BACK TO THE SUMMER OF '69 for GRANAGH PLAYERS:

CHURCH NEWS:

Last Sunday, we remembered the anniversary of Richard Chawke, Liskennett. Ar dheis Lamh Dé go raibh a Anam dilís.

Baptism: After Mass, Fr. Tom baptised little Clodagh Carroll, daughter of John and Clara. Congratulations to the family, grandparents and godparents on this special day.

Thought for the Week: When it rains, look for Rainbows, when it's dark, look for Stars.

GRANAGH N.S.

Enrolment: Granagh National School is now accepting enrolments for Junior Infants, starting in September 2024. The Admission Notice and Admission Policy, including the Admission Form, are available on the website www.granaghns.weebly.com, or through the school office by contacting Maureen at (061)399081 or emailing office@granaghns.ie. The closing date for receipt of application forms is January 26th 2024.

GRANAGH PLAYERS:

January is never a long month for the Players, time seems to fly by and we could always do with a few extra nights rehearsal. This play written by Jack Reardon, at the ripe old age of 27, is about a night at a dancehall in rural Ireland in the Summer of '69 and is partly based on how his parents met in the famous Dromkeen dancehall. His Dad arrived at the Hall late as he had been helping his mother in their own pub. His friends were drinking in the pub nearby but he decided to go straight into the Hall and ask a girl to dance. He walked across the floor and said to this girl, ‘What's your name?’ She said, ‘Rebecca Richardson.’ Being surnamed Reardon, he said, ‘Well, when we get married, you won't have to change your initials.’ Forty-odd years later, they're still together and enjoying life. The story of many couples a generation ago.

We have assembled our cast for 'The Hucklebuck'. Our front man who introduces the Band and will definitely sing a few songs, Jim Chawke. John Kelly will also sing a song or two for us. The man and boy who is remembering back to those years, Liam Houlihan.

Our group of dancers, who have gone through rigorous training - Leah & Janice Twomey, Natalie Stapleton, Emma Noonan pairing up with the lads - Steven Hickey, Martin Treacy, Kevin Fitzgibbon & Donal Griffin. Thanks to Ann Fitzgibbon and Tom Noonan for helping out here.

We have Marylee Stapleton playing the part of the girl concerned. There has to be a priest, who used to stand sentry at the doors ushering people through, that's our John English. Our woman in the mineral bar is Theresa Noonan named ' the Passion Hound' who keeps a beady eye on the goings-on. There to give advice and criticise at the same time, no better woman for the job. We have Karis McMahon who plays Dolores who spends her time in the toilets crying over a broken romance !

We had to get together a band for this play and we're very lucky to have our own Roisín Lavery as Musical Director and keyboard player. We also have Eoin Butler, already a very accomplished guitar player. We imported Kieran Larkin from Banogue on guitar also, and our drummer will be John Daly. Our performance dates, Fri, Sat, Sun, 26th, 27th ,28th Jan, and 2nd, 3rd, 4th Feb at 8.00pm nightly. Shop and Raffle each night. Admission remains the same, adults ten euro, post primary students five euro.

CHOMHBHRÓN:

Our sympathies to the families of Annie Keating (née O'Grady) Kilcolman who passed peacefully, at home, in her 99th year, on 6th Jan. Wife of the late Michael, predeceased by her siblings Peggy Sheehy, May Byrnes and Paddy O’Grady. Deeply regretted by her son Michael, sisters Essie Chawke, Granagh and Kitty O’Shaughnessy, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. She was reposed at O’Grady’s Monday 8th with Requiem Mass on Tuesday at St Munchin’s Church, Knockaderry. Burial afterwards in Clouncagh new cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go ráíbh a hanam dilís.

WHAT's ON:

Thursday 11th January at 11am: Do you love crafts? Why not go along to Kilmallock Library and join the Craft Group weekly on Thursday mornings, recommencing after the Christmas break. You are welcome to bring along your own craft project to work on in the library whether it’s knitting, crochet, embroidery, art or something else entirely. The group is a great way to connect with other local crafters, share skills and experience and of course to make new friends. Meet like-minded people over coffee and a chat.

Coláiste Chiaráin present - Musical Memories, Jan 26th & 27th Lime Tree Theatre. Tickets on sale now at www.limetreetheatre.ie

11th January to May '24: Gardening Class: A fresh start to a new year in the outdoors. Learn about vegetable production, starting the at Charleville Cork College of FET. Time: 12.30pm to 4.30pm each week, apply to fetchcourse.ie code 441775.

Saturday 20th, 8.00pm; Bingo in Bulgaden.

Sat, 27th Jan, 10am-12pm, Newcastle West Community Centre: CNBC Women’s Group next meeting. This is an informal support group to provide a safe space to discuss the ups and downs of being childfree-not-by-choice.