Myshall kids welcome Santa and his special helper

LOOKING SOUTH
With Clare Minnock
SANTA stopped off in Myshall recently for a special visit to all the little boys and girls.

The Myshall parent and toddler group and Montessori school welcomed the merry man himself on Friday 9 December with plenty of happy faces.

The youngsters were in awe of Santa and his friend Wibbly Wobbly Wendy when they stopped by the local GAA clubhouse, where the group meets every week.

There was plenty of singing, wobbling and fun on the morning, which was held just in time for Santa to make sure all the toddlers (and a few of the parents) made it onto the nice list.

Staff at the toddler group and Montessori school said a big “thank you” to local councillor Charlie Murphy for his “kind donation towards the cost of the morning”.

The group meets every Friday morning in the clubhouse and new members are always welcome.

“Both the parent and toddler group and Montessori school would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped with organising the party and to all the parents and children who attended. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas,” they added.

Anyone who would like to join the group can contact Niamh on 086 3034264. Myshall Montessori School is open Monday to Friday in Myshall Community Centre. For further information or bookings, contact Fidelma on 085 7481829.

Tinryland out in force for X-Mas Factor
By Sarah Rowe

TALENTED locals hit a high note for Tinryland GFC in the club’s X-Mas Factor talent competition recently.

“We organised the competition to raise funds for the club, with a €200 prize for the winner. And I must say, it was mighty craic and the talent was unbelievable,” said organising committee member Mick Murphy.

Ten all-singing acts entered the competition in Tinryland clubhouse, which resulted in a four-act sing-off between Danielle Power, The Coup, Aideen Byrne and traditional band Wrong Direction.

“We had a full house and each entrant had a vote along with the judges – Josie Kelly, who used to be lead singer with local band Seán ‘Bán’ Doyle, who now sings with Roisin Dubh, and Brian ‘love ya man’ Doyle, who calls himself a ‘music expert’,” Mick laughed.

But it was Aideen Byrne who won over the crowd with her lyrical talents to claim the XMas Factor title.

“She was brilliant – they all were, but she won the overall prize and the runners-up got a round of applause,” said Mick jokingly.

Royal award for Aisling

Aisling Gilmartin from Old Leighlin recently received a high achiever award from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Aisling was presented with her award at a ceremony in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Sunday 20 November. She is a pupil of Declan Devine from Leighlinbridge and received the award for her performance in the grade seven piano examination.