADI approved. Contact Michael 087 459 4258 for bookings.
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
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
Balance Looking to improve strength, flexibility, and stress levels in a supportive space? Balance Reformer Pilates offers low-impact, high-results workouts designed for every body no matter your fitness level, or experience. Located over the SVP shop. Intro offer available. 4 classes €60. www.balancestudios.ie
Niall Kearns Building & Roofing Contractor 086 274 6969 nkbuildandroof@gmail.com Building New Homes, Extensions, Sunrooms Attic Conversions, Renovations, Chimney Repairs Roofing New Roofs, All Roof Repairs Flat Roofs, Gutter Repairs Roof Replacement, PVC Fascia & Soffit All Work Fully Guaranteed
JP&M Doyle What’s Your Property Worth? Talk to us today for your free-Market Appraisal Specializing In Residential Town & Country Homes Development & Agricultural Land Commercial Property Lettings, Valuations. 2025 is your year to make it happen! With high demand and a lack of supply, now is the perfect time to maximise your property’s value. www.jpmdoyle.ie Tel: 045-865568.
KILDARA HEATING & PLUMBING Call Dara: 0862356610 Email: Kildaraheating@gmail.com Heating & Plumbing Services Bathroom Renovations Boiler install/service Heat pumps Central Heating Power flushing Fully Insured RGI & Oftec Registered
Trusted Plumbing Services Call Andre on 0879515066 Fast, reliable & affordable plumbing throughout Wicklow and surrounding areas.
WANTED Part-time Bus driver for local school run D licence required, Leinster Coaches Contact Andrew 087-243-8887
All Weather Pitch and Clubhouse ready for rental throughout the winter… contact the Club today…! Hire the Kilbride GAA All Weather Facility and Clubhouse!!. Club Training. Individual 5-a-Side Matches. Birthday Parties (inclusive of available clubhouse community room with pool table and games beside our club playground) etc. Entire Facility (58 x 38.5 metres) or a Five a Side Pitch (official size, 36.5 x 27). Lined for two 5 a side pitches and full facility, 7 v 7. Newly installed LED Lighting. Retractable Goals. Surface Performance – Passed. Inclusive of available Changing Rooms, Showers and Parking. Contact info@KilbrideGAA.com or call 0863113443 for any enquiries. Or Book a Session today online and enter your preferred day/times: https://www.KilbrideGAA.com/shop/
Paragon. Transform your bathroom with Paragon Bathrooms At Paragon Bathrooms, we specialise in stylish bathroom remodels and bespoke mobility bathrooms designed around your needs. Our goal is to help you create a special space that’s functional as it is beautiful. Grant approved, adaptation work Contact: 0851378770
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