Westmeath parishes unite for annual senior citizens' Christmas party
The parishes of Ballymore, Boher and Drumraney combine their efforts to host an annual Christmas dinner event for senior citizens in the area.
Netta Murphy from Ballymore, chairperson of the hospitality committee, explained that her committee, combined with the finance committee, runs the parish function every year.
“We get a lot of help from our parishes, Ballymore, Boher and Drumraney parishes combined, and this year to raise funds for this function today, we organised a table quiz here in Ballymore, which was a wonderful success and was very well supported from all the parishes, and we were able to pay for the total dinner today and music, refreshments, and everything.”
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Molly McLoughlin and Seamus Browne officially cut the cakes.Image 2 of 7
Netta and Joe Murphy in Ballymore.Image 3 of 7
Caroline Cassells, Fr Oliver Devine, Mairead Reilly and Seamus McDermott from the committee.Image 4 of 7
John Finnerty and Fergus Ennis from Ballymore.Image 5 of 7
Margaret Ryan, Nancy Cuffe and Una Ryan at the community centre in Ballymore.Image 6 of 7
Jame and Patricia Cassells from Mount Temple.Image 7 of 7
Bridie McLoughlin with Sgt Brian Stones (Westmeath crime preventation officer).Among the guests at the event on Friday week last was Fr Oliver Devine, who Netta said is “a great inspiration to us all”.
As well as praise for the local priest, she had compliments for the volunteers and workers who put in the effort at events hosted in the community centre.
She added: “Today we have a very special occasion, and we’re cutting a cake, and we have Molly McLoughlin doing it as she celebrated her 100th birthday this year, so we’re delighted that she was able to come – Molly attends bingo in Ballymore every Monday night as well.
“Also we have Sgt Brian Stones, Crime Prevention Officer, here, who gave us a great talk on crime prevention, advising people to keep their homes safe and locked up, and it was a pleasure to have him here today, we’re delighted, and we thank him very much for that.”
Later on Friday evening, the finance committee held their big parish draw; numerous businesses and individuals in the area sponsor the draw, and it helps pay the insurance for the church for the year – and the draw event was a great occasion in the parish as well.
The sponsors of the raffle are Thos Martin (first prize, €500), Declan Rooney and Michael Maloney (second prize, €300), Jimmy McKnight Fitted Furniture (third prize (€100), Frank Dillon (fourth prize, hamper), Paddy and Mairead Reilly (fifth prize, ham), Brendan O’Neill (sixth prize, bottle of whiskey), and Jack Slevin (seventh prize, J&L €50 voucher).
The winners of the prizes, in the same order are: Donie Boland, Mary Murtagh, Dympna Price, Joe McCormack, Brian Conroy, Ellen and Frank Murtagh, Bridie McCormack, Sandra O’Neill, Jess Hughes and Adah Cuffe.