The Christmas Miscellany took place in Club na Múinteoirí on Tuesday, 5th December, under the genial stewardship of Carmel Uí Loingsigh.  Carmel welcomed everyone, with a special warm welcome to new members, recently retired.

Carmel had a special warm welcome for our two musical “directors”, Joe Johnston and Joan Harding.  Joan accompanied the singing on the piano.

We were very pleased this year to welcome John Boyle, President INTO to the miscellany.  John briefly addressed the gathering and assured members that he is working tirelessly to ensure that pensions are fully restored and that pension parity remains a priority of his presidency and that of the INTO.

The proceedings began with a rendition of a few favourite Christmas carols, the singing being ably led by Joe Johnston.  This was followed by a medley of items performed by Mick and Eithne Shanley.  Especially poignant was their rendition of the “Fairy Tale of New York”

Carmel Dempsey then performed 3 parodies that were performed with panache and caused great hilarity and added to the humorous mood of the occasion.

Sean O Connor reads a poem as Gaeilge and John O’Carroll sang Coinneal an Leanbh Íosa.  They were followed by Fintan Walsh who gave us a virtuoso performance of Once in Royal David’s City and South of the Border, although he didn’t mention whether this was pre or post Brexit!

Joan Morrissey then performed a couple of parodies that had her audience spellbound.  Of course, no Christmas Miscellany would be complete without Joe Johnston’s Recorder Group performing a number of carols, which they did with polish and elan.

Noel Ferriter then regaled us with a knowledgeable talk on the background to the Wexford Carol followed by a rendition of the carol itself.

Carmel concluded the session by thanking the staff of the Club and Tadhg Mac Pháidín for their help and co-operation in organising the event, the performers and a tribute to Matt Reville, who recently retired as Branch Secretary.