Pomeroy Parish Directory

 

ALTAR SOCIETY

The Altar Society is a long time established group, with new members joining over the last three years, but we are still in need of new faces. The group is responsible for the upkeep of the Altar area and vestry. This involves cleaning, laundry of clothes when necessary and flower arrangements. It means each month, two people take charge of that. At the moment we have two months each. In the future, we would like to increase our numbers, if anyone would be willing to give us some of their time, it would be appreciated.  I can assure you it is a very      rewarding job as all members would verify.  The church is an important place to us all, and we want it to look its best, as it deserves. Contact us, if you would like to help.

 

ALTMORE CHOIR

The Choir sing at 9.30 am Sunday morning Mass from October to June.  We also sing at devotions and other services. The choir usually practices once a week.

 

APOSTOLIC WORKERS

Pomeroy Apostolic work started in 1957. The Apostolic Workers aim is to pray and to supply material and financial help to the missionaries.  The requests are many and varied; from supplying vestments, mass kits, building churches to helping the sick, AIDS victims, abandoned babies and such.  In Pomeroy, we do an honorary members collection once a year.

 

CHURCH CLEANERS

The name of the group says it all, this is a very worthwhile group as it is responsible for the day-to-day up keep of the church.  Unfortunately, over the past years the numbers have dwindled.  At the moment, there are some months that are not covered. Without continuity, the good work that has been done can end up looking       neglected from time to time.  We would like a different group of people to be responsible for each month.  It is very rewarding to see the church looking its best.  It would be ideal for families to join - introduce the young and of course the men are also more than welcome, as there are jobs which are suitable for all.  If anyone would like to join contact Fr. McVeigh or Roisin Nugent.

 

CONRADH NA GAEILGE – The Gaelic League

Conradh na Gaeilge aims to promote the Irish language as the everyday means of communication of the Irish people. Irish language classes are held throughout the winter from Halloween until Easter for adults, primary school children and secondary school pupils. The group takes up a collection annually on the 17th March, St.    Patrick’s Day. This money is used to help those who     attend the Irish language classes, go to the Gaeltacht   during the summer for Irish language courses, which help them improve their command of spoken Irish.  Financial help is given in proportion to the attendance at the Irish language classes. The group also helps organise adults, who attend an Irish course in Downings each summer. The group organises a summer school for children attending the Gaelscoil and Naíscoil and was instrumental in founding the Gaelscoil prior to its       recognition by the Department of Education.

 

CREDIT UNION

The vision of the Credit Union movement is to satisfy the social and economic needs of the local community. Our aims are; to promote thrift among its members and create a source of credit for the benefit of members at a reasonable rate of interest.  Our office on the Diamond, Pomeroy, is open every day.  We now offer foreign     exchange currency to our members.  Book before 11 am one day and receive it the next.

 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION SOCIETY POMEROY

Adoration in its present form, was started in Pomeroy on Sunday 22nd June 2003-the Feast of Corpus Christi.  The Adoration Chapel was blessed and officially opened by His Grace Archbishop Sean Brady, Armagh, after 11am Mass.  To commemorate the feast, various groups in the parish turned out behind their respective banners and a Eucharistic procession took place from the Church of the Assumption, through the town to the Grotto and back to the Church, where the first hours of Adoration were initiated that evening.  Adoration has continued since.  There are approximately 80+ people who are committed to a particular hour each week, thus ensuring Adoration takes place every day.  The Oratory is fitted with comfortable chairs, kneelers with individual book rack, a heater, offertory candles, petition book and also a private petition box with a special Mass offered every first Friday for these particular intentions.  While we have so many people committed to an hour each week, the oratory is open EVERY DAY to EVERYONE.  We believe it is something our parish can be proud of and very worthwhile continuing with.  Its survival, however, depends on your support and we are always   anxious for everyone to make a visit.  Better still, why not make a little commitment of an hour each week.  Whatever hour you may take – cover can always be arranged if you have to miss a particular week or two.  Breaks in the Adoration schedule throughout the year usually follow school holidays i.e. Christmas, Easter, Summer etc.  For further information contact any committee member: Audrey Conway 8775 8261, Peter Coyle 8775 9610, Kathleen Donnelly 8775 8505, Dympna Lagan 8775 8221, Margaret Lagan 8775 8375, Geraldine McDonald 8775 8019, Margaret McElhone 8775 8102, Brigid Nugent 8775 8597, Nuala Quinn 8775 8604.  See page 4 for current Hours of Adoration.

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

 

This group helps distribute the Eucharist to Parishioners during Mass and to the Sick and Housebound.  New/Old Ministers are always welcome, please contact Anita 8775 8140 or Jane 8775 8043.

 

FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S P.S.

The Friends of St. Mary’s is a group of parents who support the staff in the running of the Primary School. We help to organise occasions such as Sports Day, Open Days or Fundraising events.

 

G.A.A. [GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION]

Pomeroy Plunkett’s G.A.C.

 

Cumann an Phlunceadaigh, Cabhán a’ Chaorthainn. Club colours – Black and amber.

The club was first formed in 1908 as the Emmets’, and was later renamed the Plunkett’s in 1917, in honour of the patriot Joseph Mary Plunkett and the martyr St. Oliver Plunkett. Having continued to provide            recreational facilities for our youth through almost nine decades na Pluincéidí have recently incorporated the  Ladies Football within our organisation and so currently provide for U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18, U-21 and Adult Senior and Reserve teams, at male and female level where appropriate.  We always need both voluntary support for training/coaching and your continuing financial support to ensure we provide the best facilities for our youth and our future.

 

GALBALLY ECONOMIC & SOCIAL FORUM

Galbally Economic and Social Forum was established in early 2001.  Members of the Board of management are representatives from the various community groups in the Galbally area.  FORUM VISION: “A future where the economic structure, social make-up, environmental fabric and cultural heritage of the  rural Galbally area is enhanced through locally developed community initiatives.” MISSION OF THE FORUM: “The forum will provide a basis for a structured approach to community development in the Galbally area. It will strive to co-ordinate community activity, thus enabling shared access to a range of   services, information and resources.”

 

GALBALLY OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB

Our club offers out of school care for children aged from 4-12 years old.  We operate all year round          including school holidays.  Children are encouraged to take part in a range of activities including arts & crafts, day-trips, cookery and sports, which help cover the    areas of the curriculum.  Children are cared for by qualified staff in a safe and friendly environment.  The club has access to the community garden, play-park, football field and fully equipped sports hall.  For more information do not hesitate to call at the club or contact staff by telephone.  A warm welcome awaits you!

 

JOSEPH MARY PLUNKETT

ACCORDION BAND

Founded in the early 1930’s, the Joseph Mary Plunkett Accordion Band has had a long history in the parish. The Band is available to play at GAA matches and local Comhaltas events within the county.  The traditional Christmas outing has long been associated with the band. We are one of the few bands that have a very varied age group. Major funding has always been a problem, but thankfully, with lottery funding, we have purchased new instruments and have hired a music teacher to teach our younger band members and enrich the band in terms of repertoire and numbers.  Hopefully this will enable us to be a major source of enjoyment and pride for our parish for years to come.

 

OFFERTORY PROCESSION

Children or adults may request to join the Offertory Procession rota at any stage. This procession takes place on a Saturday night or Sunday morning or on holy days of obligation in Pomeroy Chapel. Contact Ann-Marie McClean at St Mary’s school 8775 8541.

 

POMEROY COMMUNITY PROJECTS [P.C.P.]

This group was set up in 1991 to promote the social and economic development of Pomeroy village and district, in order to make the area a more attractive location in which to live and work. The group was involved with the Rowan Tree Diner which had provided a drop-in centre, provision of meals in the centre, and a meals on wheels service. To date, P.C.P. has been successful in securing an Environmental Scheme for the village and funding for work units and a resource centre.

 

POMEROY PARISH BULLETIN

Pomeroy Parish Bulletin began in November 2000. It is one of the Parish's primary means of communication. Children from local schools help distribute over three hundred copies weekly after Mass.  As well as          reporting local news and events, the Bulletin also keeps parishioners up to date with wider church issues such as Bishops reports or statements.  We also offer an advertising facility to local businesses at a very reasonable rate.  All notices should be left in the Parochial House or with Anita 8775 8140 or e-mail: anitakelly374@hotmail.com before Thursdays at 6.30pm.  Please feel free to send in other information e.g. for children's activity section, jokes etc. or offer your typing skills, as it would be appreciated. 

 

POMEROY PLAYERS

Pomeroy Players are 20 years in existence.  Over the past number of years, the groups repertoire has         included classics such as “Playboy of the Western World”, “Juno & the Paycock”, “Da” and “Translations”. The company has enjoyed much success on the festival circuit, the most note-worthy performance being in 1995 when we were runners-up in the All-Ireland finals with “Philadelphia, Here I Come” by Brian Friel.  New members are welcome (both young and old) to work either behind the scenes, front of stage or just simply to help read and discuss plays with a view to putting on a production.

 

POMEROY PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP, AFTERSCHOOLS CLUB AND

PARENT & TODDLER GROUP

Pomeroy Preschool Playgroup was formed in the late 1970’s and has prospered through the years from the ongoing support of parents, committees and the local community. The building underwent extensive           refurbishment in 1998, to bring it up to modern day standards.

The Playgroup is a member of NIPPA, the early years organisation and is registered with the Department of Health and Social Services for 26 children, aged 3-5 years, and the staff ratio is always at least 1:8.  The groups are inspected annually by the Home First Trust to ensure that standards are being maintained.

Pomeroy Preschool Playgroup receives funding under the Preschool Education Expansion Programme, enabling it to offer a number of free places to children in their immediate preschool year.  The group was inspected by the Department of Education in December 2003, and the inspectors stated:

“There are major strengths in all aspects of the educational and pastoral provision in the preschool centre. The needs of the children are being met very effectively.”

A copy of this inspection is displayed on the parents’ notice board, and a copy can also be obtained from the   Playgroup leader.

 

 

ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, POMEROY & GAEL SCOIL MHUIRE

 

St. Mary’s Primary School caters for both boys and girls aged between 4 and 11.  It is the only Catholic Maintained school in the Parish of Pomeroy and draws pupils from the village and surrounding rural community.  Current enrolment is 185 pupils, including pupils who are educated through the medium of Irish.

The school, which is in excellent repair, was built in 1975, with additional classrooms added in 2004.     Accommodation includes the main building of eight classrooms, Hall, a school library, office space and a large mobile, which houses the Irish Medium Unit, adequately meeting the needs of the school.  Current staffing compliment is the Principal and eight teachers as well as a secretary, caretakers and a number of classroom assistants, who support individual children’s needs.  The school is held in high esteem in the local community and has developed links within that community through music, sport and industry.  Through participation in the Comenius programme, regular contact is made with schools in Co Cavan, in Poland and in Hungary.  Over the years, St. Mary’s has endeavoured to bring a wide range of educational experience to the children in its care.

The schools  vision reinforces this: “We, in St. Mary’s, are committed to providing a balanced curriculum through a range of learning experiences in a secure, caring and stimulating environment.”

 

Scouts – Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran 14th Tyrone Scout Group

 

The Scouts were formed in 1992 by Fr Padraig Murphy C.C. In 2003, through amalgamation with other scout associations in Ireland, the name was changed to Scouting Ireland and scout units became known as scout groups. The group consists of three different sections known as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and each section meets once a week in St Mary’s Hall. 

Each section is given the opportunity to learn different skills like arts, crafts, orienteering, hiking, pioneering  & camping. Being a member of a scout group provides a great opportunity to meet people from our own country and from other countries. It helps children to develop teamwork and learn how to get to know and communicate with other people.  Cubs and Scouts go camping at least once a year.  The group has had several enjoyable camps over the years, the most memorable being Lourdes 2000 and more recently in August 2004, when they travelled to the Essex International Jamboree.  Anyone wishing to join the group as a member or a leader should phone Maeve 8775 8237 or Peter 8775 9532.

 

 

WILSON SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING

Irish Dancing Classes take place in St Mary’s Primary School on Thursdays at 3.15 pm - 4.45 pm.  Contact Patricia Wilson T.C.R.G. Omagh – 028 8224 7177.  Beginners are welcome.