Although he has a full diary these few weeks Santa made some time to visit the boys and girls Juvenile Christmas Party at St. Johns Park on Sunday. A large crowd of juvenile players and their families had already gathered inside the clubs gym to partake in the festive party provided. Music, treats, teas and coffees were provided catering for the needs of children and parents alike. The girls took on the boys in a toughly contested tug-of-war, but brains beat brawn and too much confidence (and maybe too much treats) from the boys handed the girls the edge. The camogie section at O’Loughlins will go into the 2015 season with the knowledge that these girls will not be afraid of any challenge put before them. Next up were the adults – the dads verses mammies. The mammies picked up the rope with a ruthlessness not seen since Brian Hogan upended a few Tipperary forwards last September. The dads, one by one, sheepishly took the other end of the rope but instantly gained confidence once part the pack. On the signal the mammies instantly made eye contact with their counterparts which clearly rattled the pack of Dads. Seeing the dads were finding it hard to cope under the pressure some of the young boys chipped in and the advantaged began to sway towards the dads. The girls weren’t having any of this however and immediately rushed to the aid of their mammies. Buoyed by their earlier success the girls pulled the advantage back on the side of the mammies. One last stare down the rope to the dads however, and a well-timed heave, and the mammies sent the dads crashing to the floor. Victory to the mammies. And good timing too as all were called by chief organiser Sean Hogan to gather outside.
The large crowd moved outside to see the magical sight of Santa entering the gates on his sleigh led by Rudolf, his red nose acting as a beacon as it navigated their way from the North Pole to O’Loughlin Gaels for this very exclusive visit. When he reached the club house Santa was greeted by a very excited and awestruck audience. All the children wanted the touch and shake hands with the magic man as he disembarked from his sleigh and he greeted all of them as he made his way to the grotto where he would meet every child and family for a little chat and ask them what they would like him to bring. He heard all kinds of requests from Playstations, x-boxes, nintendo ds to lego and footballs bicycles and jerseys. Anabel from ‘Frozen’ was a popular choice. As were nerf guns and ipads, colours and one lad was getting himself an electric scooter!
Santa will be busy for sure and was delighted to have the opportunity to meet all the O’Loughlin Gaels boys and girls saying it was a pleasure to listen to all their stories and laughter adding that they were a very happy lot before he and Rudolf headed back to the North Pole.
Camogie Club AGM
The O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club’s Annual General Meeting took place in the O’Loughlin Gaels clubhouse last Monday night.
The officers elected for 2015 were:
Chairperson: Joan Galwey
Vice-Chairperson: Gerry Buckley
Secretary: Olivia Collins & Mary Liz Lenihan
Treasurer: Eileen Cleere
PRO: Sarah Buckley
Registrar: Mark Brett
Development Officer: Jer Donovan
DLP: Helen Phelan
Senior School Carol Service
The ever popular ‘St John’s Senior School Carol Service’ takes place next Wednesday evening at 7.30 p.m. in St John’s Church. It’s always a great evening of joy, happiness and rejoicing in the build up to the Christmas Celebrations. The event always attracts a full house of proud parents, grandparents, siblings and many other relatives, friends and parishioners. The children deserve great credit for all their commitment and hard work in their preparation for this event each year under the expert guidance of the ‘Kenny Sisters’ who are long associated with the numerous musical achievements of the school for many years.
Great credit is also due to the Principal and Staff of the school, who together, facilitate, amongst many other skills, an exceptional level of choral and musical standards.
The children did themselves and their school proud at a recent charity concert in St Canice’s Cathedral where their standard comfortably matched any of the other choirs participating. So, don’t miss the treat on Wednesday!
Advent Reconciliation Service
The annual parish Advent Reconciliation/Penitential Service will take place on Thursday, 18th December at 7.30 p.m. in St John’s Church.
Amidst all commercial preparations for Christmas, we are urged not to forget our spiritual preparations also as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s birthday.
There will be ample priests available on the night, so please make the effort to receive the Sacrament this Advent Season.
The Kilkenny Choir and Kilkenny Youth Orchestra
Next Sunday, December 21st , the day of the winter solstice, we will be presenting our selection of early carols and plainchant, wishing light into this darkest day. This year we are delighted to be accompanied by Kilkenny Youth Orchestra in St John’s Church, Sunday 21st December, 4.30pm. . Lullabies for the Christ Child. Rheinberger; Byrd and various; Lullabies, Carols and Plainsong. Philip Edmondson; conductor. Tickets €8/€5 at the door.
Jim Kavanagh - Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Jim Kavanagh on receiving the well-deserved accolade
‘The Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year 2014’ at a gala Volunteer Ireland Awards Ceremony in Dublin City Hall on Thursday night.
The Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of campaigner and Co-Founder of the Aislinn Centre, Christine Buckley. The Award was presented to Jim by Clíona Buckley, Christine’s daughter.
Dunmore Cake Sale
Thanks to all who contributed in any way to a very successful cake sale in Dunmore last Sunday.