Clonkill set for annual Christmas Market

Clonkill GAA will only be recovering from their celebrations after winning the U20 hurling final last Sunday when the Clonkill Christmas Market fundraiser takes place next Sunday, November 24, between 11am and 3pm!

This year is the fourth annual Christmas market in the GAA hall, and as in other years, proceeds will be split among the hurling and camogie clubs, and nominated charities and other good causes. Committee members are Vivienne Mulligan, Sinéad Uí Mhuricú, Oliver Scally, Karen Gavigan, Denise Muldoon and Olivia McGrath, “and a great team of volunteers”.

Sinéad, Vivienne and Oliver (club chairman) started the market upstairs in the GAA hall, initially as a fundraiser for their Lipsync act in 2016. They have since had to move it downstairs due to growing demand – this year they have more than 50 stalls selling crafts and gifts, from local as well as national suppliers. There is also a monster raffle with more than 40 prizes (first prize is four tickets to Aladdin), a café, a children’s activity area and – most importantly – Santa will be there from 1.30pm to 2.45pm. Then, to end the event, Niall Brennan, headmaster of Loughegar National School, and staff will lead the children from the school in a carol service.

There are more details on Facebook (‘Clonkill Christmas Market’), where Vivienne can get back to anyone that has queries; and Karen is looking after the Instagram feed. The proceeds are distributed to the hurling and camogie club, and nominated this year to receive shares are Taghmon Turin Social Services and the Loughegar playground fund, and there will also be a contribution to the Loughegar NS parents association.

Last year the day raised €1,700, which was divided among Ben’s Lifeline; TEAM; Annabel’s Allstars, and Féile Camogie 2019.