LOOKING SOUTHWith Claire Minnock
MEMBERS of Bagenalstown Fire Services rubbed and scrubbed the cars of the area as part of a charity car wash recently.
On Saturday 22 October, a group of firemen, along with some helpers, got down and dirty in aid of a new autism unit for the Queen of the Universe National School.
The unit, which was opened earlier this year, now caters for five children, whose families are over the moon with the new facility.
Members of the fire crew got their buckets and sponges out to raise funds for the ASD unit, and were thrilled with the response. There were plenty of tired arms after a long day scrubbing but the group managed to raise a whopping €1,012.96.
Hundreds of cars got the royal treatment as the fire services put in a tremendous effort all day long and even donated €120 themselves.
The event, organised with the help of the school’s parents’ council, was an overwhelming success and there was a “great turnout” on the day.
“A big thank you to the members of the fire station who gave up their time and put in a great effort all day long. We would also like to thank GRT Hire and Eddie Hutton for lending their power washers and to Connolly’s Topline, who were a great help,” said James Cody, PRO of the parents’ council. Marie McGrath and staff at the Estoria made sure the team were well fed throughout the day and the parents’ council sincerely thanked them for all their support.
“We would also like to thank all the people who turned up on the day to get their cars washed and who gave so generously,” added James.
“The money will be used to provide vital services and programme resources for the new ASD unit that opened up in the Queen of the Universe National School this year.”
Liam McCarthy Cup pays a visit to Goresbridge NS
THERE was great excitement in Goresbridge NS recently when the Liam McCarthy Cup came to town.
It may have been an hour late arriving but, for the pupils of the local school, it was well worth the wait and there were squeals of delight when the All-Ireland hurling cup and players finally arrived.
Friday 7 October is a day that will be remembered forever by the happy pupils in Goresbridge National School, who got their photos taken with the cup.
Goresbridge drama weekend has something for everyone
THERE’LL be high drama in Goresbridge this weekend as the annual drama festival kicks off once again.
Running from Friday to Sunday, eight acts will compete over the three nights as part of the Drama League of Ireland’s one-act play festival circuit.
Hosting it for the second year in a row in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, the Kilcumney Players were delighted with the number of prospective entries, which was whittled down to the competing eight.
Drama groups from Dublin, Cork, Carlow, Wicklow, Kildare and Kilkenny will take to the stage over the three nights, with a variety of one-act shows that are sure to delight the audience.
Well-known theatre and TV actor, Michael Twomey, will step into the role of adjudicator and cast a watchful gaze over proceedings.
During the festival, four groups who have already won All-Ireland titles will compete in the open category, while the remaining four will battle it out in the confined section. All plays are under 55 minutes’ duration.
Last year’s winners, Bradán Players from Leixlip, and runners-up Carlow Little Theatre, will return to the stage once more with two excellent performances: Chatroom by Enda Walsh and The Bespoke Overcoat by Wolf Mankowitz, respectively.
Also competing are the All-Ireland winners of the three-act festival circuit 2011: Kilmeen Drama Group from West Cork, who will present Disco Pigs, also by Enda Walsh.
The New Heritage Group from Kilkenny will perform Pictures by John Stack, while the other competing groups are Kilmant Players, Wicklow town with The Hebrew Lesson, Gorey Little Theatre with The Wooden Pear, Camross Theatre Group with Semper Fidelis, and Martello Productions from Bray, who will perform Sequence of Events.
The eight groups promise a fantastically varied weekend of entertainment, with something for everyone. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in both the open and confined sections. Best actor, best actress, best director and best production prizes will also be given out at the end of the three-night festival.
If you would like to become a friend of the festival, organisers are offering a €25 package, which includes full acknowledgement in the festival programme and two complimentary tickets for each of the three nights. Contact Mags Whitely on 086 8554128
to become a sponsor or friend of Goresbridge Drama Festival. All support would be most gratefully received. The committee members look forward to another successful drama festival in Ionad Dara. Tickets for any of the three nights can be booked on 087 4129215.