Feelystone / Bernadine Casserly / Tony Conboy / Midwinter / Message of Christmas

Feelystone Ltd

I took a set of photos in the newly arranged Feelystone Ltd Showroom to show you some of the kitchens with beautiful Feelystone worktops made in Boyle by the company.
• Feelystone have been approved as a GOLD STAR FABRICATOR for Spanish Company COSENTINO, and are one of only five in Ireland. Finbarr Feely says: "This is down to the hard work and skill of all our staff from our Cad Design, sales and ordering process right though to the manufacture and installation of the Silestone COSENTINO products".

• View a set of photos [here...]

Bernadine Casserly in Concert

Bernie sang, chatted and charmed a capacity audience in King House last night. This was a follow up to her full-house October concert. Bernie delighted with popular songs from country 'When You Say Nothing At All' and 'The Tennessee Waltz" forward to some classics like 'Danny Boy', 'Sonny', 'Wherever You Will Go' and concluded with a Christmas selection 'Pie Jesu', 'Silent Night' and more.
• Concert dynamics had Bernie perform with various musical backings provided by the excellent Thomas Cryan on piano, Enda on Guitar and brother Noel on bass.
• Tommy Egan presented the King house venue superbly as always, and the tireless Damien (Boyle Musical Society) operated the lighting beautifully.
• View a set of photos [here...]

For Your Information

Tony Conboy wrote: "I rang Barna Waste and was then told that since their next 'waste' day will fall on Christmas Day, collection will take place this Saturday the 21st. I imagine people might want a clear out since the next waste would then be January 8th. Call Barna at 1890 445 445 to confirm that what I say is right!
• A very Happy Christmas to you and all ... The GAA Quiz is on Friday the 27th and the Dodd's Traditional Music session on the evening of Sunday the 29th"

For you today, Saturday 21st

• Kelly's Londis: Warehouse Sale daily until Christmas Eve
• Boyle Origin Farmers Market 10-2pm King House grounds
• Daly's Drinks: Saturday "Strong Brew" 4-piece
• Santa will be at the Model Railway in the Trojan building at Elphin St. Boyle. 11am-5pm
• Boyle Musical Society will perform a selection of Christmas Carols on this Midwinters Saturday December 21st in St. Joseph's Church, starting at 7.15pm

 Midwinter

"The shortest day", "winter solstice" and "midwinter" are the colloquial terms used to describe the 24 hours around an annual astronomical event which occurs around the 22nd December. The shortest day marks the point when the days start to get longer and the nights shorter, and has profound cultural meaning around the world and throughout history. The cultural significance varies, but generally refers to a time of rebirth.

Take care this Christmas

Did you hear Aidan Lavin's very moving and powerful interview on Ryan Tubridy's morning RTE radio show? The interview is compulsive listening.
• Please listen to the interview [here...]
• Garda Christmas Enforcement Campaign: 413 people arrested for intoxicated driving (1st-19th December) 26,500 people breath tested (1st-19th December)

The Message of Christmas

Larger version of this photo [here...] More photos [here...]

Last night's Ecumenical Service in St.Joseph's Church was a joyous entry to the final days before Christmas. Three pastors, and three lay people delivered the Message of Christmas between seasonal carols sung by three choirs.  I brought the message home with me:

Jesus left all of us a message, to love, to care.
His words were ever simple, plain and so very clear:
"Be kind to one another throughout the coming year".