The Christmas Miscellany was held in the Teachers’ Club on Tuesday, December 12. There were approximately 100 members in attendance. We were treated to a veritable feast of Christmas fare. The music was led once again by the inestimable John Johnston, who co ducted the carol singing and played the keyboard with gusto and finesse. Joe was ably accompanied by Peter Hughes on guitar and Carol Doody, Una O’Neill and Deirdre McGlouchlin on recorder. Una Johnston sang a number of solos and also performed a duet with Deirdre McGloughlin. 

Carmel Ui Loingsigh was a tour de force as the bean an tí, keeping everything going on time and ensuring order from all the presenters. Úna Ní Cheallaigh recited a numner of her own poems from a recently produced anthology of poetry. Mary Shannon sang two beautiful solos, Silver Bells and A Child is Born.

Joan Morrissey and Carmel Dempsey entertained us with a number of recitations. Una Johnston performed a lovely rendition of Winter Wonderland. Nollaig Feirtéir performed a rendition of the Wexford Carol. Bernie Mangan entertained us with some lovely renditions on the Saxaphone, which she only took up during the covid “lockdown”

We had two very important guests for the Miscellany, John O’Brien, our General Secretary and Mary McCarthy, President, RTAI. We were delighted to welcome our VIPs to the gathering and to give them a flavour of the boundless talent that we have in the branch.

Here are some additional photographs from the Miscellany. I am indebted to Donal Ó Loingsigh for these photos, Thank you Donal.