Bailieborough News. September 27th 2021 . Matthew J. Cullen.

Pat Clarke (The Milkman): There was widespread disbelief in Bailieborough and the surrounding areas when the news broke on Wednesday last—September 22nd  that Pat Clarke (The Milkman) had passed away.  Pat has provided a milk delivery service to the community and beyond for almost 40 years.  Pat had previously worked in Bells meal yard, where he met the love of his life Kathleen, timber felling and Kingscourt Brick. In 1982 he set up his own milk delivery service, he started on a small scale and throughout the years built up an extensive delivery service covering Bailieborough, Tierworker, Cross, Mullagh, Killinkere, Knockbride and Laragh.  Pat provided much more than just a milk delivery service, his concern for his customers was paramount.  His kind and caring nature endeared him to his customers and he was often found doing small jobs and errands for some of them while he was on his rounds.

Pat also found time to involve himself in other activities, he was deeply involved in the GAA and acted as Juvenile Chairman of the Bailieborough Shamrocks Club, during this time the second pitch was developed to cater for the influx of underage players coming into the club.  Pat was involved in the setting up of the original Féile na nÓg competitions.  Pat always had a great interest in horses and has bred some top class Connemara ponies that can be found World wide, some of which compete at national levels.  He has been a proud member of the Connemara Pony Breeders Association for the past 15 years. 

However, most of all Pat was a family man, he and his wife Kathleen has just celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary on August 31st.  They reared five children, have 13 grandchildren and 3 eagerly awaited great-grandchildren, the last of which Pat was delighted to know had arrived safely two days before his death.  Pat loved to see the family calling to visit and loved nothing more than to have everyone gathered together.  Pats Halloween parties were the highlight of the year for all the family, neighbours, friends and beyond. Four years ago Pat had a serious health issue when he suffered a Cardiac Arrest,  he recovered promptly and returned to the life he loved so much, delivering milk to his loyal customers, tending to his horses and spending time with his family until his final illness struck.  Pat passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday September 22nd.  He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, his five children Francis, Yvonne, Kevin, Noreen and Eileen, sons in law, daughters in law, his 13 cherished Grandchildren, 3 adored Great-Grandchildren, brothers James and Austin, sisters, Margaret-Rose, Helen-Jean and Bridie, brothers in law, sisters in law, a wide family circle and friends.

Pat’s Funeral Mass took place in St. Annes Chapel on Friday, September 24th and afterwards his remains were laid to rest in St. Annes Cemetery.

Rest In Peace           

Killann Church: Killann Church will be closed for the next week or so to facilitate internal and external painting and to repair the main door. Saturday evening Mass will move to Shercock at 8.30pm. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Bailieborough Heritage Society: Bailieborough Heritage Society are looking for old photos of people who lived and worked in Bailieborough town for an exhibition. Please email them to: ocallaghan.carmel@gmail.com or contact Margaret at 086 816 4399.

Dhuish Group Water Scheme: Dhuish Group Water Scheme are flushing the lines starting from Monday next, 4/10/2021 over a two week period. Any queries, please contact 087 6293035.

Good Luck: Good luck and best wishes are extended to the Bailieborough Shamrocks Senior men’s side who play in the Intermediate Championship quarter finals against Butlersbridge in Kingspan Breffni at 7pm on Sunday evening next October 3rd.

 ‘Cherished Captures’: Local photographer, Ollie Gargan’s first solo photo exhibition will be on view upstairs in the Library, to all members of the community until Tuesday, October 26th  during Library opening hours. Current government Covid guidelines will be strictly adhered to. Well worth a visit!

Slow and Leisurely Stitching (SMS) Workshop—with Sally Ann Duffy: Slow stitching is a creative art, where the joy is in the creating and not so much about the  final result. During this six-week course, you will learn the mindful process of hand-stitching, explore layering fabrics including hand dyed and recycled textiles, adding textures and colours with a variety of threads and embellishments. The class will follow Covid safety advice and numbers are limited. The course will take place in the Bailieborough Community Centre commencing today—Wednesday, September 29th from 10am to 1230pm for six weeks. To book your place, please contact Sally Ann at 087 069 1449 or email: cailleachcreation@gmail.com

Bailieboro Celtic A.F.C.: Bailieborough Celtic AFC are looking for girls aged 9 to 13 years old, to expand and develop our girls soccer teams, currently at Under 11 and Under 13 level. If you would like the opportunity to become part of a great girls team, come along to our training sessions on a Monday evening at 6.30pm, at the Vale Soccer Grounds. 

Any Queries, contact 086-8156532.

Bailieborough Group of Parishes: Sunday services are at 9:30am in Mullagh and Shercock, 10:45 am in Bailieborough, 12noon in Knockbride. Audio from the sermon will be available later on Sundays on our YouTube channel.  Face masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing will still be required on Sunday mornings.

Craig Lynch Fundraiser: Join our Fundraiser in aid of the ‘ Craig Lynch For Life Challenge’ tonight, Wednesday, September 29th at the Town Lake, Chapel Carpark, Bailieborough. Swim, Kayak, Paddle Board or drop by for a chat at 7.00pm then join us for a Run/Jog/ Walk at 8.00pm, followed by Tea and Coffee afterwards. All welcome. All donations greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact Tony at 086 399 3430.

Bailieborough Library: YES YOU CAN…. public computers, seating areas and study spaces are now available at Bailieborough Library. We couldn’t be more pleased to have your regular Library services back in action.

The Library is open for browsing, borrowing, scanning, printing and photocopying. We have a huge selection of stock on offer.  Phone Bailieborough Library at 042 9665779 for more details!

East Cavan Gaels: Juvenile Hurling:

After a long 18 month enforced absence we are BACK!

Juvenile indoor hurling resumes on Saturday, October 2nd in our new venue of Killinkere GAA Hall.

Under 7 from 3-4pm.

Under 9 from 4-5pm.

Cost; €3 each per week.

Equipment will be supplied for those wishing to try the game of hurling with us.

Cavan hurling recently received a significant boost with their Senior side reaching their All Ireland Final for the first time and the county Under 17s winning their All Ireland title on the same day. Both squads had players from East Cavan Gaels who started their journey with us in local halls having taken their first steps with us.

Now it’s your turn to be the next generation of Cavan hurling stars!

October—Month of the Holy Rosary: The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto on the Virginia Road every evening except Saturdays for the month of October at 7.30pm, commencing on Friday, October 1st. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the prayers for their own intentions.

Bailieborough Cancer Comfort Ltd: The Bailieborough Cancer Comfort Ltd  Committee is available to help cancer patients or their families. Free Taxi service available. For further information, contact: Edel Fox 086 1004030.