Local Notes: Local market, Easter raffle, parish draw, our rural future survey and more
There are lots of things happening in Stradbally
Tickets are now available for an Easter Raffle in aid of Stradbally Tidy Towns Committee. The prizes on offer include an Easter Hamper and a bottle of Bailey Irish Cream. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5, available from Whelan's Lounge Bar, Stradbally. The Raffle is kindly sponsored by John & Caroline Whelan, Whelan's Bar. Please support this 'egg-cellent' cause!
The draw cards for the Non-Stop Draw in Stradbally Parish were distributed during the week. The draw begins on April 22, and is being run to provide vital funds for the upkeep of parish property. All previous promoters are invited to take a card and fill it either at work or among friends. New promoters are always welcome. The draw costs €20 for 12 weeks. Draw cards can be picked up at the Sacristy after mass in any of the three churches.
The Minister for Rural Community Development & the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has launched an online survey giving the public an opportunity to have their say on the next phase of Ireland's rural development policy. The survey is the first step in an extensive public and stakeholders consultation process which will continue throughout 2025. The survey is open to everyone and asks participants about the opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland, as well as what actions they think the Government should consider to secure a more resilient future for rural communities. The survey closes on Wednesday, April 2. All responses are anonymous.
The 50-50 draw is run every second week to support ongoing costs within the local GAA club. The draw is live on the Stradbally GAA Facebook page every second Sunday night. Tickets are available locally at the Stradbally Market on Saturdays and also at Whelan's and The Cove Bars, and can be purchased by Revolute to 087 6291930. Congratulations to John Whelan, of Whelan's Pub, winner of €210 in last Sunday night's latest draw.
St James National School Stradbally will hold a Bake Sale in the school hall on Friday, March 28, in aid of Daffodil Day Cancer Appeal, from 1pm to 2pm.
There is no debate, it is a March of many weathers, as the saying goes. It was back inside the cosy Cove Bar for the market on Saturday. The lettuce, spring onions and tomatoes are making an appearance at the market as are sweetcorn, leeks and broccoli. We are all spoilt for choice. If you fancy a stew there was carrots, parsnip, red onion and celery. Should you follow with a fresh fruit salad, there was a choice of oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, bananas. Also baskets full of Margaret's award-winning brown bread, scones, tarts and Eabha's fancy buns, Brigid's selection of jams, marmalade and relish. These ladies leave no stone unturned to please their customers. You can also buy local prints and cards that are of a very high quality. You can pre order any product for sale by calling Margaret on 087 6337215 just drop by and pick up.
