Celebrating Graiguecullen and Killeshin
THE recent revival of the 'Fiacc's Folk' annual marks a welcome return of a popular publication among the people of Graiguecullen and Killeshin.
According to Fr John Dunphy, the local parish priest, the revival was born in the mind of Fr Sean Kelly, then CC of Graiguecullen/Killeshin.
"The 'Fiacc's Folk' was to be a link, to let those away from home know what was happening and to give a reminder of all the important news," Fr Dunphy wrote in the foreword to the new edition.
The annual was produced each year from 1972 to 1988 and was then revived in 1998 for one edition, when Fr Tom Little was curate.
Last year, the responsibility for the production of the informative magazine fell into the hands of the Welcome Group.
Fr Dunphy explains: "It was their idea to revive the 'Fiacc's Folk' for all the original reasons that Fr Kelly had, but also to celebrate all the great moments of 2009 in Graiguecullen/Killeshin.
Last year was an important year for the Laois parish as St Clare's celebrated its 80th birthday, President Mary McAleese officially opened the new Parish Centre and Fr Dunphy and Fr Liam Lawton celebrated their silver jubilees. Graiguecullen also held its first ever St Patrick's Day Parade. All these events are recorded in the annual.
President McAleese's visit to the parish was a proud day for the local community. Her speech is also reprinted in 'Fiacc's Folk.'
Patrece Dempsey recalls, "It truly was a day of pride and celebration that will be etched in the memories of everybody who was there on the day, memories that will be relayed numerous times over many years."
Oisin House and surrounding areas were also selected to participate in the All-Ireland Pride of Place competition last year. Geraldine Brennan reports on judging day and the preparations to have the area looking its best.
Last summer, 30 young people from the parish took part in the annual youth pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick and Knock. Aine Shiels reports, "It took the group an hour and forty minutes to climb the mountain in what can only be described as 'wet weather' conditions."
"The pilgrimage was an enjoyable, rewarding and spiritual experience for all involved."
Meanwhile Ursula Hayden reports on the parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land last October. The report is accompanied by a number of pictures from the trip.
The 2009 annual profiles many of the clubs and groups in the vibrant parish. Music is a very important part of the Graiguecullen/Killeshin parish community.
The Killeshin Pipe Band have played and paraded at almost every occassion all over the country.
A highlight for the pipe band was taking part in the St Patrick's Day parade in New York in 2003. Over the last couple of years, the band has decided to stay at home and play in local parades.
However, this year the band will lead the second biggest St Patrick's Day parade in the world in Birmingham.
There are also many choirs in the parish. The Ladies Choir, Graiguecullen, the Graiguecullen Children's Choir and Graiguecullen/Killeshin Youth Choir are all profiled in the annual.
There's an interview with Killeshin native and Sky news weather presenter, Lisa Burke. Lisa talks about her memories of growing up in Killeshin.
Although originally from Edenderry, Co Offaly, Fr Lawton has been adopted into the Laois parish. Therese Sheehy profiles the musical priest for the annual.
Sport continued to prosper in the parish in 2009 and silverware was no stranger to either GAA club. Community games, soccer and athletics are all prominent clubs in the parish and all feature.
Up to 40 people meet up and beat the boards every Thursday night in Oisin House, Rossmore. Over the last few years these set dancing classes have gone from strength to strength.
Once a month they hold a cil with bands travelling from all over Ireland to entertain the dancers. Read about these dancers, The Oisin Players, The Woodland Ladybirds, The Evergreens and other local groups in 'Fiacc's Folk'.
The annual is available from the parish office, Graiguecullen, priced €5.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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