From the Rector

On Sunday 25^th September we were delighted to welcome back to Tallaght Rev Robert Kingston to celebrate the anniversary of 20 years since the opening of the Parish Hall. We were also pleased to present our sexton, Hazel Walshe, a bouquet of flowers to mark her almost 21^st anniversary since coming to St. Maelruain’s.

The end of September beginning of October continued to be busy, I have taken both the senior and junior assembles in The High School, began our Alpha course in the Tallaght Methodist Church in An Solas, Jobstown and I attended the local RC Deanery where I was able to announce our Harvest Service. The Parents Association of the parish school held an open evening in the school to give the parents an opportunity to meet the new Principal, Helen Molloy and teachers. We had tours of the church and graveyard by the pupils of Sacred Heart, Killinarden.  

It was with enormous sadness that I learned of the fatal assault of parishioner and passionate conservationist Michael McCoy while he was on an early morning walk with his dogs in Ballinascorney Woods near his home. Michael’s funeral took place on Saturday 8^th October with the congregation overflowing into the church grounds, fortunately, for the first time, we had a sound system so that those outside could listen and be part of the service. Michael married into the parish following his wedding to Caitriona and as a builder I recalled all the work he had done around the church and parish buildings, in the parish school and the work he had completed in parishioners homes and in the wider community. Although Michael had a quiet nature we all enjoyed his thoughtful conversation, I was not surprised when I learned that he was studying in Trinity College, Michael was looking forward to graduation in November. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Michael’s wife Caitriona (nee Kelly), and to his daughters Rachel, Suzanne and Sarah, all of whom have contributed to parish life over the years in their roles in either Sunday School, Girl’s Brigade, Boy’s Brigade and our Summer Fete. Please remember Michael and his family in your prayers.

We had our harvest Service on the afternoon of 9^th October and we were delighted to welcome Rev’d Brian O’Reilly from Rathdrum, who spoke to us on Jesus bringing in the spiritual Harvest not just by preaching but by healing as well. We had a lovely supper in the Hall after the service, thank you to the ladies for organising the refreshments and also a big thank you to the ladies who decorated the church so beautifully for our Harvest service.

God Bless   

  William.

Funeral

A Receiving Service for Nigel Beattie took place on Thursday 29^th Sept followed by his funeral Service the following day. Our sincere sympathies to Nigel’s daughters Sarah, Ruth and Claire and to Nigel’s extended family and friends.

As mentioned in the Rector’s letter the funeral of Michael McCoy took place in St. Maelruain’s on Saturday 8^th October. We express our deepest condolences to his wife Caitriona, daughters Rachel, Suzanne and Sarah to Michael’s wider family and friends

Wedding

On Friday 16^th  September the marriage of Mandy Fletcher and Jared Bressman took place. We wish Mandy and Jared every blessing for their future life together.

Bowls Club

We are competing in the Hope, Miller, Price and Rohu competitions. We thank our match secretary Audrey Fletcher for arranging all the match fixtures. We look forward to once again meeting our friends from other Clubs at the league matches over the next few weeks. 

 Whist Drive

The November Whist Drive takes place on Monday 20^th  in the Small Hall, all welcome!

Crafty Chatters

Crafty chatters will be meeting on the 8th and 22^nd  November from 2 - 4pm in the Parish hall. Please come and join in the chat and maybe learn something new. 

Bible Study

Bible study of the reading for the following Sunday continue on Tuesday evenings at 8.00pm upstairs, Parish Hall.

Parish Coffee Morning

Our next Parish Coffee Morning will be held on Friday, 25th November 10.30am to 12.30pm.  Pop in if you are passing and catch up on the banter.  All welcome to join us.

 Girl’s Brigade

The Girls’ Brigade has just started back for another action packed year.  We are seeking new members so if you know of any girls aged from 3 years old

 upwards who enjoy dancing, singing, baking, arts and crafts then please contact Captain Fiona Monahan (086-8519163).  Our Explorer group meets on Saturday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and our Juniors, Seniors and Brigaders meet on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in St Maelruain’s Parish hall

Boy’s Brigade

We started back officially on Friday 23^rd and we had a couple fresh faces and it was a good night. We are lacking boys especially in our anchor boys section (4 to 7 year olds). So if anyone knows anyone who might be interested feel free to drop up on a Friday night or even ring 083 101 5657. The parents are welcome to stay if their child is shy or not 100 percent sure if they want to stay.

Flower Guild

Many thanks to the ladies who came along to decorate the Church for the Harvest on Saturday and to everybody who kindly donated fruit and flowers. Without all your help it wouldn't be possible. We had a lovely afternoon together and have to say thanks you also to Valerie, who always arrives with flasks for tea, coffee and biscuits. It's always a nice social occasion with time for a chat along the way. Everybody is welcome to come and help either with the flowers or to help clean up or sit and watch!!!

Table Tennis

We continue to play on Thursday gets at 8 pm in the Parish Centre ( over 18s) 

We are looking for new members and welcome all who would like to play, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player and our club is open to all.

 Christmas Sing Along 2016

St Maelruain's Parish Singalong will be Friday  2nd December 2016 @7pm  in the Parish Centre

September and October 2016

FROM THE RECTOR  We are now all back into the swing of things as the Parish resumes activities after the summer break, looking back over my diary, it’s hard to know where the summer went! On 12^th  June we had the final ‘annual blessing of St. Columchille’s Well’ in it’s present format as  the Augustinians are selling the Orlagh Retreat Centre this year but the Carmelites in Knocklyon Parish have taken on the running of the service. We had a number of historical tours of the Village and the church and grounds, lead by local historian Tomas Maher. We hosted a visiting choir from the US who used our facilities for rehearsals (as they were staying in a hotel in the locality) for their concert in Christchurch Cathedral and the following week our church was the venue for a concert by the Waterbury Choir visiting from Connecticut along with an Irish Choir, Hamemus, who performed a variety of pieces including contemporary

American, Irish traditional, Gospel and Spiritual. The annual Dominican blessing of the graveyard took place on 3^rd July, the closest Sunday to St. Maelruain’s day. We were delighted to welcome the new Prior of St. Mary’s Priory, Fr Donal Roche to St. Maelruain’s. Tours continued of the Church and grounds in the month of August led by local historian Tomas Maher, including during heritage week.

On 25^th June our BB had a BBQ with games in the ground of the Parish Centre, we were blessed with good weather, despite one summer shower, and it was good to see the event so well attended considering the boys had ‘broken up’ weeks earlier. It was also an opportunity for the parents to socialize and get to know one another. That evening the Bowls Club had their annual BBQ in the home of the Captain Alan and his wife Joy Thank you to them both for their hospitality.

For the second year in a row I attended an event organised by Melissa Luttrel, for ‘Light up the Sky’ on 27th  August in the green space beside the Tallaght Leisure Centre on Fortunestown Way, in memory of babies that have been lost through miscarriage. The evening involved the release of balloons and lanterns, with members of the public encouraged to bring a balloon or lantern,  Melissa hopes the event gave comfort to parents.

On Sunday 28^th we were sad to say goodbye to Thomas and Surenna Matthew and their boys Nevin and Nihall who have moved to Australia.  We will miss them but wish them every blessing with their new life ‘down under’.

Our organist, Joyce Smart is currently recovering from a medical procedure. On the first Sunday of her absence our assistant organist, Gerard Moody, was unavailable to cover so on the suggestion of Joyce we asked one of young Indian parishioners, 12 year old Braden Huxley, who regularly practices on our digital organ, if he would play for our Holy Communion Service on 4^th September. He played beautifully and we were very grateful to him for filling in. We wish Joyce a speedy recovery and look forward to having her back playing on Sunday mornings in the near future. Many thanks to Gerard for covering for Joyce in her absence.

From 9^th September I spent time introducing myself to the students in the Institute of Technology Tallaght during induction week in my role as part time chaplain to the college.

On 11^th September I went along, with my daughter Amy, to the installation service of Rev’d Abigail Sines as Deans Vicar of Christchurch Cathedral. Amy was leader at the Diocesan Summer Camp (along with Lionel) which were organised by Abigail. We both wish Abigail well with her innovated and creative ministry and in particular with her upcoming Halloween Service in Christchurch, ‘What are you afraid of?’ and her work with Street Pastors etc.

Tallafest took place in Saturday 10^th September. The village was a hive of activity with community group stands and fun activities for all the family. We hosted an Art Exhibition, poetry readings and held tours of the church. I also managed to advertise the revised Alpha Course (which we are currently running, along with six other churches  in Tallaght Methodist Church, An Solas, Jobstown on Thursday evenings), with banners showing the new Alpha course promoter Bear Grylls displayed, in the hope we may attract newcomers to the course.

On Sunday 25^th September we were delighted to welcome back to Tallaght Rev Robert Kingston to celebrate the anniversary of 20 years since the opening of the Parish Hall. We were also pleased to present our sexton, Hazel Walshe, a bouquet to mark the almost 21^st anniversary since coming to St. Maelruain’s.

God bless                                                                                                                                                               William.

HARVEST Our Harvest Service is on 9^th October, we will welcome Rev Brian O’Reilly of Rathdrum to preach on Jesus bringing in the ‘spiritual harvest’ by both preaching and healing. The service will be followed by refreshments in the Small Hall.                (Please see below regarding the decoration of the church for Harvest).

FUNERALS The funeral of Stewart Whitten took place in St. Maelruain’s on 29^th July. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Eileen, daughter Lynn, son-in-law Joe and extended family and friends.

On Friday 19^th Aug the funeral of Jemma daughter of Lorraine & Christy Cahill took place here in St. Maelruain’s.  We express our deepest condolences to her parents, brothers Bryan and Phillip and to Jemma’s extended family and friends.

A Receiving Service for Nigel Beattie took place on Thursday 29^th Sept followed by his funeral Service the following day. Our sincere sympathies to Nigel’s daughters Sarah, Ruth and Claire and to Nigel’s extended family and friends.

WEDDINGS The marriage of Deborah Morgans and Robert Hand took place on 23^rd July and on Friday 16^th the marriage of Mandy Fletcher and Jared Bressman took place. We wish both these couple every blessing for the future.

BAPTISMS  On Sunday 14th August we had the baptism of Thomas Joshua Gould baby son of David and Natalia and on Sunday 28th Zarah Moyinoluwa baby daughter of Tosin (nee Kuti) and Malek Sanusa was also baptised. Please pray for Thomas, Zarah and their families as they begin their Christian life.

MOTHER’S UNION / FAMILIES FIRST We had our opening service on Mon 12^th Sept with Holy Communion celebrated by Canon William and Rev. Avril preached.

On Sat 15^th October,  we will meet at the church gates at 10.30am for a visit to the Pearse Museum and St. Enda’s Park near Marlay Park. Please come along and bring your friends, all are welcome.

Saoirse are looking for washing up liquid and black bags. We look forward to another year and hope you find our programme of interest. Please be assured of a warm welcome if you’re new or haven’t been in a while. See you then.

TABLE TENNIS  The club reopened with most of our regular members back again. It was great to see everybody back for another season. We were delighted to to see Tommy Dunne back with us having decided at the end of the season to call it a day due to a few recent health issues, but the rest during the summer has worked and he is back setting us all a challenge. We are actively seeking new members (over 18) to play on Thursday nights . We play from 8 pm to 10pm in the Parish Centre and welcome all players from beginner to advanced.  Regina Donoghue

FLOWER GUILD Many thanks , as always to all the ladies who continue to put flowers in the Church each week and to Hazel, who opens the Church each week to allow us check and replace flowers.   The date of the Harvest is Sun 9^th  Oct. It's the time of the year when we decorate the Church with fruit and veg as well as flowers. We will be decorating the Church on Sat 8^th Oct, from 2 pm and would welcome donations of flowers, greenery, fruit and vegetables as well as help from anybody who would like to join us. No experience needed, so don't be afraid to come along. Regina Donoghue

BOYS BRIGADE We started back officially on Friday 23^rd and we had a couple fresh faces and it was a good night. We are lacking boys especially in our anchor boys section (4 to 7 year olds). So if anyone knows anyone who might be interested feel free to drop up on a Friday night or even ring myself 0831015657. The parents are welcome to stay if their child is shy or not 100 percent sure if they want to stay. Evan McAuley

GIRLS BRIGADE The Girls’ Brigade is a great, safe place for girls to make friends while learning lifeskills and having fun.  We are now open for another season are accepting new members.  We meet every week from September to April in St Maelruain’s Parish hall where the girls learn dancing, singing, and arts & crafts.  Our Explorer group (aged under 9 years old) meet every Saturday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  Our older girls (aged 9 years old and up) meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 8.30pm/9pm.  If you are interesting in joining please contact Fiona Monahan (086-8519163) or go to www.girlsbrigadeirl.ie for more information.

BOWLING CLUB Welcome back to all members after the summer holidays.  Looking forward to our club and league competitions starting soon. We are hosting a friendly match with Leeson Park and also having a friendly match with Lucan Parish in their  parish centre.  We send sympathy to the Beattie family on the death of Nigel who was a member of the bowling club.  Heather Wright

WHIST DRIVE  The October Whist Drive is on Monday 16^th  at 8.00pm in the Small Hall. All Welcome!

CRAFTY CHATTERS  Crafty chatters will be meeting on the 4th and 18th of October from 2 - 4pm in the Parish hall. Please come and join in the chat and maybe learn something new. Janet Edgely

PRAYERS FOR THE PARISH  meet on Monday evenings at 8.00pm, needs your support.  BIBLE STUDY  of the reading for the following Sunday continue on Tues evenings at 8.00pm upstairs, Parish Hall.

PARISH COFFEE  Our Coffee Morning for October is on 28^th from 10.30am - 12.30pm.  The usual fare will be available and donations will go towards parish funds.  Do drop in, bring a friend, enjoy a cuppa and a chat and while away a leisurely hour with us.  Barbara Barrett

December 2012

From the Rector

We had our gift day on 18^th November, thank you all who gave, it really is much appreciated. We had 2 extremely generous donations which has brought the figure raised, as we go to print, of approximately €11,000. This amount will go towards the loss of income from the car boot sales and the loss of Weight Watchers as tenants allowing us to limp into another year. As the New Year approaches please consider giving by weekly envelope, which allows you to plan your giving or by monthly bankers order. Contact the parish office to arrange either 462 6006.

On the 6^th November the church hosted the I.T.T. business prizes and on the 7^th and 8^th , I attended the college’s conferrals in the Victory Centre. It was lovely to see the students and their families celebrating the culminations of their studies, among which there were a couple of parishioners. On 9^th November we had  a Remembrance Service for deceased students and staff of the I.T.T in St. Maelruain’s Church.

I attended the Discovery service in Christchurch Cathedral organised by our former Curate Obinna on 18^th November and on the 21^st November I took part in the Remembrance Service in  Mt. Seskin Community College (formerly Jobstown College) for the 1^st years and answered questions on the Church of Ireland afterwards.

Victims support celebrated 25 years in Tallaght  also on 21^st November, they are there to support all who have been victims of crime however small, contact them on 459 9511 or 085 154 0378, victimsuppinfo@gmail.com

On 23^rd Nov. I attended the Tallaght Person of the Year, Amy had been nominated for her voluntary work overseas. It was in the Maldron Hotel this year, a new and bigger venue for the event, and it worked out well with the circular tables.

On the evening of the 25^th I went along to the ‘Massey’ Christmas Concert in St. Aengus, Balrothery, it was truly a magnificent evening. They are having another one in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan, Rathfarnham, on 15^th Dec at 8pm, I would highly recommend it at €10 a ticket for concert hall standard.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the readers of the parish newsletter a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.                                                                                                                                                                William.

Funeral

The funeral of Jean Furney took place here in St. Maelruain’s on Thursday 8^th November. We extend our condolences to her husband Norman, sons Gary and Paul, to her daughter in law Michelle, to granddaughter Heather and to the wider family circle.

Jean’s ashes were buried on Wednesday 28^th November  in the Church graveyard.

Baptisms

On 25^th November Darragh John Beckett, baby son of David and Edel was baptised. Please pray for Darragh as he begins his Christian life.

The Church Review

Subscriptions for the Church Review are due in January, Please forward your sub to the parish office as soon as possible. If you would like to cancel your subscription or if you would like to order the Church Review (Diocesan Magazine) please contact the parish office by 13^th December 462 6006.

The Church of Ireland Gazette

If you would like to subscribe to the Church of Ireland all Ireland weekly newspaper please contact the Parish office.

Bowls Club

The Christmas dinner is on December 8^th in Lucan Golf Club. No club nights until 12^th January.  Wishing all members a very happy Christmas. Congratulations to Bill and Anne Gould on becoming grandparents to twin boys!

Parish Reunion Coffee Morning

We have enjoyed renewing old friendships and making new friendships at our coffee mornings recently.  Thank you to everyone for your support and for your generous donations.  We are taking a rest over Christmas and hope to see everyone again in the Old Hall on Friday January 25th 10am - 12noon.  We wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.  Barbara, Gina and Vivienne.

Mother’s Union

On Monday 12^th November Amy Deverell gave a presentation on her recent trip to Uganda followed by a lengthy questions and answers session.  Very many thanks Amy for taking time out to speak to us.  We were very pleased to welcome some friends of the craft group along.

At the Diocesan Meeting in Sandymount on Saturday 17^th Nov. a request was made for little hats for very premature babies slightly bigger than an egg cosy.

Diary Dates: Monday 10^th December: Festive Night/Beetle Drive; Please bring along supper item other than mince pies!

Saoirse: For December please bring along box sweets/biscuits/hamper along with black plastic sacks they have requested.

 Monday 14^th January 2013 – Annual Dinner – Blazin Grill, Tallaght. 7.30pm for 8pm.

Wishing all a wonderful festive season!

Whist Drive

The ‘Turkey’ Drive for December will take place on Monday 17^th  at 8.00pm, all welcome!

Flower Guild

The church will be decorated for Christmas on Friday 14^th December from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Donations of flowers, greenery and festive decorations gratefully received. A warm welcome awaits anybody who would like to help, male of female!

School News

We are all delighted to welcome the Archbishop Reverend Michael Jackson to the school on the morning of December 4^th to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the School. There will be a Tree Planting Ceremony in the courtyard at 10.30. We will also have some old photos on display in the hall to bring back some happy memories.

5^th and 6^th class hosted Assembly on Thursday 29^th November, the theme was Daniel and the Lion’s Den, we had parents in attendance. On Thursday 13^th December Junior infants will perform their nativity play.

As you are all probably aware school grants have been cut and the school is finding it difficult to pay the bills this year so we have decided to produce a School Calendar to help raise funds. We hope you will buy either the personalised one with your child’s photo on the front for €10 or the regular one with the staff on the front cover for €8. An ideal Christmas gift! Please contact the school office to place your order. 4521 7933.

The School Church service will be on Tuesday December 18^th at 11am in St. Maelruain’s Church.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to all the readers of the parish Newsletter from everybody here in the parish school!