Honoured at show gala opening

There were two special events last evening during the traditional gala opening night of the Kilcullen Drama Group's latest production, 'A Christmas Carol'.



A presentation was made to Kitty and Dick Reid for their contribution to scouting in the town, and a picture and plaque were unveiled in honour of the late Pat Dunlea.

In a preamble to the presentation to the Reids, master of ceremonies Maurice O'Mahoney recalled that the scouts were set up in 1977 at the instigation of Fr Sean Kavanagh and a number of other people.

"Since then some 3,500 young people and more than 100 leaders have passed through the scouts here," he noted, adding that from a humble start in the Tennis Club the troop had moved through several temporary premises until they got their purpose-built Den in 2000 in the Community Centre.

Accepting the presentation, Dick Reid paid tribute to all the leaders who had helped make the achievement possible.



The picture and plaque in honour of Pat Dunlea was unveiled by the chair of the Drama Group, Mary Berney, following a resume of Pat's lifelong involvement in community work in the town.

"Over the years he helped numerous groups who were providing sporting and recreational activities in the town," Maurice O'Mahoney said. "But he had a very special place for the drama group and right from the start he was involved in every production. He was also very much involved in the refurbishment of the theatre and then in the design and construction of the foyer and heritage centre where we are this evening."

Brian Byrne.