Raphoe 5K
The Raphoe 5k hosted by the Family Resource Centre in association with Lifford Athletic Club took place on Tuesday evening 16th July, and we are once again deeply indebted to Brendan O’Donnell of Lifford A.C. for his expert advice and kind support.
This is the third annual race organised by the FRC, with this year’s main sponsor being Coyle’s Centra, Raphoe and we are most thankful for Coyle’s generous contribution towards the cost of holding the race.
The race is one of Donegal Co. Athletic Board’s Grand Prix events, and we would like to thank Herbie Mc Daid for his co-operation.
In glorious sunshine, a field of approximately 130 runners were started on their way at Meetinghouse Street by Edward Coyle, of Coyle’s Centra, Raphoe.
The first runner home in a new course record time of 15 minutes 19 seconds was Keith Shiels of Foyle Valley A.C. followed by Colin Watson, Finn Valley A.C. in a time of 16 minutes 12 seconds.
In third place was James Brown, City of Derry Spartans A.C.
Best local athlete was Jonathan Brown, who finished 9th overall in a time of 18:39.
It was lovely to see runners taking part from the newly formed Raphoe Running Club, Convoy Running Club as well as members of the local community.
The following Clubs were also well represented-Castlefinn, Lifford A.C., Finn Valley A.C., Letterkenny A.C., Foyle Valley A.C., City of Derry Spartans A.C., Milford A.C., Gowran A.C., Strabane Track Club, Inishowen A.C., Aura Leisure Centre, 24/7 Triathlon.
Well done to all those who entered the race and we thank you for your support.
The hardworking staff of the Family Resource Centre could not stage an event such as this without the assistance of a large group of people and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the following: our race stewards and time-keepers- Laurence Crossan, Alan Mc Menamin, Emma Mc Colgan, Dave Wheatley, Sonia Laird, Neil Meehan, Gavin Meehan, Edmund Mc Connell, Joe Porter, Lisa Quinn, Billy Sweeney, Maria Mc Carron, Liam Gallagher, Eunan Mc Carron for ensuring the safety of the runners by leading the race on motorbike, Edward Coyle for acting as First Aider, those who supplied and served the refreshments at the end-Olive Strain, Christine Cavanagh, Elizabeth Conaghan, Diane Gibson, Theresa Coyle, Frances Brennan, Majella Kilpatrick, Laura Mc Nulty who took the photographs at the presentation of prizes, Deele College for changing and shower facilities, Martin Laird, Raphoe Tidy Towns CE Supervisor for traffic cones and safety barriers, and Christy O’Donnell, Donegal Co. Council for traffic cones.
Summer Project:
Around 200 young people participated in this year’s summer project organised jointly by Raphoe Family Resource Centre and Springboard Family Support Project.
The activities, which took place in beautiful sunshine (well, most days anyway!) ran from Monday 15th July-Friday 26th July for the following age groups;-pre-schoolers; 5-7 year olds; 8-11 year olds and 12-17 years.
As in previous years the project was part funded by the School Completion Programme and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Ronnie Halliday, School Completion Programme Co-ordinator for his continued support.
Activities included: Coco the Clown, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Sports Day, Arts & Crafts, It’s a Knockout!, Chill Out evening, Nightline, trips to Lifford Cinema, Dizzie Rascals, Lisnagelvin & Peace Bridge, Lurgybrack Farm, and Bananas as well as a BBQ.
The Family Resource Centre would like to thank Melissa Laird, Shannon Gibson, Sonia Laird and Mark Cairns who provided much needed voluntary support during the project.
Afterschool Programme:
Yes, it’s nearly that time again already! Where did the summer go? The Afterschool Programme will recommence on Tuesday 10th September and we look forward to seeing some new faces this term as well as all our regulars.
We would also like to wish every success to last year’s 6th Class students who will be transferring to secondary school, and just to remind them that the Youth Café is available to them on Wednesday nights.
Registration for the Clubs will take place from 3-5pm on Tuesday 10th September here in the Family Resource Centre.
A once-off registration fee of €5.00 per child is required to cover affiliation and insurance fees and we look forward to your usual support and co-operation on that matter.
Best Wishes to Catherine!
Talking about the Afterschool Programme, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes and good luck to Catherine Mc Carron, the Donegal Rose in the upcoming International Rose of Tralee Festival.
Catherine was one of the very first participants in the Afterschool Programme away back in 1999, when the project then known as Raphoe Youth & Community Project was located in the Moffatt’s building just around the corner from where we are now based.
Even then we knew that Catherine was destined for stardom!
Counselling Services:
The Family Resource Centre is pleased to announce that funding has been accessed from the Family Support Agency’s Scheme of Grants for Marriage, Child and Bereavement Counselling Services to continue with the Counselling Service provided at the Centre.
The service which is free and confidential is by appointment only by telephoning 086 3601718.
Community Consultation:
Following a successful site visit by the Family Support Agency the Family Resource Centre has been invited to submit a strategic workplan for the period 2014-2016.
As part of developing the workplan we will be carrying out a consultation, in survey format, with young people, families and the wider community to hear what the main issues of concern are in the area.
We would welcome your support with the consultation, which will take place over the next few weeks.
RAPHOE WALKING GROUP:
The Raphoe Walking Group meets every Thursday at 10.30am in the Family Resource Centre. Everyone Welcome.
This is a brilliant opportunity to get fit (ter) and meet new people in your Community.
Little Smiles with Big Dreams
Little Smile’s is a local parent and toddler group that meets in the Family Resource Centre on Wednesday morning from 10.30 -12 noon.
The group is also open to grandparents/ Aunts/Uncles and childminders. This is a great opportunity for pre-school children to meet other children, enjoy messy play, story time and music.
Light lunch is provides.
SOCIETY OF S T VINCENT DE PAUL LOCAL UNIFORM APPEAL
We would be very grateful if you could donate the following: School Jumpers, School Shirts/blouses, School Ties School Skirts/Dresses, Coats jackets, Shoes/trainers, tracksuits school socks School bags/ pencil cases school books, All donations are to be left into the new Vincent Shop, Raphoe ( situated beside the AIB. Help us to help others.
Raphoe Boxing Club:
The boxers and officials of Raphoe Boxing Club would like to extend congratulations to boxer and local bartender, Patrick Friel on passing his driving test this week.
Well done Patrick from all at the Club!
The Raphoe Club will re-open after the summer break on Monday 2nd September when all new and former boxers are very welcome along.
Club coaches Gary Mc Cullagh, Stephen Mc Bride and Tommy Stewart will be on hand every Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from 6.30-9.00pm.