Drama group has them laughing in the aisles

LOOKING SOUTH
With Clare Minnock
BUNCLODY Kilmyshall Drama Group brought down the house with their performance of the Beauty Queen of Leenane last week.

The local group played a sold-out show on their opening night at the Carlton Millrace Hotel, Bunclody and had a fantastic turnout throughout the week.

Sponsors and advertisers enjoyed a cheese and wine reception, sponsored by Crane and Co Solicitors, before the debut show on Sunday 6 November.

The group, directed by Pat Connaughton, comprised an excellent cast of local stalwarts Mary Gibson, Josephine Byrne, Tommy Murphy and Fergal Kelly.

“They brought the house down. There was uproarious laughter and Pat is very experienced and well known. It went down really well,” said PRO Sinead O’Gorman.

The group received great applause each night after their show on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The hilarious play, set in a Connemara kitchen in the 1990s, follows a spinster and her contrary, contriving mother.

The local drama group thanked everyone who sponsored the run of shows and all those who came out in support of the cast and crew.

Festival group works wonders for B’town homecare committee

THIS YEAR’S Bagenalstown Festival raised a fantastic €500 for the local homecare committee.

Proceeds from the annual festival were handed over to the charity after another very successful event.

The festival committee presented a cheque at a recent cabaret night in Joe Nolan’s, Fenagh.

The 14th annual cabaret night was organised once again in aid of the homecare team and proved a great evening’s entertainment.

Both committees wish to thank everyone who helped raise the funds, which will be put to good use in the locality.

Karate kids excel

THERE are lots of karate kids floating around Ballinabranna practising their blocks, punches and strikes.

And their very own Mr Miyagi, aka Sensei Noel Amond, is teaching them all the tricks of the trade.

The local karate club recently competed in the national karate competition in Tallaght and brought home a total of six medals - three gold, one silver and two bronze.

Barrow’s beauty on display at Graig Library

THE BEAUTY of the Barrow will be on display for all to see at this week’s meeting of Graignamanagh Historical Society.

The local group welcomes guest speaker Arthur Keppel, president of the Barrow Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland on Friday 18 November.

Mr Keppel will give a talk about his boating trip up the Barrow from St Mullins to Athy, alongside stunning photographs of the journey by Nuala Grogan, secretary of Carlow Photographic Society.

The journey along the Barrow is one that many people regularly enjoy, and the talk promises to be a great reminder of the fantastic scenery we have on our doorstep.

The evening begins at 8pm in Graignamanagh Library and admission is €3 to non-historical society members. All are welcome to attend.