Moate Matters

Congratulations to Sr Gabrielle O"Reilly who celebrated her 98th birthday last Wednesday. Sr Gabrielle, originally from Dysart, Mullingar, is one of eleven children, seven of whom entered religious life. Four of her sisters were also nuns and two of her brothers joined the priesthood. Sr Gabrielle spent all of her teaching life in the Convent Girls National School, before moving to America after her retirement. A busy person throughout her life Sr Gabrielle was also involved in the founding of a prayer group here in Moate. We join with all her sisters in community, her past pupils and many friends in the locality to wish her many happy returns and look forward to viewing the Presidential cheque in the not too distant future. Moate Partnership AGM Tonight The Moate Partnership Group will hold its first AGM tonight Wednesday, October 29, at 8pm in the Grand Hotel. A formal committee will be elected on the night and anyone with an interest in the town development is welcome and urged to attend. The partnership should involve representatives from all groups in the town. If the town has no voice then it will be left behind. Together we have strength - let"s use that strength to improve the quality of life in our town. Careers Night at Moate Community School The gymnasium in Moate Community School was a crowded place last week when most of the third level colleges in the country were represented at the Careers Forum which offered students from the senior cycle an opportunity to meet and discuss their options with representatives from the colleges and various professions. The school has added a new dimension this year with local professionals, many of them former pupils of the school, attending and making themselves available to discuss the path that had led to their professional qualifications. It is so much better to speak to someone who came from a similar background when trying to formulate future plans. The Garda Siochana was well represented on the night and appeared to be one of the busiest desks in the hall. In particular, the Ban Garda at the desk appeared to have a very busy night answering the questions from the curious as well as the interested. The Bank of Ireland, the Army and LM Ericsson were also represented on the night. Chartered Physiotherapist, Optician, Pharmacist, Teacher, Med Lab Technician, if your interest was in any of these areas you had the opportunity to question the people who have come through the system and are now actively pursuing their careers in the Moate area. This was a very worthwhile undertaking and there were a noticeable number of parents in attendance, many of whom will have benefited more from the evening than some of the students who already know it all! Carmelite Notes Penitential Communal Service Saturday, November 1, a Penitential Communal Service will be held immediately following the 7.15pm Mass in preparation for the Feast of All Souls the following Day. All are welcome. Reconciliation The most significant tool we are given for life is that of Reconciliation; Reconciliation to life as it is, Reconciliation to God as God is. Reconciliation to ourselves as gifted but flawed individuals, and Reconciliation to those who have been hurt by our selfish actions or unkind words. Life is a long series of opportunities for reconciliation - accepted or refused. Each time we are willing to step forward into greater truth, we are courageously trusting that God will be present in the new situation to bring us into harmony with a new understanding of life. There is no heart forgiveness cannot mend, No hurt it cannot heal, No sin it cannot cleanse, And no life it cannot change' Recently Deceased Mary Farrell (nee Hynes) Boyanna; Josephine Casey (nee Allen) Mt Temple; Dr Mary O"Reilly, Cootehill, Cavan, (cousin to Fr Brendan O"Reilly). Sincere sympathy is extended to their families and loved ones. Midland Warriors celebrate Halloween The serious business of training continues on Sunday mornings at 11.30am but next Friday night, October 31, the 7-10 year old members and friends of the Midlland Warriors will have the opportunity to let their hair down at the club disco which will be held in Club S at the Auld Shebeen. Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. This is the first time the club have undertaken an event like this and it will prove to be the ideal venue for parents to bring their children for the Halloween celebrations so a big crowd is expected. Proceedings begin at 6pm and are scheduled to finish at 8pm. Admission is discounted for those who have attended on two of the three Sundays since the season started. For further information contact Ian Rowlands at 090 6448734. The club is currently promoting a raffle which has a first prize of two tickets to the New Zealand v Ireland rugby international which will take place on November 15. The raffle will take place on November 12. For tickets or further details contact Kieran Harten at 086 8330239.