Sruthair – "a river or stream"
John & Bridie Mellett,Mochorra celebrated their Golden Wedding on 4/11/2003 they were married Cong on 4/11/1953.
Mellotts
Front L to R; Gabriel, Peter John , Bridie Michael, Francis. Back Kieran, Tommy, Declan, Sean.
Categories: News items.
7.32 pounds
John Joe Langan (Shrule) caught the biggest trout in living memory in the Black River last Monday 2 June 2003. The brown trout was landed with the assistance of another Shrule man , Bert Cawley .
The trout weighing 7.32 pounds – caught by John Joe Langan (Right) in the Black River on Monday evening – assisted by companion Bert Cawley (Left) Largest trout in living memory from the river it seems ?
Categories: News items.
The Mayo ladies team were warmly welcomed home when they crossed the bridge in Shrule yesterday (evening) with the Brendan Martin Cup.
The difference between victory and defeat was there for all to see. Last year?s narrow loss to Laois made this year?s win all the more special and, in many ways, led the team to a far greater appreciation of their achievement.
October 02, 2002
There were big welcomes for all the local girls including Helena Lohan, Mary Teresa Garvey, Emma Mullin, Christina and Marcella Heffernan, Denise Horan, Edel Biggins, Edel Reilly, Jackie Moran, Patricia Moran and Maeve Ann O?Reilly. The Shrule-Glencorrib, Kilmaine and The Neale GAA Clubs have all joined in the good wishes to the team and especially to all the girls from this region.
| Original | Western People – Wednesday, October 02, 2002 | |
| Submitted by | Western People |
Categories: GAA, Local Sport.
Invited by the Shrule ParishCommunity, eleven Columbans returned to the site of the Old Dalgan for what turned out to be an historic and memorable occasion on Sunday September 15. 2002. Nothing remains of the main building, but the memory and spirit of the local people was as obviously genuinely true as it was tangible.
The eleven Columbans were warmly welcomed back to where we had started in 1918 and departed in 1941. After a light lunch we were brought to the site of the Old Dalgan, where a temporary notice board contained maps and photographs of the Old Dalgan, and a printed list of all the Columbans who were ordained there. Thoughfully three golf buggies were an hand to transport those who needed a lift to the still surviving ball alleys, the old tomb and on down to the Black river.
The Davins and Sheridan families who occupy the well kept two surviving buildings, in the area known as Bobbio where formerly the ordained 4th divines lived extended an obviously heartfelt welcome, interspersed with tears, emotions sandwiches tea, and brandy. to the visiting Columbans , in particular to the four of our group who had studied in the Old Dalgan: Tommy Comerford, Michael Donoghue, Oliver Whyte and Paddy Connelly.
Paddy Sheridan had built a beautiful grotto of Our Lady which the Columbans were requested to bless.We invited the Sheridan clan to join us in blessing the grotto with holy water.
Back under the famous ‘Monkey tree’, directly behind the now non-existent main Old Dalgan Building, we celebrated Mass with a crowd of a few hundred people, who had gathered for, what was clearly for them, an emotional and historic occasion.Some of the participants were people who had worked in the Old Dalgan . I met three people who, in 1941,had moved up to work in the new Dalgan in Meath for a few years to help in the transition. Many of the participants were the children or relatives of those who worked in the Old Dalgan, and who were proud to be associated with their ancestors involvement in the Columbian project.
Some had returned from England for the event. There was a particuarly poignant moment when it was observed that Mrs, Teresa Blowick a sister-in-law of John Blowick was present, sitting quietly in the congregation in the middle of an open and normally deserted field , invited by the local parish priest, Fr: Michael Crosby. His brother Ned Crosby, worked as an associate priest with us in Peru.All were invited back for an evening meal in the parish hall.
Many of us Columbans felt overcome and embarrassed at the amazing welcome extended to us by this local community who had never forgotten us but who may have been forgotten by us Columbans in the new Dalgan.
Old Dalgan revisited. |
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| Invited by the Shrule Parish Community, eleven Columbans returned to the site of the Old Dalgan for what turned out to be an historic and memorable occasion on Sunday September 15. 2002 in particular to the four of the group who had studied in the Old Dalgan: Tommy Comerford, Michael Donoghue, Oliver Whyte and Paddy Connelly. Nothing remains of the main building, but the memory and spirit of the local people was as obviously genuinely true as it was tangible. | |||||||
Categories: Church, News items.
TRIBUTES to retiring Garda Sergeant Seamus Lohan were paid at Ballinrobe District Court last week. Sgt. Lohan, a native of Gallows hill, Castlebar, is retiring after being based in Shrule for over twenty years. Supt. Martin Lee told Judge David Anderson that it was Sgt. Lohan’s last day in court and he thanked him for his service to the Garda Siochana.
He explained that he has been based in Shrule for so long and his family have settled there.” It’s ironic, as this month also sees the retirement of Forensic Scientist, Dr. Jim O’Donovan. They collaborated on one of the most famous murder cases in the country – the murder of Lord Mountbatten,” said Supt. Lee. He informed the court that Sgt. Lohan arrested the defendants, which brought national and international gratitude and recognition to him. He thanked him once again, and wished Sgt. Lohan and his wife and family all the best in the future.
Mr. Michael Brown, on behalf of his solicitor colleagues, described the retiring Garda as an “exemplary Sergeant” and wished him well for the future. Ms. Teresa McKeever, on behalf of the Courts Service, and Ms. Noreen Mulligan, on behalf of the Probations Services, also paid tribute to him. “I don’t know how long you are in the Garda?,” said Judge Anderson to Sgt. Lohan, “but twenty years going to court can be trying enough.” He added that his reputation goes before him, not only in relation to his detective work but with his offspring as well (Sgt. Lohan’s daughter Sinead won an All-Ireland title with Mayo the previous Sunday).
“I wish you every happiness in the future,” said Judge Anderson. Sgt. Lohan thanked Supt. Lee and all his colleagues in Mayo, and indeed in the 32 counties, and he thanked the Judge for his kind words on the Mayo Ladies team. He said he enjoyed working with the Garda Siochana and described it as “one of the best forces in the world.” Sgt. Lohan also wished Dr. O’Donovan well on his imminent retirement.
Categories: News items.
Dr John Guy has been awarded an OBE for his work in education in England. He will receive the award from Queen Elizabeth at a forthcoming ceremony in Buckingham Palace. John is son of Gretta McDonagh from Shrule and the late Mr. Guy of Oxford, England and is grandson of the late James McDonagh and Margaret McDonagh, both originally from Ramolin, Shrule. Dr. Guy, who is proud of his links with the Shrule area, is principal of Sixth Form College in Farnborough, Surrey and an advisor to the government . He is also a director of the National O.C.R. Board in Surrey. “Teaching is a vocation as well as a profession,” is John’s guiding principle. Dr. Guy has several cousins in the general Shrule area and has enjoyed his visits to Mayo over the years.
Categories: News items.
When Father Michael Crosby spoke from a pulpit in Shrule last March regarding an article he read in some magazine or other about labyrinths the congregation could not have envisaged the way his homily would change the face of Shrule forever. He was impressed with the article and, while he shared the gist of it with his flock, he had another trick up his sleeve.
He called a meeting in Shrule Community Centre on the following Monday night with a view to laying a labyrinth in the grounds of Shrule Church. “If you’re interested show up in the hall tomorrow night and we’ll take it from there.” As straightforward an invitation as you could get.
It worked and resulted in a very well attended meeting. I suspect even he was slightly taken aback by the enthusiasm towards his project.
One clear message emerged. Michael Crosby was a fan of the “modh direach” and he not one for tilting his hat to bureaucracy or red tape. If you want something done then go and do it yourself was his dictum.
Work commenced on Saturday March 20th and five months later the goal has been achieved.
They now want the world to know that the only stone labyrinth in Ireland is to be found in Shrule. There are other labyrinths but Shrule is the only one set in stone. The local community is proud of this fact and so well they should.
It’s a marvellous piece of craftwork and a credit to the people who gave freely of their time and labour. Even to the untrained eye one cannot but marvel at the intricate piece of workmanship.
It’s as detailed a piece of stonework as you are likely to see in this country.
I suggest you to take a little time out from your journey when next you travel through Shrule and see for yourself. You’ll be impressed and while you’re at it you might even walk the labyrinth.
Let me tell you a little about this new and famous landmark located in Shrule.
A medieval design it is an 11 circuit labyrinth. The path is made of stone quarried in Lacken on the north Mayo coastline. And yeah, Michael Crosby went to Lacken along the workers to load the stone. The other stone used is limestone, which is native to this area. The sandstone path is 16 inches wide (40cm if you favour metric.) The inward-walking path is 300 yards.
You enter the labyrinth on a black slab of Kilkenny limestone, which was located from the ruins of the old Dalgan House. The centre is a single stone of 5ft diameter and is surrounded by six petals.
Tradition has it that these petals symbolise mineral, vegetable, animal human angelic and divine, and the six stages of planetary evolution.
Two steel capsules are buried in a tomb located beside the labyrinth, One contains the names of all the pupils attending the local school and the other is a listing of all the parishioners in Shrule.
One will be opened after 50 years and the other after a century. I can’t wait for the second opening.
Last Saturday evening the labyrinth was officially opened. Master of ceremonies was Denny Greaney. Bishop of Galway James McLoughlin blessed the work. He too was a tad puzzled when Father Crosby first shared with him his intentions for the Millennium in Shrule but the finished plot impressed him greatly.
John Maughan, Millennium Officer for Mayo, cut the tape declaring the labyrinth in Shrule officially open.
Then a lovely moment followed when James Payne and Stephanie Bailey, two pupils from the local National School took the first steps on the path. Three local girls, Helena Lohan, Sabrina Bailey and Assumpta Bohan who were members of the victorious Mayo All-Ireland Ladies football team accompanied them on their maiden saunter.
Also on the first stroll was local man Dick Murphy who worked on the project and making up the group was Bishop McLoughlin and John Maughan. John Maughan proved a popular choice and his easygoing banter with the crowd made for a lovely occasion.
He hinted that Shrule might be getting a few bob from the Millennium Committee. If that cheque arrives he might even be declared a Freeman of Shrule. Local representatives Michael Burke and
Jim Mannion also attended this function but neither trod the path to the inner circle.
Must have been all that canvassing that has turned them against walking.
This was a very special evening for Shrule and in particular for Michael Crosby. He cranked a local community into action. This latest venture, along with the ongoing voluntary work in the graveyard, means Shrule is showing itself as a community who make things happen for themselves.
One thing is definite.
Father Michael Crosby is good man to get things done and is imbued with fine leadership qualities. Neither can he disguise the fact that any undertaking of his will operate under an umbrella of fun and laughter and a smidgen of panic.
Mention this wonderful undertaking and he shuns all credit. Instead he starts rhyming off names like Mickey Sheridan, Dick Murphy, Tom Reilly, and Ger Noone and, if you listen long enough, he’ll cite every worker who laid a pebble on this magnificent paving.
It’s a marvellous feat for any community and Shrule has set the standard for the Millennium.
Forget all this nonsense about parties to welcome in the new Millennium. Instead check out the labyrinth in Shrule. Long after the hype is over the Millennium Labyrinth in Shrule will stand as a testament to what can be done when people with a bit of pride in their own place take up the gauntlet.
And, after all is said and done, this is what the Millennium should be about. Not about vested interests. Father Michael Crosby has his finger firmly on the pulse. He knows his flock and what makes them tick.
A column by local journalist Willie McHugh courtesy of The Mayo News
Categories: News items.
Determination and the will to win are attributes which enhance any football team and Shrule certainly displayed these qualities when they emerged victorious after extra time over a gallant Carramore side in the final of the South Mayo Junior championship at Hollymount on Sunday.
1981 South Mayo Junior Championship winners.
Back row : Jackie Walsh , M. Sheridan , Mattie Murphy , Tom Reilly , Ger Cawley , Eugene Murphy , Christy Cawley , Paul Greally .
Front Row : Sean Frehan , J. Murphy, , Padraig Craddock , John Dowd , Tommy Sheridan , G. Craddock , Tom Gibbons .
It was not a great game by any means but the fault did not altogether rest with the teams as the strong wind and lashing rain made a mockery of the best efforts of the players.
Yet, it was a game that retained the interest of the spectators right to the final whistle as the fortunes of both sides swayed in the breeze before the long whistle heralded Shrule’s first title after a long list of unsuccessful attempts.
Shrule were the pre-match favourites and lived up to their rating when they dominated the early exchanges particularly at midfield where Mickey Sheridan and Paul Greally gave their forwards as plentiful supply of the ball. Paul Greally and Tommy Sheridan pushed them into an early lead but if their forwards were a little more accurate Shrule could have opened up a gap by the end of the first quarter.
Instead Carramore were just one point behind Roy Flynn having opened their account with a point in the ninth minute and Tom Maloney added another six minutes later. Both side missed chances before the interval at which stage the score stood Shrule 0-4, Carramore 0-3. Carramore were a different side after the resumption as they tore into Shrule and wiped out their lead inside a minute when Noel McNamara pointed after a Roy Flynn centre. Tom Maloney put them into the lead two minutes later with another. Shrule were now in serious trouble as their short passing game was getting nowhere against first-time football of the Carramore side. J.J. Costello extended the Carramore lead with a point in the seventeen minute and when Tom Maloney picked up a J.J. Costello centre to fire over another point two minutes later, the Cup seemed to be on its way to Carramore.
It was not to be however, for Shrule mustered all their determination to stage a fight-back and the score they needed came in the twentieth minute. A harmless-looking centre from Tommy Sheridan was picked up by Ger Cawley and he blasted the ball to the net to put his side on level terms. This score injected a new spirit into the Shrule side as they suddenly got on top and forced Carramore to concede frees. It was from one of these that Shrule got their second goal when a long range shot by Sean Frehan was fielded by Terry Walshe with his back to the goal, He turned quickly and fired a right-footer to the corner send the Shrule supporters delirious. At long last it seemed that Shrule were about to lift the title as the final minutes ticked away.
Carramore mounted one last attack and were awarded a free. J.J. Costello placed the ball and quickly realised that the Shrule backs were thinking of the celebrations later in the evening rather than defending their goal. He tapped the ball to Eamonn Campbell and he had the simplest of tasks in belting the ball to the net. The final whistle sounded with the kick-out and so to extra time.
Shrule now play Ballycastle in the county semi-final at Knockmore on Sunday.
Whether it was the shock of Carramore’s late equalising goal or the memories of four South finals that haunted Shrule they were a subdued side in the first periods of extra time. Carramore were in full control and went into the lead after six minutes through a Noel McNamara point. J.J. Costello picked off another two minutes later and Eamonn Campbell extended that lead to three points when his over-head kick went between the posts just before the short whistle. Tom Maloney collected a pass and pointed to leave Shrule four points in arrears. In a desperate bid to pull the game out of the fire Shrule introduced teenager Tony Mullen to the middle of the field and re-introduced Tom Gibbons to the attack.
These changes had a big bearing on the outcome as Gibbons shot two points in the first five minutes of the half and Mullen got on top of the tiring Roy Flynn. Wing-back Sean Frehan had one of the best points of the game in the seventh minute when he scored from nearly forty yards out. Tom Gibbons put the sides level with a point from a free in the tenth minute and the same player sent the Shrule supporters wild when he shot the winner from a forty-five yards free in the closing minutes.
Matty Murphy, Dominic Craddock, Sean Frehan, Paul Greally, Tom Gibbons when re-introduced , Tony Sheridan. Eugene Murphy and Tony Mullen were the stars of the Shrule side, while for Carramore Brendan Campbell, Tom Dixon, Richie Walshe, Martin O’Brien, J.J. Costello, Tom Maloney and Noel McNamara tried their utmost.
Scorers: Shrule- T.Gibbons (0-4), G.Cawley and G.Walshe (1-0 each), T.Sheridan and P.Greally (0-2 each), S.Frehan (0-1).
Published in the Western People 1981.
Supplied by S.Frehan
Categories: GAA, Local Sport, News items.
