Newsletter 17th August 2025. Issue 1557
Community Diary
Saturday 16th Aug
Donard Country Market Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57, Saturday 16th Aug from 11 till 4.
Social Dancing In Donard Community Hall Sat 16th August, 9pm -12am.
Mass at 6pm Church of Our Lady Blessington Confessions: After 6pm Mass
Sunday 17th Aug
Baltyboys Cemetery at 2pm The Annual Cemetery Mass will take place today at 2pm
Mass at 10am. Family Mass Church of Our Lady Blessington Followed by Refreshments in the Coimin Centre after Mass. All Are Welcome
Mass at 10am St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount
Mass at 11am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Mass at 11.30am Church of our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
Monday 18th Aug
Mass at 9.30am Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Tuesday 19th Aug
Mass at 9.30am Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Wednesday 20th Aug
Mass at 9.30am Church of Our Lady Blessington
Mass at 9am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Rosary & Holy Hour The Holy Hour with Rosary and Adoration will be at 7pm for the duration of the summer months.
Thursday 1st Aug
Mass at 9am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Mass at 9.30am Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Friday 22nd Aug
Mass at 9.30am Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Mass at 11am St. Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride
Mass intentions in
Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Sean Davin…RD Knockerian, Peter Greaney…RD Brittas
Saturday: Breda & Peter Daly…A, Sr Carmel Doran…RD, Joan Freeman Kerin…RD
Sunday: James Phibbs…A, Sheila McMahon…A, Arthur McMahon…A, Mary-Jo & Patrick Deasy…A
Monday: Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday: Special Intentions Mass, Phyllis Wynne…A
Wednesday: Stewart Davis…RD, Sylvester Thomas Hyland…RD
Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List
Friday: Tom, Phyllis & Rodger Farrell, Deceased members of the Farrell, Kelly, Moran & Miller Families, Michael Byrne…A
Dates for your Diary
Saturday 30th August
Pilgrimage to Glendalough. Info on Page 2
Healing Mass
Church of Our Lady Blessington
Sat September 13th & Sat December 13th
All Masses will take place at 11am
All are welcome
Women’s Breakfast
Let’s Connect!
Our next breakfast will be on
Sat 20th Sept & Sat 22nd Nov
9.30am to 11am,
in the Coimin Centre
Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter. The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest
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.
Feast Days – 20th August – St. Bernard. Born into a noble family, in 1090. Bernard chose a life of religious devotion, joining the Cistercian monastery at Citeaux. He established the Abbey of Clairvaux and became its abbot, pioneering the reform and expansion of the Cistercian Order. His leadership played a crucial role in the growth of the Cistercian Order, establishing new monasteries and influencing monastic life across Europe. Bernard was a powerful preacher, a prolific writer, and an advisor to popes and kings, known for his deep spirituality and devotion to Christ and Mary. He is the patron saint of Gibraltar and Beekeepers St Bernard died on 20th August in 1115
The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock will take place from August 13th to 21st 2025 The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock offers nine days of reflection and prayer and a chance to reconnect with your faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine. The purpose of the Novena is to recognise the unique role that Knock, as an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, has to play in the life of the Irish Church and to honour Our Lady, the Mother of God. Please visit www.knockshrine.ie/church-services/national-novena/ Please note that the Novena will now culminate on the 21st of August, the anniversary of the Apparition at Knock in 1879
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium.
CARE OF THE EARTH Do business with eco-friendly companies Farmers market stalls, Second hand stores Support NGOs that are focused on protecting the environment.
The Memorare of St. Bernard Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! despise not my petitions, but, in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
To me Jesus is my God, Jesus is my life, Jesus is my only love, Jesus is my All in all, Jesus my everything. Jesus, I love you with my whole heart, with my whole being St Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997
Pilgrimage to Glendalough. Saturday the 30th of August. Space is limited to 50 places. Depart: Blessington 9.00am, Valleymount 9.20am. Gentle walk around the Glendalough Monastic City. Meal in The Heather. Return Valleymount/Blessington 5.30pm. Cost Bus and meal: €50.00. To book Call the Parish office 045 865327
Communion 2025/2026 There will be a meeting in the Church of Our Lady Blessington on Mon Sept 22nd at 8pm for all parents in Blessington and Valleymount parish who wish to enrol their children in the First Holy Communion programme for the coming year.
Blessington Parish Lotto Numbers on 7th August: 2,5,27,29. €25 Winner: Edwina Hardy Next Jackpot €3000
A Summer Prayer Long warm days… The pace of life slows… A time for picnics and rest in the shade… Lord, help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people. Amen.
Popes Intentions August 2025 For Mutual Coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
Minister of Eucharist August 2025 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Mary Fenton & Pat McGrath SUNDAY 10AM: Fidelma Dunne, Catriona Cullen & George Richardson
Before the Waters is presented by Blessington History Society with the support of Blessington Tourist Office and the cooperation of local historians, archaeologists and is a partnership project supported by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council and co-funded by The Heritage Council. It will run from Sunday 17th – Sunday 24th August at Blessington Tourist Office in Blessington, Co. Wicklow.
Social Dancing. Enjoy an evening of dancing to The Wicklow Man In Donard Community Hall Sat 16th August, 9pm -12am. All Welcome.
Martin Craul & Co, Block One, Unit 1F, Blessington Business Park will close for annual holidays from the evening of Thurs 07/08/2025 until the morning of Mon18/08/2025. Voice messages can be left on 045 891505/045 891507 text messages/WhatsApp to 087 2791325 or email mcraulco@gmail.com, Weekly client payroll services not affected.
FUEL STAMP SAVING SCHEME Fuel Stamps are a great way to help budget for your fuel costs. Start saving now towards your fuel bills during the winter months. The Stay Warm Saving Scheme is an easy payment option plan which enables households to budget for their central heating oil or solid fuel. Start saving the €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps on the savings card and use the stamps to pay (in full or part payment) for fuel with the listed suppliers on the card. A new supplier to the scheme but not listed on the card is Tom Phibbs Fuels Tel: 01 2118469. The Scheme is open to all households in the Blessington area and full details are available on the card. This scheme, initiated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) and supported by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, aims to help families manage their heating bills by spreading the cost of fuel. The €5 Stay Warm Saving Stamps and Savings Card are only available from Hennessy’s Hardware and SVP Shop.
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 Car Boot Sunday 24th August. St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store on Main Street Blessington. Free Carparking. Toilet facilities Tea / Coffee Stalls indoors and outdoors. tables available. Stalls 10 euro. Bargains Galore. Bigi Linn. Information. 0860752072 Pat Conlan
Donard Country market Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57, Saturday 16th Aug from 11 till 4. Stalls with garden plants, sourdough bread and buns, cupcakes and traybakes, jams and preserves, crafts and much more. Live traditional music The Meeting Place Cafe open from 11am till 2.30pm
On Saturday 23rd Aug from 10am to 4pm, a WEEE Ireland free electrical recycling day will be taking place again in Blessington! This event is organised by the Blessington Allotments Campaign and will be based at McGreal’s Primary Care Centre in Blessington (W91F5X4). Bring any old or broken electrical items on the day – from toasters to TVs, batteries to blenders, it’s all welcome! See weeeireland.ie for more details.
WANTED Part-time Bus driver for local school run D and D1 Licence Essential Leinster Coaches Contact Andrew 087-2438887
Local Taxi-man Alan 086-0423605
Piano and music theory lesson in Ballymore-Eustace (CLASSICAL and JAZZ). Experimented teacher (20 years of teaching) Trial lesson (30min) €25 zacharieblin@yahoo.fr 089 483 7341
The Healers Dance. Now offering Low Cost Counselling To Book: Visit Our Website www.healersdance.com
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.
Jennifer Kavanagh Sports & Remedial Therapy: *Muscle Aches and Pains *Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain *Struggling to perform Day-to-Day Tasks *Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation *Increased Mobility. Fully qualified ITEC NCVA, fully insured and local experienced Therapist. Ph: 087 9021099
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
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
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
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.
Ustore @ Hollywood Large storage area available Phone 087-356-7601 €100 Per month.
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