Martin and with the Bishop's final blessing before his body was taken to Dalgan Park for a Funeral Mass and burial in the St. Columban Missionary Order Cemetery.
Fr. Eddie who was in his 80th year, was born in Drumanail, Iskaheen. he was ordained in 1952 in Dalgan and spent time in America, Australia and the Phillipines but spent over forty years in Fiji as a teacher, a college principal and a Parish Priest. it was this role that he told family and friends he loved most of all. His life in fiji was spent in some of the most difficult missionary parishes. He spent nine years a spreist in the Yasawa Islands that are separated from the mainland by 50 miles of sea that can be rough and difficult. Many solo journeys were made in his small boat the "Brigid" funded by those at home and named after a beloved sister who had died young. He built many churches and schools in Fiji funded again by those at home and for which Fr. Eddie remained eternally grateful. Fr. Eddie was a stubborn man, a trait that his fellow missionaries felt helped him to overcome many difficulties in his ministry, but he tempered his stubborness with a robust sense of humour. He lived a modest life in his retirement in iskaheen surrounded by family and friends who looked after him until his passing.
On the day after his ordination Fr. Eddie came home to be greeted by bonfires all over the hillsides, front streets and farmyards of Iskaheen and it was proud day for his familiy. On his last journey from Iskaheen his coffin was carried aloft to the foot of the Drumanail Lane and as he started the long journey to Dalgan by hearse, the only sounds that could be heard were birdsong and a thunderous round of applause from the same community, again a proud day for his family.. May he rest in peace.
Deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. Annie Gallagher, Grove Cottages, Muff on the death of her sister Mrs. Elziabeth Harrigan, Drung. Sympathy is also extended to her husband Francis, sisters Mary, Bridie and Margaret, to her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and to all her firends in the area.
Winners in this week's Parish Draw were Thomas Doherty, Strathfoyle, 300 euro; Kathleen Doherty, Sappagh, 200 euro and Galvin Bradshaw 75 euro.
Farmers and contractors in the Muff and surrounding areas are advised to keep their tractors well protected after a spate of robberies has been reported to the local Garda Station. These thieves are highly sophisticated and seem to have no trouble in getting access to these trailers so in your own interest be vigilent at all times and help to stop the criminals in their tracks, and do report anyone particuarly in a van acting suspiciously in your area.
The Muff Ceili Club is holding a ceili in St. Mary's Community Hall on Friday, 1st February dancing from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. The ceili club is donating the profit to the proposed extension to St. Mary's hall. Music for the evening is by the ever popular Martin Dugan so a good night's entertainment is assured.
The Tuesday Club will resume after the Christmas recess next Tuesday in St. Mary's Community Hall from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone welcome male and female.
J. J. Modern and Old time dancing classes are being held on Sunday and Monday nights in Aileach community Centre, Burnfoot at 9 p.m. begginers welcome, bring a partner. these classes also take place every Wednesday night in the Malin Hotel at 8.30 p.m.
Muff Sheltered Housing Association is running a dance in Foody's Lodge on Friday, 15th February with music by Rio Country, dancing from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. admission 5 euro.
The numbers drawn in this week's Naomh Padraig GAA lotto draw were 6:5:7:4:1:2 and 3. There was no jackpot winner however 100 euro runner up prize went to Aaron O'Kane c/o Carmans. Next week's jackpot willbe 5,500 euro.
The annual dinner dance will take place in Foods Lodge on Friday, 1st February. Tickets are priced at 25 euro each and are available from Brendan McColgan 0872868396. Senior ladies training continues on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. while u12 training is on Sundays at 12. 30
p.m. There will be a meeting in the clubhouse on Monday 28th January, at 9 p.m. Finally there will be a quiz in Mary Deeney's tonight at 10 p.m. As usual. All money will be going towards the Community Defribulator Fund.
The numbers drawn in the Quigley's Point Swifts weekly lotto were 2:6:7:8:9 and 15. There was one lucky jackpot winner: Mary Ann Meenan, Derry who won 1,550.
All parents please note that there will be no fun football on Saturday until further notice. Information will be given to the school.