2011 EUROPEAN SUMMER UNIVERSITY

Each good thing have an end...

Claire, Ciana, Eddie, Romain receiving FCJO medal

So, on 16th July evening took place the final show of the 2011 university.
Today, all are leaving Compiegne, with tears in their eyes.....

European Summer University 2011

Bus drove youngs from Compiegne to Grandvilliers where Cllr M. Kehren welcomed the group and made a small tour of the town. La Balad'Irlandaise (Grandvilliers-Athy twinning committee) did the same in the outskirts of the town where was taking place the bbq. Members of the commitee, helped by Alain (of the local fishing club). Good food and "sieste" after were what youngs were needing. The four representing our town and Athy (Cianan Curran, Eddie Davis, Claire Teggin and Romain Depeaux) made a small speech to introduce themselves and thanks the town of Grandvilliers as well as the committee and Alain.
They left to Gerberoy where a guided tour of the village was made by Mrs Autricque, Maire.

VISIT TO THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

It was on Friday 1st July early in the morning. 1916, at Lochnagar crater, no noise, just birds singing... at 7.28am, a huge explosion took place, blowing hundreds. In 2011, poppies were thrown into the crater to remember.
Then we go to small village of Contalmaison where is a small scottish memorial. This village was hold by scottish and the ceremony was just for them. Then we go to Thiepval memorial where a big crowd was attending. After lunch , we go to Thiepval Ulster Tower, and when was annouced "Ville de Grandvilliers and Ville d'Athy", Jacques Larcher, Maire of Grandvilliers, with Mrs Bernadette Crosse, representing the town of Athy, M. Eddie Davis and Miss Claire Teggin, youngs of our both towns, lay a wrath where are our both flags.

On our way back, we stopped at Pozières cemetary. M. Michael Dunne, here privately, had to lay a small bunch of flowers on the wall where his grand dad's name is engraved.

Great moment of deep emotion !

NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP IRELAND

COME ON to celebrate the 80th  ! next 20/21/22 september ...

Informations  : 

National Ploughing Association, Fallaghmore,
Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Phone 059-8625125  Fax 059-8625172

GREAT CRAIC LAST WEEK-END !!

From past Friday to Manday, we had a terrific week-end. Athy twinning committee chairman, Cllr Thomas Redmond, and his group involving a lot of new families (among them some french living in Athy) had worked hard for us.
No rest for us during that week-end !
Oise Tourism  County Show draw winner is Mrs our Miss Bernadette FLANAGAN from CARLOW.
There was some French flavour too with the Athy-Granvillers Twinning Committee, the Picardy Tourism Office and the MFR Agriculture College trade stand. French teacher Soffia Lambert was impressed. "We have been so warmly welcomed it is just brilliant. People are so nice, so cheerful, so friendly and chatting. We bought some local cheese and jam from France and we are giving out samples. It is all really nice."

More news later, and waiting them if you wish to enlist the group, ring 059 8631444 and ask your questions !

ATHY TWINNING COMMITEE CONFERENCE

Twin Towns Athy & Grandvilliers Celebrate Volunteering

Saturday 18th June, 2011

On Saturday June 18th, Athy and Grandvilliers Twinning Committees will host a one day conference to celebrate the European Year of Volunteering. 30 Grandvilliers representatives will be visiting to attend the conference and take part in special events in the town.
The conference will be held in Athy Community College, starting at 9.00am with registration and concluding in the early afternoon.
The conference will focus on voluntering in the community, on the many aspects of volunteering and how it can help to create a greater bond in the community.
Among the speakers on the day will be Sr Consilio of Cuan Mhuire,   Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of Rehabilitation Treatment for individuals suffering from addiction and other related issues.  Since its formation in 1966 by Sr. Consilio, Cuan Mhuire has treated over 75,000 people.  Its main objective is the rehabilitation of persons suffering from alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.
Also speaking on the day will be Anne Byrne, Anne has worked for KARE for over twenty years and was instrumental in the introduction of the Best Buddies programme to KARE.
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Finally on the day, Mick Power of the Kildare Volunteer Centre will present on volunteering and volunteerism, having established the Volunteer Centre in County Kildare, The Kildare Volunteer Centre is the organisation tasked with the development of all aspects of Volunteering in County Kildare, Mick is well qualified to give detailed insights into all areas of volunteerism.
If you or someone from your organisation would like to attend please contact conference organiser David Walsh on 086 8280878 to reserve a place. There are still a limited number of places available for the conference on a first come first served basis.

THE NAKED MAN ADVENTURER

One young man from Athy, Mr Keith Whelan, is rowing solo from South-Est Africa (Mauritius Island)  to Australia to get funds for kids, not any kids but those unfortunaly hit by HIV.

 Waiting you'll give a donation to :

He rows, rows and rows......during 110 days.

Bravo to Keith Whelan !

http://thenakedadventurer.com