Ballynacargy Comhaltas host Festive Meet and Mingle
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Younger members of the Ballynacargy Comhaltas branch waiting on Santa to arrive.Image 2 of 13
Sarah Tyrell, Lauren Brennan, Rosie Connolly, William Connolly and Ollie Mulvany.Image 3 of 13
Eugene Bourke and Oisín Walsh.Image 4 of 13
Paddy Wallace and Willie Penrose.Image 5 of 13
Organisers and participants with Santa and his Elf.Image 6 of 13
Linda Price, Tom Price and Michelle Connolly.Image 7 of 13
Ted Mulvany, Ollie Mulvany, William Connolly, Lauren Brennan, Sarah Tyrell and Rosie Connolly having fun pulling crackers.Image 8 of 13
Emily O’Hara, Caroline Maguire, Sarah Maguire, Molly O’Hara and Madelyn Maguire.Image 9 of 13
Patricia Tyrrell (treasurer), Katie Baird (youth officer), Michelle Connolly (vice-chairperson), Eiméar Mulvany (secretary), and Linda Price (PRO) of the Ballynacargy branch of Comhaltas.Image 10 of 13
Katie and Mary Baird.Image 11 of 13
Oisín, Ann-Marie, Jane, Paddy and Ciarán Wallace.Image 12 of 13
Kayleigh Gammell and Emma Dunleavy.Image 13 of 13
Amelia, Alex, Sam, Zayn and Daria Maher.Ballynacargy Comhaltas put a new spin on their traditional Christmas celebrations this year with a relaxed and family-friendly Festive Meet and Mingle, which brought plenty of cheer, treats and a special visitor from the North Pole.
Instead of their usual Christmas concert, which had children of Ballynacargy Comhaltas performing music in their multiple groups, organisers decided to take a break from instruments. The change was made in response to a busy pre-Christmas calendar and the challenges of organising a concert so close to December 25.
Organiser Michelle Connolly explained that the group normally held a Christmas concert every year where children played in their music groups alongside dancers; however, with so much going on in the area and many families busy or away, the decision was made to change the format for this year.
The event was held on Saturday week last, December 13, in Teach Cheoil, Ballynacargy. Families were asked to leave instruments at home and instead enjoy a music- and dance-free evening focused on conversation, community and celebration.
A highlight of the night was a surprise visit from Santa, who delighted the children and added to the excitement. Throughout the night, children enjoyed games, Christmas crackers and a variety of sweet treats.
Festive baked goods, including homemade Christmas buns Michelle had prepared, were also enjoyed by all in attendance.
The Festive Meet and Mingle was a welcome change from tradition and proved to be an enjoyable and memorable celebration for the Ballynacargy Comhaltas community.