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DR. DOUGLAS HYDE CONFERENCE
Roscommon County Council's highly successful Dr. Douglas Hyde Conference took place this year on the 16-18 July. Founded to celebrate the life and legacy of Ireland's first President, this is the twelfth year of Comhdail an Craoibhin. The theme of this year's conference was extremely apt as we prepare to enter a new millennium: 'Re-assessment; Irish Leaders in the 20th Century'. In re-assessment it was hoped to critically analyse some of the leaders who have shaped this nation into a major player in today’s world economy, a powerful voice in Europe, and a country that is truly coming into its own. It aimed to come to a greater understanding of the motivations of these leaders, their ambitions for the nation, and the contexts in which their decisions - many contentious to this day - were made. This year's conference was officially opened on the Friday night at St. Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and, once again, the organising committee were delighted to have upheld its tradition of securing first class speakers. The inaugural lecture 'Eamon de Valera: The Reputation of a Statesman' was delivered by Dr. Martin Manseragh, Special Adviser to the Taoiseach. Saturday's speakers included Senator Maurice Manning, Dr. Frank Callanan, and Brian Farrell with lectures on The Dillon Tradition, John Redmond, T.M. Healy, the Cosgraves and the First Dail taking place in Dillon House and Strokestown Park House. The weekend concluded, fittingly, with a commemoration ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of Dr. Douglas Hyde at the Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre in Portahard, and a lecture by Dr. Greagoir O’ Duill on the poetry of Ferguson, Hewitt and Hyde. A wide range of events were incorporated into the weekend to complement the lectures, including traditional music with Na Casadaigh and a tour of Clonalis House, Castlerea. It proved a particularly highly entertaining and educational weekend for anyone who had an interest in Irish social and political history. The final schedule of speakers and chairpersons was as follows: Friday Evening (16th) St. Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen. Lecturer, Dr. Martin Manseragh; Chairperson, Senator Brian Mullooly. Saturday Morning (17th) - Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen. Lecturer, Senator Maurice Manning; Chairperson, John Connor, T.D. Lecturer, Professor John A. Murphy; Chairperson, Mr. Liam Kenny. Saturday Afternoon Strokestown Park House. Lecturer, Dr. Frank Callanan; Lecturer, Mr. Stephen Collins; Chairperson, Ms. Emer Leavy. Saturday Evening Strokestown Park House. Lecturer, Dr. Brian Farrell; Chairperson, An tOllamh Breandan O’ Madagdain. Sunday Morning (18th) Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre, Lecturer, An Dr. Greagoir O’ Duill; Chairperson, Mr. Jim Kearney. BEREAVEMENT The death took place peacefully in The Mater Private Hospital on June 25 of Fr. Paddy Henry, The Presbytery and late of Chaffpool, Achonry and D.I.T., Bolton Street. His remains were removed from The Sharkey Funeral Home on Sunday evening to St. Nathy's Cathedral and his funeral took place after Concelebrated Mass on Monday in the church grounds. He is deeply regretted by his brothers, sisters, relatives, Bishop Flynn, the parish clergy, parishioners and friends. Fr. Henry was born in Chaffpool, Achonry in 1927. For many years he lectured in Bolton Street College of Technology. He studied Theology in Milltown Park and All Hallows College and was ordained to the priesthood in Mullinabreena Church on June 7, 1992 and has served as curate in the Cathedral since then. Fr. Paddy had presence. He was articulate, witty, he was patient, he had humour and a laugh that bespoke an affection and respect for others that could not be mistaken. His faith was as uncomplicated and direct as anyone could imagine. He committed himself to that faith and to the priesthood and presented that faith in his pastoral ministry in very direct ways. He will be sadly missed, especially by his family but also by all those who came to know him since coming to Ballaghaderreen and whose lives he had touched in his priestly duties. May he rest in peace. CARRACASTLE FIFE AND DRUM BAND Congratulations to the members of the Carracastle Fife and Drum Band, who qualified last Sunday in Mount Bellew, Galway, at the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil, to compete in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil on August 27th - 29th. A lot of hard work has gone into the revival of this band and they are congratulated for their dedication in keeping the tradition alive with practice sessions twice weekly and their participation in competitions and special events in the area. They are available for bookings for Your Special Occasion Parish or School reunions, festivals, etc. The band have their own insurance and transport. Contact their P.R.O., Tom Meehan, tel. (094) 54742. They are wished every success in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. CONGRATULATIONS FR TOM Congratulations to Fr Tom Lavin, son of Joe and the late Mary Ellen Lavin of Abbey View, Ballaghaderreen and Coopershill, Riverstown who celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest. Fr Tom was ordained at All Hallows College, Dublin in 1974 for the Diocese of Brentwood, England. He served as assistant priest in St. George's, Walthamstow, St Augustine's, Barkingside, Holy Family, Dagenham and Our Lady Immaculate, Chelmsford. He was appointed P.P. of St Margaret's, Canning town in 1986 and is presently P.P. of St Helen's, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. A thanksgiving mass and reception was held in Westcliff. Fifty parishioners from Fr Tom's parish came on pilgrimage to Knock and also toured the west of Ireland. ROSE OF TRALEE FOR CARRACASTLE A grand talent night will be held in Regan's Lounge Carracastle on Wednesday, -August 4 at 9 p.m. in aid of St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar where the Rose of Tralee Will make a special appearance to help raise funds for St. Luke’s Hospital. Also appearing will be Carracastle Fife and Drum band who are Connacht Champions as well as other local dancers, singers and musicians who will also take part. "Hearts Delight" will provide the music on the night. Tickets are available locally and a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed with a raffle and big prizes. "CARRACASTLE LASS" FINAL The final of the "Carracastle Lass" will take place in Carracastle Community Centre on Sunday August 1. There will be ten girls seeking the title of the Carracastle Lass. The compere for the night is Gerry Glennon. The winning girl will receive a cheque for £300. A good night is guaranteed for all who come along. DON NATIONAL SCHOOL REUNION The finishing touches are now being put into organising the Don N.S., Cortoonmore, Past Pupils Reunion. Those intending to come to this special event are reminded that the Reunion Mass will be held at the school at 6 p.m. on August 5 followed by light refreshments. It will conclude on Wednesday August 11 with a dinner dance in the Sheepwalk Bar and Restaurant. All past pupils are welcome. For further information, telephone (0907) 80149.
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