Around Portarlington Way
YOU DID IT FOR DAN
A big well done to everyone who made it possible raising money & spreading the word about little Dan’s story. It was so heart-warming to see the news this week that they had reached the target of over €2m. We would like to wish Dan & his wonderful parents Niall & Aisling all the best for the future.
Do it for Dan fundraiser
ADULT LITERACY
NALA stands for the National Adult Literacy Agency. Its site is www.nala.ie. It provides freephone help to people trying to fill in social welfare forms and also help people trying to improve their reading, maths and or digital skills. There is an opportunity to learn skills online in these areas with the help of a NALA tutor. Freephone 1800 20 20 65,
Text ‘LEARN’ to 50050 to find out more. In addition, some parents are struggling to help their kids learn from home. They might like to refer to the www.helpmykidlearn.ie or perhaps .com (never sure) to source materials that might help. This site is endorsed by the Dept of Ed and Skills. Finally, I developed a plain English online guide to COVID-19 terms. An info resource that some have found useful and might be handy to refer to. https://www.nala.ie/covid-19-words-explained/ .
MASS ON WEBCAM
St Michael’s Church Portarlington have their Webcam set up now, so you can watch Mass live. Just go in to the following link here to follow.
CAN YOU WRITE A GOOD STORY
CALLING ALL MYSTERY WRITERS! If you can write a nail-biting mystery story in a maximum of 2,000 words, then we would love to hear from you at Ireland’s Own. The best stories will be published in the magazine, and will receive a payment.
Also, we are always on the lookout for good ghost stories from Ireland, and further afield. If you have time on your hands and enjoy writing, now is the time to get in touch. Email your stories to info@irelandsown.ie.
All your Portarlington news
Photo thanks to Con Murphy Photography
SUPPORT LINE
A support line has been set up for older people who have concerns, or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries & give advice & reassurance where necessary. The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet demand.
NEEDING ASSISTANCE
Sergeant Dave Lynam, Portarlington Garda Station has put out a message to the public. “If you know of any vulnerable people, or anyone that needs assistance with anything, please don’t hesitate to contact the Station at (057) 8674100.” Unfortunately, they can’t be used to take people to appointments but are there for anything else.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Anne Coss, Straffan Kildare & formerly Station road Portarlington who passed away on April 23. Anne was predeceased by her brothers Tommy, Jim, Michael, Kevin, Patrick & Brendan. Anne will be sadly missed by her sister Kay, brothers John, Ray & Aidan, her extended family & friends. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date for Anne. May Anne rest in Peace.
RIP
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Harry Boylan, Skerries Dublin & formerly Station road Portarlington who passed away on April 23. Harry was predeceased by his loving wife Essie, son Damian & granddaughter Amy. He will be sadly missed by his sons Harry Jnr & Martin, daughters Linda, Cora Anne, Joan & Maryjo, brother Jimmy & sister Anne, his fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & a large circle of friends. Funeral Mass for family took place in St Patrick’s Church Skerries, with burial in St Michael’s Cemetery Portarlington. May Harry rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Lisa Carroll, Beechwood Bracknagh who passed away on April 24. Lisa was predeceased by her brothers Mark & Tommy, sister Mary & fiancée Jason. Lisa will be sadly missed by her loving son Scott, parents Tommy & Patricia, brothers John & Darragh, extended family, neighbours & many friends. A memorial Mass for Lisa will take place at a later date. May Lisa rest in Peace.
TEXT ALERTS
Are you interested in Community Text Alerts? For any new subscribers who would like to sign up for the Text Alerts, contact the Love Port office on 085-8568801, PM their Facebook page or email info@portarlington.ie for details.
If you are an existing subscriber and your membership is up for renewal please contact the Love Port office on 085-8568801, PM their Facebook page or email info@portarlington.ie for details.
Payments are €10 a year, and can be made with cash or through the bank.
PORT TEXT ALERTS
PIETA HOUSE
Pieta House is holding an alternative fundraiser, after the postponement of Darkness into Light. The annual event, organised by Ireland’s suicide prevention charity, usually generates €6 million every May. But it’s now been rescheduled to October, due to the coronavirus restrictions.
A Concert of Hope is being broadcast on Facebook at 5 featuring Aslan, Walking on Cars and Brian Kennedy, among others.
Tom McEvoy, Fundraising Manager at Pieta House in Athlone, is encouraging people to donate what you can and also to get involved in the Sunrise Appeal next month:
Don’t hesitate to call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 if you need some support.
Or check out pieta.ie.
Lea Castle. Photo courtesy of Con Murphy Photography