The weekend Gathering event is still a big talking point in Castletownroche and beyond. It was declared an outstanding success by Tom and Norrie Quinlan of The Spinning Wheel where many of the events were centred. The licensed premises was packed to the rafters each night.

Friday night’s TP Keenan Songwriters Song Contest reunion was the highlight, with a great and lively atmosphere throughout. The mini-market on Saturday was another success and proved an excellent forum for highlighting the types of small enterprise that operate in the area.

Top New York jazz band, The Hilltop 5 brought the house down on Saturday night, the reception they got rivalling anything they’d have received while taking part in the weekend jazz festival in Cork.

It was the children’s turn on Sunday wth an afternoon of Hallowe’en themed fun and treats. Entertainment on Sunday night courtesy of Lillian’s Roadshow also proved popular and the Mad Hatters Tea Party resulted in some very interesting and novel headwear. The event concluded with a happy hour and karaoke session on Monday evening as the curtain came down on a weekend that’ll long be remembered in the village.