Newsletter 19th April 2026. Issue 1588.
COMMUNITY DIARY
SATURDAY 18th April
6pm Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington, 7.15pm Mass Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Lacken, 9pm Social Dancing. Donard Community Hall
SUNDAY 19th April
10am Mass St. Josephs Church, Valleymount,
10am Family Mass with Children’s Choir Church of Our Lady, Blessington, Refreshments in the Coimin Centre
11am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride,
11:30am Mass Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Crosschapel
MONDAY 20th April
9am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride,
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,
Blessington Bridge Club 7.15pm, Kare Centre. Information on pg. 3
TUESDAY 21stApril
9am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride,
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
WEDNESDAY 22nd April
9am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride,
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington,
Pray & Play Group 3pm–4.30pm, Coimín Centre,
Blessington Parish Children’s Choir 4.20pm-5pm. All are welcome.
Rosary & Holy Hour 7pm to 8pm Church of Our Lady, Blessington
THURSDAY 23rd April
9am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Blessington Indoor Bowls Club 7.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall, Information on pg. 3
FRIDAY 24th April
9am Mass St Brigids Church. Manor Kilbride
9.30am Mass Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Rosminians Mission Appeal for East Africia.
Blessington 18th & 19th April, Valleymount 26th April.
The Rosminians will be making a mission appeal in your parish. The Rosminianswork in East Africa running parishes in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda providing health care in rural areas, digging water wells for local communities and providing primary, secondary and technical education for both boys and girls, Christian and Muslims.
We thank you for your support.
Mass Intentions in Church of Our Lady, Blessington
Ann O’Reilly …RD Ballyknockan
Saturday
Gary O Donavan…Months Mind, Des Phelan…A,, George Allen… A,, Donal Maher… Rem,, Breda Griffin…Rem
Sunday
Eileen McGreal… A,, Jimmy Balfe…A,, Sean Hession…Rem,, Maura Creighton…Rem, Sheila & Arthur McMahon…A, Des Finan…A
Monday
Mass for the Sick & those in Hospital
Tuesday
Easter Mass card list
Wednesday
Easter Mass card list
Thursday
Easter Mass card list
Friday
Easter Mass card list
Trócaire Box Collection Please return your Trócaire boxes to the Parish before Monday 20th April 2026
Carmel, Eoghan and Sinead O’Donovan wish to express their sincere, heartfelt and profound gratitude to all those who supported and accompanied them during Gary’s illness and in the sorrowful days following his death. They have been deeply touched by the kindness, compassion and generosity shown to them by so many. The many prayers offered, Mass bouquets, messages of sympathy, cards, visits, phone calls and numerous expressions of support have been a source of great comfort and strength to the family throughout this sad and difficult time. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. Gary’s Months Mind Mass will take place in the Church of Our Lady Blessington on Saturday 18th April at 6pm.
Feast Days – 23rd April – St. George St George was likely born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) in the 3rd century to Christian parents and later moved to Lydda in Palestine. He was a soldier in the Roman army under Emperor Diocletian but refused to follow orders to persecute other Christians. According to popular stories, he rescued a princess from a dragon in Libya, which represents his courage and victory of good over evil. George was killed for his faith on 23 April, 303, at Lydda, making him a martyr He is usually pictured in art as a knight in armor with a red cross on a white background, the flag of England. He is not just for England, he is also the patron saint of soldiers, scouts, farmers, and several cities.
Prayer to St. George for Protection O Lord, I humbly come to you today and ask for your protection through the intercession of Saint George. You granted him strength and constancy as he faced and overcame pain and suffering in defense of our Holy Faith. Through his example, may I be unyielding in my faith and serve you faithfully until my last breath. I often feel vulnerable without guidance or assurance; fill me with steadfastness so that no temptation will bring me away from your path, for protecting me is your divine grace. When fearful shadows cloud me, please remind me of St George’s courage as a martyr who fearlessly defended his faith even when threatened by executioners. May it be a reminder that whatever adversity comes my way, Your protective love will hold fast against all harm if only I remain faithful to Your loving mercy always! Amen.
Dates for your Diary
Women’s Breakfast
Saturday 18th April
Family Mass
Sunday 19th April, Sunday 17th May
Healing Mass
Saturday 16th May, Saturday 19th September, Saturday 12th December
A Prayer for our Parish Heavenly 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 and the 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
Prayer for peace Lord Jesus, You came that the world might know the peace that You have experienced with the Father eternally. Yet, You taught us that in this life there will be wars and rumours of wars. Nations will rise against nations as violence works itself out in the world. However, through You, the world may be saved.
Prayer For April Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless by all in earth and heaven. Amen
Popes Intentions for April 2026 For priests in crisis Lehi us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
Blessington Parish Lotto Jackpot Numbers on 9th April 2026: 1,7,10,30. €25 Lucky Draw Winner: Janet Ryan. 4th April 2026: 17,20,26,29., €25 Lucky Draw Winner:. Ciara Taylor Next Jackpot: €3000
The Wonder of Creation The male lyrebird is a master of mimicry – It can imitate chainsaws, camera shutters, car alarms, and other bird calls.
Minister of Eucharist April 2026 Church of Our Lady Blessington SAT 6PM: Ann Hanlon & Frank Hanlon SUNDAY 10AM: Charmaine Quinn & Caitriona Cullen.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them.” Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium
Deadline for Notices in the Newsletter The deadline to have your notices in the newsletter is Tuesday at 11am at the very latest
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.
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
West Wicklow Cancer Support will be hosting our annual East Coast FM coffee morning on Friday 24th April from 10am at the West Wicklow House Blessington. Come along and support our fundraiser with music from Melo Blis, a live broadcast from Dave Harrington, cakes, bakes refreshments and a monster raffle. Donations welcome at 087 4346004 / westwicklow15@gmail.com Looking forward to seeing you at this wonderful community mornin
Féile an Chnocáin 2026 May Bank Holiday Weekend 30th April – 4th May
Thursday 30th April : Set Dancing Céilí with Syl & Liz Valleymount Hall , Dancing at 8:30pm
Friday 1st May: 7:30pm Talk by Seamus O’Maithiu Valleymount Hall
Saturday 2nd May: 11:30am Guided Hill Walk Glenbride – Ballyknockan via Silsean Meeting at Cullens Ballyknockan (Bus to start) at 11:30am
12pm Guided Tour of Ballyknockan Visit Ballyknockan’s Historic Features and get an insight into its unique heritage.
3pm Stonecutting and Heritage Museum Stone Splitting, Museum & Displays and more McEvoy’s Quarry Ballyknockan
Sunday 3rd May: Family Fun Day 1pm-5pm Ballyknockan Picnic Area Live Music, Craft Market and More.
Monday 4th May: Open Trad Session 2pm All musicians, Singers and Storytellers welcome. Cullens Lakeview Lounge
Live music Every Evening in Cullens. Further Details for each event on Facebook & Instagram over the coming Weeks @Feileanchnocain
Kilbride GAA’s Clubhouse opening ceremony, Sunday the 26th of April at 2PM with special guest Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns. Wicklow Senior Men’s team are marking the occasion with a game versus Kildare at 2.30PM (opposition is currently provisional). All welcome. So far, the schedule for the day is: 2PM Official Ceremony 2.30PM – Intercounty Match Wicklow v Kildare BBQ & Traditional Music all welcome
Blessington Carboot Sunday, 26th April, St. Kevin’s Community Centre beside Aldi Store on Main Street Blessington. 8am to 4.pm info 0860752072 Pat Conlan. Free Carparking. Toilets facilities. Tea and coffee. Indoor / outdoor stall spaces available. A good time to Spring Clean. Bigi Linn. Booking 0860752072.
Blessington U3A are pleased to announce our next talk Speaker: Paraic Laffan Title: “Communications: from Morse Code to Twitter” Date: Tuesday 21st April at 10.30am Venue: Russborough House All are welcome to attend, Non-members €5 per person.
Social Dancing. Donard Community Hall Enjoy an evening of dancing to The Wicklow Man Sat 18th April, 9pm -12am. All Welcome
Lacken National School Enrolment Now open for 2026-2027 for Lacken National School. Please contact office at 045-865086 or email school@lackenns.com
St Mary’s Junior N.S. 2026/27 school year Currently accepting applications. To apply please contact Bernadette in the school office 045 865501 or visit our website – www.stmarysjuniorschool.ie – click on Parent Information tab, select Application Forms in the Policies and Enrolment section.
St Brigid’s N.S. are accepting enrolments for all pupils wishing to start in September. Please contact the school office on 01-4582550 for an enrolment form. St Brigid’s will also be having an open evening for all prospective students and their families Wednesday 11th February. The school will be open from 6.30pm till 7.30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the school, meet our staff, and get a feel for life at St Brigid’s. We look forward to seeing you there.
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.
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
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
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
Satellite and Saorview installations. Service calls. Repairs. Retuning. email;ewtninstalls@gmail.com mob; 087 2352377
Block Laying & small building works 30 years’ experience Reliable, Quality & Fair pricing. Ph 085-150-5668
Brittas Early Years Services St Martin’s National School Brittas Co Dublin D24WK77 Enrolling now for September 2026 Contact Patricia on 0879173518 or 014582665
Castle Canine Cuts Dog Grooming Appointments only Mon-Fri One to one grooming small to large dogs 24 years in business locally Find us on Facebook Ph. Gillian 087-764-1911
Local and trusted Homecare assistant for the elderly. Compassionate, reliable support for elderly residents in our community. Help with daily tasks, companionship, and maintaining independence at home. Available for sleepover shifts. Call/Text: Aoife Mescall: 0872120149 Email: mescallaoife@hotmail.com
Strength & Grace Mat Pilates Classes are here! Currently running in Manor Kilbride and Blessington. Reduce pain, build strength and balance while improving your posture from day one.
Higher Diploma level instructor-led classes for private, mixed, mens, childrens, pre&post natal as well as older adult sessions all available! Contact Grace on 0874007027 to book your place.
Local and trusted Homecare assistant for the elderly. Compassionate, reliable support for elderly residents in our community. Help with daily tasks, companionship, and maintaining independence at home. Available for sleepover shifts. Call/Text: Aoife Mescall: 0872120149 Email: mescallaoife@hotmail.com
SEETHRU Solutions Your Local Trustworthy Cleaning Service for Windows, Gutters, Fascia, Pressure Washing, Soft wash, Carpet & Upholstery. Call Greg: 085 858 1850
Castle Canine Cuts Dog Grooming Appointments only Mon-Fri One to one grooming small to large dogs 24 years in business locally Find us on Facebook Ph. Gillian 087-764-1911
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