Offaly village hosts entertaining Easter event to support local Community Association

THE Shannon Harbour walk/run fun event and children’s egg hunt last weekend was in aid of the Shannon Harbour Community Association.

The committee and willing helpers made this a very memorable event for all participants, especially the children. It consisted of a walk from “The Harbour” down to lock 36 and back, twice, a 4k walk.

Michael Lyons did a great job as the organiser, aided and abetted by chairperson Patrick Kenny, Ruth Lynch, Margaret Lyons, Shirley McIntyre, Dermot McIntyre, Darren Joyce, alias Benny, Niamh Devitt of The Harbourmaster's House, Jackie Gleeson and lots of volunteers. Benny the Bunny organised the road crossings and the children’s groups. The weather was dry but cold. Over 80 people participated.

I spotted Cenoule Dulen, Sinead Devery, Teresa Cugulan, Martha McCormack, the youngest participant Cronadh Liddane, Kevin, Melissa, Shane, Darragh, Caoimhe, Paudie Lynch Banagher, Paudie and Hannah Mooney, Cathy, Reece, Roman and Megan Lyons, Celene Flannery, and Lucy Weir. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

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There was a Chocolate Treasure Trove for the children!!! One bag of chocolates for every child. The Easter Egg Hunt for the children had lots of bags of chocolates hidden in the grass. The boats and concrete were off limits under pain of chocolates being confiscated if there were any offenders. Luckily enough the children behaved impeccably, well done.

Six boiled eggs were also hidden. If a child found a boiled egg they were rewarded with a prize of a lovely gold chocolate Easter Bunny.

Finally there was a raffle for an Easter Hamper, with a second and third prize of a large boxed chocolate Easter Bunny. Michael Lyons organised this and invited one of the children to pick the winning ticket out of a hat. His jaw dropped when he saw the name. It was Paudie Mooney, he had picked his own name. No shenanigans, it was witnessed by all, so no stewards' enquiry. The second and third prizes were won by Alfie Flannery and Paudie Lynch.

I noticed bags of surplus chocolate being handed out to adults as proceedings closed, I myself being forced to receive one. I accepted it graciously, not wishing to offend!!! I can’t remember the names of other culprits!!!

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