IN PICTURES: Successful 46th Kiltoghert Annual Christmas Party

The 46th Kiltoghert Adult Christmas Party held in The Bush Hotel on Sunday the 7th of January 2024 was an outstanding success.

All were delighted to have the party back on track after a 4-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For this reason the Parish Clergy and the Organising Committee would like to thank most sincerely all responsible for making this eagerly looked forward event the success it was in the past, and again in 2024.

A special word of thanks is due to the Management & Staff of The Bush Hotel for pulling out all the stops as usual, and for the excellence of the 3-course sumptuous meal served up to the overflowing gathering of 150 parishioners.

Since our last party in 2020 The Bush Hotel has changed ownership so our committee wishes the new management every success in their new venture now and into the future.

We also wish to acknowledge the huge input made by the Dolan Family (Joe, Rosie, David and their deceased parents Rachel & Jack) over many decades into the success of the party. Glad David made the party and wishing him, Joe & Rosie many years of happiness in their retirement years.

We are indebted to the Crossan School of Dancing whose wide ranging array of gifted young dancers augurs well for the future (thanks Laura & Claire Crossan); Caroline Conway's (O'Neill & Blake School of Dancing) youthful and delightful dancing group; Edwina's Sean Nós ar an tSionann dancers who enthralled us with their spectacular and awards winning routine; and finally The Killina Céili Band for their major contribution to the enjoyment of the party.

Thanks to the "Straw Boys" (Jim Flynn & Friends) for their major contribution to past parties and while we missed them this year we hope their decision to retire may not be a permanent one.

Many thanks to the business community (Local & National), especially in these challenging post-covid times for some businesses, and community organisations who were as generous as ever with their sponsorship; all who donated spot-prizes, gifts & confectionery; to the personnel who manned the door; to Deasún Lyons our MC who kept the show running smoothly; to the numerous dedicated and voluntary helpers who worked so diligently to bring the party to fruition; to the "Leitrim Observer" for its generous publicity, also photographer Willie Donnellan; to Dolores in the parish office and the Kiltoghert Parish Newsletter; to all who helped in publishing the multi-coloured invitations and sponsorship circulars; also all who helped in writing and delivering the invitations - the parish remains hugely indebted to all.

We were delighted to welcome to the party staff and patients from Saint Patrick's Hospital and Loughtown House (Summerhill), also members of the local Kurdish Community in Carrick-on-Shannon.

A full list of our generous sponsors will be published in the “Leitrim Observer” and the parish newsletter in due course.