Murroe Website Editor

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 3rd February 2019

February 4, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Uncategorized No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: Margaret Kett (Née Hayes), Madaboy, Murroe

James (Seamus) Dee, Ferbane, Offaly, formerly of Cappanuke, Murroe. Reposing at Ferbane Nursing Home this Sunday 3 February 2.00pm-4.30pm. Private cremation on Monday.

Anniversaries: Murroe

Jim Berkery and

Mary Cooke 11.30am this Sunday

Tom and Nan O’Malley and

Chrissie O’Gorman and

Edward Ryan and

Ann and Jim Jamel and

Gary Coble 7pm next Saturday

Maurice and Peggy Hassett 9am next Sunday

George Kenny Months Mind and Maureen Kenny and

Bridie and Gerry Taaffe and deceased members of the Tucker Family and

Paddy, Mary and Maura Power and Gerard Mullane and

John O’Brien 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Mary and Ted O’Connell and

Denis and Margaret Maher and

John Leahy 10am this Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Pat Madigan.

Murroe: Breda Fitzpatrick 7pm, Mary O’Brien 9am, Breda White 11.30am

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Homeless Collection. The amount collected was €451.50.

The Lisnagry Association will hold their Annual Church gate Collection next weekend 9^th and 10^th February. The funds collected will go towards the refurbishment and upgrading of residential facilities in St. Vincent’s Centre.

Murroe/Boher ICA will hold its monthly meeting next Tuesday 5^th February at 8pm in Murroe Hall. New members always welcome. As this is our first meeting or the New Year, fees are due.

Lotto Results for 27/1/19 -4,5,15,30- No Winner. €20 Lucky Dips Mark McMahon, Bobby Richardson, Sarah Butler & Pat Kett(Jnr). Next week’s Jackpot €3,600 Draw in Powers.

The Cappamore Historical Society have organised a lecture by Des Marnane entitled “From Ballot to Bullet December 1918 to January 1919”, on Thursday February 7^th at 7.30 in the Cappamore Community Centre.

Boher Community Development Association wishes to thank all those who supported our recent Parish social. It was a very enjoyable night and a great success. The Committee would like to thank sincerely, those who attended the event, bought tickets to support the event and supplied items for auction – Paudie Laffan who supplied trees for blocks, the volunteers who cut timber for the auction, Roches Feeds, John O’Connell Crecora Mills, Rearcross Quarries, Dan O’Connor and Gleeson Concrete, Donohill. Sincere thanks also to the staff of the Millennium Centre, Caherconlish, Johnny and Niall Skehan and all who donated spot prizes. €5,100 was raised through this event for the upkeep of our community centre for this year.

Boher Community Development Association will hold its AGM on Wednesday 13 February. All welcome to attend.

Boher Community Development Association Saturday, 9 February, we will have the official opening of the upgraded Community Centre at 8pm. We are delighted to announce that the Liam McCarthy Cup will visit Boher Community Centre on that evening. We would like to cordially invite you to join us on 9^th February.

Milford Care Centre: Bereavement Support Information Evening Tuesday 26th February 2019 @ 7 to 8.30 pm. This is one of the quarterly information evenings that are held throughout the year to provide information on normal grief and the support services offered by Milford Care Centre.

Anam Cara & Milford Care Centre Bereavement Information Evening Thursday 28^th February 2019 @ 7 to 9.00pm. Milford Care Centre and Anam Cara, the national organisation that provides support services to bereaved parents and families, are hosting a Bereavement Information Evening in Limerick. This event gives parents an opportunity to hear an experienced bereavement professional talk about the many challenges their family may face after the death of a son or daughter. Please note this event is open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age of their child or the circumstances of their death. If you have attended a previous Bereavement Information Evening, we would encourage you to come again because each time you will hear something that will help you along the difficult and challenging journey of grief. There will also be time after the talk to interact with other bereaved parents.

Murroe Boher Bord na nOg wish to advise that we are holding our last registration night on Friday 08^th February at 18.30-19.30pm in our Club pavilion.

Murroe AFC Notes: Team News: The A team shared the spoils with Fairview Rangers last weekend on a 1-1 scoreline in the league. This weekend the B team are away to Kilmallock in the league at 11am on Sunday. The A team and C team have no fixtures. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for fixtures and results.

Underage Coach needed: The U-8 boys team, (boys born in 2011), are looking for a coach currently. If you’re a former player, or a parent, or just want to help out, get in touch on murroeafc@gmail.com The season starts on 23^rd February so there’s only a few weeks to get organised. The club will provide all necessary training and assistance.

Murroe AFC’s book “Murroe AFC The First 50 Years 1968-2018”is still available to purchase at Spar, and English’s. The book is a fabulous record of the story of the first 50 years of soccer in Murroe, and is available at a price of €15. If you didn’t get one for Christmas, condolences, but you can still pop down the shop and pick one up yourself.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 27th Jan 2019

January 28, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Murroe/Boher Newsletter No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: John Rainsford, Cappanahanna

Bridie Madden (Née O’Mahony), Tineteriffe, Cappamore, formerly Meentulla

Anniversaries: Murroe

Helen Hackett 7pm this Saturday

Willie and Kathy Noonan and

Johnny, David and Margaret Ryan and

Joe and Peggy Fitzgerald and

Dan and Esther Barry 11.30am this Sunday

Jim Berkery and

Mary Cooke 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Michael and Siobhán Cregan and Mai Tuohey 10am this Sunday

Mary and Ted O’Connell 10am next Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Esther Reilly.

Murroe: Bridget Hayes 7pm, Michael O’Loughlin 9am,

Masses for coming Week: Boher – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am

Murroe – Mond, Wednesday and Friday 10am.

Our Lady of Fatima: The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is available to anyone who would like to have it for a visit. Please give your name into the Sacristy in Murroe Church.

Scoil Mhuire Murroe – Pupil Enrolment 2019: Enrolments Applications for September 2019 are now being accepted. The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is January 31^st, 2019. Enrolment Application forms are available to download from the school website (www.murroens.ie) or from the school. Tel. 061. 386116.

Murroe/Boher Lourdes Committee are offering a place to a 5^th year student to travel to Lourdes on this year’s pilgrimage as a youth helper, which takes place from 16^th to 21^st June. Anyone interested are asked to give their names to Liz Barron, Boher ASAP. Draw will take place after 11.30am Mass in Murroe on Sunday next 3^rd February

Lotto Results for 20/1/19 -3,13,15,20- No Winner. €20 Lucky Dips Denis Graham, Ger O’Connell, Maureen Coleman & Sean Keavan. Next week’s Jackpot €3,500 Draw in the Valley.

The family of Kevin Hayes would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated or helped out in any way with the fundraising walk last November. The event was a great success and a huge testament to the wonderful community spirit in the locality. The total proceeds from the walk came to €19,381 and this has been handed over to Heart House.

Social Dance in Millennium Centre Caherconlish on Saturday 2^nd February. Music by Tommy Carroll. Tea served. Admission €10

Come dancing for Fun, Fitness and Enjoyment – Set dancing, Social dancing, Jive, Waltz, Ceili – Newport Community Centre, 8.30 – 10pm every Wednesday night. All are welcome including beginners – you don’t need a partner. For details contact Marie on 087 9679818.

Afternoon Tea Dancing takes place this Sunday 27^th of January from 3pm to 6pm in the Community Hall Kilteely, Co. Limerick. Music by The Singing Jarvey. Refreshments and Home Baking will be served. All are Welcome to come dancing or just sit back, relax and enjoy the music

Children’s set dancing classes, ceili, Sean nos, line dancing, waltz, jive, etc. Murroe Hall Tuesday evenings at 5pm. Adult dance classes for fitness and fun Wednesday evenings at 8 15pm. Beginners welcome at both classes.

Murroe Boher Camogie: Registration for the 2019 season will take place on February 1^st and 8^th from 6-7.30pm in Murroe Clubhouse. All members must register on one of these nights and all new members are always more than welcome. Costs: Adult – €60. Student – €50. U18 – €40. Our club will hold an EGM on Tuesday 29^th January at 8pm in Murroe Clubhouse. All members and parents are requested to attend.

Murroe Boher Community Games: Well done to the girls and boys who participated in the Draughts competitions last weekend. Best of luck to the U10 boys team comprising of Liam Broudair, Cillian Holmes, Cristian Bars, Donagh Horgan, Jokubas Navikonis, Luke O Brien and Jack O’ Connor who have qualified for the next round. Chess is the next competition being held and any interested chess players, boys or girls, aged o6-u16 should contact murroebohercg@gmail.com or Noreen O’Brien.

Murroe AFC Notes: Team News: The A team lost out to Holycross in the Lawson cup last weekend in a tight game on a 2-1 scoreline. The B team had a good win at home against Janesboro and the C team drew 2-2 with Parkville also at home in Tubber. This weekend the A team are at home playing against Fairview Rangers at 11am in the league. The B team and C team have no fixtures. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for fixtures and results. Underage Coach needed: The U-8 boys team, (boys born in 2011), are looking for a coach currently. If you’re a former player, or a parent, or just want to help out, get in touch on murroeafc@gmail.com The season starts on 23rd February so there’s only a few weeks to get organised. The club will provide all necessary training and assistance.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 20 Jan 2019

January 21, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Murroe/Boher Newsletter No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: George McAuliffe, Milltown, Co Kerry

Anniversaries: Murroe

Ella McCarthy Months Mind and

Michael and Mai McKeogh 7pm this Saturday

John Dundon and

Jimmy and Dolly O’Sullivan 11.30am this Sunday

Helen Hackett 7pm next Saturday

Willie and Kathy Noonan and

Johnny, David and Margaret Ryan and

Joe and Peggy Fitzgerald and

Dan and Esther Barry 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

John Richardson 10am this Sunday

John Finucane 7pm next Friday

Michael and Siobhán Cregan and Mai Tuohey 10am next Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Eamon Tuohey.

Murroe: Elizabeth Power Lynch 7pm, Willie Carey 9am, Tom seaver 11.30am

Homeless: A Church Gate collection in aid of the Homeless will take place next weekend, 26^th and 27^th January, in Murroe and Boher,

Our Lady of Fatima: The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is available to anyone who would like to have it for a visit. Please give your name into the Sacristy in Murroe Church.

Milford Care Centre: 10km Walk/Jog/Run will take place on Sunday, 3^rd February at the University of Limerick with a new Start Line (Plaza outside Main Library – Bronze Statue) and start time of 11.00 a.m. The 10km is open to runners and walkers of all levels and ability with all of the proceeds going directly to Milford Hospice. Participants will then progress along the route, which will be well marshalled, before reaching the finishing point on the UL Sports Arena Track. To register online visit www.milfordcarecentre.ie or you can register on Saturday 2^nd February from 12 noon to 3pm in the Reception of UL Sports Arena. Any queries contact the Fundraising Department, Milford Hospice on 061 485859/485860. Your support is gratefully appreciated

Lotto Results for 6/1/19 -10,26,27,32- No Winner. €20 Lucky Dips Frank Boyle, Noel Foley, Bridie Clohessy & Mike Casey. Next week’s Jackpot €3,300 Draw in Pa McGraths

A Workshop for singers, choirs, musicians and all who are interested in music in the liturgy will take place in Lamh Chunta, (beside Bothar na Naomh Church) Thurles on Sunday afternoon 27^th January at 3.00p.m. Dr. John O’Keeffe, Director of Sacred Music in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth will be leading the workshop, which will last approximately 2 hours. The cost of participation is €20, which will include a copy of his book – Feasts and Seasons 2 (with CD). The book would be a great asset to any choir member, but if you don’t want the book, the workshop is still open at the cost of €10 per person. Anyone interested in attending the workshop should please confirm by email to annhassett@live.ie or by phone to either Ann (086 3618534) or Marette ((086 3823334). as soon as possible but by latest Wed 23^rd January, as we will need to know numbers attending.

The AGM of Murroe Boher GAA club is on Wednesday 23^rd in clubhouse Murroe at 8 o’clock. We hope that there will be a big attendance from Current Members and new members

Murroe Boher Bord na nOg would like wish everyone a happy new year. As most teams are nearly back training, we would like to advise you that Registration for the 2019 season, will take place on Friday 25^th January at 18.30pm to 19.30pm in the Club Pavilion. The cost of registration is the same as last year. Hope to see you all there.

Murroe Boher Community Games: Very well done to our U12 team led by Captain Tom Ryan who finished in 4^th place overall in the Limerick Community Games U13 Boys Indoor 5-a-side Soccer. They did exceptionally well for a team who never played 5 a side before and did us all very proud. Unfortunately, they were beaten by a class Caherdavin A team in the semi-final. We then played in our 3rd place playoff game against Cappagh in a very entertaining game against Cappagh but lost 9 goals to 8. Well done to Tom Ryan, John O’Keefe, Callum Condon, Tommy Cusack, Cathal Foley, Freddie French & Patrick Swords. Manager/coach: Gordon Ross. Well done also to all who participated in the Art, Model making and handwriting competitions last weekend. The qualifiers will now represent us in the County events on January 26^th – good luck to all.

Murroe AFC Notes: Team News: The Mens teams had a good weekend last weekend again with the A team taking on Summerville Rovers in the league and coming away with a good 2-1 win, and the B team travelling to Prospect Priory in the league, also coming away with a win on a 4-2 scoreline. This weekend the A team are away to Holycross in the Lawson cup, the B team are at home to Janesboro in the league and the C team are at home to Parkville in the league. Underage Coach needed: The U-8 boys team, (boys born in 2011), are looking for a coach currently. If you’re a former player, or a parent, or just want to help out, get in touch on murroeafc@gmail.com The season starts on 23rd February so there’s only a few weeks to get organised. The club will provide all necessary training and assistance.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 13th Jan 2019

January 13, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Uncategorized No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: George Kenny, Glenstal, Murroe.

Anniversaries: Murroe

Helen Allis and

Jack Hanly 11.30am this Sunday

Ella McCarthy Months Mind and

Michael and Mai McKeogh 7pm next Saturday

John Dundon and

Jimmy and Dolly O’Sullivan 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Noel Hickey and

Bridie Foley and

Breda Cartwright 10am this Sunday

John Richardson 10am next Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Marie O’Flynn.

Murroe: Nora Lonergan 7pm, Suzanne Barron 9am, Bridget McLoughlin 11.30am

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, September 4^th to 11^th. Departing from Shannon. Half Board Accommodation. Cost 725euro, 50euro discount for bookings received before February 1^st. Contact John O Brien 086 8586304 for further details.

Boher Walk and Fun Run: A cheque for €1,230 was presented to Ms. Susan Canon from the Limerick Branch of the Irish Kidney Association which were the proceeds of the Boher Christmas Fun Run that took place on St. Stephen’s Day. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, your support is greatly appreciated.

Srs. Consilio and Agnes Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire Bruree would sincerely like to thank the parishioners of Murroe and Boher for their very generous contributions of €668.68 in our recent church gate collection. We would also like to thank Very Rev. Fr. Loughlin Brennan for allowing us hold our collection. We would sincerely like to thank the people who stood at the collection tables for this worthy cause. We are most grateful to the people of Murroe and Boher for all their help over the years.

Social Dance in Millennium Centre Caherconlish on Saturday 19^th January. Music by Chris Dallat. Tea served. Admission €10

Boher Community Development Association are holding our annual Parish Social on Saturday, 26 January in the Millennium Centre, Caherconlish. All funds raised are used directly for the purposes of maintenance of the Community Centre for the next 12 months. We would greatly appreciate your support for the Parish social and would like to encourage as many people as possible to attend our first community event of 2019.

Another date for your diary is Saturday, 9 February, when we will have the official opening of the upgraded Community Centre at 8pm. We are delighted to announce that the Liam McCarthy Cup will visit Boher Community Centre on that evening. We would like to cordially invite you to join us on 9^th February.

Children’s set dancing classes, ceili, Sean nos, line dancing, waltz, jive, etc. Murroe hall Tuesday evening at 5pm. Adult dance classes for fitness and fun resume on Wednesday 16th January at 8 15pm. Beginners welcome at both classes.

Murroe-Boher Historical Society – Happy New Year to you all. Our first talk of 2019 will take place at the Muintir na Tíre Hall, Murroe (Eircode: V94 N740) on Thursday, January 17^th at 8.30 p.m. sharp. Tom Toomey will speak to us on “The War of Independence in East Limerick.” Admission €5 to non-members. All welcome.

Michael Clifford Fundraising Tractor Run in aid of Tipperary Branch of Multiple Sclerosis on Sunday 27^th January 2019 – start at 12.30 from Rearcross Village – registration in Kennedys Bar – also – a Benefit Night in Kennedys Lounge Rearcross on Sat. 19th January, 2019 – Spot Prizes, Raffle and Music with “The Stonethrowers” – Admission €5 – Tickets available from committee members and at Kennedys Shop Rearcross. Support greatly appreciated. For more information contact John at 086 889 7482 or John at 087 6708 107

Murroe AFC Notes: Team News: The Mens teams were back from their Christmas break last weekend with the A team taking on Meanus in the 1st round of the Lawson Cup. It ended up as a one sided affair with Murroe emerging victors on a 7-1 scoreline. The C team lost out to Coonagh Utd in the league on a 4-3 scoreline. This weekend the A team are away to Summerville in the league, and the B team are away to Prospect Priory in the league. Keep an eye on the facebook page for fixtures and results.

Underage Coach needed: The U-8 boys team, (boys born in 2011), are looking for a coach currently. If you’re a former player, or a parent, or just want to help out, get in touch on murroeafc@gmail.com The season starts on 23rd February so there’s only a few weeks to get organised. The club will provide all necessary training and assistance.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 6th Jan 2019

January 8, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Murroe/Boher Newsletter No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: Kitty Smith (Née Dunlea) formerly Ballyvoureen, who died recently in London on 27^th December.

Anniversaries: Murroe

Nora Murphy and

Pa Joe and Paddy McCormack 7pm this Saturday

Jackie and Eileen O’Flynn 11.30am this Sunday

Helen Allis and

Jack Hanly 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Deceased members of the Walsh family, Cloughnadromin and

Kitty and James Lynch and

Molly Foley 10am this Sunday

Noel Hickey and

Bridie Foley and

Breda Cartwright 10am next Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Eilish Bartley.

Murroe: Willie Carey 7pm, Josie Meade 9am, Kathryn Buckley 11.30am

Masses for coming week: Boher Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am.

Murroe Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am.

Murroe-Boher Annual Newsletter: Murroe-Boher Annual Newsletter is now on sale at retail outlets throughout the parish. The committee wish to thank all organisations and contributors for their co-operation and contributions to the magazine this year.

Murroe-Boher Senior Citizens Party will take place on Sunday next 13^th January in Hayes’ Cappamore. Mass at 1.30 followed by Lunch at 2.15. Music by Sean, Paddy and Karen. Tickets €15 available in Church Sacristy or from Kathleen 087 2387686 or Carmel 087 6107132 .

Murroe-Boher Historical Society 2019 Calendar is out now featuring weather lore and dramatic skies scenes photographed in the parish during the past year. Available from local shops and businesses or from Thomas Holmes (086)3642673. Cost €8. The Historical Society will, once again, be making a contribution to charity from the proceeds. Your support would be greatly appreciated

Murroe AFC Notes: Team News: The Mens teams are back from their Christmas break this coming weekend with the A team taking on Meanus in the 1st round of the Lawson Cup, and the C team taking on Coonagh Utd in the league. Both teams away from home. Best of luck to all of our teams for 2019. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for fixtures and results.

Reflection: Today, on the Feast of Epiphany, it’s only appropriate to seek and find “some light in the darkness” as we turn to Isaiah the prophet and Matthew, the gospel writer, both of whom give us reason to hope, even now. In the first reading, we find Isaiah living in the Old Testament world; the people in Jerusalem are feeling the pain of exile and are shrouded by “darkness” and “thick clouds covering the earth.” However, Isaiah using poetic vision, confidently foretells that “dark and gloom” will be overcome by the radiance of God’s eternal light. The people are told “they will be radiant at what they see and their hearts shall throb and overflow” when the Messiah has come!!

Then the gospel of Matthew, reflecting New Testament times, puts us in touch with the visible sign of light and hope. The Magi from the East are looking for an epiphany – the manifestation – of the “newborn king, the promised Messiah.” They see his star at its rising, and it precedes them to the place where the child has come; they prostrate and do him homage. Instinctively, they know – without a doubt – that the light from this star is eternal and will shine forever to overcome all roots of darkness and evil. The star led them on their search for the Savior – and Scripture confirms that the everlasting “light came into the world”… no person of ill-will or act of violence will ever extinguish this light.

Bee Blogs January 2019

January 5, 2019 Murroe Website Editor Bee Blogs, Uncategorized No comments

Bee Notes January 2019

What a warm spell we are having and so little wind. It is very strange. The heather is flowering in the courtyard and the bees are working on it with the enthusiasm of mid-summer. I also see the hazel catkins have dropped down and are giving off pollen. This flowering should be happening in late January or early February. The bees will be using up their precious honey supplies with all this activity. It will be important in the weeks ahead to keep an eye on the weight of hives to see that they are not running low on stores.

I was reading about the Honey Bee Genome Project over Christmas. Over 180 genomes of distinct species have been sequenced. The honey bee genome was the third insect genome to be mapped after the mosquito and the fruit fly. It began in 2003 and took three years to complete at a cost of $7.5 million dollars. The bees genome contains 236 million base pairs and has ten thousand genes organised in sixteen chromosomes. If it was a book the honey bee story would need 236 million characters, arranged in ten thousand sentences divided into sixteen chapters. This knowledge is useful in that it helps us to understand the evolution of the honey bees and how it is similar and different form other bees. Honey bees seem to have begun in Africa and spread from there giving rise to northern and Western European honey bees and the southern and central European and western Asian bees.

Bees evolved slowly and are so well adapted to their environment that they have changed very little over time. We also learnt that they have few genes for immunity and detoxification. This suggests that bees don’t rely on their individual immune system and most of their resistance comes through behaviour – cleaning, grooming.

Bees and Land Mines

Research has shown that bees can be trained to detect explosives using their sense of smell. By providing them with a mixture of sugar, water and the smell of an explosive honey bees can be trained to associate the scent of explosive with food. In response to smelling the explosive a bee will stick out its proboscis signalling the recognition of food source. Honey bees have the potential to detect explosives in parts-per-trillion concentration and are being trained to be land mine detectors.

How can we help bees?

The first thing is that one does not have to be a bee- keeper. As their natural habitats decrease we can all help them. Mind the hedgerows and plant bee friendly plants – even a window box can make up for the loss of habitats. Remember that generally it is the small, insignificant flowers that often produce the most nectar. It is good to choose a wide variety of flowers and if you can get them flowering in succession this is ideal as it provides s a continuity of nectar and pollen. Lists of plants beneficial to bees are widely available. If you check the national biodiversity plan on-line it has a pollinator plan for Ireland.

We can also lobby politicians – remind national, and local government officials that bees are important and need better funding for conservation and research projects.

We also need to pay attention to the plight of bumble bees- the population of many species of bumble bee, once widespread, in Ireland have shrunk. They can only survive where our land is managed less intensively – we need to develop more nature reserves where wild flora can flourish. Maybe every farmer should be required to set aside some piece of land for other species and also stop removing or cutting hedges to bits. Hedgerow bushes such as blackthorn, hawthorn and ivy all produce berries and these will be greatly reduced if insect pollinators are not around – these fruits are vital winter and spring feeding for birds. If these fruits disappear or are cut down then the wild birds that feed on them will also decline. Moreover these bushes and hedges supply shelter and nesting sites.

Pollen Substitute

It is often difficult to tell if a colony has enough protein in the form of pollen. In early spring you can get a ‘pollen drought’ and this can limit brood development. I read recently a way of assessing the need to give a pollen patty – take some frames from the broodnest and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are the colonies rearing plenty open brood (larvae) If there is a protein shortage the nurse bees will cannibalise eggs and young larvae.

2. Do the larvae have a high rate of survival to pupation as indicated by solid patterns of even aged larvae . Incomplete nutrition results in poor larval survival or disease.

3. The most reliable indicator is to look at young larvae and check the amount of jelly that the nurse bees are placing round larvae. The larvae should be flooded with jelly – when a colony is under nutritional stress the nurse bees cut back on the amount of jelly that they pace around the young larvae – dry brood.

Ten things you may not know about the honey bee…

1. Bees pollinate over 130 fruits and veritable crops.

2. We now know the honey bee genome.

3. A queen bee has exactly the same genes as a worker – royal jelly is what changes her into a queen.

4. Honey bees are not native to Americas and bumble bees are not native to Australia.

5. Bees are herbivores.

6. Drones do have a grand father but no father.

7. Bees see ultra violet light but can’t see the red end of the spectrum – they see the world as more blue than us.

8. Bees have five eyes – two are complex eyes that detect movement – the other detect light intensity.

9. The sting is a modification of an egg- laying organ.

10. Only female bees sting and many solitary bees can’t sting.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 30 Dec 2018

December 30, 2018 Murroe Website Editor Murroe/Boher Newsletter No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: Elizabeth Ryan formerly Garranbane, Glenstal who died recently in London.

Anniversaries: Murroe

Patsy Dunlea Months Mind and

Rhona Kett-Sheridan 7pm this Saturday

Willie O’Farrell and

Michael Walsh 11.30am this Sunday

Nora Murphy and

Pa Joe and Paddy McCormack 7pm next Saturday

Jackie and Eileen O’Flynn 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Deceased members of the Walsh family, Cloughnadromin and

Kitty and James Lynch 10am next Sunday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Liz Barron.

Murroe: Breda Fitzpatrick 7pm, Mary O’Brien 9am, Margaret Holmes 11.30am

Masses for coming week: Boher No Mass Monday or Tuesday.

Murroe No Mass Tuesday.

MURROE-BOHER ANNUAL NEWSLETTER: Murroe-Boher Annual Newsletter is now on sale at retail outlets throughout the parish. The committee wish to thank all organisations and contributors for their co-operation and contributions to the magazine this year.

Murroe-Boher Senior Citizens Party will take place on Sunday 13^th January in Hayes’ Cappamore. Mass at 1.30 followed by Lunch at 2.15. Music by Sean, Paddy and Karen. Tickets €15 available in Church Sacristy or from Kathleen 087 2387686 or Carmel 087 6107132 .

Sincere thanks to all who helped prepare our Churches for Christmas; the Sacristans, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Organists, Choirs, Altar Servers and everybody else who helped. Special thanks to the people who assisted with the car parking in Boher Church on Christmas Eve, much appreciated. Also to all those who helped in any way during the past year – many thanks.

Murroe-Boher Community Games: The art, model-making and handwriting will be held on Saturday, the 5^th of January at 11:30am, in Muintir na Tire hall, Murroe. Art – Boys and Girls U8 over 6, U10 over 8, U12 over 10, U14 over 12, U16 over 14. Model-making – Boys and Girls U10, U12, U14, U16. Handwriting – Boys and Girls U10, U12. €2 entry to go towards paper, card, medals and modelling clay. Children to bring their own pencils and colours please. Looking forward to seeing you on the day.

Murroe Boher Camogie: JUNIOR TEAM: Murroe/Boher Camogie Club will be entering a junior team along with our intermediate team for the 2019 season. Registration for the junior team will take place in Murroe Clubhouse on January 11^th at 7pm. Players of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come along. Whether you are looking to try out the sport to stay fit or you are dusting off your boots and helmet please get in touch. If you can’t attend the registration night be sure to contact our Facebook page to express your interest or contact Fiona O’Malley (0863017002).

Reflection: The theme of family continues in today’s Gospel, as we hear the story of the Holy Family traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with relatives and friends. Jesus is that wonderful age of twelve, when children love to challenge their parent’s authority. Jesus is no different. It isn’t until Mary and Joseph are traveling home in the caravan that they discover Jesus is not with them. Any parent who has suddenly found their child missing can share their fear and anxiety. Mary and Joseph go back to Jerusalem to search for Jesus. When they finally find him they ask in relief and frustration, “Son, why have you done this to us?” I am sure he got an ear full from his parents. Yet Joseph and Mary did not understand that, even at twelve, Jesus knew why God the Father had sent Him to be among us. The Holy Family returns to Nazareth and He stays obedient to them. It is a comfort to know that the Holy Family faced the same challenges as we do today.

Murroe / Boher Newsletter 23rd Dec 2018

December 25, 2018 Murroe Website Editor Murroe/Boher Newsletter No comments

Parish Clergy: Fr Loughlin Brennan Fr. Tom Ryan

Tel. 386227 Mobile 087 9814051 Tel. 352223 Mobile 087 6291557

Recent Deaths: Bridget Neal (Née Dee) formerly Cappanuke Cross who died in England. Burial of Ashes will take place in Abington towards end of April 2019.

Anniversaries: Murroe

Martin and Bridgine Carey and Christine Coughlan (nee Carey) and

Peggy Fitzgerald 7pm this Saturday

Davy Hayes and

Noreen Holland 8.30pm Christmas Eve

Paddy, Mary and Patsy O’Brien 9am Christmas Day

Jim and Patricia Hogan and

Paddy Moore 11.30am Christmas Day

Patsy Dunlea Months Mind and

Rhona Kett-Sheridan 7pm Next Saturday

Willie O’Farrell and

Michael Walsh 11.30am next Sunday

Boher

Mary and Edward Butler and their daughter Mary 7pm Christmas Eve

Martin Moore and deceased members of

the Moore Family 10am Christmas Day

Deceased members of the Barron family 9.30am Thursday

May They Rest in Peace

Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend: Boher: Kathleen Walters.

Murroe: Bridget Hayes 7pm, Michael O’Loughlin 9am, Breda Berkery 11.30am

Masses for coming week: Boher No Mass Monday. Mass at 7pm Christmas Eve, 10am Christmas Day. No Mass Wednesday or Friday. Mass on Thursday 9.30am.

Murroe No Mass Monday. Mass at 8.30pm Christmas Eve, 9am and 11.30am Christmas Day. No Mass Wednesday or Thursday. Mass on Friday at 10am.

Christmas Mass Bouquet’s available in Church Sacristy’s.

🎶🌟All are invited to the Nativity Pageant this Sunday 23^rd December at 7.00pm in Murroe Church. ✨🎶

Helen Ryan, Murroe Post Office wishes to thank all her loyal customers for their continued support, with good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

We Wish all our visitors a Happy and Holy Christmas. Enjoy the time with your families.

Anniversary Mass. The 6^th Anniversary Mass for Rev. Fr. James Holloway late of Pallasgreen & Templebraden Parish will be celebrated on Christmas Eve in Kilteely Parish Church at 8pm

Up Coming Church gate collection for Cuan Mhuire, Bruree. Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire, Bruree will be holding her annual church gate collection in Murroe and Boher next weekend the 29^th and 30^th of December 2018. Any subscriptions will be greatly received. Sincere thanks our loyal collectors over the years.

Boher Annual Walk and Fun Run will take place on St Stephens Day at the earlier time of 11am. Starting form Boher Community Centre. Proceeds to Limerick Branch of Irish Kidney Association. Refreshments served.

Sliabh Feilim Singers want to thank everyone who supported them in their recent Christmas concert from which we donated €1,830 to Focus Ireland in Limerick

Holme’s Florist Cappanuke: Christmas Wreaths, Swags, Table pieces and arrangements now available and made to order. Contact us on 061 386318 or 086 2493499.

Boher Community Development Association thanks everybody for your support throughout the year and wishes you a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Murroe Boher Bord na nOg would like to thank everyone who helped out and supported our recent bag pack. We had over 100 volunteers, who gave up their time to support this much needed fundraiser. We would also like to wish all of our members, their families, friends and neighbours a Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Murroe AFC Notes: Milford Hospice Fundraising Match: The now annual charity match on St Stephen’s day will be going ahead as a fundraiser for Milford Hospice. Open to all, managers, adult players etc, €10 per player, a bit of fun to work off the turkey and in aid of a worthy charity. Should be on around 11am, (that’ll be confirmed on the Facebook page though so keep an eye on it for details). The club secretary has volunteered to referee so that should be an improvement on lasts years hysterics! Murroe AFC’s book “Murroe AFC The First 50 Years 1968-2018”is still available to purchase at Spar, and English’s. The book is a fabulous record of the story of the first 50 years of soccer in Murroe and is available at a price of €15. A great stocking filler!

Murroe / Boher Nativity Pageant

December 22, 2018 Murroe Website Editor News, What's on No comments

It’s that time of year again, the Murroe Boher pageant will take place on Sunday 23rd Dec in Murroe church at 7pm. Lots of work goes into this pageant, so please join us on the night and spread the word! The amazing junior and senior church choirs will also be taking part. Thank you.

Bee Blogs – November 2018

December 17, 2018 Murroe Website Editor Bee Blogs No comments

The autumn was unseasonably mild and my bees have been busy working on the ivy. I must check that my colonies feel if they are heavy enough. I have some ambrosia fondant which I can use if any colony feels too light. This is easily digested by bees and good for use over winter. You just score a cross on one side of the pack and peel back the plastic and place this on top of the frames or over the hole in the crown board. They must have plenty of ivy honey as the flow extended into November. They brought in loads of pollen which should set them up for the winter.

Some people worry that the brood nest can be so full of ivy honey that the queen will have no room to lay in the Spring. This can happen but now is not the time to rectify the situation – we will have to wait till the winter is over to check that out. Some people regard ivy honey as a problem – but as long as the bees can get enough moisture to use the granulated honey, it is a more balanced food source than sugar.

It seems a good idea to add some insulation inside the roof if you have any wooden hives.

We all know that bees are important. According to an article I read recently it is estimated that 1.4 billions farming jobs and three quarters of the world’s food supply – worth about $577bn – depend on the pollination of bees. And of the 100 species that feed 90% of human beings 70 depend on bees to pollinate them.

In the past 50 years the level of agricultural production that depends on pollination has risen by 300% but the bee populations have dropped. In the UK the number of bees fell by 54% between 1985 and 2005. In the USA domesticated bee colonies fell from 5.9 million to 2.4 million between 1947 and 2008.

As we learnt recently 40% of invertebrate pollinator species – especially bees and butterflies – are facing extinction.

The reason for this decline could be overuse of insecticides, loss of habitats, the varroa mite or even interference from electromagnetic radiation or a combination of all these factors. And now we have another threat with the Asian hornet on our door step – when this hornet gets into a hive the bees surround it and effectively cook it to death by raising their body temperatures. If we could measure the hive temperature we could detect the presence of this predator and do something about it.

The World Bee Project has linked with Oracle, the large IT firm to create a network of ‘smart hives’ to gather data about bees and their relationship to their environment. They plan to monitor the health of bees across the world.

They have developed sensors to place on hives to capture the sounds, the weight of honey, hive humidity, temperature, local weather and the levels of air pollution. They are using Artificial Intelligence to analyse the data. This will allow them to understand what they describe as the “signature” of ‘healthy and unhealthy hives.” John Abel of Oracles says that “sound is probably is the most important data”.

The key is the possibility of identifying early indicators of problems. For instance bees can swarm due to poor ventilation or high temperatures – getting live data might provide the beekeeper with information and allow them to take preventive measures.

This project will give objective data from around the world and may help us to slow or stop the decline of bees. If the technology becomes more generally available it might allow us to manage our bees using objective data and cut out unnecessary interventions.

If you are looking for a Christmas present for a beekeeper – a book recommended to me is one called, “The Honey Bee Inside Out” by Celia F Davis. It details the inner and outer workings of the bees. The same author has another book called “The Honey Bee Around and About” which explains how the bees fit into their environment and much more.

Happy Christmas….and here is to a bumper 2019.