Many visitors enjoy their time in Castletown
The Community in Castletown continued its busy schedule over the summer months with many visitors enjoyed the warm hospitality and excellent facilities.
Gathering of former Juniors
On Friday 21st July a gathering of 15 Juniors of the 1970s met in Castletown. They had a very happy get-together as they shared an evening dinner with the Community. Among the guests were some of their old teachers, Brothers Ben Hanlon, Cornelius Carey, Pat Gorman and Albert O'Driscoll. They dined and wined with speeches and photos galore before retiring for the night. It was a celebration of auld times some 50 years ago. It was magic and after a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, the group was profuse in their appreciation for the get together. Already plans are afoot for next year.
Mindfulness Group
This group numbered 40 adults who were vegetarians and spent the whole Retreat in strict silence from Sunday 6th to Saturday 12th August. It was an alarm clock reminder of our Novitiate days long ago.
Brother Kieran Creedon
Brother Kieran had spent seven years in Miguel House Care Centre and quietly passed away on Monday 14th August, reaching the ripe old age of 85 years. He was a lovable soul and had worked for many years in various Primary Schools until his retirement from these in 2003. Then in 2005 he began his second mission as a very active helper on the Retreat Team in Kilmacud. Being from near Macroom, Co. Cork, he loved the countryside and was always found attending the International Ploughing Championship yearly. His love for GAA knew no bounds and he always was able to get tickets for the All-Ireland Championships at Croke Park in Hurling and Football. He has three uncles in the Congregation - Brothers Albinus Leo Healy, Br. Aldrick Creedon and Br. Rupert Creedon. May they all enjoy the heavenly banquet.
Brother Daniel Carlin
The unexpected passing of Br. Daniel Carlin on August 31st took us all by shock. Danny was Headmaster of St. Joseph's College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the past nine years. One of the best Colleges in all Ethiopia and where Government Ministers are past pupils year after year. The funeral took place in Castletown on Wednesday, September 6th with Mass in the Divine Child Chapel in the Pastoral Centre.
Brigidine Sisters
The Brigidine Sisters held their Council Meeting in our Boardroom from 20th - 22nd August. Meals and accommodation provided.
Mary McCarthy's Group
This group came for a Baptismal function. Some members came as far away as Australia, Mauritius, USA, and England, not to mention several parts of Ireland. Twelve elected to sleep in our Community Residence with breakfast next morning. The ceremony was held in the parish church next door and our chef, Billy Moloney cooked the dinner which the guests enjoyed at Mary McCarthy's residence in Castletown.
Diamond Groups
a) The Cork Diamond Group was with us in the Pastoral Centre from 1st - 3rd August. This was their first time and enjoyed the experience to no end. The 35 of them will be back.
b) The Ridhwan Retreat Group: Ridwan is the Indian word for "Contentment:. This group was with us from 7th to 10th August. They loved the experience and told us they cannot wait to be back. Two Catholic Priests were their leaders and most of the participants came from Dublin.
Refurbishment of Castletown
The upgrading of the two floors over the kitchen area had begun and then halted towards the end of May. After many meetings with the architect and other groups in the refurbishment, it looks that the final phase is ready to take off by beginning of October, 2023 and should be completed by Easter 2024. It is a big project but worth waiting for its completion. Will keep our readers updated on progress. We trust there are no unforeseen gremlins hiding somewhere.
Local history
Castletown takes its name from an ancient castle with a commanding view on the banks of the River Nore. In the early part of the 16th Century was garrisoned by Sir Oliver Norris, son-in-law of the Earl of Ormonde, with a view to curb the power of the Fitzpatricks to whom it was afterwards relinquished.
The Castle itself was built in the 13th Century. The Fitzpatrick Family burnt it to the ground during their tenure to prevent the English seizing control. Today the foundations and part of the walls remain.
Do you know that County Laois is called The Heritage County?
The first people in Laois were bands of hunters and gatherers who passed through the county approximately 8,500 years ago. They hunted in the forests that covered Laois and fished in its rivers gathering nuts and berries to supplement their diet.
The village itself lies on the banks of the River Nore, set among peaceful green countryside and is centered around a beautiful Green. The village has won many awards over the years in the Tidy Towns Competitions, winning the overall National Title in 2002.
Today, Castletown is bypassed and is a tranquil village with a lovely setting of the River Nore where locals come to swim and cool off on hot summer days. There are waterfalls in front of the Old Mill.
The Mill, Castletown was built during the lifetime of John "The Miller” Roberts (1768-1830) who lived in Castletown. He was the owner of the Nore Flour and Oatsmills. Over the years the Cornmill was a thriving business.
Water from the River Nore was used to turn the large wheel outside the mill which was connected to the internal wheels where the various grain grinding processes were carried out. A weir was built to control the power of the water onto the mill wheel.
The De La Salle Brothers owned the Mill for a long number of years. It is now the property of Mountrath Golf Club.
From him it passed on to his nephew and thence to a Mr. White. This man was so fond of money that he refused to let the workmen attend Mass on Holydays. The Parish Priest approached him on the matter but he still refused and the priest told him that the Mill would become a rookery and so it did.