Laughter is best medicine on night of dance and song
A spokesperson describes not just the event but the journey there.
“Seventeen of us boarded the bus bound for Mullingar. The rain came down in torrents but it didn’t spoil our fun. Everyone was in great spirits — from Margaret our president to Kate Fischer our props lady. Maura Ryan, Kathleen Connery, Eilís Sullivan and Helen Donovan were tapping their feet in preparation for the set and maypole dances.
“Jo Kelly (the rose lady) from Youghal had her basket of flowers neatly packed away.
Jayne Knight and Jean McMcCarthy (our musical directors) quietly discussed the pros and cons of the competition.
“From Kinsalebeg, Eilís Daly (alias Bertie) and Breda Murray with her wide brimmed hat were joined by Eileen O’Callaghan, our time-keeper and prop supplier, especially the very fancy maypole.
“Gloria Peacock came down Tower hill in her multicoloured costume and trendy sunglasses, Margaret Cronin had her fancy pink shawl wrapped carefully and was in full voice.
“Mary Conway was very cautious around her trouser braces and feathered hat, which any man would be proud to wear.
“Elsie arrived with the sailor outfit which put the twinkle in her eye and last, but by no means least, Pat Trihy the organiser — or maybe we should call her “Busman Pat” — kept us all in line.”
“Upon arrival at the Arts Centre in Mullingar, the ladies were shown to their dressing room and were allocated a time to view the stage.
“It felt as if we’d been in show business all our lives. The adjudicator’s seat was pointed out to us, which got nerves fluttering.
“We had 15 minutes to perform our sketch on ‘Summer’.”
With nine guilds participating, Ardmore/Grange learned they’d be number eight on stage. “Our time came all too fast and on we marched, belting out our first song ‘Summer is a coming in’.
“The time flew. We danced, sang and acted as if our lives depended on it and soon we were at the finale with ‘We’re all going on a Summer Holiday’ with Pat the “busman” at the helm.
“We didn’t bring home the silver but we were very proud of our fourth place achievement.
“A sincere thank you to everyone who took part or helped in any way — to Maurice Power and family for the use of the amplifier and to Eileen O’Callaghan, who brought us all to her home for refreshments.
“A bouquet of flowers was presented to Jayne Knight and Jean Mc McCarthy in thanks for their dedication.”
