DECEMBER 2008

Delivered Free to All Homes, Schools, Hospitals andCommercial Premises in the greater Beaumont Area

The Beaumont News 1

Merry Christmasto all our

Immigrant Residentsin our Community

Nollaig Shona DuitSheng Dankuai LeSing Daan Faai LokMaligayang Pasko

Joyeux NoëlFroehliche WeihnachtenTamil Nadu - Christmas

VaazthukkalBuon Natale

Meri KurisumasuRoomsaid Joulu Puhi

Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus unLaimi'gu Jauno Gadu

Linksmu KaleduWesolych Swiat Bozego

NarodzeniaFeliz Natal

Feliz NavidadMaligayang PaskoSuksan ChristmasNadolig Llawen

The annual SeniorCitizens Christmas Partyheld on 29th Novemberin its usual place; ArtaneBeaumont FamilyRecreation Centre, wasits 10th anniversary in thecurrent format. It lived upto its billing and a largecrowd braved the sub-zero temperatures andfreezing fog to attendBeaumont’s bash of the year for senior citizens.

Transport in the form of coaches, cars andGarda mini-buses were laid on to ferry therevelers to and from the party. Michael Maherwas M.C., Stephen King provided the music andthe Lord Mayor; Cllr Eibhlin Byrne was Guestof Honour. Santa Clause dropped in withpresents for everyone at the party. Fr. FrankO’Gara and Fr. Donal O’Byrne made theirappearance as did Fr Tom from Whitehall andmingled with the guests and heard a fewconfessions on the hoof. Community Gardaifrom Santry and Clontarf Stations under thecommand of Sergeant Stephen Daly were inattendance and provided assist with transportand logistics. The Lord Mayor was warmlywelcomed and was treated to a fabulousperformance of Riverdance by Ciaran Keating’s

DanceTroupe. She touredall the tables, shookhundreds of hands andlistened to many stories.Before leaving for anotherengagement across on thesouth side the LordMayor wished everyone aHappy Christmas and sheleft to great applause.

Sincere thanks to all whohelped on the night;

Businesses for their donations, Dublin CityCouncil, Beaumont House for the tasty hotfood and to all who contributed in any way tomaking the night such an enjoyable occasionfor our Senior Citizens. Thanks to theCommittee and helpers and a special thanks tothe many young helpers –they were absolutelybrilliant.The whole crew was an almost perfectexample of teamwork at its best and theytransformed a bare basketball arena into acolourful cosy Christmas party-popping roomin about 90 minutes. The exercise and indeedthe whole event is a real living example truecommunity spirit across all age groups.

More Photographs on page 10 inside.All of thephotographs from the party are on the websitewww.beaumontresidents.ie

BRA SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS PARTYCELEBRATED ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The Lord Mayor; Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, shares a sausagewith Peggy Nolan at the Christmas Party

Christmas is a very special time for manychildren -- the day presents are left by amagical person..In the United States and Canada, his name

is Santa Claus. He flies through the sky in asleigh pulled by eight reindeer.In England his name is Father Christmas. Helooks much like Santa Claus, but he has alonger coat and a longer beard.In France, he's known as Pere Noel.

In Germany, children get presents fromChristkind, the Christ Child on the 24th ofDecember. Also, in Germany KnechtRuprecht and his helpers come on the 6thof December. Krampus brings coal or a

wooden stick to the children that have notbeen good, Knecht Ruprecht brings mostlycookies, nuts and a small toy to the goodchildren. Belsnickel - German version ofSanta who carries a switch to beat the badchildren. In Germany, Father Christmas canalso be called der Weihnachtsmann.

In Poland, Santa "Swiety Mikolaj" (SaintNicholas) was a cardinal in the CatholicChurch, he visits children on December 6thand he brings presents, mostly sweets, whichhe leaves in children's clean shoes.In Puerto Rico, children receive gifts from

the Three Kings on January 6th. Each childputs grass under their bed for the camelsand in the morning the grass is replacedwith gifts.In Spain the children the night of January

5th put their shoes under the Christmastree and have presents from theThree Kings(Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and

Baltasar). Santa Claus is called Papa Noeland there are children who have presentsboth days on December 25th (from PapaNoel) and on January 6th (from the ThreeKings).In Italy, he is called Babbo Natale.Also, they

recieve their presents on January 6th fromthe gift bringer an old lady called Befana.In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren.

In Portugal Santa Claus is known as PaiNatal. He brings presents on Christmas Eve.However, the portuguese tradition says thepresents in that night are brought by theNewborn Jesus "Menino Jesus".In Greece, Santa Claus is called "Aghios

Vassilis" and he comes on the night of 31stDecember leaving the presents under thetree for the children to find them on NewYear's Day.In Ireland he is called Santa Claus andchildren abbreviate this to just Santy.

Santa Claus!A big hit with children around the world

€200Quiz Competition

on Page 6

2 The Beaumont News

The Spirit of Beaumont Parishgoes out to the Wider World

Elaine Brannon’s work forvery poor people in Kenya.

By Sr. Kathleen O’KeefeThrough the generosityof Matt Porter (whoheard what I had to sayabout Elaine’s work atMass in Marino) I got aticket to Kenya to visitElaine and see herwork. On the morningof December 4th I leftIreland, and after a two-day journey of fourstages (by air and road)I arrived at mydestination on the nightof December 5th. Though it is the rainy season, the rain is very sparse, andboth the people and the animal are extremely malnourished,with little hope forthe next four months, but now, due to global warming, the crops are dying inthe fields, except where there is irrigation. Where Elaine has been able to pipewater there is good growth, because the ground is fertile.The most difficult part of living and working in a place like Rombo is seeing littlebabies dying because their mothers have no milk, due to hunger. On the otherhand, I met women who were fill or courage and determination to provide fortheir families, and Elaine has arranged loans for them so that they can makesome money from growing tomatoes, and sunflowers (for the oil), makingbeaded jewellery or keeping hens and goats. The scene in the local town squarein the early morning is reminiscent of Ireland in famine times. The people weregathered in the hope of getting a day’s work in return for food. One wouldwonder how hungry people can work, but the Massai are a proud and dignifiedpeople who are self-reliant, and will only come to ask for food when in crisis. Idid see a lot of crisis. One woman,whose daughter died ofAIDS,came becauseshe was looking after her house grandchildren and one of them had broken hisarm three weeks before. She had no money to bring him to hospital and thepain was getting worse!Another woman who has AIDS had been abandoned by her husband and wasunable to work. Her only son was the bread earner, but unknowingly he wasworking on a lorry that was transporting stolen good, and then the policecaught up with him they shot him dead. She had a nine year old daughter whowas very bright but was suffering from a serious heart condition.On the same day a woman who had AIDS died in the Health Centre, and thebody would not be released until the fees of the clinic were paid, and the costof the ambulance journey home paid also. I could go on, but the struggle tosurvive is very obvious.On the other side the people have great faith. The little churches are full onSunday’s and the singing and dancing (at the Offertory) is wonderful. After theMass I attended on Sunday there was a meeting to arrange who would donatea goat or lamb for the Christmas dinner. The cooking would take lace outsidethe church,while the Mass was going on,and everyone would eat together. Thisis probably how it was in the early church!I saw the schools, water pumps, and pipelines that Elaine has been responsiblefor providing, and I met the women’s groups who have got new heart from herpresence and intervention on their behalf. I have listened to her hopes anddreams for those who come to her house on a daily basis seeking help of allkinds, especially for their children’s education. Most people I know, includingmyself,would be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of suffering,but this womanwho was a chilled when Beaumont Parish was set up thirty years ago managesto continue to work unceasingly, with courage and good humour. We can bejustly proud that from out midst a woman of generosity and love has gone outto a very need people and is working lovingly with them.Since returning from Kenya the elections have taken place. For the first fortyyears after independence there was a one-party government, and no effort wasmade to change to a democratically elected government. With the newmillennium a new spirit of freedom dawned, but like most countries dealingwith a long, and painful history of colonization, with all the power in the handsof the few, the transition is slow and, the road is rocky. Gandhi said that themost important quality on the road to freedom in courage. The road ahead isdifficult and uncertain, and she needs our prayers and support.At present she is mounting a food program and if you feel like you would liketo send her financial help, the bank details with her account (and transfers themoney to Kenya) is that Bank of Ireland in Wakinstown (Acc. Name: JosephHouse of Hope.Acc 88233 182 Branch Code 90 02 87) Lodgements can bemade in any Bank.If you need any further information I will be delighted to help, call me on; 01-8377023

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Bear Band – a spectacular and unique musical quartetfrom the northern territories, are in residency in theBeaumont House lounge over the Christmas period.Their kind has rarely been seen in Ireland and theirpresence on a specially designed hi-tech stage rig issure to cause a stir in the neighbourhood and causemajor traffic jams as huge attract huge crowds descendon Beaumont over the festive season to see thesenovel rap stars. The Bear Band’s special ‘rap’arrangements and ‘funky’ renditions of many wellknown Christmas Classics will ensure the songs get anew lease of life and make them hot hits with a newyounger audience. A well placed source who declinedto be named said “Beaumont House is embarking on anew exciting venture to transform the hostilely into aneco-friendly heaven for rare and threatened talents–and the Bear Band is only the first phase”

Beaumont’sBig Bear Band

The Beaumont News 3

STRESS (SUGAR TIME OF YEAR!!)By Susie Boland

In the 1800’s the average intake of sugar a day was2 teaspoons! This is the amount of glucose thatwe have in our blood constantly.Today the average intake of sugar is around 40teaspoons a day. Did you know that a chocolatefilled bar can contain up to 15 teaspoons of sugarand fizzy drinks about 7.When we get stressed we experience it in different ways but our bodiesrespond to it the same way, preparing itself to ‘fight’!• The adrenal gland releases adrenalin, this releases our stores of sugar

into the blood.• Calcium is also released from the bones to prepare for the “fight’.The problem is there is no real fight or emergency!There is no switch off point for sugar that is released and is not usedup.This sugar will be converted to fat which may end up on the walls ofour arteries, resulting in stored fat and higher cholesterol.Calcium that is released may also end up on the walls of our arteriesleading to hardening and may be deposited into the tissues of ourjoints contributing to arthritis. When calcium is not returned to thebones there is also a risk of increasing osteoporosis.Stress maybe the reason for cravings (chocolate, coffee or caffeinedrinks) so the next time you get stressed check how you deal with it!We all have lots to do this time of year making lists for Christmas etc.You may find yourself rushing around and not giving yourself enoughtime to eat!Does this sound familiar?Do you usually end up having a quick drink and a cake or a bar?Do you feel bad afterwards and think “I’ll never lose those few poundsfor Christmas?YOU NEED A PLAN…Whether you want to lose weight or just feel good, why not add someexercise to that list!!I can give you vital reasons why you should add exercise to your dailyroutine.• Decreases, blood cholesterol levels• Decreases bone loss• Improves ability to deal with stress• Improves circulation• Improves heart functionSNACKSBring some fruit with you when you go shopping, (apple, banana) tokeep your blood sugars level.IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!!So whatever your going to do in the next few weeks spare some timefor yourself and tone up your body and enjoy the results. Every day youdo some exercise you will raise your metabolism and this contributesto a healthy and fit body.Susie’s special offer: Two sessions of Personal Training for the price ofone, until Christmas. Susie Boland is a qualified and accredited Fitnessand Nutrition Consultant with over 25 years experience.For moreinformation on foods and a fitness programme to combat stress callSusie on: 086-8580500 or 01-8318011

The Beaumont Gospel Choir is a Dublin based gospel group ofdedicated young people who have been meeting every Thursdayevening for the past year.

In July 2007, Niamh Kilcawley thought about setting up a gospel choiras part of her transition year project. During that summer, she madeup leaflets and posted them around all the houses, shop windows andschools in Beaumont and after receiving a good response put togethera group of singers and keyboard players.

Niamh is now 17 years old and was a member of the Lindsay Singersfrom the age of 7 years and is now using her training and experiencefor her own choir. Niamh has a strong background in music havingachieved her grade seven in piano, as well as studying music at school.

The choir’s enthusiasm and energy has been welcomed by the Churchof the Nativity, Beaumont where they perform the first Saturday ofevery month. The priests Fr. Brian McKay pp, Fr. Donald Byrne, Fr.Frank O’ Garza and Fr. Paddy Staunton, appreciate the music that thechoir bring to the church and show great encouragement.The choirhave a large repertoire of both spiritual and folk hymns.

Gospel music is written to express aspects of Christian life and givethe church a more lively appeal without having to use secular music.The songs often feature common themes of praise, worship or thanksto God, Christ or the Holy Spirit.

The Beaumont Gospel choir are always looking for new members,should you wish to join the choir call Niamh Kilcawley at: 01-8317107or email: kilcawleym@eircom.net. Or if you want to drop in torehearsals call to the Pastoral Centre between 8.00 – 9.00pm onThursday evening.

From left to right: Colm Mansfield, Cliodhna Nolan, Leona Melling, Niamh Kilcawley,Aisling Murphy, Sophie Goldsbury, Paul Carroll. Keyboard Player is Karl Elliot not in photograph

Beaumont Gospel Choir

GREENINGST. PAUL’SBy Orlagh Blake-Dillon

The Pupils and Staff in St. Paul’s special school, Beaumont Woods, arecontinuing their green school’s efforts this school year.

The School was awarded their first Green Flag, for their recyclingefforts as part of their Litter and Waste project in February 2007.Work on renewing this flag is currently underway.

In addition, they are incorporating energy saving measures and theschool hopes to apply for their second school flag later this year.Pupils and Staff are busy reducing and monitoring their use of water,heating, lighting and electricity in the school.

pharmacy

241 Swords Road, SantryTel. 8427784

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURSChristmas Eve 9.00am – 5.00pmChristmas Day ClosedSt. Stephen’s Day ClosedSaturday 27th 10.00am – 3.00pmMonday 29th 9.00am – 8.00pmTuesday 30th 9.00am – 8.00pmNew Yearʼs Eve 9.00am – 5.00pmNew Year’s Day ClosedFriday 2nd Business as NormalSelection of Christmas gifts available including

the Dr. Hauschka and Lavera ranges

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Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas& a Prosperous New Year

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Changing Economic TimesChanging Shopping Trends

By Patricia Doyle

Remember when Aldi and Lidl first opened their supermarketsin Ireland in 1999?

The general opinion was that they were cheap shops with verylittle variety of goods and were really only going to be used by“foreigners” and people in working class areas.The rest of us weredoing so well from the Celtic Tiger that we would not dream ofbeing seen darkening the door of these places.After all we had tobe seen spending all our money on gourmet smoked salmons andexpensive wines from the Irish owned more upmarket stores. Evenif we did go in just for a look there would never be anything on theshelves of Lidl or Aldi that we could possibly want or need.

Then despite ourselves, we started looking at their magazinesand wondering what their specials would be next Thursday orMonday. Of course that’s all we would buy, we still were too welloff to buy their groceries. But of course – as per the plan of theirmarketing people – snobishness gave way to curiosity and we hadto bring a couple of things home just to see what they tasted likewhen they were such a bargain. At this stage there are very fewpeople in Ireland who have not tried a €5 bottle of wine and livedto tell the tale. As we were buying a few more things each weekwe started to see the value of shopping there although we stillinsisted to ourselves we were only doing it as a social experimentto see how the other half shopped.

Then the dreaded R word started to creep in and suddenly itwas not only cool to be seen in Aldi it was almost compulsory. Ifyou did not admit to your friends that yes of course you did a lotof your shopping there it was as if you were not doing your bit foryour country. Go into any Aldi or Lidl carpark nowadays and therewill be as many yummy mummies driving 4X4’s as there are polishstudents on bicycles.

The thing I want to know is; if these supermarkets can give ussuch good value, have pleasant and courteous staff to serve us andbe open the hours we need them to be open, why can’t the Irishsupermarkets do the same?

TOPAZNo Supporter of

Beaumont ResidentsAssociation

BRA Post Box is not welcome in Topaz, Beaumont.The Shell filling station and shop changed ownershipearlier this year and after some refurbishmentreopened as Topaz. BRA Post Box was housed in theShell Shop for many years, however, Topaz could notfind a space for it. Despite a number of requests tothe manager and staff to have the Post Box fixed in asuitable location with ease of access for our Members;it remained inside the counter for months. Recentlythe box was retrieved from Topaz and removed fromthe premises. A new home is being sought for theBRA Post Box.

Please remember this when you need petrol or othersupplies. Support the shops and businesses thatsupport Beaumont Residents Association Members.

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4 The Beaumont News

The Beaumont News 5

Sheila RockThis is my Life Story

I was born in Scotland just outside Glasgow. My Father was blind from an accident and heworked in O’Connell Street in Dublin. They sent him in his late 20’s to Belfast and he met myMother and got married in Belfast. There was always trouble there and they were a bit nervousin Belfast not being able to see so they moved to Glasgow and I was born there. I was 7 yearsold when I came to Ireland. I remember I must have had a little accident we were out playingin the Tenement Houses in Mount Joy Square -that’s where my mother got a room. I was outplaying with the other kids and I remember my mother crying me.I was married from Mount Joy Square and then moved to Orchard Terrace near the NorthCircular Road. St Brendan’s was at the back, all my kids were both there you see.It was a 3 room little cottage, it’s gone now. The kids were sleeping “heads and tails” and oneof them would be saying “you’reputting your feet in my mouth”another would be say “I’m freezing, get

daddy’s top coat and throw it over the bed”We applied for a Corporation house and we were told that we had a cubic foot toomuch. There were 9 of us like, we had a sittingroom and a bedroom and a kitchenbut we had no sittingroom as it was turned into a bedroom.Tenement houses, I’mnot ashamed to say I lived in them. I used to light the fire at night and get the biggalvanised bath and wash the kids one-by-one. What’s this one of my grandsons saidto me;“you were born in the stone age”Then we saw these houses and we decided to move up here. That was great, the kidsloved it; a toilet, bath and all.When we moved to Beaumont first, there was no wallsor gates outside the front like there is now. I used to walk up Beaumont Road withthe pram. Beaumont Road ended at the hatch and Skelly’s Lane was fields all the wayalong to the Malahide Road. The bus came only as far as where the Beaumont Drive-In Market is now and we had great times you know.Dalymount Park was near where I lived in N.C.R., St Peter’s Church was our churchand Jimmy and Brendan were alter boys there and I used to iron their skirts, all thelittle lace. They were very good, they would get up at 7 in the morning and we’d godown and the cattle would be down the road coming from the market on their wayto the boats. The boys were scared of the cattle. The bulls would have a hook ontheir nose and a rope attached.My husband Rupert started the “friends and neighbours” here in Beaumont to helpthe less well-off families, particularly the families where the father would have died.We were all only struggling at that time. Hubert would organise ladies on certainroads to make a collection and the money would be brought back here and put onthe table and sorted out. We did that for years. Then Tom Elliott said; let’s give adance for all the people who gave the money. Tom Elliott, George Caprani andRubert formed a committee to organise the dances and that went on for years andthen he said “I’ll leave it to them, they’re younger than me”We used to dance you know and when we’d go anywhere Rubert would say; ”Comeon Sheila get up” will you wait till there’s a few in the hall, “you wont get a shaggingdance, get up now” he’d say while there’s room on the dance floor.Rubert worked for 52 years in the Woollen Mills and ended up as Manager. Do youknow what really hurt me? I was passing there one day lately and I said I must go inand I was reminiscing to myself. I walked in and there was an elderly lady behind thecounter and over there was a man with no jacket on him -they used to wear jacketsin the old days. I said to the one behind the counter; “God I’m just looking, myhusband used to work here, would you have known him?” “Who was that?” I saidMr Rock.“Gone and forgotten”. Well she took the wind out of my sails, I nearly died-wasn’t that a wicked thing to say – very hurtful.Hubert used to be called at all hours of the morning when the shop would be brokeninto. He had no car and he would have to go down and board up the windows.Sometimes the Guards would be there and sometimes they wouldn’t. After Hubertretired, they got shutters on the windows because they weren’t going to get up in themiddle of the night.When we were getting married -and its something I never forgot, you know themdays unless you had five pounds, you couldn’t have the Mass on the Alter – you hadto go into the little side Chapel.You know Marlborough Street, you know St Kevins,that’s where we were married. But coming out all the girls from my factory and theWoollen Mills were there and I got so shocked and so did he, what did he do, hejumped into the Taxi before me. We got so excited by the crowds. We often talkedabout that.We were sixty years married you know –I miss him terrible!I have six children (5 boys and 1 girl) I was going for a Football Team but I settledfor a 5-a-side, isn’t that all right? Jimmy my son brought me to Riverdance in theGaiety for my birthday and Tony – that’s the youngest boy came by car. Well I couldhave got the bus I would be quicker. I go to town myself on the bus everyday. “youcan’t go up that street ma your cant go down that street ma”Well we ended up goingdown Georges Street and then upstairs in a carpark -but I enjoy going to the shows.I have 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. 5 are in Canada and the rest arehere in Ireland. The last one as born on my 90th Birthday!I enjoy life; everyone is so good to me. I thank God every morning I wake up.

Sheila celebrates her 90th Birthday with neighbours

Des Maguire and Noreen Maher present Sheilawith a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Beaumont Residents Association,

on her 90th Birthday

Sheila in her home surrounded by flowers and Birthday cards.

Festive Christmas Cheer

Donnycarney Beaumont Credit UnionCelebrates its 40th Anniversary

By Des MaguireOctober 5th 2008 was a big day for Donnycarney Beaumont Credit

Union (DBCU). It marked its 40th anniversary, 40 years of growing and40 years of success. It was only fitting that a big day of celebrationsshould mark a very significant milestone.

The big bash began with 12 o’clock Mass in Donnycarney Churchcelebrated by Fr Peter Finnerty PP and Fr Frank O’Gara con-celebratedrepresenting Beaumont Parish.The Lord Mayor, Cllr Eibhlin Byrne wasguest of honour and the local public representatives (TD’s and Cllrs)also attended.Antoinette Heery was the soloist and music was providedby the Artane Boys Senior Band.The great sense of pride and successwas palpable among the capacity crowd. The mood was capturedbeautifully in the well crafted speeches by DBCU Chairperson AnnePhelan and by the Lord Mayor.

The formalities over, it was to the adjacent Le Cheile hall for food,refreshments and entertainment. It was lunchtime and the guests tuckedinto beautiful displays of food, tea, coffee, soft drinks and wine with greatvigour. The Artane Boys Band entertained the large crowd of all agesfrom one to ninety.The Lord Mayor and public representatives mingledgenerously with the crowds for some time before departing. Meanwhilespecial entertainment for the children (face painting, punch & judy, magictricks, etc) was underway in rooms off the main hall. It was now comingup to 2.00 pm the Band had finished their gig –time for the first big prizedraws of the day. Michael Maher was the MC and he call for the crowd’sattention for the draw. Seven tickets were drawn for cash prizes –witha top prize of €1,000.

Next up to entertain, was the McCarthy Duggan Dance Troup.Thetalented dancers put on a fantastic display and performed a number ofspectacular pieces including ‘Riverdance’ which was greatly appreciatedby their audience. It was time for the next prize draw at 3.00 pm andseven more lucky winners were drawn.

Back to entertainment and Beaumont Gospel Choir with theirexcellent and unique singing talents and most interesting repertoire,kept the crows engaged. Ceoltas Ceoltoiri Eireann local traditionalgroup of musicians played a selection of traditional Irish tunes and theybrought the day’s entertainment to a close.The final prize draws and a‘car draw’ took place about 4.00 pm and concluded the day’scelebrations. Everyone who attended went home happy and manypeople went home a lot richer.

FFRREEEE PPRRIIZZEE QQUUIIZZ (for members only)

Prize €200 voucher for Jervis Shopping Centre

Example:7W of the W = Seven Wonders of the World

1. 4 H of the A

2. 3BM

3. 8 L of a S

4. 28 D in F in a LY

5. 10 GBH on a W

6. 12 D of C

7. 12 M on a J

8. 13 U for S

9. 60 M in an H

10. 7 Y I

11. 64 S on a CB

12. 1 F in the G

13. 24 CG

14. 13 L in a BD

15. 18 H on a GC

Please post answers in the BRA Post Box in the PostOffice or email them to: info@beaumontresidents.ieClosing date; 17th December 2008.

6 The Beaumont News

DOHERTY’SLate Night Pharmacy

2 Shantalla Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9(opposite Beaumont House)

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURSFri 19th Dec: 9.00am - 8.00pmSat 20th Dec: 9.00am - 6.00pmSun 21st Dec: 10.00am - 5.00pmMon 22nd Dec: 9.00am - 8.00pmTues 23rd Dec: 9.00am - 8.00pmWed 24th Dec: 9.00am - 5.00pmCHRISTMAS DAY: CLOSED ST. STEPHENS DAY: CLOSED

Sat 27th Dec: 9.30am - 1.30pmSUN 28TH DEC: CLOSED

Mon 29th Dec: 9.00am - 6.00pmTues 30th Dec: 9.00am - 6.00pmWed 31st Dec: 9.00am - 5.00pmNEW YEARS DAY: CLOSED

Friday 2nd Jan: Business as usual

NORMAL OPENING HOURSMon – Fri: 9.00am – 8.00pmSat: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Wishing all our Customers a Very Happy Christmas

And a Peaceful New Year

????

The Beaumont News 7

Donnycarney Beaumont Credit UnionCelebrates 40 years in the Community

8 The Beaumont News

BARRYSPICK OF THE CROP

SHANTALL ROADBEAUMONT, DUBLIN 9TELEPHONE: 842 5264

Fresh Fruit & Veg & Potatoes

Wide range of Xmas trees stocked at the keenest prices in Beaumont

Also Fresh Cut Flowers,Bouquets, Holly Wreaths

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Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Fruitful New Year

The Hammonds

Bernie & Patrick Hammond, Cooleen Avenue, celebrated their50th Wedding Anniversary on 31st July 2008. Family andfriends celebrated this momentous occasion at their daughterDymphna's house in Artane. Bernie's bridesmaids, Nuala &Vera and Patrick's best man, Jerry were also there and as gooda night was had by all as was 50 years ago!

Congratulations Bernie and Paddy

DONNYCARNEY BEAUMONTCREDIT UNION

Celebrating 40th Anniversary in 2008We provide Low Cost Loans for:

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We wish all our Customers a Very Happy Christmas

and a Peaceful Prosperous New Year

The Beaumont News 9

JUNE 2007

UzbekistanOn 3rd August we set off for Abu Dhabi

and then on to Uzbekistan. A country, whichwas part of USSR until 1991, when it gained itsindependence.

We were invited to a wedding and what asurprise we had. The Wedding was celebratedfor four days. Completely different formwestern weddings. It was celebrated in a verycultural, colourful and unique way. The capitalTashikent is a very big modern, beautiful cityand up to date with everything that a cityholds. We went on to Bebabad way up countryaround 100 miles. On the way we wereamazed to see little donkeys and carts, carssuch as ladas, old cortinas etc. Lots of peoplecoming to and fro from markets on the way.When we arrived at our destinations, we weremade feel so welcomed and fussed over somuch that it was hard to take in. The peoplethere are not very well off, but they are full ofhospitality, good nature and would do anythingfor you. The only thing was the languagebarrier. But with the help of translators andsign language this can be overcome. Thepeople are into natural herbal remediesstraight from the earth. There is a cure for lotsof everyday ailments. It reminded me so muchof the Irish in bygone days. They do believe insharing everything, helping each other with thework, celebrating together, supporting eachother. The Food is excellent, all home cooking.Dancing and singing is a big part of allcelebrations. Alcohol is the last item on the listfor celebrations. The people are veryresourceful, making their own cloths, bedding,bread and cakes. We experienced a great senseof togetherness love, good humour andwelcome for us Irish. The dresses adornedwith jewels etc. are very beautiful to the eye.We were informed that we were the firstEuropeans to visit this particular part ofUzbekistan. The country is very rich in gold,oil, cotton and iron.

Either you are extremely rich or poor. Nomiddle class. The news speaks for itself.

We experienced a very enjoyable,educational and memorable holiday.

THREE BEAUTIFUL PRIZES for threelucky Couples married 30 years, 40 years or50 years. This is a competition sponsored byChristopher Murphy Jewellers. Write and tellus the story of how and where you met and abrief account of your wedding day and howyou got through the years. If you had children,how many, etc. Make it short and simple. Postyour entry in our Post Box in the Post Office.If you are not in, you can’t win!

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: TheFirst National AGM of Neighbourhood Watchtook place in September 2008 in Athlone. Itwas very well attended with people from all

over Ireland. President Mary Alesse is thePatron of of Neighbourhood Watch and shegave a wonderful speech, which was veryinspirational. I was amazed by the dedicationand the interest Irish People have in theirNeighbourhood. We all learned from eachother. The problems we have in Dublin are thevery same all over Ireland.

A little of anti social behaviour takes placein most areas over the weekends. Theresidents living close by such activity shouldreport this to the Gardai when things get outof hand. We are the representatives ofNeighbourhood Watch but all the communityare part of Neighbourhood Watch too. It justtakes a phone call, to sort it out. Don’t rely onsomeone else. Do dial 999, ask for the Gardaiand ask that your call to be logged. Please beaware, that burglaries are more commoncoming up to Christmas. Do keep a close eyeon your Neighbour’s House if they are out andabout. A few cars have been vandalisedrecently. Always report any suspicious activityto the Gardai.

SINCERE SYMPATHY - We offer oursincere sympathy to Marie Kenny on the deathof her brother Liam Kenny, Coolgreena Road,who died very recently. We also wish toextend our sincere sympathy to all who havelost a love one in the past few months. Maythey Rest In Peace.

St. Francis Hospice - Connie Butlerwishes to thank most sincerely all who helpedand contributed to her recent fund raisingevent for the hospice. To date the total sum is€2,700.

18th Santry Scouts - The Scouts areplanning a once in a lifetime trip to Switzerlandnext summer. To help finance this, we will beorganising fundraising activities in the NewYear. If you see us, pleas support us.

Bogus Charities - Be aware of boguscharities leaving in leaflets for used unwantedclothes etc. These are not going to ourcharities here or abroad but are sold on tocountries in Europe. It’s a business not acharity.

The Mad Hatters Tea PartyStitch is a new Knitting Café just opened onShantalla Road beside the Boston Bakery. Theyhad their opening Day on the 3rd of October,the theme of the day was the Mad Hatters TeaParty. Everyone was welcome for tea and cake,although it rained on the day it didn’t dampenspirits. The shop was packed with enthuasticKnitters for the afternoon and the party didn’tend until 7 o’clock that evening. (Who said knitting was dead) There definitely

is a Hugeamount ofpeople outthere whok n i t .E v e r y o n eseemed very

happy to have a knitting/haberdashery shop inBeaumont. Also on the day they had theInnocent Smoothes Big Knit for Age Action.20,000 small hats were to be knitted for thetop of Innocent Smoothie bottles which willbe on sale in the Topaz garages from the 6thNovember and €1 from every sale will go toAge Action to help the elderly pay their

heating bills during the winter. They hope toraise €20,000. In the short time Stitch isopened it has brought people from as far asDonegal, Wexford, Lucan, Mount Merrion andClondalkin to Beaumont to purchase wool,etc. so the word is spreading fast. They havealso featured on TV3 teaching Alan Hugheshow to Knit and have been interviewed on theDave Fanning show for Radio. So if you fancy acup of tea or coffee bring your knitting,crochet, or embroidery etc., come, and jointhem for a chat. They would love to see you.

Congratulationsto Sinead and KevinO’Sullivan, CoolgreenaRoad on the birth of sonJames. Congratulationsalso to grandparents,Joan and Eoin Roche.

Dervla Wai, daughterof Aoife + Fai Wai, grand-daughter of Roi + BarryLacy, Coolgreena Closewas Baptised recently.Congratulations to theWai and Lacy families.

SECURITY SYSTEMS: Most people aged65 years and over are eligible for a grant forthe total cost of a range of personal securitydevices and equipment including; PersonalPendant Alarm, External Security Lights, SmokeAlarms, Door Locks, etc. Beaumont ResidentsAssociation is an approved administrator ofthe scheme, funded by the DepartmentGaeltacht and Rural Affairs. Applications arenow closed for 2008 and will open again inearly 2009. This is an excellent support schemefor older people and we are happy to promoteand administer it free of charge. Applicants cancontact Des Maguire (manager of the scheme)for an application form on: 086-8575814 orEmail: info@beaumontresidents.ie

Download your copy of

The Beaumont News at

info@beaumontresidents.ie

Dervla Wai

BRA SUPPORTERSSERVICE PROVIDERS WHOVALUE THE CUSTOM OF

BRA MEMBERSPlease Support the Businesses

that support you!Beaumont Residents Association Committee ishappy to recommend to our Members theBusinesses advertised in The Beaumont News.These local businesses and services are highlyreputable and provide quality products andsuperior services so please support them.More details of their products, services,discounts, etc, are on our websitewww.beaumontresidents.ie (click on‘supporters’).

Why did the Chemist cross the road? ....to be close to the Comet!!!

10 The Beaumont News

Beaumont Residents AssociationSenior Members Christmas Party 2008

The Beaumont News 11

THE MIRACLE OF THE POINSETTIA!

At Christmas in Mexico, most houses display the Poinsettia. Justas we have Holly, Mistletoe and the Christmas Tree, the Mexicanshave the poinsettia. They believe that the beautiful plant brings ablessing that will last all year. The tradition has existed since 1834when a miracle occurred in a tiny village.

In those days it was customary for people in the villages to takegifts to the Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve. Little Maria, a poor peasantgirl had no gift, but she did so want to enter the church and see theBaby Jesus in His crib.

She stood outside, watching others as they entered, carryingtheir gifts. Some took food, some took crochet and lacework.Others carried flowers. But little Maria had nothing. One ladypassed her with a huge bundle of flowers in her arms. As she walkedby, a leaf fell from the enormous bunch and landed at Maria’s feet.She picked it up and thought, “I will take this leaf”.

Others saw Maria pick up the leaf and smiled as she carefullywrapped it in her small handkerchief. And then, clutching her tinygift, Maria entered the church. She took her place at the end of theline of people waiting to make their offerings. Then at last, it wasMaria’s turn. She stretched out her arm and carefully opened herfingers to place the leaf on the altar in front of the crib.

There was a gasp from the adults who had seen Maria fold theleaf into her tiny handkerchief. For as her fingers separated, it wasseen that the little peasant girl was now holding a beautiful flower.The miraculous bloom was formed like a star with brilliant scarletleaves. Word of the miracle spread quickly through the church andpeople fell to their knees. The gift of the Poinsettia came to beknown as “The Flower of the Holy Night”

Wheely bin, a burgular’s best friend.

Dear Editor, In this age when we all are trying to be

more security conscious and protect ourhomes, I wonder if it has occurred to thegrowing number of residents in Beaumontwho leave their wheeley bins in the frontgarden or side lane, how easy they aremaking it for burgulars to use them as ahandy tool to gain access to your home andproperty. It only takes an agile burgular afew seconds to get over your garden wall or gain access to a first floorbedroom, using your bin to stand on. You might as well leave a ladderout for the burgulars. So please, think about where you park yourwheeley bin and if you can, move it into the back garden where(hopefully) it will be used only for the intended purpose.

Enjoy ChristmasDear Editor, As we come into the busiest and one of the most stressful times of

the year, we should all try and take some time out of our hecticschedules to appreciate all we have.

None of us know what is around the corner so we should try andlive each day to the full. Take joy in the happiness of our children insteadof fussing because the sitting room is untidy. Appreciate our partnerslove and support even on the days they are driving us insane. Be glad ifwe are lucky enough to still have our parents, and if we are not thatlucky, then take a few minutes to remember them. Enjoy the companyof our friends, knowing they will be there for us in dark times. Make timeto get out in the fresh air and appreciate that we have our health. Mournthe loved ones we have lost but take comfort from the fond memorieswe will always have of them.

Even though we are living busy lives, we can all benefit from taking afew minutes to take stock of what we have and not stressing ourselvesout over things that are not really important. Does it really matter if wedon’t spend every Sunday from now until Christmas traipsing aroundthe shops for presents for people we haven’t seen since this time lastyear? Better to make a donation to charity and spend the day doing funthings with your partner or kids. Life is too short to waste it. So enjoythe holiday season but enjoy it the way you want to, not the wayconsumerism dictates you should. ENJOY CHRISTMAS.

WHITEHALL COLMCILLE GAA CLUBRound-up By Noel Ellis

As a long and hectic GAA season draws to a close, the club canlook back on a very eventful and successful season. On the playingfields, Whitehall are now fielding teams in hurling, camogie and Gaelicfootball for male and female teams. The nursery section is going fromstrength to strength and with the growing members of course, comesthe need for more volunteers to help out. The increase in the numberof players is already bearing fruit with some our underage teamscompeting at division 1 and 2 level. However the club welcomes newmembers of all abilities and ages and you can join at any time. No trialsare necessary. Our GPO (Games Promotion Officer) Cilian O’Driscollwho gave magnificent service during his three years at the club hasbeen replaced by Vinnie Whelan who has immersed himself into thejob straight away. If you would like further information on the club youcan access our website on www.whitehallcolmcille.ie

platinum and diamond specialistwe make original rings to your design at our workshop

Christoper Murphy JewellersTel: 01 8426197 | Email: chris@cmjewellers.com

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Rings for Life

12 The Beaumont News

BBeeaauummoonntt HHoouusseeLounge/Restaurant/Off-Licence

1 Shantalla Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9. Tel: 837 1008 Fax: 836 8405

~ AIB BANKLINK AVAILABLE ~

Also, The National Lottery now available in our Off-Licence

Breakfast Served till 12 noon - 7 Days a Week

Carvery Lunch Served Mon-Fri 12–3pm • Saturday 12–4pmSunday Carvery Served from 12–8pm

Early Bird Menu ServedMon-Fri 3–7pm & Saturday 4–7pm

A La Carte ServedMon-Fri 3pm till late & Saturday 4pm till late

THE BEAUMONT NEWS, 101 Coolgreena Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9.

Email: info@beaumontresidents.ie www.beaumontresidents.ie