Rounding up 2024 and our Ramblers' Christmas Diary!
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Moygownagh ramblers and their crafted Christmas wreaths. Photo by Billy Heffron,
Merry Christmas to all Ramblers and their families; together with our parish families at home or overseas!
Our Hallowe'en Ramblers Night was an enjoyable event. Although we didn't go out Trick or Treating: we shared some story-telling; most notable was "The Devil in The Dance Hall", accompanied by some spooky noises.
Following on from that; we had a lively discussion about events we may like to attend in the lead up to the Festive Season.
Christmas Diary Appointments for Moygownagh's Ramblers Group were wide and varied. All Ramblers did not attend every event: although, every event was attended by some Ramblers.
Thursday November 14th
Strictly speaking this was not a festive event, but it was the last Rambling House musical evening of 2024. Our guest, Antonette Hoban, received a warm welcome on Thursday night last. An accomplished musician and singer Antonette slotted right in: playing solo tunes, harmonising with our musical group; singing alone and also performing a duet with Billy, keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening . We are all looking forward to a repeat performance in the New Year.
Friday November 22nd.
The Moy Singers: of which Billy Heffron is a member, presented Carols by Candlelight; on Friday night, in the Great National Hotel. Despite the inclement weather of frost and snow: together with the onset of storm Bert; attending Ramblers had a nice time at the Carol singing. Santa Claus also made an extended appearance throughout the audience.
Thursday November 28th
Flourish North Mayo provided a free Christmas Flower and Wreath Arranging Workshop, in the Leisure Centre, Foxford on Thursday afternoon. Our Rambler arrived home with a beautiful wreath; she should be proud of her creation.
Saturday December 7th
Andrè Rieu: a Dutch classical violinist and conductor of the Johann Strauss Orchestra; which he established in 1987, presented the Gold and Silver Christmas Concert (Movie), in Ballina's IMC, on Saturday Night.
Whilst ascending the Winter Palace stage, Maastricht; to take their positions: ladies in beautiful ballgowns; gentlemen in tuxedos, were being serenaded by the violin music of Andrè Rieu; under the spotlight of 150 chandeliers, together with 50 venetian candelabrs, making the arena look like a scene from a Fairy Tale.
Although: dressed somewhat less elegantly, and in the aftermath of Storm Darragh, the Moygownagh Ramblers who were in attendance; enjoyed the movie's stunning extravaganza and the concert's restful musical ambience.
Thursday December 12th
Another year of Rambling House events reached their conclusion in the Learning Forum, on Thursday night. The tradition of Christmas Wreath making was the year's grand finale. Thank you once again to individuals and groups who continually support us in what we have set out to achieve.
(a) Stephanie Jennings for sourcing tickets: materials and grants.
(b) Una Birrane for our continious supplies of beautiful home-baked sweet-treats.
(c) Moygownagh & GAA Newsletter for showcasing our events.
(d) Moygownagh GAA for providing a snug, safe place to meet and interact with each other.
(e) Moygownagh Community Employment Participants: Avril and Bernie for publishing our updates.
(f) Liam Alex Heffron for creating and maintaining Pauline 's Ramblers Blog.
On a personal note: I realise I will never hit the big time and that my readership is small(ish); I appreciate that someone, who's living an already busy life, would take time out, to provide me with the opportunity to publish my creative writing on a public platform. I will always cherish the freedom my blog offers me to pursue my dream.
Saturday December 14th
CODA is a group of seven men of differing musical genres: Folk, Traditional, Blues; Rock and Pop. Established ten years ago: whilst living throughout Mayo; this group is based in Westport, they preform both at home and overseas, at festivals and venues. One such event took place in Killala Church of Ireland Cathedral on Saturday night. Special guest was, Freda Hatton, Harpest. Once again the Ramblers in the audience had a lovely musical experience. One Rambler was a successful raffle winner.
As the Christmas festive season dawns: our thoughts turn to the families of former Ramblers; Sean Mitchell and Michael Mulligan, who past away during the year. May their souls rest in peace.
Moygownagh’s rambling men prepare for christmas. Photo by pauline mahon