GRAND FINALE - Granagh Players:

CHURCH NEWS:

Last Sunday, we remembered the first anniversaries of Kay Horgan, Lisduane & Denis Noonan, Kilmore. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nAnamacha dilís. The Communion children were in attendance for their usual monthly Mass.

Ash Wednesday Mass: In Granagh, this Wednesday 14th Feb at 7pm.

Confirmation: Thursday 22nd Feb in Granagh at 10am.

Thought for the Week. Your life is important, Live it to the best of your Ability.!

GRANAGH PLAYERS:

What an unbelievable run or should I say - Dance - we have had for the last seven nights, it has been something really special and hard to describe unless you were there. Back in October and through the slog of winter rehearsals, no one could have foreseen how the finished product would turn out. The vision was in Jimmy Sheehy's mind, however, even he was amazed. When he first saw the play, it was purely two people with all that dialogue, dancers who did not speak and the band played for them. That would not have worked for us, so Jimmy was challenged to adapt the play to suit our audiences. Along with Marylee and Jim, they wrote the extra scenes to compliment the play and the era, which told the story of what else went on in the dance halls !!

Usually, the cast, crew and volunteers sign up for a six night run and when that comes to an end everyone is fairly exhausted. This year, from the very first night, the build up started. The car parkers on duty were kept busy and had the unenviable task of telling punters, on three occasions, that there was a full house. Our front of house, who have the job of meeting and greeting, also had to tell people in the queue that they could not admit any more. It is such a hard job, more especially if people had travelled a distance. When the news was relayed backstage, the question was asked if they could do an extra night.? To get forty or more people to meet up again at short notice usually doesn't work. However, thanks to the generosity of spirit and to two of the lads changing plans, it was made possible. People began arriving at 6.20pm and the hall was full again by 7.30, even Fr. Tom, with cash in hand, couldn't get in !!! It was a wonderful end to a wonderful run. Kudos to each and every person who helped out in any way to make this such a success. Because the volunteers take on, the many and varied jobs, the whole thing runs like a well-oiled machine - dare I compare it to " the internal workings of a combustion engine" !!!

Many thanks to the ladies in the kitchen, the ticket sellers, the shopkeepers and our bakers, of course.! From now on, New Year's dieting resolutions will have to start in February.! Thanks to the backstage crew who look after Sound, Lighting, Make-up, Hair and Continuity. To Grace Griffin & crew who created the bright background which was a perfect backdrop for the band. Thanks to all our extremely generous sponsors again this year, those who provided monetary funds or spot prizes. Thanks to the great audiences who attended and those who came back two or three nights even.!

To the dedicated cast, a massive thanks. For giving their time since last October, not only learning lines but learning dance routines as well.! We have a great age mix in the cast, from our newest member Leah Twomey to the slightly older & supposedly wiser elder lemons ! It was great to see the players themselves suggesting improvements and adding their own touches to the play, which came as a complete surprise some nights.!! If they spotted a known face in the audience, they were quick to include a mention. After a day's work, it takes an amount of energy to get psyched up for a two hour energetic performance, they managed to do it for seven nights ?? It was very much appreciated as shown by audience reaction and comments afterwards. The chat, the laughter and buzz of excitement in the hall, was just a joy to behold. People went home smiling and in good form, that is some gift to give.. Thanks to producer Jimmy Sheehy for finding this play and for his skilful adaptation & interpretation, which went down a treat. Finally to the band and singers, who not only lifted the play to greater heights but lifted all our spirits, every time they played. It was most unusual for a play to need a band but we ended up with the best.! Without the very talented musicians and singers the play just wouldn't have worked...

As we all retire on a high, for another year, it's nice to think back to how it all began - a mention by Tom Noonan to his sister Mary Liston - would she be interested in doing a play in Granagh.

So, only a few things are left to sort out. Fr. John is on the lookout for a good fee-paying parish, where he will have time to practise his artistic skills.? We are sending Theresa for some holistic treatment for her various ailments.! Donal and his dog are to take up Salsa classes next...

And all the ladies want to thank Kevin for his lovely gift of a chocolate Rose, which looks too good to eat.! A full-time charmer indeed....!!!!

MORE DRAMA:

Abbeyfeale Drama Group present 'The Banshee of Crokey Hill' in the Glórach Theatre. The show commences on Tuesday, February 13th, with further dates on the 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th and 25th. Curtains up at 8 pm, and tickets can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 087-1383940.

WestEnd Drama, Kilfinane, will perform ‘The Field’ by John B Keane this February 22-25 and February 29 - March 3 in the Old Chapel Rooms. Booking lines will open Monday 12th February at 6:30 pm, 087-1446387, text or ring.

Tue Feb 27th, 8pm, Schoolyard theatre: A Play on Homelessness, written and performed by Charleville Traveller Women's group.

The Empty Nest: Thur/Fri, 28th/29th Mar: Limetree Theatre. Starring Seamus O’Rourke and actor/director Joan Sheehy, in a hilarious piece of theatre that looks at how couples negotiate life after the kids leave, their dreams, disappointments, longings and uncompromising opinions on everything – Gogglebox on speed. Tickets on limetree.ie or 061-953400.

HPV VACCINE:

The HSE will be holding a HPV vaccination clinic on February 28th in the health clinic in Rathkeale at 1pm. Please call for forms beforehand.