24 September 1997
Church of Ireland to decide on Bishop's replacement
The Church of Ireland Synod meets in Westport tomorrow (Thursday) when one of the decisions to be taken will be if Bishop John Neill is to be replaced in Mayo. Bishop Neill was transferred to Cashel earlier this year from Crossmolina where he had been located for several years.
Kenny/Naughten literary festival
A part of Mayo which is synonymous with the writers P.D. Kenny and Bill Naughten will celebrate their talent over the October Bank Holiday weekend with a series of literary and musical events.
Ballyhaunis, Knock and Aghamore will be the focal point of the activities to commemorate Kenny, who was from Aughamore and Naughten who hailed from Ballyhaunis. Kenny was the author of six books while the late Naughten won the Portico prize for literature in the 1980's.
"Mother of all hooleys"
Mayo Fine Gael meets in Castlebar tonight (Wednesday) night to decide on immediate and future strategy. The meeting will also decide on the positions of organiser and public relations officer, roles which are currently filled by Jimmy Nally and Pat O'Connor.
Given the success which 1997 has been, Fine Gael is not expected to field a winning tea.
With three TD's and two Senators safely in place, Fine Gael in Mayo feel it has a lot to celebrate this year. FG also holds the chairmanship of the County Council. Friday night, December 5th, in the Travellers Friend Hotel, is being set aside for what is being billed as the "mother of all hooleys".
Ceili postponed
A Ceili which was to have taken place in Kilmaine has now been postponed and will now be staged on Saturday November 22.
Final on Big Screen
Those fans unable to get to Croke Park on Sunday can view the All-Ireland Football Final on a huge screen in the Failte Suite of the Welcome Inn Hotel in Castlebar. The 12 foot by 8 foot screen is being installed especially for the Mayo-Kerry clash.
Death of Mayo born Bishop
The death has taken place in South Africa of John P. Murphy, Bishop Emeritus, Port Elizabeth and formerly of Binghamstown, County Mayo. He was 88..
Relatives include his sister, Mrs. Peggy Gallagher of Aughleam, Blacksod. Mass will be concelebrated by his successor Bishop M. Coleman in Port Elizabeth today (Wed).
There will be a concelebrated Requiem Mass on Friday evening at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph's Church, Binghamstown. The Bishop of Killala, Dr. Thomas Finnegan will be the main concelebrant.
