From Eternal City to Little Village:- The contrast could not have been more marked for the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Dr Dermot Clifford early last week. On Tuesday Dr Clifford was caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City brought on by the election of a new pope. On the following day following an interview on local radio Dr Clifford was in the middle of his flock administering the sacrament of confirmation in the quiet rural village of Mullinahone. For the children of Mullinahone Wednesday was the much more important day and what a lovely day it turned out to be. St Michaels Church was filled long before the arrival of the bishop with children, parents, sponsors and well wishers. Those who came early or remained late marvelled at how well the church looked and how artistically it was decorated inside with colourful wall hangings and pictures as well as impressive floral arrangements. Certainly great care and much work had gone into the preparations. On his arrival at St Michaels, the Archbishop was welcomed by representatives of Mullinahone Community Council and of the parish at large. As he entered the church Dr Clifford was greeted by the singing of the local choir conducted by Teckie Brett with accompaniest John Bermingham on guitar. The choir added greatly to the ceremony. Dr Clifford administered the sacrament to over 60 confirmati and of course delivered a suitable homily to those assembled. The archbishop spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit as well as speaking of the confirmation pledge and how important it was and also the importance of parental example. Confirmation Day was blessed with wonderful weather and this of course raised everybodys spirits. Now that Confirmation is over thoughts in schools will now turn to First Communion which is a more local event. First Confession ceremony will take place on Thursday night May 5th at 7.30pm in St Michaels Church. First Communion itself will take place at a special mass on Saturday May 21st in St Michaels at 11am. Local Lotto:- The local lotto draw took place on Tuesday April 19th. The winning numbers were 3, 6, 8 and 12. We had no jackpot winner but 7 winners shared a match 3 prize of EU175. The jackpot on Tuesday night next May 3rd could be EU3550. Under 12 Football:- After an easy win over St Patricks last week in the U12 championship, Mullinahones underage footballers may have been confident travelling to Ballingarry on Saturday last. However that confidence was tested to the limit before the end of the day when Mullinahone emerged with a narrow win. This win leaves the lads in a good position on the table and they should qualify for the semifinal. No game so far this week but we look forward to the remaining rounds against Killenaule, Ballylooby and Ardfinnan. Golf Society:- The final golf society outing of the present season will take place on Monday next May 2nd. This is also captain Pat Fitzgeralds Prize Day. The venue for this very important event is the nearby Callan Golf Club. Tee off times are 12 noon to 1.30pm. For further details contact Richard Needham. Ladies Football:- The local young ladies played Ballyporeen on Sunday last April 24th. This was their second game in the championship and a comprehensive win means they are still in the running for a place in the play offs. The half time score was Mullinahone 0-2 Ballyporeen 0-3. In the second half things improved for the home side and the final score was Mullinahone 3-9 Ballyporeen 0-5. We look forward to more good results for the rest of the season. Chiropodist:- Our chiropodist paid her monthly visit to the local Community Centre on Monday morning last. She will not be visiting on the fourth Monday in May i.e. May 23rd. Underage Football:- Under 14 - Our under 14's had a harsh baptism when they began their championship campaign in Killenaule on Thursday evening last. Short a number of prominent players they went down heavily to the home side. On Thursday night of this week they travel to Cloneen to play St Patricks in round 2. Under 16 - Our under 16's have qualified for the semifinal of the -16A South Tipp championship. On Monday night April 25th they travel to Clonmel to take on Clonmel Og with table position in the league being the highest priority. Under 18 - Our minors left it late on Wednesday evening last when a last second goal gave them a 2-1 to 0-7 draw with Fethard. After a loss to St Patricks, a vin over Kilsheelan / Kilcash and now a draw with Fethard our next game with Ballingarry assumes huge importance. A win would definitely give us a semifinal spot. Not to Blame:- Running at the Peacock Theatre (which is a branch of the Abbey) in Dublin from April 21st - June is a play "What Happened Bridgie Cleary?". This play tells the story of events that took place in the local area in 1895. Because of a belief in superstition and witchcraft a young woman lost her life and others were tried in Clonmel Court for the crime. Because there is a townsland of the same name "Ballyvadlea" in this parish and because the horrific events took place in the police area of Mullinahone and this of course figured in reports of the trials in the popular mind of the country this awful event became associated with Mullinahone. However we were not to blame for these events of the past now hitting the national stage. A number of books have been published on the death of Bridget Cleary and the resultant trial was dramatised in the refurbished Clonmel Courthouse as part of a summer series some years ago. No doubt some people with local connections will attend the present performance in the Peacock. | 
