Lough Doire Bhile Ecological Loop Walk

Lough Doire Bhile is a fantastic place to visit. Already an established angling centre this site has recently been upgraded to facilitate access through the 17 acre site. Gravel pathways interweave this stunning natural amenity taking the walker around the lake, over streams, through the wetlands and assist access to the ancient monastic site of Derryville.

The sparse vegetation means that wild flowers get a chance to grow and this means butterflies can thrive here. One can see the following species; Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Speckled Wood, Wall and Small Heath. Enthusiasts search for the illusive Marsh Fritillary but to date no sighting has been recorded. The bare ground is where you’ll see the Green Tiger Beetle. This beetle is a brilliant green colour with two yellow spots on its back. It runs very fast and if you get too close it flies away very quickly.

Located between the major tourist centers of Kilkenny and Cashel is the area known as the Slieveardagh Hills. The area is adjacent to the major urban centres of Thurles, Cashel, Clonmel and Kilkenny. It can be approached from the N8 at Urlingford or from the N76 via Ballingarry. The medieval, walled town of Fethard is nearby as is the Widow McCormack’s 1848 War House in Ballingarry.

The area consists of patches of bare ground and some sparse vegetation with a few alder saplings growing here and there. With so much reclamation, re-seeding and fertilizer being applied to so much marginal land, areas with sparse vegetation are quite scarce in Tipperary. This area at Doire Bhile now has three pairs of breeding Lapwings. These birds may be common in winter but they are declining in Ireland as a breeding species. In fact, the Lapwing is now on the Red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.

The recently developed Doire Bhile Lake has been developed on part of the nearby bog and is a haven for wildlife as well as offering an opportunity to walk and fish. Glengoole, aka New Birmingham, owes its origins to the coal seams in the area and the plans of its founder, Sir Vere Hunt, to establish a major industrial centre in the area.

FISHING INFORMATION (click here)

This is an ideal location for a family trip, enjoy the gentle scenic walks, check out the wildlife or enjoy a family picnic at any of the 4 picnic areas on site. Dogs are very welcome but it is important they are kept on a leash.  For more information on the history of the area CLICK HERE

Morning Masses
Glengoole: each morning at 9.30.
Gortnahoe: each morning at 9.30

Faith Renewal Courses
Brochures for this Course in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles on Tuesday nights for five weeks, starting on January 14th are in the Church. We very much encourage you to get a brochure and arrange to attend.

Course for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers
Brochures for this course in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles on February 5th and 11th are at the end of the Church. Please pick up a brochure and arrange to attend.

MFRC
A counselling Service for those over 18 is available in MFRC, Glengoole on evenings from Mondays to Thursdays. Information and to make an appointment contact Fidelma at 052 57992. All is in strict confidence

Failte Ireland Return to Work in Tourism Training Programme in MFRC, Glengoole at the end of January, involving two days a week for 10 weeks. Limited numbers are available. Contact Michelle or Fidelma at 052 57992.

Thanks
North Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association thanks everyone for their support of their recent Raffle. It was a wonderful success.

Table Quiz
Please support at Table Quiz in aid of the Juvenile G.A.A. Club in Mary Willies on Friday night 18th Jan. Table of four €20.00. All are welcome.

G.A.A.
The Club’s adjourned Convention will be in Glengoole on Friday 25th at 8.15. It will be followed by a Table Quiz in Glengoole at 9.45. Please attend.

Yoga
Yoga Classes will begin in Ballingarry Parish Hall on Thursday 17th January at 7.30. All are welcome.

Talk
A Suicide Awareness Talk will be given in Tipperary Institute on Wed. 16th Jan. at 7.00. To book for the Talk contact 0504 23742 or 087 7726777

Scoil Mhuire, Johnstown
An Information night for parents of 6th class Primary School pupils will take place in the school on Thursday 24th January at 8.00.

Tipperary Institute, Thurles
Information evening for students and parents will be held on Wednesday 16th January from 6.00 to 8.00.

Thanks
Gortnahoe-Glengoole Community Games express their sincerest thanks for your generosity to the Church Gate Collection. € 654.65 was raised.

Calendars
The parish calendars have been distributed around the parish. Some extra copies are at the end of the church. If you wish to have one, please collect it from the table at the back.

Pray for the following

• Fr. Richard Fitzgerald, Clonmel, formerly Clonora, who has died. His burial will be in Glengoole on Thursday morning at 11.30.

Glengoole

• John Hayes, Ballinastick.
  Anniversary Mass Saturday at 8.00
• Angela Kerwick, Glengoole Sth.
  Anniversary Mass Sunday at 9.30.
• Martin Hayes, Ballinastick.
  Anniversary Mass Sunday at 11.00.
• John Kennedy, Glengoole.
  Anniversary Mass Saturday 19th at 8.00
• Paggy Butler, Ballynonty.
  Anniversary Mass Sunday 20th at 11.00.

Gortnahoe Church

• Jeremiah O’Mahony, Graigue.
  Anniversary Mass Saturday at 7.00
• William & Nancy Lahart and Anna Cantwell, Kilbraugh.
  Anniversary Mass Sunday at 11.00.
• Larry Ryan, Fennor,
  Anniversary Mass Saturday 19th at 7.00
• Kitty Hogan, Clonamicklon.
  Anniversary Mass Sunday 20th at 11.00.
  

Holy Water Prayer
May this Holy Water remind us of our baptism and remind us that we are all part of God’s Family, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Newsletter Publishers for January

• Peg McGarry at 056 883433.
  Email: mrgtmcgarry@yahoo.ie
  
• Louise Cleere at 056 8834204.
  Email: louisecleere@eircom.net

All notices to the publishers or the priests by Friday at 6.00.

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