Christmas
festivities 2019
Christmas
season 2019 began on Wed. Dec. 4thth
when about 60 members of our group sat down to a lovely meal in the
beautifully decorated Gullane’s Hotel.
The
last monthly meeting of the year was chaired by Deirdre Hogan in the
absence of our Chairperson Mgt. Brennan. This was followed by
demonstrations of festive flower decorations by Rose Hogan. The
finished products were raffled later together with many more lovely
gifts. Nicholas Power then entertained the group with a story of
memories from his young days as a son of a Garda living in a country
area.
Kay
Murphy, President of Active Retirement Ireland, was our special guest
for the day. It was nice to meet and talk to someone from the higher
office. She had great praise for all our group’s wonderful work.
The
evening was a nice way to finish the year which is our 17th
year up and running. We should be very pleased with all we have
accomplished over the years.
Christmas Dinner/Dance with Brendan Shine and his band.
Our
celebrations continued on Tuesday 10th
Dec in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone . Again, a large number of
our group set off on a very wet afternoon to join a very large crowd
from many parts of the country for a most enjoyable evening of
entertainment.
On
arrival, we were greeted with a very welcome glass of mulled wine
which would warm your heart on a cold winter’s day.
After
dinner, which consisted of a lovely festive 4 course meal, we sang
and tapped our feet to the magical music of (the now) 88 year old Joe
Flynn . Looking and sounding as good as ever, we were able to join in
and remember all the words of the songs from our era. He brought back
many happy memories.
This
was followed by Frank Forde, the inimitable comedian. This was the
most hilarious half hour of fun and laughter we have had for a very
long time. If laughter is the best medicine, then we had plenty of it
that day !!!
The
ever popular Brendan Shine and his band then took to the stage. He
took us back in time as we danced to the music of the fifties,
sixties and seventies. We may not be as fast on our feet as we used
to be but it didn’t stop everyone getting to their feet to attempt
the foxtrot, the quickstep ,the old time waltz and the siege of
Ennis. The line dancers were in full flight!!
The
evening recalled for many of our age group happy memories of the
dances at the cross roads, the Maypole, the Barn dances after the
yearly threshing and the carnival dances.
To
finish off the evening all voices joined in the singing of all the
Christmas songs, - I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Jingle Bells,
etc. etc.
We
felt sad as we stood to at the rendering of “Abhrann na fhiann”
It
was a very memorable evening and we hope to be able to make a return
visit next Christmas p.g.
