The Mitchelstown Senior Citizens' Christmas party, organised by the Friends of Tearmonn Ui Chaoimh and sponsored by Hodgins Sausages and Reidy's SuperValu, was a huge highlight in the social calendar again this year.

With up to 250 people in The Firgrove Hotel on December 8 for the sit down meal, organising the big day was no small feat, but it seemed that people from all facets of the community had pulled together to make the day the great success it was.

As the guests entered the hotel, they were greeted by staff members from Reidy's SuperValu, kitted out in full black tie courtesy of Mr Mister, before soaking up the carols sung by the CBS Primary choir and enjoying some refreshments. While during the meal, sisters Ciara and Aisling Dineen provided a wonderful musical backdrop with soothing melodies, adding a relaxing ambience to the whole day.

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

Speaking on the day, Delia Tobin of The Friends of Tearmonn Ui Chaoimh, said that the event is getting bigger and better every year, but only thanks to the hard work and dedication of the committee, seniors from Mitchelstown and those who help out in any way.

Addressing how much work goes into the preparation, Canon Tim O'Leary said that from 6am on the morning of the dinner, the volunteers had been busy getting the place ready for the big event and by the time people started arriving at 1pm, they already had a full day's work done.

Reverend Eileen Cremin added that she goes to a lot of these kind of functions within her parish, but that this is certainly was the biggest and one of the most wonderful, being the highlight of the year for many.

Delia stressed that it is the elderly people from the community who do 70% of the work and on behalf of The Friends of Tearmonn Ui Chaoimh, she thanked everyone who attended.

SPONSORS PLAY THEIR PART

The party itself was again this year generously sponsored by Reidy's SuperValu and Hodgins Sausages. Alan Reidy, who has been off sick from work for some months, told the crowd that he was delighted to be making this day part of his Christmas festivities once again.

"Today is a day I didn't want to miss, it is a highlight of mine and Marguerite's calendar year. Thanks to Delia and her committee, without whom this wouldn't happen. All I do, along with Mervin is put up the finances," Alan said, before thanking manager Jason O'Connor for keeping the store in order while he was away.

Mervin Hodgins of Hodgins Sausages, added to Alan's sentiments, saying that it is an event which they are delighted to be associated with and over the years, they have seen it go from strength to strength.

"It's our way of thanking you and your families for supporting us. We've enjoyed a wonderful meal, so thanks to Pat Tangney and his staff for the meal and for giving us such a fantastic venue every year to host this event," Mervin said, before thanking the CBS Primary carol singers and Santa for making the day even more festive.

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