THE EPA preliminary report into fracking, released last week has stated that the process is “not without risk” and recommends further research, monitoring, transparency and best practices to be established.

IT Sligo student Sean Watters from Manorhamilton is teaming up with Dromahair’s Brian McMorrow and Sligo GAA Captain Ross Donovan to organise a great charity challenge next month in aid of a Moldovian orphanage.

With mini make up demonstrations, discounts, hair styling demonstrations, product discounts, a champagne reception and lots of giveaways there are plenty of reasons to come and join in the first birthday celebrations this Friday evening, May 18, for Carrick-on-Shannon’s Benefit Cosmetics branch.

Howard Cusack R.I.P.
I know Howard would have been appreciative with the many condolences, cards, food and all that goes with good friends and neighbours, i know he would have liked to thank everyone for the multitude of genuine feeling shown over the past 15 years and especially the last 6 weeks of his life and I know he knew how rich his life was with such friends. Howard was so happy with Ballinamore when he first came back from London many years ago. The quality of life was so much better than any big town or city with family and friends to assist him if needed and I can add he had a good quality of life because of this. I would just like to add my gratitude along with Howards to you all for making his life and work in Ballinamore and Leitrim so rewarding and in most cases pleasurable. Thanks for all your kindness. Monica sharpley.

Natty Wailer Rasta vibes in the Culture Quarters
Will be playing at the CQ on the 2nd June @ 9pm…7 euro entry and all proceeds go to the Cultural Quarters.(Not to be missed) Work party still needed on Tuesday’s (light lunch provided) and donations still needed..Tuesday we are still running our Tiji Chi class 12-1 pm 5 euro’s (pay and go), Wednesday is meditation 8-9 pm, Thursday is knitting club from 2 pm…Lastly we are about to launch our new summer programmes for kids from 5 up…watch this space…and thanks again to all who have and still are supporting the CQ project…for further information regarding any of the above please phone 0864082630.

Sweet uplifting event in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Mohill.
Take your mind off all the doom and gloom and come along and join with the Leitrim based Sweet Spirit Gospel Choir, The Hunt School Choir, The Kilmore Cathedral Choir & Soloist Lorraine Vance for an evening of uplifting music and song on Friday 25th May in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland Mohill at 8.30pm sharp! The Sweet Spirit Gospel Choir & Hunt School Choir is under the direction of Tish Dunleavy. The Kilmore Cathedral Choir is under the direction of Dean Raymond Ferguson. Please support!

Church of Ireland
The Church of Ireland, Church Street, Ballinamore, Sunday service is at 12.15pm every Sunday except on the 4th Sunday which is held in Drumreilly Church, Drumreilly.

Leitrim Development Co. (LDC) has commenced a project to conduct comprehensive Analysis and Research on the tourism sector in the County. This work was agreed through the County Tourism Forum and a steering group drew up, agreed and invited tenders. The LDC Board approved the funding and the project will be funded from the RDP (LEADER) 2007-2013. “Europe investing in Rural Areas”
The purpose of this work is to establish a baseline on all aspects of the tourism sector (both positive and negative) and to formulate a series of integrated recommendations and actions which will ensure planned, sustainable development for tourism in Leitrim in the medium to long term. This should benefit all locally based tourism related businesses and also the tourists and visitors who come to Leitrim in the future. The process aims to involve as many of those contributing to tourism in Leitrim as possible whether individuals, communities, businesses, organisations, representatives, providers, networks, projects etc.
EmcG Solutions from Belfast in conjunction with TCC International, and Kevin Mc Govern and Willie Millar will carry out the work. Some details are attached. The project and the work involved are also described in some further detail (attached).
In order to ensure that the work is comprehensive, relevant and that it carries the views of those involved in Tourism provision in Leitrim I would be grateful if you could (as appropriate)

1. Assist the contractors in accessing all policy, statistics, documents and plans, review documents etc relevant to tourism in Leitrim
2. Assist Leitrim Development Co. and the contractors to contact and meet as many people as possible involved and working in the sector in Leitrim so as to build a comprehensive picture of what is happening currently (and in the recent past) and to get proposals / suggestions for the future.
3. Contribute to the project through the consultation and survey processes and by contacting the contractors with your views, with any relevant information etc. Include your ideas, proposals and views.
4. Inform as many people (involved or interested in tourism) as you can that the project is under way and encourage them to contribute.
5. Let us know here at Leitrim Development Company about your activities and about businesses, services, events and other items etc. (attractions, features, activities etc) which are bringing and supporting tourism in the County (past and present).
Dr Eileen Mc Gloin from EmcG Solutions is the main point of contact for the project and her contact details are as follows.
Dr Eileen McGloin
EMcG Solutions
4 Montgomery Road
Belfast
BT6 9JD Mobile: from ROI 00 44 78 94736567
Email Eileen.McGloin@emcgsolutions.com
Website www.emcgsolutions.com
Leitrim Development Company can provide funding and other supports to tourism businesses under the tourism measure of the RDP (LEADER) programme and we are and will continue to support and fund businesses, events, festivals and other tourism projects, initiatives and training. (including those which will be identified in this process). If you would like details of this support feel free to contact me.
Thanking you for your assistance and hoping that you can assist in improving and developing tourism in Leitrim for the future through this process.

Ballinamore Active Age Group
the next meeting is on Thursday 24th at 3pm in Trathnona. We are going to Lough Derg on 28th May. Will all members try to attend as we need to finalize arrangements. Anybody interested in joining us please ring Clare 071 9644945 or Maureen 071 9644116

A 5k May walk, run or roll in aid of Cancer Research will take place on Sunday May 20th 2012 starting from Aughnasheelin Community Centre at 1p.m. Entry Fee €10. Sponsorship cards on request – contact Cáit @ 0872123703. If you can’t walk you can still donate on http://www.mycharity.ie/event/the_may_walkrun_or_roll/.or by contacting the above number. If you’re donating but not walking why not join us anyway for refreshments in the Community Centre following the event. Come out and join us, you will not only support Cancer Research but you will also bring your friends and families together for a great fun afternoon!!

Seán O’Heslin’s – Scéalta na Seachtaine,

ATHLETIC CLUB – one week from today on Sunday May 27th at 2.00 p.m. we host the big Women’s’ 5K Roadrace in conjunction with Leitrim Sports Partnership and Leitrim County Board AAI. The event is supported by the Irish Sports Council and is an Open event held under AAI Licence. Today the Leitrim AAI Championships are being held in Manorhamilton at 2.00 p.m. with events for Under 10 upwards. Training continues Tuesday and Thursday at 7 00 p.m. Morning Workout Classes

Counselling Service
Bereavement and other counselling services available. Please phone (049)4372999.

International Eucharistic Congress – Important Updates – 55,000 tickets have been sold for the Statio Orbis through the dioceses and to the international pilgrims. The remaining 20,000 tickets will shortly be sold through Centra Shops nationwide. These can be bought in pairs. A list of participating stores will be issued soon. A special ticket which allows access to the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony is also available at a cost of €40. This special events ticket is available to buy on the website or by calling 01-2981122 . Tickets will be provided for people who attended the Eucharistic Congress in 1932 and their carer. A shuttle-bus will be available to transfer these special guests from Clonliffe College car park to Croke Park. Lunch will be provided for them and their carers in Croke Park at 12.30pm. If there any eligible people in your parish willing to go they can contact me at 049-4375004 / 0877673894
CSSL are keeping open their online booking service, however, the price of one day tickets is now €35. Tickets can be bought at the gate on the day; however, pre-booking will help to cut down queuing time. You can also call 01-2981122 to make your booking and you are particularly encouraged to do this if you are booking a group.
If you have a group going on a mini-bus or coach it is very important to inform the Congress Support Services by emailing coachparking@iec2012.ie with details about times and dates of travel, the numbers travelling and the name and contact details of the coach company.
All priests are asked to ensure that they have sent their accreditation forms to Bishop Leo, along with a stamped envelope, to ensure that they can concelebrate Mass and if necessary hear confessions, at the Congress. Accredited priests will be given a white stole at registration – those who are willing to hear confessions are asked to bring a purple stole with them.
IEC2012 has now joined forces with Nursing Homes Ireland and the Health Service Executive to encourage clergy and nursing homes to facilitate the celebration of a special Mass with the Anointing of the Sick during the week of June 3rd – June 10th, the week preceding the International Eucharistic Congress. The celebration will provide nursing home residents and staff with an opportunity to celebrate this international event that will promote a renewed awareness of the centrality of the Eucharist to the life and mission of the Catholic Church. Nursing Homes Ireland and the Health Service Executive are encouraging nursing homes to give consideration towards the celebration of a special Mass to mark the Eucharistic Congress and afford residents and staff the opportunity to participate in the celebration.
Ballinamore Childcare L.t.d An Naíonra – Irish Speaking
Enrolments now been taken for Sept 2012. Free Pre school year (ECCE) for Children born between 2 Feb 2008 to 30 June 30th 2009. Also Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme applies. (Reduced Childcare fees), to disadvantaged & low income parents. Open week for new children attending the service is Mon 11th June to Fri 15th June between 9.00am – 12.30pm any day. You will meet staff and see how the pre-school operates & see our daily preschool programme.
Tá failte roimh teacht sa Naíonra. For further queries contact An Stiúrthóir (play leader). Póilin Ní Mhoráin 071 96 45733 or 086 3777730.

Ballinamore’s Womens Group
A trip to Clare staying in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon has been organised for Ballinamores Women’s group from the 14th to the 17th of September next. Cost of trip which includes transport, meals and accommodation is €275 for members and €285 for non members. A Trip to the Burren and the cliffs of Moher will be arranged at an addition fee. A non refundable sum of €50 books a place which must be paid on or before meeting on the 6th of June. Enquirers to 9642909 or 9644785

Church News
Confessions Sat 12noon – 12.30pm
Collectors 25th / 26th & 2nd / 3rd June Anne Brady, Austin Quinn, Michael Fanning, Camillus Martin
Altar Servers Sunday 27th & 2nd June (Group 3) Cathal McHugh, Thomas Darcy, James Óg Maguire
Bring in the remained of your Lourdes collection and also Vocations & Diocesan Service Collection next weekend.
Accord Centre, Cavan: Getting married 2013? Contact Accord for your Pre Marriage Application Form. Book early to get your preferred date. We also provide Marriage and Relationship Counselling in strict confidence. Contact 049 4375004 or email cavanaccord@eircom.net
Pro-Life Meeting: Thurs 24th May 8.30pm Errigal Hotel Cootehill, Co Cavan. Dr Eoghan De Faoite will speak on the looming threat to Irish Laws and explain what we need to do. Queries 01 8730465

Company: Collins McNicholas, Location: Sligo,Leitrim,Roscommon, Salary: Negotiable

The Corn Mill Theatre Group were disappointed to return back to Carrigallen last weekend from the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival with no award.

Sinn Féin TD for Sligo/North Leitrim, Michael Colreavy, has welcomed the news that funding of over €197,000 has been approved for Glencar Community Park for the development of a playing pitch.

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD, Robert Troy, has called on the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, to be more forceful in Europe to properly represent the interests of Irish turf cutters.

In a very welcome good news story, the Leitrim Observer understands there are plans to renew the production of the iconic Bo Peep Jams and Marmalades brand. Production of this much loved brand is expected to soon begin in The Food Hub, Drumshanbo.

Company: Fastnet Recruitment, Location: Sligo,Leitrim,Roscommon, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Longford,Leitrim,Cavan, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Longford,Leitrim,Roscommon, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Longford,Leitrim,Cavan, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Sligo,Leitrim,Donegal, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Longford,Leitrim,Roscommon, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Sligo,Leitrim,Mayo, Salary: Negotiable

Company: FRS Recruitment, Location: Sligo,Leitrim,Donegal, Salary: Negotiable

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams responding to questions at a public meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon last week said Sinn Féin will ban fracking in Northern Ireland.

Fianna Fail Cllr Francie Gilmartin has told the Leitrim Observer that he has made the “personal” decision to vote no in the upcoming stability treaty.

Sligo/North Leitrim Senator and Labour Party Seanad Agriculture spokesperson Susan O’Keefe has welcomed clarification from Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD, that AEOS (Agri-Environment Options Scheme) 2 payments will begin in June.

RICHARD LYNCH CONSULTING – Salary: Undisclosed – Location: LEITRIM – Updated: 16/05/12

Video from Leitrim GAA Open Night.