What's happening in Birr - All the latest community news and events happening in the town

Discover everything happening around Birr and surrounding communities this week. From local fundraisers and social gatherings to competitions and spiritual events, there’s something for everyone. Read on to stay connected and get involved. If you have an item to add email [email protected] with the subject line Birr News

Wilmer Tennis Club

The next competition at the Wilmer Tennis Club is the President's Prize, which runs from May 12th to 23rd. This is an open mixed doubles event, which is graded, and entries are now being taken on www.tournamentsoftware.com. There are three sections, with the top section principally for Grades 1 & 2, the middle section for Grades 3 & 4 and bottom section for Grades 5 & 6. It is a round robin format with all matches in each group played on the one night. Matches in the top section will be played on Wednesday May 14th and Friday May 16th, the middle section on Tuesday May 13th and Monday May 19th and lower section on Monday May 12th and Tuesday May 20th. The knock out stages will take place from May 21st-23rd with the finals on the 23rd. The closing date for entries is Wednesday May 7th and entries are limited to 16 pairs per section so make sure to get in early to secure your place.

Membership for the new season is now due. The rates remain the same as last year; Senior - €150, Family €220, Junior - €30, Student - €50. Membership can be paid online at itsplainsailing.com

Carrig Tidy Towns Fundraising Breakfast

Carrig Tidy Towns Group will hold their annual fundraising Breakfast event in Carrig and Riverstown Community Hall on Sunday April 27th at 10am. This event provides a great opportunity for people to meet up with family, friends and neighbours. They look forward to seeing as many of you as possible and they appreciate your support and generosity.

Alzheimer's Tea Day

Alzheimer's Tea Day will be held on Thursday May 1st. Maria and Patrick Curley invite you to join them for a cuppa and a chat to help support families living with dementia in their house Harbour Road, Banagher, R42 V822 from 10am to 8pm on that day.

Birr Fáilte Isteach Conversational English Group

Birr Fáilte Isteach Conversational English group meets in Birr Rugby Club on Thursdays 2pm-3.30pm. Volunteers invited. New learners welcome. They are looking for new conversation buddies to their volunteers team. At these conversation sessions non-English speakers get to practice their English and volunteers – no teaching experience needed - provide support. Contact Anna on (087) 7422953 or email: [email protected]. All welcome.

Clareen ICA

Clareen ICA is the only ICA Guild in South Offaly. The Guild meets in Teach Tus Nua Crinkle (R42 RX05) on Monday nights at 8pm. Members have a cuppa and a chat and are involved in a variety of hands on training and activities including first aid, ceramics, mosaics, Chair yoga, needlecraft and many others. Clareen Guild is affiliated to the Offaly Federation ICA and members take part in many Federation and national competitions. Membership is open to all adults - new members are most welcome. Come along to Teach Tus Nua on a Monday night or ring Marjorie (087) 2140414 for more information.

Afternoon Tea

Midlands Living Links, a charity that supports people bereaved by suicide, is hosting Afternoon Tea at Aghancon Community Hall (eircode E53 FF67) on Saturday May 24th from 3-5pm. The service is provided free of charge. There will be a cake stall and raffle. Donations towards the work of Living Links are appreciated. 'Let's come together and make a difference'.

Divine Mercy Sunday

God called Himself by the name of "Love". It is an eternal love, everlasting and unchanging, which manifested itself in the act of creation of man, in the covenant on Mt Sinai, in the history of the Holy Land....revealed in the Old and the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the fullest manifestation of God's love towards mankind. "God is love" (1 Jn4:8). God loves each person with unlimited and undivided love. This love is His Mercy. Jesus in His teaching strongly emphasises this attribute of God, His Father. He reveals Him as 'rich in mercy'. The Lord said to Sr Faustina, Mercy is the greatest attribute of God. My Mercy is so great, that no mind, will be able to fathom it. On Divine Mercy Sunday celebrated on the Sunday after Easter Sunday we avail of His Mercy by reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet given by Jesus to Sr Faustina, by attending Mass at 3pm, and receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, where God in His Mercy forgives us all our faults and failings. 'God is Love and those who live in love, live in God'. Mass will be celebrated at 3pm on Sunday April 27th in St Brendan's Church, Wilmer Rd., Birr, preceded by the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 2.45pm. All are welcome.

Midlands In-Person Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Class

Ruth Kingston RGN; PHN; IBCLC; Prof Cert (Lactation studies), Member of the Assoc of Lactation Consultants of Ireland, is holding Midlands In-Person Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Class. Topics include: Benefits of Breastfeeding - For you & Baby. Components of Breastmilk. Anatomy & physiology of lactation. Hand Expression, Antenatal Harvesting. Positions of breastfeeding with practical sessions. Extra Skills. Interactive session. 1st Tuesday every month, 9.30am-12.30pm in St Mary's Youth Centre, Harbour St. Tullamore. For fees & booking contact Ruth; (085) 7782547 or [email protected]

Belmont Anglers

Belmont and District Fishing Club will hold an Open fishing competition on Sunday April 27th on the match stretch on the Grand Canal at Shannonharbour. Meeting up for registration and draw 12 noon. Fishing 2pm until 6pm. Entry fee €10, juniors €5. For more information please contact (087) 9383553 or visit Belmont Anglers Facebook page. Booking is essential. All are very welcome to participate.

Lourdes Pilgrimage

Lourdes pilgrimage from August 5th-9th (four nights). Hotel Roissy (€765 pps, half board). Flights from Dublin, Spiritual director Fr Tom Hannon. Further details from Phil (086) 3956299.

CRK Active Retirement Group

Carrig Riverstown Killeen Active Retirement Group meet on Wednesday afternoons in Carrig Hall from 2.30-4.30pm. Activities include board games, boccia, bowls, bingo, day trips. Also chair yoga on Fridays from 12-1pm. If interested contact Mary on (086) 8792096. Art classes on Thursdays from 10am-12pm. Contact Margaret on (087) 1343108 for details on art classes. New members welcome.

Pilgrimage

A Pilgrimage to Medjugorge will take place from August 27th to September 3rd departing from Dublin Airport. Staying in Pimk house which is just a three minute walk to St James Church. The spiritual director will be Fr Antun. Anyone interested in travelling can contact Maria on (087) 2826088.

Drop In Café

Are you looking for a friendly place to connect with others? Come along to the drop-in café and join them for a cuppa and chat every Friday from 11.30am to 1pm at the new LOETB building in Birr. Bring a friend, make new ones, and enjoy the warm atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Aoife on (087) 738 5989.