' The Hostage ' on Stage

GRANAGH PLAYERS:

Congratulations to Producer, Cast and all volunteers involved in the first weekend's production of ' The Hostage '. The cast couldn't wait to get going and you could feel the nervous excitement in the dressing room Pebbles After School Service use this room during the week so thanks to Natalie for having it all ready for us. She may come across some false eyelashes after the girls !!

It's not often you will see amateur drama groups taking on Brendan Behan, but that fact would not deter producer, Jimmy Sheehy.! He believes in a challenge and he knows the cast are well able to take it on. It has been the most difficult play so far, but everyone is very happy with the end result.

As you all know, Behan was a great man for songs and poems and so the play is interspersed with a wide variety. He wrote ' The Laughing Boy ' about Michael Collins and Patsy Power sings it beautifully. His poem, ' On the 18th day of November' is now sung by Tony Sheehan. That now famous song ' The Auld Triangle ' , which was first performed in his play ' The Quare Fellow ' , is our final song, belted out by Tony, in the style of Luke Kelly and the Dubliners. As it happens, it will be Kelly's 33rd anniversary this week.

We have had people travelling from Dublin, Galway and Waterford so far, as well as our local supporters. All that support gives the cast great encouragement and a huge boost, which makes them go the extra mile !! Mary and Lorraine, on make-up, encouraged John to have his nails painted to match his outfit and fair play to him, he agreed.. Definitely a first for John Bennett, as is his character this year.!! Theresa Noonan ends up with a week old stubble.... Jim Chawke has caught a chill after parading around in the Kilt for the weekend. Tom Noonan keeps his clothes on this time, while the girls have to reveal a bit more than usual. The catchphrase from this year's play - " You can call me Fergus !! "

To keep everything as authentic as possible, Tony Sheehan organised that a fresh pint of Guinness be delivered at 8.12pm.!! Lucky the Rock Bar is close by..... What they do for their Art.....

The set was painted by the very talented Grace McCarthy, as usual.

We are unbelievably fortunate with our Sponsors who have been so generous again this year. We usually have between six and eight prizes per night, all donated, plus €50 as first prize.

Thanks to all the crew, front and backstage, inside and out, without whom it would not be possible to run these two weekends of drama. Final performances Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 3rd, 4th, 5th Feb at 8pm nightly. Shop and Raffle each night. Adm, Adults €10, Students €5. Don't miss it.

FITNESS CLASSES:

Tonight, Wednesday 1st Feb, at 7.30 - 8.15pm, in the Community Centre. All fitness levels welcome.

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:

Lotto Results: 28th Jan : No Winner. Numbers drawn - 4. 19. 24. 30

Lucky dips: Liam Houlihan. John Chawke, Banogue. Kayleigh Twomey, C/o The Rock.

Jackpot for next week €5,400 Tickets can be purchased from O'Gormans Shop, The Rock Bar and Hickeys Bar, Croom.

CHURCH NEWS:

Wed 1st Feb: Candles will be blessed at 10.00am Mass. Grandparent's Day is also being celebrated.

Sat 11th Feb: World Day of the Sick. This coming weekend, Mass times will change in order to to facilitate anybody who may be unwell but would still like to go to Mass. Granagh changes to 6.00pm on the Saturday and Ballingarry to 11.30am on the Sunday morning.

Parish Clerks collection will be coming up in February.

GET WELL:

Sending our good wishes for a speedy recovery to Pat Enright, Monagea, one of our tea dancers.

WELL DONE:

Congrats to Joe & Bernie Carroll, Coolruss Christmas Lights, who have raised a total of €5,350 which will be divided between their three

charities, RonaldMcDonald House, Pieta House and St. Joseph's Association, Charleville. Many thanks to all who contributed so generously.

FÉILE LUIMNÍ:

Their first time to enter the prestigious Feile Luimni competition, Musica Fusion School, Charleville, run by Susie & Sophie Butler, came away with seven prize winners. The Intermediate Guitar Quartet took first place, which included Olivia Bennett and Eve Butler. Olivia also won first place in the Intermediate Solo category. The School is going from strength to strength. Congratulations to all involved.

IRISH RED CROSS:

The local south Limerick area branch are inviting new members to join as volunteers. It is a wonderful organisation to be part of where you learn new and valuable skills and meet many like minded people. You can be involved in community work, first aid and event cover. For more information contact Annette - 087-9161147 or Garish 086-2706902. Their offices are based at 58 Henry St. Limerick at 061- 468417.

FRC COURSES:

Courses in Ballingarry Family Resource Centre (beside the hall) every week. Parent/Baby/Toddler Group every Monday Morning from 9.30am, different Activities every week for the Kiddies. €3 per Adult per week Quilting/Patchwork every Wednesday from 10am - 11.30am, €3 per Adult per week Basic I.T every Friday from 10am - 12pm. €3 per Adult per week Arts Class every Monday night from 7pm - 9pm €40 per 5 Classes. Chiropody is in Ballingarry Family Resource Centre , this coming Thursday , 2nd February from 10am - 12pm, €10 per person over 60, no appointment necessary.