Weekly News 24th Jan

24 January 2011
DUNAMAGGAN NOTES
Dunamaggan Pastoral Council, at its recent meeting discussed the forthcoming Parish Mission from February 27th – March 5th. The brochure of the parish mission will be circulated to all households prior to the mission. The chairperson, Ned Kirwan, stated that volunteers will be required to assist with publicity including erecting notices, distributing booklets etc on the evening of the mission, assisting with the provision of tea/coffee on one night of the mission and assisting with the evening liturgies. The meeting was also informed by its delegated to the Southern Deanery Pastoral Council, Paschal Grace, that the Launch of the 2012 Eucharistic Congress preparations in Parishes will commence on the weekend of Sunday March 6th.

The Shrughawadda Players production of Move Over Mrs. Markham directed by Michael Dowling was an outstanding success. The play which is a two act British comedy written by Ray Coney and John Chapman. Suzie Hickey, in the lead role of Johanna Markham, excelled and showed the diversity and quality of her talent. Alan Butler splendidly filled the role of Alistair Spendlow, the house decorator. Annette O’Shea, as the young foreign housemaid Silvie, once again demonstrated the range of her acting ability with a superb performance. Caroline Doran as Linda Lodge, the wife of the man of the world Henry, was splendid in a very different role that previously played. Pete Dunne, as the almost innocent Philip Markham who was devoted to reading books and scripts, splendidly played the role especially when his business partner, Henry Lodge played by Martin O’Shea tired to enlighten him as to the ways of the world – a way of life which Henry lived to the full. This was a very different role for Marin from his previous roles and once again he showed his diversity of talent and competence. Eamon Murphy as Walter Pangbourne had a difficult part but like Martin O’Shea excelled in a different role from his previous stage appearances. Marie Kelly as Olivia Harriet Smythe filled the role to perfection. Rebecca Murphy as the risqué Ms Wilkinson, in her first role for the Shrughawadda Players demonstrated the quality of talent which the group has and its ability to stretch the boundaries. Rebecca’s performance, in what for many, was the most difficult role demonstrated a professionalism of the highest quality.
Director, Michael Dowling, once again showed his great ability at casting as each thespian’s performance ensured that the production would rank with the best on any stage. The hard work of rehearsals bore fruit on the four nights and the Shrughawadda players can now take a well deserved rest until the next time. This was the group’s first comedy drama. It is unlikely to be their last as it received tremendous applause and laughter each night.
The behind the seen work of Stage manager/coordinators Alycia Kearney and Jackie Kenneally, Set Designer, Sheila Woods, set carpenter, William Kearney and set Builders Joe O’Shea and Willie Kearney and Back Stage assistant Rubert Brew and lighting by Ciaran Moore ensured that the performance ran without a hitch.

Bridge Classes for Beginners will begin in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny on this Wednesday 26th January at 8.00 p.m.. The classes will run for 10 successive Wednesdays. The cost, including tea/coffee, for the 10 lessons is €20. Further details and information available from 087 – 2257498.

A Launch of the Latest Poetry Collection by Ned Egan will take place in the Priory Bar, Kells on this Friday 28th January. Gerry Moran will perform the launch and Brendan Corcoran will read extracts from the collection.
The Dunamaggan Parish Dinner Dance was held in the Ormond Hotel, Kilkenny on last Saturday night. The occasion was an outstanding success. During the evening there was a raffle for 18 prizes donated by local businesses. The following are the lucky winners: Brendan Moore, Tommy O'Brien, Phil Comerford, Daniel Reid, Susan Walsh, Tony Walsh, Tom Hickey, Tom McCormack, Karen O'Neill, Kieran Moore, Noel Hickey, Larry Costello, Kitty Keogh, Karlan Duran, Seamus Knox, Michael O'Sullivan, Mary O'Connor and Inez Sheridan.
The parish website DKK.ie was officially launched at the function. The G.A.A. presented its annual awards for Clubman of the year to Billy Heffernan who was presented with the Shirley Cup and player of the Year, Ken Moore, received the Rev. P. O’Neill trophy from Michael O’Neill. G.A.A. Club Chairman, Rev. Nicholas Flavin, thanked all for their support and voluntary contribution to parish activities. He presented dual All-Ireland medal winner, William Phelan, with a special award from Dunamaggan Club. William won all-Ireland medals with St. Kieran’s College at center back and with Kilkenny Minors at Full back in 2010.

Photograph attached: Ken Moore, Player of the Year, Rev. Nicholas Flavin, Chairperson, Dunamaggan G.A.A. Club, William Phelan, Dual All-Ireland winner 2010 and Billy Heffernan, Clubman of the year.