We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Issue 1433 December 18th 2022
4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT – The birth of Christ is almost upon us now. We are reminded in Isaiah’s prophecy of the long-awaited Emmanuel – God in our midst.
Mass intentions this week in Blessington
Kathleen Allen (RD) Blessington
Saturday 6pm: Mary & Tom Tivnan (A), May Nolan (A) & Nolan Family Blessington, Nolan Family, Baltinglass, Monaghan Family, UK
Sunday 10am: William Clarke (A), Margaret Roche (A), Bill Smith (25th A), Henry Lee (A)
We also Remember: Patrick & Gretta Reidy, Frances & Leo Sheridan, John O’Kane, Frank Reid (A), Annie, Paddy & Mary Carroll, Marjorie & Denis Murray, Heather & Denis Rock, Peter & Micheline Comey, Catherine & Jimmy Devoy (A), Rosemary, Ned & Mary Walsh (A), John & Bridget Tipper, Kathleen Smith, Sheila & Seamus Zeller, Kit & Winnifred Mahon
Deceased Members of: Clarke & Nixon Families, Doyle Family, Cagney & Manning Families, Daniels & Evans Families,
Monday: Mass offered for the Sick & those in hospital
Tuesday: Mick Mills (Months Mind) Paddy & Pauline O’Brien, Michael & Lawrence Behan, Dec Mem of the Behan Family
Wednesday: Margaret Roche (A), Sp Living Intention
Thursday: Blessington Deceased Mass Card List
Friday: Gerry Foley (A), Jimmy Heaney (A), Betty Heaney, Tom Foley & Jim Foley (Rem), Jim & May Breen (A), Mary Breen (Rem), Mick & Ann Ryan (Rem),Cathy Ryan (Rem)
Christmas Dues: Envelopes are now available in our Churches for those who would like to contribute.
Saturday 17th December: Christmas Community Service Prayers and Carols at 4pm at Church of Our Lady moving in procession to St Marys Church for Carols. Refreshments afterwards in St Kevin’s Community Hall. Mass times: Blessington: 6pm, Lacken: 7.30pm Confessions: after 6pm Mass in Blessington
Sunday 18th December: Mass Times: Blessington: 10am, Manor Kilbride: 11am, Valleymount: 10.00am, Crosschapel: 11.30am.
Monday 19th December: Christmas Reconciliation Service at 7:30pm. Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Rosary & Holy Hour will resume after Christmas
Blessington Parish Annual CRIB EXHIBITION in the Coimin Centre Saturday 17th December from 11am to 4pm and before & after 6pm Mass Sunday 18th December From 10.30am to 1pm “Cribs from around the World” Some beautiful new additions to the display this year.
St Mary’s Schools & Blessington Parish Lotto. 15th December 6, 12, 13, 22 €25 Winner: Peggy Nash. Next Jackpot is €2,220
Social Dancing Donard Community Hall (W91YW57) Saturday 17th December from 9pm to 12. Music by Teddy & Cathal Barry – Adm €10 – Refreshments Served
Kilbride & Lakeside Music Committee Present a Christmas Concert in Manor Kilbride Hall on Saturday 17th December at 7pm. Featuring Kilbride & Lakeside Youth Ensemble, also soloists & singers. Guest artist- the amazing Aoife Garry on Trumpet. Family friendly. All welcome. Pay at the door €10
PLEASE SUPPORT St. Mary’s Schools by buying our Christmas cards! Available to purchase in the Parish Office, Brew 21, the Post Office, Martikas Hair Salon, the Tourist Office & Enda’s Flower Shop. Pack of 10 cards – two lovely local designs in each pack. €6 per pack or 2 packs for €10.
Goal Mile – CHRISTMAS DAY @ 12:30pm. The annual GOAL MILE will take place at the track in Blessington Community College. Walk it, run it, all are welcome. So, come along and help raise funds for GOAL and work up an appetite!
Valleymount & Lacken Private Members Draw 2022 December Winners: Breda O’ Brien, Frances & Billy Kavanagh, Aoibheann & Teagan Reid, Mary & Don O’ Sullivan, Bridie & Paddy Gleeson, Catherine & Sean Miley, Tommy Mooney, Brid & Peter O’ Sullivan, Kathleen & Philip Gallagher, Ann Nolan, Eimear Miley, Tom & Fiona Guing, Seamus Balfe, Anne Broe, Ann Marie Clarke, Mary & Jack Patton, Kathleen & Philip Leonard Paul Farrell, Sadie & Seamus Miley, Kenny’s Supervalu, Molly & Kevin Byrne, Jacinta Shannon, Betty O Brien, Rose Zeller, Mary Tipper, Charmaine Quinn, Philip O’ Reilly, Aislinn & Liam Reid, Fr Richard Behan, Catherine O’Mahony, Matt Reid, Mary & Sean Brennan, Aine & Kevin Keogh Sheila & Pat Geoghegan Siobhan & Derek McEvoy, Cynthia & Ronan Brophy Joan & Sean Farrington, Maggie Schofield, Theo Clarke
West Wicklow Cancer Support would like to wish the wider Blessington Community a very happy & peaceful Christmas. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support & invaluable community spirit, it really is appreciated. We are available by phone & email over the Christmas period, contact us on 087 434 6004 westwicklow15@gmail.com Nollaig Shona Duit!”
The Pop-Up Pool is only here for 1 more week! Community Pool for West Wicklow would like to thank everyone for supporting the Swim Ireland Pop-Up Pool during its time in Blessington. The pool will be open for public swims until 7pm on Tuesday December 20th For information on swim times and to book visit https://tinyurl.com/WWPopUpPool Make sure to book your swim before it’s gone!
CROSSCARE Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. This Christmas, Crosscare are asking for help for the Food Poverty Service, where they support families who find it hard to provide nutritious food. Sadly, almost 800 families and individuals, including 1,000 children, have needed help from the Service this year & demand is likely to increase in the coming months. Crosscare ensures they have a good supply of food while at the same time looking at all the issues that may have brought them into food poverty. If you can, you can donate online at www.crosscare.ie or call 01 8360011 or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, Dublin D07 Y768. Envelopes will also be available in all Churches
Lacken Naíonra Open for enrolments. ECCE & part-time places available. For information or to book a viewing, please contact 045 865 086. Follow us on Facebook – Lacken National School.
Valleymount Parent & Baby/Toddler Playgroup meets every Friday during school term from 9.30am to12 in Valleymount Hall. New parents most welcome. Pop in for a cuppa & a chat.
Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie
West Wicklow Cancer Support Our group hosts a weekly Mindful soundbath Meditation with Gemma Deeney on Wednesdays at 11am in the Primary Care Centre Blessington. No cost, open to all. Do bring your own cushion, blanket & a friend. If your life has been impacted by cancer through a diagnosis, a family member, friend, or carer we are here for you. Call: 087 4346004 or westwicklow15@gmail.com
Community Employment Assistant Supervisor – Job Description: Fulltime CE Assistant Supervisor to assist in ensuring the effective & efficient administration & co-ordination of the human, financial & material resources of CE Project in Blessington. Community Employment, working closely with the Supervisor & Sponsoring Committee to maximise opportunities for participants through training & development towards long term employment or further education. Previous experience in office administration, computerised accounts & payroll is essential. Skills in MS Office or computerised accounts packages. Skills relevant to people management through previous work experience. For full job spec contact martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Applications including CV & Cover Letter posted to The Chairman, Blessington & District CE Ltd, Unit 8 Newtown Square, Blessington, Co. Wicklow or by email to martincahill@blessingtonce.ie Closing Date for receipt of applications is Monday December 19th, 2022, at 4pm
New Year! New Start! Courses available for all at the Further Education & Training Centre Blessington & Baltinglass: Tourism, Healthcare, Office Skills, Ebusiness, SNA, Pathways to Employment & more. Please call Irene Hayden 086 806 1569 or Karen Townsend 086 850 3833
St Vincent de Paul Blessington, local number 087 181 1579
Urgently Wanted 3 Bed House to Rent for Syrian Family. Rent Guaranteed. Call: 087 646 3939
CHRISTMAS TREES Direct from FARM Only €30 to €39 each. Opposite entrance to Slade Valley Golf Club, Brittas (1 mile off the N81 Blessington Road Brittas or 2 miles off the N7 Saggart) EirCode: D24 TEP6 Phone 087 925 0064
BRYKO – Shop / Yard Assistant Required – Full time Position, Manual Lifting Ability Essential/ Please Drop in your CV to Emilia or email to bryko.products@gmail.comite: www.birchandfern.ie
Jones Power Tools Ltd. Baltinglass. Supply Sales and Services. Stihl Chainsaws/Blowers/Power Washers and many more. Great Ideas for Christmas for the woman or man in your life! Fleetwood Paint mixed to your favourite colours. Contact 059 64 81033 or Philip 087 663 8788
Rods + Cones Opticians Blessington. Beside the GARDA station. Formerly Cullinane Opticians. Open for all your eyecare needs. FREE Eye Exam + Glasses with PRSI + Medical Card. Large selection of Designer Frames + Sunglasses. Special Offers + Discounts on 2nd Pairs. Varifocal Experts – try them with our 30-Day Guarantee. Many Thanks to all our loyal customers. Call 045 891 056 for an appointment.
Tús Job Opportunity in Blessington County Wicklow Partnership’s Tús Programme has a work placement opportunity in Blessington Educate Together National School Position available: Caretaker Gain valuable work experience while contributing to your community at the same time. The placement will be for 1 year & participants will be required to work for 19½ hours per week & are free to take up other employment outside of their 19½ hours. To qualify, you must be fully unemployed for 12 months. Tús payment is at the full rate of Jobseekers Allowance plus €22.50 top-up. For more information or to apply contact Neil Doyle on 087 640 9273 or ndoyle@wicklowpartnership.ie
Massage Therapist – Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, Lakeshore Wellness. WatsApp: 087 792 6332 @blessomassage
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
Blessington Roofing and Guttering. All Roof Repairs Slate Tiles Chimneys Guttering Fully Insured Free Quotations 24/7 Emergency call-out 25 Year Guaranteed Roof Installation and Roof Repairs. Call Today for a free no-obligation quote. 087 379 4038 www.roofrepairsandguttering.ie Email: roofingr7@gmail.com
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 or Regina: 087 273 9048 / 087 659 6426 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
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