Kinnegad Parish Gathering

The excitement is gathering in Kinnegad, as the parish Gathering starts this Thursday with the Pride of Place Presentation.

The Gathering is organised by Kinnegad Community Council with the support and aid of the groups in Coralstown, the Downs and Clonard. It is supported by Kinnegad Credit Union and Westmeath County Council.

Here are the details.

Thursday August 15, Pride of Place, Old School Kinnegad, 10.30am; Kinnegad will represent Westmeath in Cultural Tourism area of National Pride of Place. There will be a launch of Kinnegad’s new heritage boards. Traditional music Joe Bracken’s, 9pm, music till late with Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane and guests.

Saturday August 17, Opening Mass, Kinnegad Church, 7pm. Opening Variety Concert, Downs GAA hall, 9pm, two acts each from Clonard, Downs, Kinnegad, Coralstown, in aid of Senior Citizens. Music, Denis Coyne’s, Brian Coyne’s, and Scanlon’s, 10.30pm.

Sunday August 18, Cemetery Sunday, Coralstown Cemetery, 2.30pm, Annual event. Evening Traditional Session, Mary Lynch’s, 4pm, Music and light food. Music, Brian Coyne’s and Scanlon’s, 10pm.

Monday August 19, Walking Historical Tour Of Kinnegad, Meet Old School, 7pm. History of Kinnegad, Old School, Main Street, 8pm, Ruth Illingworth and local people talk about life in Kinnegad.

Wed August 21, Sporting Life in Kinnegad, GAA Club, 8pm A look at the history of Kinnegad GAA.

Thursday August 22, School Life in Kinnegad, Old School, 7pm, Rose Flynn former principal and others look back at old school life and viewing of the roll books. Set Dancing, Old School, 8pm .

Friday August 23, Kinnegad Live, Hilamar Hotel, 7.30pm, Concert by local young people in aid of the youth club. Traditional Music, Joe Bracken’s.

Saturday August 24, Ballad and Traditional Music Night, Hilamar Hotel, 9pm, trad musicians from all over Westmeath in aid of Rathwire School and Autism Unit.

Sunday August 25, Clonard Vintage Festival, noon to 6pm. Closing Trad Session, Paddy’s, Clonard, 8pm.

Other events include individual nights in the various pubs in the town on the heritage theme.

More information from Denis Leonard on 0876430783, Jimmy O’Connell on 0864091826 or Margaret Flynn on 0876812156.

This Kinnegad Parish Gathering Week is the main Kinnegad parish event but other events in 2013 included Royal Canal festival on May bank holiday weekend, the opening of Coralstown Kinnegad new facilities on 22 June, and the Coralstown Gathering Evening Social at the Greville in Mullingar on 26 October.