Generosity blows Esther away

The generosity of people even in the middle of the worst recession the country has seen in decades was highlighted last night by Esther Reddy.

Speaking at the reception prior to the special performance of 'Poets in Paradise' to raise funds for herself and Sinead Dixon to go to Kenya with the 'Maintain Hope' project later in the summer, she said the response to the appeal has 'just blown me away'.

"Everybody going has to raise at least €2,500, and that's not easy in these times," she said. "People have been so generous, they just keep on giving and giving, even though there's much less money to go around now."



Last night's 'Poets' performance raised another €1,000 for Esther and Sinead's joint fundraising effort.

The 5th and 6th year classes from Brannoxtown NS, where Esther is Principal, also helped last night, performing a musical medley on stage before the play. They also recited a number of poems of their own.

"They are not our official school choir, but they've had great fun preparing for the night. They had all written poems at various times of the year, and because of the play's title they decided to perform their own. Their drama teacher, who comes to the school regularly, put the whole thing together with them."

Esther, a longtime member of Kilcullen Drama Group, says the evening would also give the youngsters a great stage experience, and maybe even spark an interest that would eventually find its way to future involvement with Kilcullen drama.

'Poets in Paradise' was written by James Healy for the Kilcullen Millenium celebrations. It was performed by himself, Bernard Berney, Maurice O'Mahony, Philomena Breslin and Vivian Clarke, all well-seasoned members of Kilcullen Drama Group.


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