Carol Service.
Our local choir treated us to an absolutely fabulous evening on Wednesday December 14th. As we entered our parish church our eyes were treated to beautiful candles flickering throughout the darkened church and the most stunning flower arrangements adorned the windows and altar. Your busy day automatically cleared from your mind and you felt an inner peace and tranquility. The large crowd settled in their seats and were then treated to beautiful carols reminding us of how important Christmas is. The choir were conducted by Bridget Jordan and music was provided by pianist Damian O Brien and guitarist John Stephenson. We were also given the honour of hearing local man Ger Dower play his flute which I trully believe is one of the nicest sounds in the world especially when it is played so professionally. Our parish excels with talent as we witnessed in the many individual solo pieces within the choir and of course local soprano Lupita De Bhail who sends shivers up your spine everytime she sings gave us some beautiful solos. We were thrilled the Bishop accepted the invitation to come and he and Fr. O Byrne thoroughly enjoyed it.
Following the event everybody was invited back to the community centre for some mulled wine, mince pies and tea and coffee. A big well done to the ladies who arranged all that. This really was a wonderful evening and got everyone into that Christmas spirit. I can’t express how much I enjoyed it and I know I have met many people since it who say the same. It was a beautiful, relaxing way to welcome in the Christmas season and nice to forget and ignore the hussle and buzzle and sit in peace with just your own thoughts.
Our Sympathy.
We extend our sympathies to Tracy O Reilly on the death of her father John Flynn late of Riverview House, Cappoquin. John’s funeral mass took place in St. Marys church, Cappoquin and he was laid to rest in St.Declans cemetery.
We also send our sympathies to Brian Tyrell, Ballyduff on the death of his father Tony Tyrell late of Cleaboy Avenue. Tony’s funeral mass took place in St.Pauls church, Lisduggan and he was laid to rest in St.Otterans cemetery.
We pray that both men rest in peace and that their families draw comfort from the wonderful memories they left them.
Hall News.
I will have the results of the Monster Christmas raffle next week for you but I bring you news of the next event. The very popular Nollaig na mBan will be held on Saturday January 7th in Ballyduff Community Centre. Tickets cost €25 which includes mulled wine on arrival, dinner, dessert and tea or coffee and then you can dance the night away to a disco. Some brave men from our parish will cook, serve and clean up giving us ladies a much deserved day off. Tickets are in demand for this event and must be paid for in advance so remember to book early by contacting Marie on 089-4348844.
Mass Bookings
We have now taken the mass bookings for anniversary masses for the months of January, February and March. If you missed this and would like to book a mass then please contact me Linda Spillane and I will look after you.
Tidy Towns.
Our local Tidy Towns group who do such fantastic work around the area will hold their AGM on January 17th at 7pm in the community centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting and new faces are always welcome. The purpose of the meeting is to hear new ideas and discuss on going activities so your imput would be greatly appreciated.
Sweet Caroline.
Our parish was certainly plunged into darkness on hearing of the sudden and unexpected death of Caroline Kirk, Amberhill. Caroline was without any shadow of a doubt one of lives living angels. The only thing that trully made her happy was to help and comfort people in need. She had no time for injustice and just wanted people to work together to make the world a better place. She will be remembered with such respect and love throughout the many countries of the world she visited.
There are not many people who are 100% beautiful inside and out but Caroline was for sure. She had a genuine interest in getting to know people and was really interested in hearing their story. A gentle,kind, caring and loving girl has been taken too soon from us and however low we feel we can only imagine the hurt and pain her family and friends are feeling. All we can do is offer them our promises of kindness and care. If we all had just a little piece of Carolines character within us, what a better place this world would be. She may have left us young but she showed us what to do with life, live it to its fullest and pack in as many adventures you can. May your spirit live on in your family and may you soar high amongst all the other sweet angels. Goodnight Sweet Caroline.
Bridge News
The results from the most recent bridge game played on Monday December 11th are as follows:
1st: Sean Hennessy and Joan Hartery
2nd: Mary Kennedy and Margaret Power.
3rd: Geraldine McMahon and Breda Murphy
4th: Kathleen Collins and Patsy Roche
5th: Monica Sullivan and Margaret White
6th: Catherine Power and Anne Marie Brown.