Great 'Miscellany'

'Miscellany on Sunday' 2008, in aid of Michael Garry House, Newbridge, was very well supported. In fact, best yet.

All reports of well paid executives' abuse of expense funds, expensive 'hair dos', luxury travel etc at the tax payer's expense, all paled into insignificance with the huge turnout of generous, caring and happy people who came to support those who have nowhere to call home.

While the first group get the headlines in the national media, the goodness of the second group would go unrecorded only for our own local press. Long may you continue to spread the good news.

The weather, though cold, was great. Finbar Ryan braved the elements to oversee the parking, incoming and outgoing. Thank you Finbar.

Ann Fitzsimons as usual kept the mulled wine mulling, and she's good at it. Caroline, Olive and Lilian, with many helping hands, kept the gathering supplied with drinks and mince pies. Everyone was there to help and support.

The music and song entertained. Philomena Breslin's beautiful singing never fails. Phil ODonnell's wonderful voice followed, while Ludhaigh sang and played his guitar with gusto. Dorley O'Sullivan never lets us down and this time a quartet of young people grew in number when Denise Healy (Kildare Rose Of Tralee) and friend joined, Aoife Kelly then joined in and what a wonderful sound they made. They were a picture of happiness and fun even though they had given their Sunday afternoon to help the cause.

Clifford, Sean, Aoife and Roy were superb and appreciated by all. Annie Morris was a howl with her own 'The Dotted Line', her version of The Flora Ladies 'Mini Marathon'. Nessa Dunlea brought back memories to many as she recited 'The Old Woman Of The Roads' by Padraigh Colum. Then came Dick Jeffers with 'the Cremation of Sam Magee' and other Robert Service poems. Jo Doyle, yet again, was a joy to hear, as she read from her own book 'Labyrinth Through The Elephant Grass'.

It didn't end there as Andrew Buchanan took the floor, in verse. Bernard 's 'sermon' was, well, a bit different, as he began 'Dearly Beloved' (think I'll say no more). At least no broken limbs to report as the congregation took to the floor, when they fell off their chairs ...

The spontaneous entertainers came into the open, as Pastor Dunlop told a funny story, Andy Nolan sang and Jim Berney did his Al Jolson party piece.

Tim Gallagher, President of St Christopher's Conference of the Vincent de Paul, who look after Michael Garry House, spoke on how easy it is to become homeless. He gave details on how the hostel operates and also said that all street collections for 'The Homeless' do not go to them. Collections for Michael Garry House are clearly identifable by signage with 'Michael Garry House' plainly visible. He thanked everyone for their support.

A special 'thank you' to Roy Thompson. Roy tells me we are nearly on €3,000 and growing.

Phena Bermingham.

ED Note: Unfortunately your Editor was unable to be there due to business commitments abroad. But there will be pictures from the event later this week.