Offaly Older Persons' Network celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge with ceoil agus craic

Offaly Older Person’s Network celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge with a very successful and entertaining Ceoil agus Craic event, on Thursday, March 6, in the . Tullamore Rugby Club, which an excellent location for this event where over 130 attendees enjoyed an evening of music, song, stories, a set dance and craic.

The evening started off with Molly Buckley welcoming everyone on behalf of Offaly Older Persons Network and handed over to Alice Caroll who did an excellent job introducing the performers.

First up was Deirdre Fox who told a great story and started the evening well. Next to entertain was Jackie Kavanagh, who sang some Joe Dolan songs and had the audience singing along.

Pat Minnock followed and told jokes that had everyone in ‘convulsions laughing’ Philip Brad, recited two of his own poems and got a huge applause. Joe O'Shea sang a few songs and had everyone singing along. Rita Davis entertained the audience with two amazing recitations.

During the break Beth Wogan from Family Carers Ireland outlined the caring supports that are available in Offaly.

Beth thanked the donors of the excellent prizes for the raffle and the support from Offaly Older Persons Network and all the attendees at the event. The evening was a fundraiser to support Family Carers Ireland carers in Offaly and to date the event has raised over 1,000 euros.

After the break a Connemara set was performed by the Durrow Dancers, Eileen Dunne, Marie Coffey, Michael Craven, Tess O Brien, Christy Gannon, Regina Nolan, Jimmy Casey and Chrissy Cummins. The music was provided by Martin Newton.

There was a request for more jokes from Pat Minnock, he obliged and again had everyone laughing.

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Johnny Butterfield and friends entertained with music song recitations and jokes. Many of these songs, recitations and music were played throughout the years in rambling houses throughout the county with most of the performers continuing to do so monthly in The Thatch, Crinkill and Dan & Mollys in Ballyboy. Long may they continue to do so and this event shows that there is an appetite for similar syle entertainment. Musicians included Danny Guinan, Joe O Shea, Jackie Kavanagh and Johnny Butterfield himself.  

As the evening drew to a close Molly Buckley thanked all who attended showing their support for Family Carers, the musicians and entertainers who eagerly expressed their interest in taking part in this Seachtain na Gaeilge event. Thanks, were also extended to doormen Johnny Carroll and Jim Buckley. Thanks also to The Tullamore Rugby Club.

Thanks, also to sound engineer Dave Peyton who ensured that everyone could hear the excellent entertainment. Molly thanked fellow Offaly Older Person’s Network members: Alice Carroll, who did a great job as MC, Frances Kawala, Ann Teahan, Mary Hughes, Martina Gorman and Geraldine O Neill- Brosnahan, Ita O Kelly, and Beth Wogan and the supports from Declan Costello, Offaly Local Development Company. She also thanked Gerry Bruton, Age Friendly Alliance, Bridie Costello Hynes PPN and Eileen Hughes Regional Manager Age Friendly Alliance.

Finally, if you wish to find out more information about Offaly Older Person’s Network please feel free to contact: Declan at 087 6991226 or dcostello@offalyldc.ie

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