castletown notes

First Friday calls: A reminder to all who are sick and house bound that all First Friday Calls in the Castletown-Geoghegan area will take place on Friday, 4th September.Lakewise Wheelers' thanksLakeside Wheelers Cycling Club would like to express their thanks to the motorists in Castletown and Dysart for their patience during the Club's summer race league.The races took place on a number of Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. and the exceptional courtesy shown to cyclists helped the races to run in a safe manner.Lucky Numbers drawThere was no winner of last week's Draw and no one had three numbers either.The winning numbers were 8, 13, 24 and 27.The special draw winner was Seamus McCormack.The promoters' draw was won by Michael Garvin. Next week's draw will take place in the "Country Inn", Dysart and the jackpot will be €2,200.All-Ireland Champion againVery special Congratulations to Kathyrn Nea, Monaghanstown, Castletown-Geoghegan on her great achievement in retaining the All Ireland Solo Singing in the 15-18 year old category at the Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore last week.This is the second member of the Nea family to retain All Ireland titles, as Kathryn's brother Colin, won two All Ireland accordion titles some years ago.Wedding congratulationsCongratulations to Elaine Mangan, daughter of Dorrie and Sean Mangan, Ballyhast, Castletown-Geoghegan on her recent marriage to Ian Redmond.Castletown CCETullamore again hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and musicians, singers and dancers flocked to the Offaly venue for a wonderful week's entertainment. Our very own singing superstar, Kathryn Nea, retained her 15-18 Ladies Singing title and by all accounts gave a masterful performance.Kathryn joined the C.C.E. group on stage at Market Square Gig Rig on Sunday afternoon, August 23rd. Despite the rain, the audience seemed to enjoy the performance.Thanks to our singers, the aforementioned Kathryn Nea and Finian O'Brien, to all the musicians, especially the young musicians from our Grupa Ceoil. As usual, the audience loved the singing and humour provided by the duo of Dick Stokes and the legend that is 85 year old Tony Kenny.Also many thanks to our dancers, the Castletown Geoghegan Mixed Set and Streamstown Mixed and Ladies Set Dancers. Well done to the Ladies Set who came in 3rd place in the 12-15 Ladies Set Dancing competition held on Friday, 21st August in Tullamore Court Hotel.Well done to the Castletown Mixed Set and Streamstown Mixed Set who gave their all in their respective competitions. Branch Chairperson Enda Seery, despite not being placed, gave an excellent performance in the Senior Whistle competition in Sacred Heart School on Sunday morning.Castletown Geoghegan Senior Set Dancers gave a very good performace of the "Doraheen Set" on O'Connor Square Gig Rig on Sunday afternoon with music being provided by the Glenside Ceili Band.Attracta Brady and her organising committee are to be commended on hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann for three consecutive years. Cavan Town is odds on to hose Fleadh 2010.Music classesRegistration takes place for our music classes on Monday, 7th September at 7.00p.m. in St. Michael's Hall, Castletown-Geoghegan. Lessons will be provided for whistle, flute, fiddle, banjo and accordion. Music teachers, Siobhan, Padraig, Enda and Ciaran Seery will be on hand on registration evening to discuss any queries. Lessons are €5 per child, €8 for family of two and €10 for a family of three. Classes begin on Monday, 21st September, 2009 at 6.00p.m.Set dancing classesOur Set Dancing classes return on Tuesday, 15th September at the earlier time of 8.30p.m. in St. Michael's Hall, Castletown-Geoghegan. It is hoped that the earlier starting time will enable more people, young and old, to attend. Good interest has been shown so why not come along for a bit of craic at a very reasonable price of €3 for youths and €5 for adults. Nicky and Maura Finn will again teach the classes.Tea and refreshments provided.Monthly seisiunAfter the summer break, musicians are tuning up for the return of our monthly seisiun in Claffey's, Castletown-Geoghegan on Wednesday, 9th September, 2009 at 9.30p.m. Singers and dancers are very welcome too. Ea and refreshments again provided. Also this year, beginning on Wednesday, 14th October, Claffey's will be hosting a "Youth Seisiun" for all our young musicians with a starting time of 8.30p.m. - before the regular seisiun.SympathyDeepest sympathy is extended to Matt Dever and family on the death of his father, John, U.S.A. and to the Keenan and Quinn families on the death of Mrs. Molly Quinn, Killare and to the Dunican family on the death of Mr. Paul Dunican, Market Square, Kilbeggan.May they rest in peace.