Heritage Week 2009

This year the Society celebrated Heritage Week by hosting a guided town walk, led by Fr Jimmy Murray O.Carm. It took place on Monday of last week and by opening the Museum to the public from Sunday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 30th from 3-6pm with a late opening on Tuesday 25th from 7.30pm till late. Heritage Week was a success for Moate Museum & Historical Society thanks to the contribution, of time and effort, of the members of the Society and to the support of the public in attending all the events For this year's Heritage week, Moate Museum was open from 3-6pm each day from Sunday to Sunday and from 7.30 - late on Tuesday 25th. There was a high number of visitors each day, not only locals but from overseas also. Tuesday evening saw a gathering in the Kitchen area of the Museum for tea and chat on life in the early 1900s. Moate Man Bereaved In Liberia Sympathy is extended to Ben Sayeh, Dublin Road, Moate on the death of his eldest brother Alphonsus Blamo in Monrovia, Liberia last week. On Friday 4th of September, we will pray for Alphonsus at Mass in the Carmelite church at 7.15pm. Alphonsus' son Andreas spent time in Moate during the summer and assisted with the training of children for Community Games Athletics. Alphonsus was a past pupil of St Patrick's High School in Monrovia where he was taught by the late Fr Joe Guinan SMA (Ballycumber), an uncle of Ben's wife Thérèse Kinahan-Sayeh, Rosemount. Moate Town Walk The Town walk was held on Monday, August 24th, led by Fr. Jimmy Murray O.Carm., who travelled from Dublin for the occasion. Inspired by "Moate Houses - from the Gap to the Turnpike" researched and written by Liam Cox, the walk brought us through Moate's intriguing past from the late 1700s up to the present day. Fr Murray spoke without the aid of notes as only someone totally at ease with their subject is able to do. Did you know that Moate was once home to both a brewery and a distillery? A storm in the mid 1800's caused 200 people to lose their jobs when the woollen factory was burned down as a result of a fire. Two hundred jobs in Moate, the mind boggles. The collection of tolls is also a practise which went on in Moate with a collection point at the Gap House. These tolls caused many activities to be held outside the toll area. The influence of the Quaker population was a recurring theme with their business acumen adding greatly to the industry in the town, bringing in expertise from England when required. Unfortunately due to the rain, the walk was diverted indoors to Coughlan's Lounge, where Fr. Murray concluded his talk. Despite this, is it was a most interesting, informative and enjoyable occasion. Thanks to Fr. Jimmy for a wonderful presentation. Warriors Take to the Golf Course The opening fundraiser of the season is at hand with Friday next being the day for teams of four to take to the course at Moate Golf Club. The entry fee is a very reasonable €120, less than a single green fee at many other courses. Graham Ross and Willie Harrington are the men to talk to with Graham looking after the time sheet. Graham can be contacted at 087 9290196. Guinan Family Relief Fund The draw for the Guinan Family Relief Fund took place recently in Dr Cuppaiges. The fund committee is grateful to Tom Allen for his sponsorship of the first prize. Over the last number of months the committee has set out to help the Guinan family in their hour of need, following the fire in next door premises which caused considerable damage to the Guinan family home. Thanks are due to the people, organizations and businesses of Moate and beyond, particularly the people of Offaly, for their support in the fundraising. The committee would like to extend a special thanks to John Joe Claffey for the use of the Grand Hotel for their meetings and the table quiz. To date a total of €23,484 has been raised towards the cost of repairing the extensive damage which has caused terrible disruption to the lives of the Guinan family. First prize in the raffle went to Tom Dickson, Ballinakill, Moate, a weekend at the Country Music Festival in Bundoran including three nights bed and breakfast and admission to all the entertainment. Other prizewinners were Helena Guinan, Fermoy, Co Cork; Moate Agricultural Show Society; Martin Mc Kenna, Kinnegad; Derek Mc Cormack, Kilnahinch, Moate; 'The Twins' c/o Maggie Higgins, Clara Road, Moate; Esta Carter, Coillín Buí, Moate; Rose Adamson, Ave Maria Park, Moate. Carmelite Notes The Jewish leaders in Sunday's gospel describe religious purity in largely external ritual terms - washing hands, purifying pots, etc. Jesus reconnects law and tradition to the historical context from which they grew and the goal toward which they are orientated: hearts focused on God. Jesus calls us to look at what is deep within us: honouring God or "evil intentions." It is not external behaviours that define religious fidelity but the internal dispositions of heart that inform our behaviour. What constitutes cleanliness and defilement? Jesus makes clear that cleanliness and defilement are not solely connected to something "outside' like keeping laws. One can keep the letter of the law and miss entirely the point of the law - moral living is a sign of covenantal relationship with God. Paying mere lip service to God's commands is evidenced by "hearts…far from" God; purity before God flows from a heart turned to God We can't afford only to pay up service to God. When our hearts are turned to God, we have life. This is what is at stake. Tubber Tubber first Friday Holy Communion calls to the homes will take place on Thursday and Friday September 3rd and 4th. Recently Deceased Winifred Conaghan, Dublin, mother of the late Fr David, O. Carm.. We extend our sincere sympathy to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace. Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann Moate Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann wish to congratulate Audrey Murphy from Glasson who won the senior whistle airs at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann competitions which were held in Tullamore. Dun na Sí Dun na Sí Friday night set/ceilí on September 4th, music by the Matt Cunningham Céilí Band. Dancing from 10pm to 1am. Adult Set Céilí dance lessons return on Monday, September 14th at 8.30pm. Congratulations Congratulations and best wishes to Paddy and Tania Marsh on the safe arrival of baby Matthew who was born on Thursday last August 27, your family and friends.