ST PATRICKS DAY: The community is gearing up for St Patrick's Day which is a feast day that is close to the hearts of Irish people in all corners of the globe. Now there are plenty of all types of emblems to signify our nationality leading to the over commercialism of the occasion. In the old days the shamrock was very plentiful and everyone had a sprig on their lapels on March 17th. Sadly in recent years the good old shamrock has done a disappearing act and is being replaced by the artificial emblems. Many myths are told about St Patrick but he is a saint that Ireland owes a lot to and the celebration of his feast Day brings out a great sense of national pride in Irish people in every corner of the world. Interestingly St Patrick had little religious beliefs up to the age of 16 and considered himself a pagan. Then everything changed when he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village and during his captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul in France where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of 12 years. During his training he became aware that his calling and left determined to convert Irish people to Christianity. His sought permission to return to Ireland, to convert the natives to Christianity but his wish was not granted with hi superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. However two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. and Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland. He was quite successful at winning converts.and this fact upset the Celtic Druids and consequently he was arrested several times, but escaped on each occasion. He travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish people to Christianity. His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down and died on March 17th 461 A D. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day with little of it is substantiated. Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. The St. Patrick's Day custom was first established in America in 1737 and now some of the biggest St Patrick's Day Parades are held in the major cities in the United States. Most of what is known about St Patrick comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God. CHARITY WALK Get those walking boots shining for the Kerry Together 5K Charity Fun Walk on Sunday March 21st and support Kerry Life Education's Harold Project. For information and sponsorship cards phone 064 6635135. PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENING: At a time when many people are losing their jobs and industrial development in North Kerry has come to a standstill those effected will avail of any opportunity to try and get back to employment again. With this in mind a public Information Evening will be held at The Eddie Carmody Hall in Ballylongford on this Wednesday night March 10th at 8pm. Speakers from North and East Kerry Development C0 (Leader) will be in attendance. So if anyone is contemplating starting up a new business or expanding an existing one they can find out what grants and help that is available. Any enterprising person that is contemplating improving a housing estate or community will be provided with all the support and advice available along with grants that can help them with their project. This is a meeting that is well worth dropping in on and hopefully both sides of the parish will be well represented. GOLF A.G.M.: There was a big turnout for the annual General Meeting of the Sandpipers Golf Society which was held at The Old Attic Bar in Ballybunion on last Wednesday night. The secretary of the society Tim Joe Griffin thanked everyone for their assistance and co operation during the year and all the local business people that sponsored the outings. He also paid tribute to the captain Andy Somerville for the excellent way he organised the outings and securing very good courses all around the county. He urged all those that play in the competitions to make a special effort to attend the prize giving ceremonies and show support for the sponsors. Outgoing captain Andy Somerville echoed many of the sentiments of the secretary and he thanked Paddy Holly for doing a great job as president of the Society. Due to prudent management of the finances of the society the treasurer Tommy Toomey revealed that the financial books were in the black which was gratifying in these recessionary times. He said that the sub for the new season will remain at 30 euros which is very good value for money as the society will have 10 or possibly 11 outings this year. When it came to the election of officers outing Captain Andy Somerville stepped down after two years at the helm and Paddy Holly's seat was also vacated. The officers elected were President Mike Rice, Captain Tommy O Connor, Secretary Tim Joe Griffin, Treasurer Tommy Toomey, PRO Mike rice. Handicap secretary Donie O Keeffe and John Joy. A lively debate took place afterwards at which suggestions and ideas were taken into consideration. It was decided that the Society will engage is a competition this year against a team from East Clare. It will be a 2 legged affair with The Sandpipers to travel to play the Clare side at the Boydyke Golf course while the return leg will be played at Ballyheigue. A Cup is being sponsored and the first leg will be in Clare on May 20th. The Golfer of the Year has not yet been decided with 3 players neck and next at the top of the table. Only the minimum separates Andy Somerville, Tom Joe O Mahony, Tim Joe Griffin so the competition is reaching a nailing conclusion with just two more outings to decide the issue. A great line up of outings has been arranged for the new season with trips to Adare, Beaufort, Killorglin, Ballyheigue, Ardfert, Ballybunion, Boydyke (East Clare) Membership of the society is now open and everyone would like to see more ladies joining the society. The next outing is at Castlegregory on Saturday March 27th. SOCCER: Asdee Rovers dropped 3 more league points in Tralee on Sunday going down 3 – 1 to Kilflynn Santos. Asdee seemed to be heading for victory in this game leading 1 – 0 courtesy of a Patrick O Brien goal with just 10 minutes left in the game. However some sloppy defending cost them dearly in the closing stages of the game with Kilflynn finding the net 3 times to secure victory. The team on duty was James Kelly, Joseph O Brien. Kieran Mc Elligott, Charles Dalton, John Martin Horgan, Noel Long, Killian Beasley, Maurice O Halloran, Tom Pierse, Patrick O Brien and John Muhappi. Subs Kieran Fitzelle and Niall Miller .Patrick O Brien. Asdee host Castleisland next Sunday in the Greyhound Bar Cup replay with the kick off at 2 30pm. SWEEPSTAKE DRAW : The Asdee Rovers Sweepstake Draw will be held at J J's on next Sunday night and tickets are widely on sale priced 2 Euros. PREMIER GOALS COMMPETITION: The Asdee Rovers Premiership Competition is reaching a very exciting climax with 3 members neck and neck for the cash prize. The state of the parties prior to next weekend's final round is, 1st Charlie Dalton, Everton 11 goals, 2nd Mike Moloney, Arsenal 9 goals and 3rd Mike Doyle, Manchester City, 7 goals. A new draw will take place after the wweekend games are played. G. A.A.: The local Derby between fellow parishioners Asdee and Ballylongford at Jack Walsh Park on Sunday never lived up to its usual billing with Ballylongford winning the game without ever breaking sweat by a 15 point margin. Some of the exchanges between the sides was never neighbourly and the game was well over long before the final whistle sounded. Except for the opening 20minutes Asdee were outplayed in most departments of play with Ballylongford dominating proceedings. After an encouraging start and the sides level at 2 points each after 20 minutes of the game it looked as if it was going to e a very closely contested game. However when Asdee let down their guard and Patrick Deegan found the net for Ballylongford the writing was on the wall for this side of the parish. Still with Ballylongford leading 1 – 4 to 0 – 2 at half time Asdee seemed to be still in the contest with a chance. However that was as good as it got for Asdee and when two of their players were sent off they were only chasing shadows.and Ballylongford cruised to an emphatic victory. The tame manner in which Asdee succumbed to the opposition disappointed Asdee supporters and many of them were heading home long before the final whistle sounded. The final score Ballylongford 4 - 9. Asdee 0 - 6 Team Asdee; James Kelly, Mike Long, Brian Coughlan, David Ruddle, Kieran McElligott, Brian O Hanlon, Eamon McElligott, John Doran, Noel Long, 0 - 1 Jeremiah Tydings, Conor Coughlan, 0 - 1, Micheal Walsh, Darren Russell, Padraig Ruddle, Eoin Kennedy, 0 - 3. Subs, Cyril Dineen, 0 - 1 for Micheal Walsh, Sean McElligoptt for David Ruddle, Kenneth Tydings, Padraig Buckley. COUNTY MINOR LEAGUE. : The Asdee/Ballylongford minor team bounced back from their previous week's defeat by St. Michael's /Foilmore to record a 5 point victory over neighbours Beale at O Rahilly Park in Ballylongford on Saturday afternoon. In a very competitive and low scoring first half the home team led at half time by 0 – 3 to 0 – 1 and Beale can thank their goalie Joe Downey for keeping them in the game as he make a series of excellent saves. The standard of play improved significantly in the second half and a brace of goal from David Culhane allowed Asdee/Ballylongford take charge f the game. While Beale finished strongly it proved to be a bridge too far to rescue the situation and the home side ran out comfortable winners securing 2 County League points to get their league prospects back on course. The combination side's best performers were David Culhane with a tally of 2 – 2 Kenneth Foley, Darren Russell and Cathal Carmody. The final score was Asdee/Bally 2 - 8 Beale 0 - 9. Asdee/Ballylongford, Shane O Sullivan, Eamon McElligott, Cathal Carmody, Tom Kennedy, Kenneth Foley, Thomas Tydings, David Culhane, 2 - 2, Darren Russell, 0 - 1, Tom McKeown, Matt O Connor, 0 - 1 Con Carmody, Jeremiah Tydings,0 - 4 Micheal Tydings. Subs, Padraig Buckley, Kieran Kelly, Conor McEllistrim, Brandon O Driscoll, Luke O Driscoll. MEMBERSHIP. : This is a final reminder to anybody that is interested in becoming a member of the club that that they must sign up for membership this week. Membership brings many benefits such as being able to vote at the club AGM, and have input at the club's meetings and will earn priority for any Tickets that is available prior big Kerry games. This year membership has to be submitted to Central Council before March 31st; so to make sure of full entitlements for match tickets or otherwise making contact with the club registrar Oliver Kearney has to be done as soon as possible. All that is required is your name and a membership fee of 20 euros for adults and 6 euros for underage. This will be strictly adhered to so if your not in you cant expect to be included for match day tickets or otherwise. So as not to be disappointed pay your membership well in advance of Wednesday March 31st. QUIZ: The local GAA Club are holding another Fundraising Quiz night which will take place on this occasion at the Jessie James Tavern on Friday night March 12th. Proceedings will be getting underway at 9 30pm so anyone who would like to take part are more than welcome. Once again your Quizmaster will be Tom Gorman with his back-up team of Oliver Kearney and Tony O Hanlon the organisers of the event. A great night assured. A very successful opening Quiz took place at the Store Bar on Friday night last with a good turn out that could be boasted even further by members of our Senior and Junior footballers. The members of winning team on the night were Aine Kennedy, Maureen Walsh, Mick Rea and John Kennedy. FIXTURE: Asdee take on St Senans at home in Round 5 of the North Kerry League Division 2 on this Sunday March 14th at 2pm. ASDEE/BALLYLONGFORD COMMUNITY GAMES - Congratulations to all the children who participated in the local COMMUNITY GAMES ART COMPETITION held in Ballylongford on Monday 1st March 2010. Although the turnout was not as good as previous years the standard of entries was outstanding making judging very difficult. Unfortunately only those children who finish 1st or 2nd are able to represent Ballylongford, Asdee and Lenamore at the County Final: U-8: 1st Niall O'Connor U-10: 1st Anton O'Connor 2nd Patrick Carmody U-12 Girls: 1st Aimee Austin 2nd Christina Tydings 3rd Ellen Tydings U-12 Boys: 1st Dennis Collins 2nd Neal Carmody U-14 1st Cian Barrett All the children's entries from Monday night were exhibited in the GAA Hall on Saturday 6/3/2010 during Ballylongford/Tarbert Comhaltas Set Dancing and Waltzing Competition. The Ballylongford/Asdee Community Games would like to thank Ballylongford Comhaltas for allowing them to exhibit the children's artwork and to congratulate the Comhaltas on a brilliant night's entertainment. CONCERT DVD'S: The Parents Council of Asdee National School wishes to inform parents that the DVD of the Childen's Christmas Concert are now available and should be collected without delay. The DVD of the excellent show is great value for money ar 15 euros. All the parents that put their names in for the DVD are asked to make arrangements to collect them this week. The people to contact regarding the DVD's are Dave Griffin, Littor Raod phone (086) 2451436 and Ciara Flavin, Tullahinell, phone, (086) 6809236.