Reunion attracts visitors from far and wide
The honour of cutting the cake at The Green and Barrack Street Reunion fell to L to R: Kathleen Kenny, Mary Newport, Aggie Barrett, Kitty O'Donnell and Esther McCormack
The Green and Barrack Street Reunion took place on Saturday night, August 18, and began with an informal walk at 4.30pm around the Green area, which was led by Don McCarthy. A group of approximately fifty people really enjoyed reminiscing and rambling around the lanes and streets where they played as children.
The 7.30pm Mass in the Augustinian Abbey was offered for all deceased residents from The Green and Barrack Street and a large group representing the various families attended the Mass, celebrated by the Prior, Fr. Martin Crean OSA. The poignant occasion was suitable enhanced by the presence of the Abbey Choir who sang beautifully under the direction of organist, Ann Barry.
The highlight of the reunion was the reception in the old convent hall. Following Mass in the Abbey the crowds meandered down to the hall and by 9pm the place was buzzing. Families and extended families travelled from far and wide to attend the reunion creating a fantastic atmosphere for the 170 people present. Everyone appeared to know everyone else and all expressed the necessity for similar events as many hadn’t met since back in their school years. Another encouraging factor was the cross section of local people who attended, young and old from several parts of Fethard, all with their own story of how they crossed paths with The Green or Barrack Street. The local organising committee supplied a tasty selection of buffet food, teas, wine and refreshments which really added to the informal format of the evening.
A commemorative sixty-page booklet of photographs and articles was given to all who attended and this also stimulated memories and conversation. The hall was also used to display a vast array of photographs spanning The Green and Barrack Street for many generations. This was complemented with an on-going ‘big screen’ presentation of photographs in the main hall and cinema room, these displays were both enhanced with snippets of recorded audio from residents of the past.
It was almost midnight before people began to leave, but, promising to return again for the next similar community event. A night to remember for all who attended!
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Weather for Clonmel
Thursday 20 June 2013
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Light rain
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