theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Week beginning Sarurday, March 7th, 2020

All Saints Church , Belfast is located on University Street ( near to Queens University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening .
This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style .
Join them for a free dinner at 6.30pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
Visit www.ascbelfast.com Armagh - St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland -Sunday services at 10am ( Holy Communion ) , 11am ( Sung Eucharist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mon to Sat at 9:30am ( Said Matins ) and 12:30pm ( 1st Wednesday of every month ) .
Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm ( Nov-March ) and until 5pm ( April-Oct ) .
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward .
You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture .
The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan , Dean of St Patrick ’ s Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information is available by , visiting : www.stpatricks-cathedral.org Belfast Cathedral ( St Anne ’ s ) Eucharist at 8am , 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm .
The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm .
on Sunday .
There will always be a quiet area available .
The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm ( last audio tour at 4.30pm ) , and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays .
( It will be closed to visitors during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all faiths are welcome to join us , Dean Stephen Forde .
Visit : www.belfastcathedral.org Cathedral Church of St Canice , Kilkenny City Sunday Eucharist at 8am and Sunday Service at 11:30am .
Wednesday Eucharist at 10:30am on 1st Wednesday of each month with the Mothers Union .
The cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm , Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays .
For further information , visit : www.stcanicescathedral.ie -Very Revd David McDonnell , Dean Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin City -- Eucharist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weekday services at 10am ( morning prayer ) 12 midday ( Peace Prayers ) and 12:45pm ( Eucharist ) .
On Monday and Friday at 5pm , there is a Said Evening Prayer .
During term time , Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Sung service times may vary , especially out of cathedral choir terms .
Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times .
A warm welcome awaits you , The Very Revd Dermot Dunne , Dean of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Finn Barre ’ s ) Sunday Services are at 8am ( Said Eucharist ) , 11:15am ( Choral Eucharist ) and 3:30pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am ( Morning Prayer ) and 12 noon ( The Eucharist ) .
Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm .
The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays .
Very Rev .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For more information , visit : https : //corkcathedral.webs.com/ Derry/Londonderry ( Saint Columb ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 8am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays , and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays ) 4pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon , Wed , Thur and Fri ( The Litany ) in The Baptistery .
The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel .
( For any changes to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online ) .
www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally , nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities .
This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue , which is acceptable to all sections of the community .
The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart , Dean Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Second Sunday in Lent .
Sunday at 11:30am and Thursday at 10am with Holy Communion .
You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral .
Monday to Saturday , between 9.30am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre .
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship , not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese , but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick .
It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations .
VISIT downcathedral.org for further information Enniskillen -St Macartin ’ s Cathedral -- Services are at 9am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays , and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays ) .
Evening service at 7pm ( Evening Prayer on first , second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays ) .
Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays ( Holy Communion ) and other services are as announced .
Visitors are welcome outside of service times , and admission is free -you will be most welcome .
The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further information , visit www.enniskillencathedral.com Ferns , Co Wexford ( St Edan ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning .
On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am ( Family Eucharist ) .
The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome .
The Very Revd Leslie Forrest ; Rector and Dean .
Tel : 053 9366 124 National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Responses : Leighton , Bairstow : Lamentations of Jeremiah , Psalm : 39 , Dyson in D : Benedictus , Bairstow : If the Lord had not helped me , Preacher : The Revd I.W .
Ellis , B.Sc.
, B.Th.
, Ed.D.
, Prebendary of Donaghmore .
12.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Consort Responses : Rose , Wesley : O Lord my God , Psalm : 42 , Wesley in E , Wesley , The Wilderness .
16.30 SEIRBHS NA NNA said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sung at 9.00 on Monday and Tuesday .
CHORAL EVENSONG at 17.30 on Monday .
EVENING PRAYER is said at 17.30 Tuesday to Friday .
EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday , Thursday and Saturday .
For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 8th March at 10am at Ann Street , Wexford Town , ( Beside the Post Office ) and 12 noon at Mill Park Road , Enniscorthy .
Rev David Conkey .
There is a prayer time 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to find out more , visit our new website : https : //wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page : facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians All Saints Church , Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday .
On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am .
Wednesdays at 10am ( Eucharistic Service ) .
An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month ( Wholeness and Healing Service ) .
We are located on the Howth Road , next to Raheny Village , Dublin 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCausland .
Visit http : //allsaintsraheny.org for more information Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am ; with refreshments served between each service .
We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street , Bangor , Co. Down .
For more information , visit : bangorparishchurch.org.uk Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road , West , Clontarf , Dublin 3 .
Sunday 8th September at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and Sunday Club in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am .
All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after each service .
Revd Lesley Robinson .
Visit ; http : //clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/ Church of St John the Evangelist -- Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome .
We are located at Coolock , Dublin 5 , between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road ; next to the Odeon Cinema .
Rector : Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org Howth , Co Dublin ( St Mary ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morning Prayer ) and 11am ( Holy Communion ) .
Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time .
Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am .
We look forward to seeing you , Canon Kevin Brew ( Rector ) .
Visit : www.stmaryshowth.com Immanuel Church , Dublin City , meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building , 28 Bachelors Walk , Dublin 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from every race and nation and background .
Pastor Kieron Lynch .
For more details , visit : www.immanuelchurchdublin.org Julianstown , Co Meath 10:30am .
The Rector .
The Church of Ireland Parish of St. Mary is located on the Old Laytown Road , just outside of Julianstown , and welcomes all who would like to come along .
Visit our Facebook page to find out more .
Kill O The Grange , Dublin -Sunday at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( All Age Service ) .
Wednesday at 10:30am ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //kotg.ie to find out more Killarney ( St Mary ’ s -Church of the Sloes ) 11am at Kenmare Place , Killarney , Co. Kerry .
Family Service is on 1st Sunday , and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome .
Visit : http : //churchofthesloes.ie/ St James Church , Crinken , Bray , Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am .
Rector , Trevor Stevenson .
We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live , and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill .
For more information , visit : www.crinken.ie St John the Evangelist , Park Avenue , Sandymount Sunday 8th March - Lent 2 : Sung Eucharist 11 a.m .
Preacher : The Ven .
Gordon Linney .
Wednesday 11th March : Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m. , Holy Communion .
10.30 a.m. , Holy Communion .
*Sunday Club .
11.30 a.m. , Healer Prayer Union .
7.00 p.m. A Late Evening Office .
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland -- The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best described as Reformed ; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God , the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible .
For more information , and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland , visit : www.presbyterianireland.org Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church , Dublin City 11am .
All Welcome , Rev Sam Mawhinney .
Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road , Dublin 2 .
Supervised creche is available .
To find out more , visit : www.adelaideroadchurch.ie Aghada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Church Road , Upper Aghada , Co. Cork ( about 20 mins south of Midleton ) and 11:45am at Little William Street , Cork City ( off York Street ) .
All are welcome .
Rev Richie Cronin .
Visit our websites : Facebook.com/AghadaPresbyterian and www.presbyteriancork.com Arklow Presbyterian Church meets at 10am , with tea and coffee after the service .
We are located on the Dublin Road , about 1/2 mile ( 800m ) north of the Avoca Bridge .
Programme for children during the service .
All are welcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at http : //arklowpresbyterianchurch.com Athy and Carlow Presbyterian Churches 10am at Dublin Road , Athy and 11:30am at Athy Road , Carlow Town .
( known locally as Scots Church ) .
Carlow Presbyterian Church has a midweek fellowship night on Wednesdays at 8pm .
Rev .
Stephen Rea .
All are welcome .
Visit : www.carlowscotspc.ie Bray ( St Andrew ’ s ) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road , Bray , Co. Wicklow .
All Welcome .
Reverend Andrew Gill Bushmills , Co Antrim 10:30am , Main Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area , you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church .
Visit : bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk Cahir Presbyterian Church , Co Tipperary 12 noon .
All Welcome .
We are located at Abbey Street , Tipperary Road ( just before the railway bridge ) For more details , contact Rev William Montgomery ( Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian ) 086 3729 144 Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am .
Rev G.J .
Mackarel .
Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street , Cavan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rathgar , Dublin -Sunday at 9:30am ( Sacrament of Holy Communion ) and 11am ( Morning Worship ) .
Rev .
Purvis Campbell .
Located at the junction of Rathgar Road and Highfield Road , Rathgar , Dublin 6 .
Everyone welcome .
To find out more , visit www.christchurchrathgar.org Christ Church , Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all welcome .
Reverend K P Meyer Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region .
Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each month .
Stonebridge at 11am on 1st and 3rd Sunday , and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday .
There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge , Clones or Stonebridge .
For further information , visit : http : //clonesgrouppresbyterianchurches.btck.co.uk or contact the Rev .
Colin Anderson ( Vacancy Convener ) at candersonpresbyterianireland.org Clontarf and Scots , Dublin Sunday Service is at 11am ; with a programme for children during the service .
We are located opposite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ritchie All Welcome .
Visit www.clontarfchurch.ie or our Facebook page Corboy and Mullingar 10am at Corboy -located off the N4 between Edgeworthstown and Longford Town -and 11:30am at Raithin ; opposite Educate Together National School , Mullingar .
Rev Daniel Reyes-Martin .
For more information , visit : corboypresbyterian.com and/or mullingarpresbyterian.com -we would be delighted to welcome you Corraneary , Ervey and Bailieborough Churches 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church , Virginia Road , Bailieborough .
11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church ( Corglass ) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church .
For further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Daryl Edwards ( Convener ) .
Tel : 049 5555 456 Donabate Presbyterian Church , Co Dublin 10:30am .
Rev .
Andy Carroll .
We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre .
Everyone is welcome .
Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions Donegal Town 11:30am at Meetinghouse Street , Donegal .
Rev Stephen Richmond .
All Welcome .
Visit : donegaltownpresbyterianchurch.com or Tel : 074 9721 113 Drogheda Presbyterian Church 10:30am , Rev Damien Burke .
All Welcome .
We are located at Colpe Road , Drogheda ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -for regular updates , visit : www.facebook.com/droghedapresbyterianchurch Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am ( with creche available from 10:40am ) .
We are located at East Bridge Street , Enniskillen .
Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God ; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ .
We would love to see you at our Sunday services , and promise you a warm welcome .
Rev David Cupples .
Visit : eknpres.org to find out more .
Fermoy , Co Cork -we meet on Sunday mornings at 10am for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus by regularly meeting together to pray , study the Bible , worship and share our lives with each other and the local community .
All are welcome .
Rev William Montgomery .
To find out more , visit our Facebook page : www.facebook.com/fermoypresbyterian Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place ; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough , Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon .
Ballyalbany is located on the northern side of Monaghan Town .
All are welcome .
Rev .
Stephen McNie .
For more information and how to find us , visit : www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany Greystones , Co Wicklow 11am at Trafalgar Road , Greystones ; opposite St. Bridgets School .
Rev Gary Mc Dowell .
All Welcome .
To find out more , visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -Sunday 8th March at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am .
Rev Alastair Dunlop .
Everyone is welcome to join us , as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Creche facilities are available , as well as a programme for children during the service .
You are welcome to stay with us for tea and coffee after each service .
Visit : www.hmpchurch.org to find out more Kilkenny City 11:30am ( Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am ) .
All Welcome .
Further information available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballymote Rev Molly Deatherage .
10am ( Killala Presbyterian Church , Co. Mayo ) , 11:15am ( Ballina Presbyterian Church , Co. Mayo ) and 2pm ( Ballymote Presbyterian Church , Co. Sligo ) .
All welcome .
Visit : facebook.com/ballinapresbyterian/ or Tel : 086 0330 196 Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Lucan Presbyterian Church 10:30am , Main Street , Lucan , Co. Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more information , visit ; www.lpc.ie Maynooth Presbyterian Church is known locally as Maynooth Community Church ; and meets together for worship on Sundays at 10:30am at Manor Mills Shopping Centre , Maynooth .
On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the Lords Supper ( Communion ) .
Rev Keith McCrory .
Free parking is available in the underground car park and the service takes place on the 1st Floor .
To find out more , visit http : //maynoothcc.org Monaghan ( First ) Sunday Worship at 11:30am .
Rev Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is located at Dublin Street , Monaghan Town .
All welcome .
Visit : www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/ Mountmellick and Tullamore 10am at Mountmellick Methodist Church ( Parnell Street ) and 12 noon at High Street , Tullamore .
Rev .
William Hayes .
We are a warm , open , multi-national and welcoming church made up of people dedicated to serving Jesus in our community ; and telling others about his love for them .
All are welcome .
For further information , visit : mountmellickpresbyterian.org or tullamorepresbyterian.org Naas Presbyterian Church , Co Kildare Sundays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The church building is near the Post Office on Main Street , opposite the Town Hall .
For further information , visit our Facebook page : www.facebook.com/NaasPCI Newcastle Presbyterian Church , Co Down 11am and evening service at 7pm , Main Street , Newcastle , Co. Down .
Rev Andrew Boreland .
All are welcome .
Visit : facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch Portadown ( First ) , Co Armagh Sunday 8th March at 11am and 6:30pm .
( Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm ) .
We are a Christ-centred , Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portadown , and you can be assured of a warm welcome .
Rev .
Robin Brown .
To find out more , visit : www.firstportadown.org Sligo Presbyterian Church meets on Sundays at 11:30am at Church Street , Sligo Town .
Rev David Clarke .
CAFFE ( Coffee And Fellowship For Everyone ) afterwards in the church hall .
A warm welcome awaits you .
For further details , visit : facebook.com/sligopresbyterianchurch Smithborough Presbyterian Church , Co Monaghan 10am .
Rev .
Alan McQuade .
We are located 6 miles ( 10km ) west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clones .
On arrival in Smithborough , turn right toward Roslea ( just before the petrol station ) and we are located a further 100 metres on the right .
You will be most welcome .
Visit Facebook ( Smithborough Presbyterian Church ) to find our more .
Belfast Central Mission , Sandy Row Sunday Service at 11am -Rev J Parke .
For further information , visit : belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page : facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch Christ Church , Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Mission , Abbey Street Sunday Service at 11am and weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays .
Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more .
Dun Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Sunday Service 11am .
All Welcome .
For further details www.dlmc.org Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am ( Worship Service ) and 11.30am ( Contemporary Service ) .
There is one service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month .
All are welcome , Rev .
Stephen Taylor .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place ; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http : //unitedchurchgalway.ie Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Monaghan Methodist Church Rev Rowan Zeelie .
10:30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballynanny Monaghan rotating venue .
Contact 087 2787 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details .
Sutton Methodist Church , Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road , Sutton , Dublin 13 .
Service of Worship and Sunday school .
We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us .
Please stay after the service for a cup of tea/coffee and fellowship .
Revd Ivor Owens .
Visit : www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a Gospel Partnership of 117 independent local churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together .
These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South .
For further information and for a full list of congregations , please visit : www.baptistsinireland.org Calvary Church , Castlebar , Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House , 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar .
Sunday Service is at 11am , and Bible study is at 7:30pm on Thursdays .
There is also an after-school Bible Club for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Childs .
All Welcome .
Visit www.calvarychurchcastlebar.ie Calvary Church , Charlestown , Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am , and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays .
Pastor David Murphy .
All Welcome .

CATHEDRALS
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for a free dinner at 6.30pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
Armagh - St Patrick's Church of Ireland -Sunday services at 10am (Holy Communion), 11am (Sung Eucharist) and 3:15pm (Choral Evensong). Mon to Sat at 9:30am (Said Matins) and 12:30pm (1st Wednesday of every month). Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm (Nov-March) and until 5pm (April-Oct). Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward. You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture. The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan, Dean of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh City -Further information is available by, visiting: www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) Eucharist at 8am, 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm. on Sunday. There will always be a quiet area available. The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm (last audio tour at 4.30pm), and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays. (It will be closed to visitors during services). People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us, Dean Stephen Forde. Visit: www.belfastcathedral.org
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Cathedral Church of St Canice, Kilkenny City Sunday Eucharist at 8am and Sunday Service at 11:30am. Wednesday Eucharist at 10:30am on 1st Wednesday of each month with the Mothers Union. The cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. For further information, visit: www.stcanicescathedral.ie -Very Revd David McDonnell, Dean
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City --Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm. Weekday services at 10am (morning prayer) 12 midday (Peace Prayers) and 12:45pm (Eucharist). On Monday and Friday at 5pm, there is a Said Evening Prayer. During term time, Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sung service times may vary, especially out of cathedral choir terms. Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times. A warm welcome awaits you, The Very Revd Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
Cork City (St Finn Barre's) Sunday Services are at 8am (Said Eucharist), 11:15am (Choral Eucharist) and 3:30pm (Choral Evensong). Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am (Morning Prayer) and 12 noon (The Eucharist). Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm. The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays. Very Rev. Nigel Dunne (Dean of Cork). For more information, visit: https://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Derry/Londonderry (Saint Columb's Cathedral) Services are at 8am (Holy Communion) 11am (Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays) 4pm (Choral Evensong). The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri (The Litany) in The Baptistery. The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel. (For any changes to our regular services, please check the magazine online). www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities. This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue, which is acceptable to all sections of the community. The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, Dean
Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Second Sunday in Lent. Sunday at 11:30am and Thursday at 10am with Holy Communion. You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral. Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship, not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese, but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations. VISIT downcathedral.org for further information
Enniskillen -St Macartin's Cathedral --Services are at 9am (Holy Communion) 11am (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays, and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays). Evening service at 7pm (Evening Prayer on first, second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays). Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays (Holy Communion) and other services are as announced. Visitors are welcome outside of service times, and admission is free -you will be most welcome. The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall, Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral. For further information, visit www.enniskillencathedral.com
Ferns, Co Wexford (St Edan's Cathedral) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning. On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am (Family Eucharist). The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome. The Very Revd Leslie Forrest; Rector and Dean. Tel: 053 9366 124
National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL MATINS sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses: Leighton, Bairstow: Lamentations of Jeremiah, Psalm: 39, Dyson in D: Benedictus, Bairstow: If the Lord had not helped me, Preacher: The Revd I.W. Ellis, B.Sc., B.Th., Ed.D., Prebendary of Donaghmore. 12.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Consort Responses: Rose, Wesley: O Lord my God, Psalm: 42, Wesley in E, Wesley, The Wilderness. 16.30 SEIRBHS NA NNA said in the Lady Chapel. MATINS is sung at 9.00 on Monday and Tuesday. CHORAL EVENSONG at 17.30 on Monday. EVENING PRAYER is said at 17.30 Tuesday to Friday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
St Matthias, Killiney - Ballybrack 09.00 Holy Communion, 10.30 Holy Communion. Monday 19.30 Lent Study (in Parish Centre). Wednesday 10.30 Holy Communion.
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 8th March at 10am at Ann Street, Wexford Town, (Beside the Post Office) and 12 noon at Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy. Rev David Conkey. There is a prayer time 20 minutes before each service. For regular updates, and to find out more, visit our new website: https://wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page: facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians
CHURCH OF IRELAND
All Saints Church, Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday. On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am. Wednesdays at 10am (Eucharistic Service). An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Wholeness and Healing Service). We are located on the Howth Road, next to Raheny Village, Dublin 5. All Welcome. Rev. Norman McCausland. Visit http://allsaintsraheny.org for more information
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Morning Prayer) Kiltennel 10.15am (Holy Communion) Kilnamanagh 11.45am (Holy Communion)
Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am; with refreshments served between each service. We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street, Bangor, Co. Down. For more information, visit: bangorparishchurch.org.uk
Christ Church Bray Saturday 7th March 11am, Womens World Day of Prayer St Fergals Church. Sunday 8th March 8.30am Holy Communion 2; 11am Morning Prayer.
Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road, West, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sunday 8th September at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (Morning Prayer) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre. Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am. All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after each service. Revd Lesley Robinson. Visit; http://clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/
Church of St John the Evangelist --Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome. We are located at Coolock, Dublin 5, between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road; next to the Odeon Cinema. Rector: Rev. Norman McCausland. Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org
Cork Carrigaline Union. 930am- Holy Communion - St John's Monkstown. 11am- Morning Prayer -St Mary's Carrigaline. 7pm Choral Evensong-St Johns Monkstown. Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary's Carrigaline. www.carrigalineunion.org
Enniscorthy (St Mary's Church) 11:30am with Holy Communion. Church Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Rector: Rev. Nicola Halford
Finglas (St Canice) Lent 2: 11.30 All-age Service
Glasnevin (St Mobhi) Lent 2: NO SERVICE. See Finglas.
Howth, Co Dublin (St Mary's Parish) Sundays at 9:30am (Morning Prayer) and 11am (Holy Communion). Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time. Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you, Canon Kevin Brew (Rector). Visit: www.stmaryshowth.com
Immanuel Church, Dublin City, meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building, 28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background. Pastor Kieron Lynch. For more details, visit: www.immanuelchurchdublin.org
Julianstown, Co Meath 10:30am. The Rector. The Church of Ireland Parish of St. Mary is located on the Old Laytown Road, just outside of Julianstown, and welcomes all who would like to come along. Visit our Facebook page to find out more.
Kill O The Grange, Dublin -Sunday at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (All Age Service). Wednesday at 10:30am (Holy Communion Service). Visit http://kotg.ie to find out more
Killarney (St Mary's -Church of the Sloes) 11am at Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Family Service is on 1st Sunday, and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome. Visit: http://churchofthesloes.ie/
Rathmichael Parish 08.30 hrs. Holy Communion. 11.00 hrs. Family Service. 19.00 hrs. Holy Communion.
Santry (St Pappan) Lent 2: NO SERVICE. See Finglas.
St James Church, Crinken, Bray, Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am. Rector, Trevor Stevenson. We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live, and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus. We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill. For more information, visit: www.crinken.ie
St John the Evangelist, Park Avenue, Sandymount Sunday 8th March - Lent 2: Sung Eucharist 11 a.m. Preacher: The Ven. Gordon Linney. Wednesday 11th March: Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., Holy Communion. *Sunday Club. 11.30 a.m., Healer Prayer Union. 7.00 p.m. A Late Evening Office.
PRESBYTERIAN
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland --The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. For more information, and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland, visit: www.presbyterianireland.org
Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, Dublin City 11am. All Welcome, Rev Sam Mawhinney. Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Supervised creche is available. To find out more, visit: www.adelaideroadchurch.ie
Aghada and Trinity Churches, Cork ...10am at Church Road, Upper Aghada, Co. Cork (about 20 mins south of Midleton) and 11:45am at Little William Street, Cork City (off York Street). All are welcome. Rev Richie Cronin. Visit our websites: Facebook.com/AghadaPresbyterian and www.presbyteriancork.com
Arklow Presbyterian Church meets at 10am, with tea and coffee after the service. We are located on the Dublin Road, about 1/2 mile (800m) north of the Avoca Bridge. Programme for children during the service. All are welcome. Rev. Michael Anderson. Visit us at http://arklowpresbyterianchurch.com
Athy and Carlow Presbyterian Churches 10am at Dublin Road, Athy and 11:30am at Athy Road, Carlow Town. (known locally as Scots Church). Carlow Presbyterian Church has a midweek fellowship night on Wednesdays at 8pm. Rev. Stephen Rea. All are welcome. Visit: www.carlowscotspc.ie
Blackrock St Andrew's 9.45 a m.Reverend Andrew Gill.Junior Church and Creche.All welcome.
Bray (St Andrew's) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. All Welcome. Reverend Andrew Gill
Bushmills, Co Antrim 10:30am, Main Street, Bushmills. Rev Nancy Cubitt. Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area, you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church. Visit: bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk
Cahir Presbyterian Church, Co Tipperary 12 noon. All Welcome. We are located at Abbey Street, Tipperary Road (just before the railway bridge) For more details, contact Rev William Montgomery (Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian) 086 3729 144
Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am. Rev G.J. Mackarel. Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street, Cavan Town. All Welcome
Christ Church, Rathgar, Dublin -Sunday at 9:30am (Sacrament of Holy Communion) and 11am (Morning Worship). Rev. Purvis Campbell. Located at the junction of Rathgar Road and Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6. Everyone welcome. To find out more, visit www.christchurchrathgar.org
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region. Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Stonebridge at 11am on 1st and 3rd Sunday, and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday. There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge, Clones or Stonebridge. For further information, visit: http://clonesgrouppresbyterianchurches.btck.co.uk or contact the Rev. Colin Anderson (Vacancy Convener) at candersonpresbyterianireland.org
Clontarf and Scots, Dublin Sunday Service is at 11am; with a programme for children during the service. We are located opposite Clontarf Road DART Station. Rev Lorraine Ritchie All Welcome. Visit www.clontarfchurch.ie or our Facebook page
Corboy and Mullingar 10am at Corboy -located off the N4 between Edgeworthstown and Longford Town -and 11:30am at Raithin; opposite Educate Together National School, Mullingar. Rev Daniel Reyes-Martin. For more information, visit: corboypresbyterian.com and/or mullingarpresbyterian.com -we would be delighted to welcome you
Corraneary, Ervey and Bailieborough Churches 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Virginia Road, Bailieborough. 11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church (Corglass) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church. For further details visit: www.trinitybailieborough.com or contact Rev. Daryl Edwards (Convener). Tel: 049 5555 456
Donabate Presbyterian Church, Co Dublin 10:30am. Rev. Andy Carroll. We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions
Donegal Town 11:30am at Meetinghouse Street, Donegal. Rev Stephen Richmond. All Welcome. Visit: donegaltownpresbyterianchurch.com or Tel: 074 9721 113
Drogheda Presbyterian Church 10:30am, Rev Damien Burke. All Welcome. We are located at Colpe Road, Drogheda (South) Co. Meath. Visit www.droghedapresbyterian.ie -for regular updates, visit: www.facebook.com/droghedapresbyterianchurch
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am (with creche available from 10:40am). We are located at East Bridge Street, Enniskillen. Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. We would love to see you at our Sunday services, and promise you a warm welcome. Rev David Cupples. Visit: eknpres.org to find out more.
Fermoy, Co Cork -we meet on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus by regularly meeting together to pray, study the Bible, worship and share our lives with each other and the local community. All are welcome. Rev William Montgomery. To find out more, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fermoypresbyterian
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Glennan and Monaghan (Ballyalbany) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough, Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon. Ballyalbany is located on the northern side of Monaghan Town. All are welcome. Rev. Stephen McNie. For more information and how to find us, visit: www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany
Greystones, Co Wicklow 11am at Trafalgar Road, Greystones; opposite St. Bridgets School. Rev Gary Mc Dowell. All Welcome. To find out more, visit: www.greystonespc.org
Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church -Sunday 8th March at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am. Rev Alastair Dunlop. Everyone is welcome to join us, as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. Creche facilities are available, as well as a programme for children during the service. You are welcome to stay with us for tea and coffee after each service. Visit: www.hmpchurch.org to find out more
Kilkenny City 11:30am (Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am). All Welcome. Further information available at: www.kilkennychurch.com
Killala, Ballina and Ballymote Rev Molly Deatherage. 10am (Killala Presbyterian Church, Co. Mayo), 11:15am (Ballina Presbyterian Church, Co. Mayo) and 2pm (Ballymote Presbyterian Church, Co. Sligo). All welcome. Visit: facebook.com/ballinapresbyterian/ or Tel: 086 0330 196
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Lucan Presbyterian Church 10:30am, Main Street, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Rev. Richard Houston. For more information, visit; www.lpc.ie
Maynooth Presbyterian Church is known locally as Maynooth Community Church; and meets together for worship on Sundays at 10:30am at Manor Mills Shopping Centre, Maynooth. On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the Lords Supper (Communion). Rev Keith McCrory. Free parking is available in the underground car park and the service takes place on the 1st Floor. To find out more, visit http://maynoothcc.org
Monaghan (First) Sunday Worship at 11:30am. Rev Alan S McQuade. First Monaghan Presbyterian Church is located at Dublin Street, Monaghan Town. All welcome. Visit: www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/
Mountmellick and Tullamore 10am at Mountmellick Methodist Church (Parnell Street) and 12 noon at High Street, Tullamore. Rev. William Hayes. We are a warm, open, multi-national and welcoming church made up of people dedicated to serving Jesus in our community; and telling others about his love for them. All are welcome. For further information, visit: mountmellickpresbyterian.org or tullamorepresbyterian.org
Naas Presbyterian Church, Co Kildare Sundays at 11am, Rev Mark Proctor. The church building is near the Post Office on Main Street, opposite the Town Hall. For further information, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NaasPCI
Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Co Down 11am and evening service at 7pm, Main Street, Newcastle, Co. Down. Rev Andrew Boreland. All are welcome. Visit: facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch
Portadown (First), Co Armagh Sunday 8th March at 11am and 6:30pm. (Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm). We are a Christ-centred, Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church. We meet at Watson Street, Portadown, and you can be assured of a warm welcome. Rev. Robin Brown. To find out more, visit: www.firstportadown.org
Sligo Presbyterian Church meets on Sundays at 11:30am at Church Street, Sligo Town. Rev David Clarke. CAFFE (Coffee And Fellowship For Everyone) afterwards in the church hall. A warm welcome awaits you. For further details, visit: facebook.com/sligopresbyterianchurch
Smithborough Presbyterian Church, Co Monaghan 10am. Rev. Alan McQuade. We are located 6 miles (10km) west of Monaghan Town on the N54 toward Clones. On arrival in Smithborough, turn right toward Roslea (just before the petrol station) and we are located a further 100 metres on the right. You will be most welcome. Visit Facebook (Smithborough Presbyterian Church) to find our more.
METHODIST
Belfast Central Mission, Sandy Row Sunday Service at 11am -Rev J Parke. For further information, visit: belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page: facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Dublin Central Mission, Abbey Street Sunday Service at 11am and weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays. Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more.
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. All Welcome. For further details www.dlmc.org
Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am (Worship Service) and 11.30am (Contemporary Service). There is one service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, Rev. Stephen Taylor. For more information, visit dundrummethodist.com
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Gorey 11.00am Morning Worship, Mr Philip Bridge
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Monaghan Methodist Church Rev Rowan Zeelie. 10:30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday (United Service Augher, Aughnacloy, Ballynanny Monaghan rotating venue. Contact 087 2787 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details.
Sutton Methodist Church, Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road, Sutton, Dublin 13. Service of Worship and Sunday school. We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us. Please stay after the service for a cup of tea/coffee and fellowship. Revd Ivor Owens. Visit: www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist
BAPTIST
The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is a Gospel Partnership of 117 independent local churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together. These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South. For further information and for a full list of congregations, please visit: www.baptistsinireland.org
EVANGELICAL
Calvary Church, Castlebar, Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House, 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar. Sunday Service is at 11am, and Bible study is at 7:30pm on Thursdays. There is also an after-school Bible Club for children on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. Pastor Stephen Childs. All Welcome. Visit www.calvarychurchcastlebar.ie
Calvary Church, Charlestown, Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am, and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays. Pastor David Murphy. All Welcome.


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Coronavirus: ‘You think, ah sure lookit, it’s holy water’

People at one Dublin church this week were still dipping their fingers into holy water fonts and blessing themselves , despite warnings to the contrary .
While all the holy water fonts inside St Teresa ’ s Catholic Church on Clarendon Street appeared empty , one font at an entrance off Grafton Street , probably full of rainwater , continued to attract dippers with alarming regularity .
“ Just , as I did it I just ... Oh my God , ” said a shocked Therése from Co Mayo , when what she had done was pointed out to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under normal circumstances.
” Earlier this week the Health Service Executive issued a guidance for churchgoers , advising that holy water fonts should not be used and the sign of the peace should be suspended .
Priests have been advised to give the congregation permission to “ nod ” or “ smile ” instead .
Therése said she was aware of the warnings .
“ I don ’ t think I ’ ll be upset because I believe God will take care of us , please God.
” The virus “ has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we hadn ’ t something like this to really believe in , people are going to get upset , very upset if this gets worse ” .
“ O Jesus !
” was the reaction of Marion from Mount Merrion when stopped mid-dip .
“ You ’ re leaving the church and you ’ ve forgotten the rules , ” she said .
Her friend Patricia from Malahide , who had also dipped her fingers in the holy water font , instantly produced hand sanitiser from her seemingly magic handbag .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely perfume .
Can I give you some ?
” A grateful Marion accepted .
“ Yeah , ” she said , “ it ’ s lovely.
” When The Irish Times pointed out that it was probably rainwater anyway , Marion from Mount Merrion pondered , “ you see you think you ’ re doing the right thing .
Because you think , ah sure lookit , it ’ s holy water ” .
Then Marion posed the question that haunts so many these days : “ Are we going over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crumlin who , dipping his fingers too , was taken aback when The Irish Times remonstrated “ you know they ’ re trying to stop people from doing that ?
” His response was a pithy : “ Are they ?
” And Micheál from Tipperary , who dipped his fingers entering the church and leaving it , excused himself with : “ Habit , I suppose , going into the church , you know .
It ’ s a custom , I suppose , automatic I suppose.
” At the evening mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , in line with directions from Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin , there would be no handshake at the Sign of Peace , and Communion would be received “ in the hands and not on the tongue .
“ So please come and receive in your hand as reverential as you can.
” And they did .

Earlier this week the Health Service Executive issued a guidance for churchgoers, advising that holy water fonts should not be used and the sign of the peace should be suspended.
People at one Dublin church this week were still dipping their fingers into holy water fonts and blessing themselves, despite warnings to the contrary.
While all the holy water fonts inside St Teresa's Catholic Church on Clarendon Street appeared empty, one font at an entrance off Grafton Street, probably full of rainwater, continued to attract dippers with alarming regularity.
"Just, as I did it I just... Oh my God," said a shocked Therése from Co Mayo, when what she had done was pointed out to her. "Because I would do it under normal circumstances."
Earlier this week the Health Service Executive issued a guidance for churchgoers, advising that holy water fonts should not be used and the sign of the peace should be suspended. Priests have been advised to give the congregation permission to “nod” or “smile” instead.
READ MORE
Therése said she was aware of the warnings. “I don’t think I’ll be upset because I believe God will take care of us, please God.” The virus “has made me realise how important faith is. If we hadn’t something like this to really believe in, people are going to get upset, very upset if this gets worse”.
"O Jesus! " was the reaction of Marion from Mount Merrion when stopped mid-dip. "You're leaving the church and you've forgotten the rules," she said.
Her friend Patricia from Malahide, who had also dipped her fingers in the holy water font, instantly produced hand sanitiser from her seemingly magic handbag. "Disinfectant!" she announced, "lovely perfume. Can I give you some?" A grateful Marion accepted. "Yeah," she said, "it's lovely."
When The Irish Times pointed out that it was probably rainwater anyway, Marion from Mount Merrion pondered,“you see you think you’re doing the right thing. Because you think, ah sure lookit, it’s holy water”.
Then Marion posed the question that haunts so many these days: “Are we going over the top?”
Habit
Along came Richie from Crumlin who, dipping his fingers too, was taken aback when The Irish Times remonstrated "you know they're trying to stop people from doing that?" His response was a pithy: "Are they?"
And Micheál from Tipperary, who dipped his fingers entering the church and leaving it, excused himself with: "Habit, I suppose, going into the church, you know. It's a custom, I suppose, automatic I suppose."
At the evening mass inside Fr Tony Parsons told the congregation that, in line with directions from Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, there would be no handshake at the Sign of Peace, and Communion would be received "in the hands and not on the tongue. "So please come and receive in your hand as reverential as you can." And they did.


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Is Ireland prepared for a wetter future?

“ Job done , ” said the Minister for Flood Relief , striding from the swollen waters of the Shannon .
“ I ’ m drownded f***in ’ wet though.
” For a politician , the prospect of wading , sometimes literally , into a crisis can prove irresistible .
So it was for Kevin ‘ Boxer ’ Moran , who last week tweeted a video of his bare-chested efforts at flood relief in his Co Westmeath constituency .
It ’ s easy to see what draws politicians into the icy waters of winter flooding .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of serious hardship , that their politicians feel their pain , and are there to help , usually with a big cheque for flood-relief works .
It is , at its core , old school politics – a visible problem that comes with a tangible solution , and an injection of taxpayer cash .
However , experts say Ireland is facing a future where traditional political cures for flooding may not be effective .
It will bring together profound and complicated questions about land use , climate change and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared for a wetter future ?
The rainfall which gave rise to last month ’ s floods was extraordinary – but it is becoming more ordinary .
Some 16 of 25 Met Éireann stations have just had their wettest February ever .
“ The jet stream powered up during February and brought wave after wave of low pressure systems across the Atlantic , ” says Alan O ’ Reilly , who runs the popular and respected Carlow Weather Blog .
First came unusually wet weather , then a succession of three winter storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By the time Dennis arrived on the 16th , many stations had surpassed their mean rainfall for the month , O ’ Reilly says .
The rain is only half the problem , according to geographers .
The other half is the kind of land on which it is falling .
Peter Thorne , professor of physical geography in NUI Maynooth , says the impact of this weather will be exacerbated by the way in which we have interacted with the land in recent centuries .
“ Centuries ago the rivers would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeing today because the trees and wetlands acted as an enormous sponge.
” More extreme rainfall , influenced by human behaviour , is only moving in one direction , according to Prof Thorne .
“ If you look at any of the projections , it will get worse.
” For decades , Ireland ’ s floods policy was basically reactive and ad-hoc , according to Dr John Martin , head of flooding with the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) .
The main governing legislation for flood relief was the arterial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPW still has responsibility for maintaining 11,500km of waterways , and the efficient flood management of 650,000 acres of agricultural land .
Changes to national and European law in the mid-2000s engendered a more structured approach .
The result , more than a decade later , was the publication of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management ( CFRAM ) study in 2018 .
The CFRAM is the overriding framework for a €1 billion flood works investment programme , designed to alleviate risk for 34,500 homes and businesses across the country .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose order , with the production of detailed flood maps and dozens of individual flood management plans .
It also involved massive capital investment into works .
It cost €58 million last year , and has a budget of €85 million this year , growing to €100 million annually in coming years .
However , experts have questioned some of the solutions proposed under CFRAM .
Flood mitigation measures which focus on so called “ heavy engineering ” – the construction of weighty flood defences designed to protect against high water – will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thorne .
“ We can hard engineer , but we need to also take a long hard look at ourselves and think about how we ’ ve made the matter worse through land use changes .
We need to undo much of the damage , ” he says .
Dr Mary Bourke , a geomorphologist with Trinity College Dublin , agrees .
“ We are just beginning to realise we need to take a different approach .
Our plans are to engineer our way out of it , ” she says .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cities , “ in other places , that ’ s not suitable , it won ’ t work , it ’ s too expensive and it will take too long ” .
A focus on natural methods of restoring the land ’ s innate ability to deal with extreme weather is also needed , she says .
This means reforestation , as well as the construction of dams using natural materials and other measures concentrated upstream from flood zones are needed .
She is also concerned about whether works under CFRAM will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unprecedented weather .
“ The concern I have [ is ] they are modelling on existing rainfall and discharge records .
That ’ s not capturing the entire probability of floods in Ireland because the record isn ’ t long enough , ” she says .
“ They ’ re not building for climate change or the increased impact of humans on the landscape.
” The OPW , for its part , says all its flood defence projects are modelled on a range of scenarios , including different impacts of climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of natural defences alongside heavy engineering .
However , Dr Martin says they are “ rarely sufficient in their own right [ and ] are less effective in extreme flood events ” .
While there are “ natural ” elements to several projects in train , the nine in-construction flood relief projects , he concedes , “ all have a significant degree of heavy engineering ” .
Many , such as engineer and consultant Jonathan Cooper , MD of JBA Consulting , say what is needed is a policy that knits together flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We need to be mature about things .
Places like the Shannon , there is no physical intervention that can resolve the issues to everyone ’ s satisfaction , so there has to be a wider view on how we go forward.
” In many instances , he says , we have “ subsistence farming supported by a system which is not providing the environmental and flood management outcomes we need now ” .
Changing that will involve convincing landowners to change the way they use land .
That is easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of decades of policy that encouraged farming .
The OPW ’ s Dr Martin says reforms which target the relationship between economic incentives and land use would need to be meaningful .
“ You ’ re looking at fairly fundamental policy changes to have an impact on how those people manage their land , ” he says .
NUIM ’ s Prof Thorne is calling for a national land use plan which works with a reformed common agricultural policy to incentivise different forms of land use .
“ We are not doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of this land is owned by private interests , in particular the agricultural sector , ” he says .
“ We need to have a long and involved conversation about our national land use.
” TCD ’ s Dr Bourke says flooding events are getting more extreme , and more frequent , and society needs to find a policy that allows people to live with and mitigate the effects .
Otherwise , she says , it will be a “ clash of humans and natural energy happening , and nature is going @ @ @ @

“Job done,” said the Minister for Flood Relief, striding from the swollen waters of the Shannon. “I’m drownded f***in’ wet though.”
For a politician, the prospect of wading, sometimes literally, into a crisis can prove irresistible. So it was for Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who last week tweeted a video of his bare-chested efforts at flood relief in his Co Westmeath constituency.
It’s easy to see what draws politicians into the icy waters of winter flooding. It’s a clear-cut opportunity to show ordinary people, in the midst of serious hardship, that their politicians feel their pain, and are there to help, usually with a big cheque for flood-relief works. It is, at its core, old school politics – a visible problem that comes with a tangible solution, and an injection of taxpayer cash.
However, experts say Ireland is facing a future where traditional political cures for flooding may not be effective. It will bring together profound and complicated questions about land use, climate change and the power of vested interests.
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Is Ireland prepared for a wetter future? The rainfall which gave rise to last month’s floods was extraordinary – but it is becoming more ordinary.
Some 16 of 25 Met Éireann stations have just had their wettest February ever. "The jet stream powered up during February and brought wave after wave of low pressure systems across the Atlantic," says Alan O'Reilly, who runs the popular and respected Carlow Weather Blog.
First came unusually wet weather, then a succession of three winter storms: Ciara, Dennis and Jorge. By the time Dennis arrived on the 16th, many stations had surpassed their mean rainfall for the month, O’Reilly says.
The rain is only half the problem, according to geographers. The other half is the kind of land on which it is falling .
Peter Thorne, professor of physical geography in NUI Maynooth, says the impact of this weather will be exacerbated by the way in which we have interacted with the land in recent centuries. "Centuries ago the rivers would have coped much better with the rainfall we are seeing today because the trees and wetlands acted as an enormous sponge."
More extreme rainfall, influenced by human behaviour, is only moving in one direction, according to Prof Thorne. “If you look at any of the projections, it will get worse.”
Land use
For decades, Ireland's floods policy was basically reactive and ad-hoc, according to Dr John Martin, head of flooding with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The main governing legislation for flood relief was the arterial drainage act 1945, under which the OPW still has responsibility for maintaining 11,500km of waterways, and the efficient flood management of 650,000 acres of agricultural land.
Changes to national and European law in the mid-2000s engendered a more structured approach. The result, more than a decade later, was the publication of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study in 2018. The CFRAM is the overriding framework for a €1 billion flood works investment programme, designed to alleviate risk for 34,500 homes and businesses across the country.
Where there was chaos, it sought to impose order, with the production of detailed flood maps and dozens of individual flood management plans. It also involved massive capital investment into works.
It cost €58 million last year, and has a budget of €85 million this year, growing to €100 million annually in coming years.
However, experts have questioned some of the solutions proposed under CFRAM. Flood mitigation measures which focus on so called “heavy engineering” – the construction of weighty flood defences designed to protect against high water – will only go so far, says Prof Thorne.
“We can hard engineer, but we need to also take a long hard look at ourselves and think about how we’ve made the matter worse through land use changes. We need to undo much of the damage,” he says.
Dr Mary Bourke, a geomorphologist with Trinity College Dublin, agrees. "We are just beginning to realise we need to take a different approach. Our plans are to engineer our way out of it," she says. While that may be suitable for some towns and cities, "in other places, that's not suitable, it won't work, it's too expensive and it will take too long".
A focus on natural methods of restoring the land’s innate ability to deal with extreme weather is also needed, she says. This means reforestation, as well as the construction of dams using natural materials and other measures concentrated upstream from flood zones are needed.
She is also concerned about whether works under CFRAM will be equal to the challenge of extreme and unprecedented weather. “The concern I have [is] they are modelling on existing rainfall and discharge records. That’s not capturing the entire probability of floods in Ireland because the record isn’t long enough,” she says. “They’re not building for climate change or the increased impact of humans on the landscape.”
The OPW, for its part, says all its flood defence projects are modelled on a range of scenarios, including different impacts of climate change. They also try to incorporate elements of natural defences alongside heavy engineering. However, Dr Martin says they are “rarely sufficient in their own right [and] are less effective in extreme flood events”.
While there are “natural” elements to several projects in train, the nine in-construction flood relief projects, he concedes, “all have a significant degree of heavy engineering”.
‘A wider view’
Many, such as engineer and consultant Jonathan Cooper, MD of JBA Consulting, say what is needed is a policy that knits together flood management with wider goals around land use.
“We need to be mature about things. Places like the Shannon, there is no physical intervention that can resolve the issues to everyone’s satisfaction, so there has to be a wider view on how we go forward.”
In many instances, he says, we have “subsistence farming supported by a system which is not providing the environmental and flood management outcomes we need now”. Changing that will involve convincing landowners to change the way they use land. That is easier said then done, coming off the back of decades of policy that encouraged farming.
The OPW’s Dr Martin says reforms which target the relationship between economic incentives and land use would need to be meaningful. “You’re looking at fairly fundamental policy changes to have an impact on how those people manage their land,” he says.
NUIM’s Prof Thorne is calling for a national land use plan which works with a reformed common agricultural policy to incentivise different forms of land use.
“We are not doing this because of enormous entrenched interests – much of this land is owned by private interests, in particular the agricultural sector,” he says. “We need to have a long and involved conversation about our national land use.”
TCD’s Dr Bourke says flooding events are getting more extreme, and more frequent, and society needs to find a policy that allows people to live with and mitigate the effects. Otherwise, she says, it will be a “clash of humans and natural energy happening, and nature is going to win”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Coronavirus and elderly: ‘There is no point in worrying. What can we do?’

Maureen Daly from Arigna , Co Roscommon , celebrated her 94th birthday last week , but concern over coronavirus has lately kept her from her “ lifeline ” in the local day centre .
“ I am old and I am sick and they say it ’ s more dangerous for those with underlying health conditions , ” she says .
Maureen was diagnosed with lymphoma six years ago and while she is in remission she says she has other health issues .
“ When everything clears away I ’ d like to go back to the centre because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss them and I miss Julie .
She listens to all of our problems.
” Julie Dockery is the manager of Keadue social services which operates a day centre attended by up to 20 people who get a homecooked four-course dinner in the middle of the day ( bacon and cabbage is a favourite ) .
Cook Pauline Regan also has tea and freshly baked scones or treacle bread ready when they arrive .
They also deliver dinner every day to many people in the area including former miner Pat Lynch ( 93 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lough Allen since the death of his wife 14 years ago .
Dockery worries about the implications if the virus spreads , and services for people like Pat are curtailed .
“ If the worst came to the worst we could leave it outside the house in a box but I hope it does not come to that ” she says .
While Pat has a son living close by who visits every day , she says some people living in isolated rural areas see no one from morning to night except the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t tell you how many times we have discovered someone lying on the floor or someone who is ill , ” she explained .
Lynch used to work in the Arigna coal mines and has “ a bit of dust on the lung ” but he isn ’ t fretting too much about the coronavirus , and says : “ I ’ m not worried although I ’ d sooner not hear anything about it.
” “ A lot of the men live on their own .
It can be lonely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in , ” says Dockery .
“ There ’ s always a buzz , ” she says and there ’ s usually bingo , card games or classes in pottery and art .
Dockery has hand-sanitiser strategically placed throughout the hall and says she has been like a mother hen all week “ running after people ” with the sanitiser .
She has also been delivering lectures about “ surgical ” hand washing rather than just a quick splash under a cold tap .
On Thursday morning after confirmation of four cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre was panicking .
“ It ’ s getting nearer , ” laughed Phil Cooney ( 86 ) from Ballyfarnan , Co Roscommon .
“ But there is no point in worrying .
What can we do about it ?
” asks the regular attender who still drives .
She conceded she might stop going to “ bigger towns ” if Covid-19 does spread , but is adamant that for now she would not even consider staying away from Mass or funerals .
Bridie Mora , Drumboylan , also says there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is being blown out of proportion .
There was a hullabaloo about Sars before .
We have no contact outside our own little circle so for now I don ’ t think we should worry.
” There was a chorus of surprise when Mia Etheridge who lives in Drumshanbo admitted she was worried but hoping “ common sense ” would protect them .
Dockery knows how vulnerable people of a certain age can be but she knew that long before she heard of the coronavirus .
Over the winter the centre lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracting flu and “ succumbed to conditions like pneumonia and pleurisy ” .
“ So when something like this comes along , you do worry , ” she says .
Some of those who died this winter had been battling serious health issues but when Dockery heard that four cases had been identified in the west she thought “ Oh God , now it ’ s getting more serious ” .
Now she feels it ’ s “ a waiting game ” and all she can do is enforce whatever guidelines the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can stay open .
She is heartened by the attitude of the people who attend the centre .
“ I have to say this group are very laid-back .
They are not getting too excited .
”

The number of coronavirus, or Covid-19, cases is due to rapidly increase in Ireland. To protect yourself and avoid spreading the virus, hand-washing is key.
Maureen Daly from Arigna, Co Roscommon, celebrated her 94th birthday last week, but concern over coronavirus has lately kept her from her "lifeline" in the local day centre.
“I am old and I am sick and they say it’s more dangerous for those with underlying health conditions,” she says. Maureen was diagnosed with lymphoma six years ago and while she is in remission she says she has other health issues.
"When everything clears away I'd like to go back to the centre because we are like a big family and I miss them and I miss Julie. She listens to all of our problems."
Julie Dockery is the manager of Keadue social services which operates a day centre attended by up to 20 people who get a homecooked four-course dinner in the middle of the day (bacon and cabbage is a favourite). Cook Pauline Regan also has tea and freshly baked scones or treacle bread ready when they arrive.
READ MORE
They also deliver dinner every day to many people in the area including former miner Pat Lynch (93). He has lived alone near Lough Allen since the death of his wife 14 years ago .
Dockery worries about the implications if the virus spreads, and services for people like Pat are curtailed.
Dinner delivery
“If the worst came to the worst we could leave it outside the house in a box but I hope it does not come to that” she says. While Pat has a son living close by who visits every day, she says some people living in isolated rural areas see no one from morning to night except the driver delivering dinner .
“I can’t tell you how many times we have discovered someone lying on the floor or someone who is ill,” she explained.
Lynch used to work in the Arigna coal mines and has “a bit of dust on the lung” but he isn’t fretting too much about the coronavirus, and says: “I’m not worried although I’d sooner not hear anything about it.”
“A lot of the men live on their own. It can be lonely. They open up a lot when they come in,” says Dockery.
“There’s always a buzz,” she says and there’s usually bingo, card games or classes in pottery and art.
Dockery has hand-sanitiser strategically placed throughout the hall and says she has been like a mother hen all week “running after people” with the sanitiser. She has also been delivering lectures about “surgical” hand washing rather than just a quick splash under a cold tap.
Maureen Daly: subject to a waiting game and HSE guidelines on day and other care centre attendance. Photograph: Brian Farrell
On Thursday morning after confirmation of four cases west of the Shannon, nobody in the centre was panicking.
We have no contact outside our own little circle so for now I don't think we should worry
"It's getting nearer," laughed Phil Cooney (86) from Ballyfarnan, Co Roscommon. "But there is no point in worrying. What can we do about it?" asks the regular attender who still drives.
Sars ‘hullabaloo’
She conceded she might stop going to “bigger towns” if Covid-19 does spread, but is adamant that for now she would not even consider staying away from Mass or funerals.
Bridie Mora, Drumboylan, also says there’s no need to overreact. “It is being blown out of proportion. There was a hullabaloo about Sars before. We have no contact outside our own little circle so for now I don’t think we should worry.”
There was a chorus of surprise when Mia Etheridge who lives in Drumshanbo admitted she was worried but hoping "common sense" would protect them.
Dockery knows how vulnerable people of a certain age can be but she knew that long before she heard of the coronavirus. Over the winter the centre lost a number of people who died after contracting flu and “succumbed to conditions like pneumonia and pleurisy”.
“So when something like this comes along, you do worry,” she says. Some of those who died this winter had been battling serious health issues but when Dockery heard that four cases had been identified in the west she thought “Oh God, now it’s getting more serious”.
Now she feels it’s “a waiting game” and all she can do is enforce whatever guidelines the HSE passes on and hope that the service can stay open.
She is heartened by the attitude of the people who attend the centre. “I have to say this group are very laid-back. They are not getting too excited.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Flooding: ‘It will be April before the floodwaters go down’

“ We ’ re looking at this for another month , ” says Pat Crowe , pointing towards the flooding that has submerged 100 acres of his 150-acre dairy farm near Springfield in Co Clare .
As the floodwaters recede from the households nearby , he suspects that the media attention will too .
“ And the farmer is forgotten about.
” But for Crowe and other farmers in the area , the crisis is far from over .
“ It started to drop a bit this week , but it will be April before the floodwaters go down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead ground.
” After that , he ’ s facing reseeding the land , and it will be May before he can get his dairy herd back out grazing .
In the meantime , the herd still has to be fed .
That means relying on 10 to 15 bales of silage every day , at a cost of some €9,000 per month .
“ The Shannon is choked , ” he says .
He wants to see the river dredged and cleaned , part of a solution also advocated by local residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology advisor with Teagasc .
“ There ’ s been no maintenance on the river since the foundation of the State , ” says Murphy .
Murphy pulls up Google Maps on his phone to demonstrate the pinch points and bottlenecks where the river has narrowed over the years , through overgrown vegetation and small islands .
Add to that heavier-than-average rainfall , and the catastrophic result is spreading out behind Crowe ’ s land , where only the tops of trees are visible in places .
“ We used to get this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had it five times in the last seven years .
It ’ s had a massive impact on farming life .
Dairy farmers should be getting cows out from February 1st , but unless they ’ re doing underwater grazing , you can ’ t do it , ” says Murphy .
When he talks to farmers in the region , “ there is absolute despair in their voices.
” It was the Shannon flooding that occupied most of the recent national news coverage , but , further north , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co Galway , the floodwaters continued to rise throughout the last week .
There is no major overground river here to burst its banks , but the water keeps coming , rising up from underground drainage systems and spilling out of overflowing turloughs .
“ Last night , it was three inches .
The night before , it was three inches , and the night before that it was four inches , ” says Martin McInerney , at his farm in Cahermore , Co Galway .
He points to a block he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is using to measure the rising floodwaters that have already submerged 100 acres of his farm .
McInerney expects the levels to keep rising for another 10 days .
“ That ’ s the rain that fell up in the mountain last week , ” he says , looking in the direction of the Slieve Aughty mountains .
Heavier rainfall events over the past 20 years have meant that existing subterranean network of rivers are overflowing .
McInerney and others in the area believe works carried out on the controversial Derrybrien windfarm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State has just paid a fine of €5 million to the EU , as a result of its failure to carry out a proper environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) on the windfarm .
Since November 2019 , it is also facing ongoing daily fines of €15,000 .
Campaigner David Murray , chair of the South Galway Flood Relief Committee , estimates the total fines paid at €6 million plus ongoing daily fines .
People in the area contend that since the mountain hydrology has changed because of the windfarm , the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water that would have taken weeks before can now arrive in hours , locals claim .
McInerney points to the middle of the lake that has appeared behind his house , cutting it off from the homes of his two sons and daughters .
“ The house I was born in was over there , ” he says , pointing to a spot now completely submerged .
“ It was there 200 years , and it never flooded.
” Video released during the week showed the nearby home of William Butler Yeats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of €70,000 after earlier flooding , submerged under six feet of water .
McInerney has been here before , too .
“ I ’ ve had to change my farming system in 1995 , 2009 and again in 2016 .
I was dairy at one stage , and I was sheep then .
But I had to change all that .
I just have dry stock now that I can go and sell them if I need to.
” Thirty roads in the area are closed off .
Since the flooding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d be driving an extra 300km a week just taking her kids to creche and school and herself to work.
” McInerney and his neighbours 8km away , Micheál and Ann Flaherty , are awaiting the results of a feasibility study by Galway County Council and the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) on whether to proceed with a flood relief scheme for the area .
The Flahertys walk into the yard at their farm at Tirneevin , on the Clare-Galway border , half of which is submerged .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose about 12 inches a day .
And it will just sit there for weeks , ” says Micheál Flaherty .
Today is the first day the water level has been stable .
“ The fact that it stays so long , and we ’ re looking at it all the time ... ” He shakes his head in wordless despair .
What should be done ?
“ I ’ m not an engineer .
But there ’ s thousands of acres flooded .
There ’ s no overground river .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half from the sea .
You ’ re only talking about putting in a small channel just to not let it build up , ” he says .
“ There is a technical solution to the problem , ” agrees Murray .
It involves creating new channels for the water to drain into the sea .
“ But we ’ re being held against a cost-benefit criteria .
It ’ s very frustrating to be measured in that way , especially when we ’ re effectively throwing taxpayers ’ money away on @ @ @ @

“We’re looking at this for another month,” says Pat Crowe, pointing towards the flooding that has submerged 100 acres of his 150-acre dairy farm near Springfield in Co Clare.
As the floodwaters recede from the households nearby, he suspects that the media attention will too. “And the farmer is forgotten about.”
But for Crowe and other farmers in the area, the crisis is far from over.
“It started to drop a bit this week, but it will be April before the floodwaters go down, and what will be left after is dead ground.”
READ MORE
After that, he’s facing reseeding the land, and it will be May before he can get his dairy herd back out grazing. In the meantime, the herd still has to be fed. That means relying on 10 to 15 bales of silage every day, at a cost of some €9,000 per month.
“The Shannon is choked,” he says. He wants to see the river dredged and cleaned, part of a solution also advocated by local residents and Declan Murphy, an environment and technology advisor with Teagasc. “There’s been no maintenance on the river since the foundation of the State,” says Murphy.
Murphy pulls up Google Maps on his phone to demonstrate the pinch points and bottlenecks where the river has narrowed over the years, through overgrown vegetation and small islands. Add to that heavier-than-average rainfall, and the catastrophic result is spreading out behind Crowe’s land, where only the tops of trees are visible in places.
“We used to get this kind of rainfall every decade. We’ve had it five times in the last seven years. It’s had a massive impact on farming life. Dairy farmers should be getting cows out from February 1st, but unless they’re doing underwater grazing, you can’t do it,” says Murphy.
When he talks to farmers in the region, “there is absolute despair in their voices.”
Drainage systems
It was the Shannon flooding that occupied most of the recent national news coverage, but, further north, in parts of the lowlands around Gort in Co Galway, the floodwaters continued to rise throughout the last week. There is no major overground river here to burst its banks, but the water keeps coming, rising up from underground drainage systems and spilling out of overflowing turloughs.
Where there used to be fields, a lake now separates Martin McInerney’s house in Cahermore, Co Galway, from those of his children. Photograph: Jennifer O’Connell/The Irish Times
The house I was born in was over there. It was there 200 years, and it never flooded
“Last night, it was three inches. The night before, it was three inches, and the night before that it was four inches,” says Martin McInerney, at his farm in Cahermore, Co Galway.
He points to a block he has placed in the middle of a field he is using to measure the rising floodwaters that have already submerged 100 acres of his farm. McInerney expects the levels to keep rising for another 10 days. “That’s the rain that fell up in the mountain last week,” he says, looking in the direction of the Slieve Aughty mountains.
Heavier rainfall events over the past 20 years have meant that existing subterranean network of rivers are overflowing. McInerney and others in the area believe works carried out on the controversial Derrybrien windfarm may have exacerbated the issue.
The State has just paid a fine of €5 million to the EU, as a result of its failure to carry out a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the windfarm. Since November 2019, it is also facing ongoing daily fines of €15,000. Campaigner David Murray, chair of the South Galway Flood Relief Committee, estimates the total fines paid at €6 million plus ongoing daily fines.
People in the area contend that since the mountain hydrology has changed because of the windfarm, the water comes down much faster. Volumes of water that would have taken weeks before can now arrive in hours, locals claim.
McInerney points to the middle of the lake that has appeared behind his house, cutting it off from the homes of his two sons and daughters. “The house I was born in was over there,” he says, pointing to a spot now completely submerged. “It was there 200 years, and it never flooded.”
Submerged
Video released during the week showed the nearby home of William Butler Yeats, which was renovated last year at a cost of €70,000 after earlier flooding, submerged under six feet of water. McInerney has been here before, too.
“I’ve had to change my farming system in 1995, 2009 and again in 2016. I was dairy at one stage, and I was sheep then. But I had to change all that. I just have dry stock now that I can go and sell them if I need to.”
Thirty roads in the area are closed off. Since the flooding, “my daughter, Niamh, she’d be driving an extra 300km a week just taking her kids to creche and school and herself to work.”
It will be months before the land returns to normal at Micheál and Ann Flaherty’s farm in Gort, Co Galway. Photograph: Jennifer O’Connell/The Irish Times
The water came in eight days. It rose about 12 inches a day. And it will just sit there for weeks
McInerney and his neighbours 8km away, Micheál and Ann Flaherty, are awaiting the results of a feasibility study by Galway County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) on whether to proceed with a flood relief scheme for the area.
The Flahertys walk into the yard at their farm at Tirneevin, on the Clare-Galway border, half of which is submerged. “The water came in eight days. It rose about 12 inches a day. And it will just sit there for weeks,” says Micheál Flaherty.
Today is the first day the water level has been stable. “The fact that it stays so long, and we’re looking at it all the time...” He shakes his head in wordless despair.
What should be done?
“I’m not an engineer. But there’s thousands of acres flooded. There’s no overground river. And we’re less than a mile and a half from the sea. You’re only talking about putting in a small channel just to not let it build up,” he says.
“There is a technical solution to the problem,” agrees Murray. It involves creating new channels for the water to drain into the sea.
“But we’re being held against a cost-benefit criteria. It’s very frustrating to be measured in that way, especially when we’re effectively throwing taxpayers’ money away on windfarm fines.”