Local Notes: 80th birthday, Christmas Masses, Sliabh gCua Annual, set dancing and much more
Anna Thompson celebrating her 80th birthday in Faithlegg House, pictured with her granddaughters Sarah and Ava.
The following are the Christmas mass times for Touraneena and The Nire: Christmas Eve: 7pm in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Touraneena; Christmas Day: 11am in St. Helena’s Church, The Nire. Parish calendars are available in St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena.
Warmest wishes are extended to Anna Thompson, who celebrated her 80th birthday last Monday. Anna marked this special milestone with family and friends. We wish Anna many more years of good health, happiness, and prosperity.
The Sliabh gCua Annual is now on sale at Beary’s Cross Shop, Doocey’s Shop, Ballymacarbry and The Pike Service Station. As always, the annual is a wonderful read, filled with photos, stories, and memories from years gone by, along with details of events that took place in the locality over the past year. Priced at just €6, it offers incredible value for money and would make a lovely gift for family, friends, and neighbours, near and far. Well done and thank you to Mrs Butler and all those involved in organising the collection of information and the publication of the annual.
Dungarvan GAA Club and West Waterford Athletics Club will host a St. Stephen’s Day run/walk in aid of the Sham Ryan Recovery Fund. Participants will meet at 11am at Dungarvan GAA Club. All are very welcome to come along and support this very worthy fundraising event to assist Sham in his recovery. Your support will directly contribute to Sham’s recovery with all monies raised donated to his fund.
Well done to the Touraneena Thunder soccer team on their second win in the Modeligo Astroturf League. Touraneena Thunder 2, Melleray Monks 1.
There was one lucky jackpot winner last Sunday night and that was Sandra Mulcahy. Congratulations to Sandra on her great win. The numbers were 5,14,22. As the jackpot was won, there was no draw for the five x €20. The promoter’s prize was won by Marian Cliffe. Next Sunday nights jackpot will be starting back at €200 and this will be the final lotto of the year. Yearly tickets for 2026 are on sale from any GAA or Community Centre committee members. The first draw for 2026 will take place on January 11. Yearly tickets cost €80 for 50 draws, which is a saving of €20, or you can also purchase half-yearly tickets which cost €40 for 25 draws, giving a saving of €10. An ideal Christmas present for friends and family at home and abroad. The Lotto committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support in 2025.
We had our final class of 2025 last week. A heartfelt thank you to all our dancers, parents, and families for your support throughout the year. We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2026.
Our fundraising quiz will take place on Sunday night, December 28, at Deckie’s Bar, Modeligo. The juvenile quiz will start at 7.30pm and it is free for all participants. The adult quiz will commence at 9pm and the cost is €40 per table. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Albert McGrath’s Newsagents, Dungarvan, has a selection of beautiful Touraneena Christmas cards on sale and also cards from many other towns and villages across the county. Sending a ‘Touraneena’ card would be a wonderful way to bring a little piece of home to loved ones who are unable to be with family this Christmas season.
Congratulations to Eileen Condon on the recent launch of ‘Eileen’s Country Kitchen’, favourite recipes book. For over 30 years Eileen has supplied families, organisations and clubs with delicious meals, it’s no doubt a book that will be a welcome addition to any household.
Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club will host their annual Big Breakfast Fundraiser on St. Stephen’s Day in the Sliabh gCua Community Centre. This much-loved event has become a long-standing tradition, bringing friends, neighbours and club members together to catch up after Christmas. A warm and welcoming atmosphere will be guaranteed, with a full cooked breakfast served by dedicated club volunteers, along with plenty of opportunity to relax, chat and enjoy the festive break. The Big Breakfast is one of the club’s key fundraisers each year and all support is greatly appreciated, whether that’s lending a hand in the kitchen, donating produce, or simply calling in to enjoy a plate of food and a chat with friends. The club encourages everyone to drop into the Community Centre on the morning of St. Stephen’s Day and help support Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
As another year draws to a close, the writer of this column wishes to sincerely thank all those who contributed in any way to the Touraneena Notes over the past year. Best wishes are extended to all readers, both at home and abroad, as well as to the editor and staff of this newspaper, for a happy and peaceful Christmas. May 2026 bring good health and happiness to all.
Last week’s riddle was: I have two legs but only touch the ground when I am at rest, What am I? Answer: A Wheelbarrow.
This week’s riddle is: What reindeer can you see from outer space? Answer in this column next week.
Caption: Anna Thompson celebrating her 80th birthday in Faithlegg House with her granddaughters Sarah and Ava.
