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NAGARHOPE - ELVIS - THE WAY IT WAS
WOW! What a truly entertaining night was had by all last Friday night in Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre. Elvis most certainly is alive and kicking with Kevin Doyle as Elvis and his superb “The Way It Was” orchestra. This amazing band gave up their night freely, despite day jobs and family commitments, and enthralled a packed house to raise funds for Nagarhope, Doc Clandillon’s charity, working to better the lives of children in Nepal through education. Our heartfelt thanks once again to Kevin and the band, to our main go-between Pierce and to Ian for the cool posters.
The venue was perfect. Thanks to Westmanstown, to Treasurer, Tony Twomey, to Jerome Twomey Senior for all his help and especially to Helen Kelly who brought it all together for us, and in such a courteous manner. We simply asked and it was done.
The night was a huge success both financially and socially.
Having Doc himself, present added to the night. He showed a video which he filmed on the school site in Nepal. Nagarhope originally built it as a preschool, which has run successfully for the past three years. In 2015 it was damaged by the earthquakes, had to be de-constructed and rebuilt.
Now, it is progressing to being a primary school with Class 1 up and running. Doc then read a poem which he had written just that evening. Finally, he presented Kevin with a painting of Elvis, painted specially by Doc himself.
On behalf of Doc and Nagarhope, many people must be thanked sincerely: our many friends who dropped leaflets in doors all over Lucan; ticket sellers; those who bought tickets and couldn’t attend; those who made donations; all those who attended on the night and created a great atmosphere; Ray Barnes for doing the raffle; those who helped on the door; those who sold and bought raffle tickets; Lucan Newsletter staff for advertising the event for many weeks and for their continued coverage for Nagarhope, with a special thanks for allowing us to use their ad on our leaflet; Mick O’ Byrne of Dual Printing who continuously supports us; Liffey Sound Radio and the local newspapers for their coverage; all our committee members; the following who donated raffle prizes: Stafford Funeral Directors, Michael O’Grady, Mullan Grid Consulting, Kathleen Roche, Cathy O’Neill, Flowers123.ie, Jimmy Doyle, Joe Whyte, Margaret Byrne, Caitríona Callanan, Paddy’s Barber Shop.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
Niamh Clandillon
The painting of Elvis by Doc, which was presented to Kevin Doyle and the band on the night.
Happenings in Season
Winter wind heaving under leaden sky
Light splintered through high trees.
Soon Spring slips across the silvered river.
Sun-washed catkins, and carpets of Anemones
Red-gold flare of Prunus leaves and
Blush of early Cherryblossom.
An elixir of Mayflower, Meadowsweet and Elderflowers
as summer sun leans across the whispering meadows.
Early birdsong in pale light –
Bless the days.
St. Catherines Park now offers “Tepees” and tunnels formed of woven willow, east of the children’s playground.
Sound of woodpecker drumming once heard in demesne may hav been a grey crow “clacking” its beak on a high branch!!!
Monthly water testing of Liffey continues near canoeing area. Apparently “run-off” can occur upstream.
Happy Holidays to all and a big thank you.
May we all find our “Meadows of Delight”
Breda.
The Coffee House rises from the ashes
This beautiful oil painting of The Coffee House is sure to bring back many happy memories for the people of Lucan. For a lot of them some of their happiest times will be associated with the wooden sylvan-type building which was situated on the far side of the Single Span Bridge beside Weirview.
Built by Hills and Shackletons in the late 1800s, it was hoped it would keep the respective workers out of the local pubs.
Much to the disappointment and amazement of many Lucanians, it was demolished in 1984 after falling into disrepair, and now is where the main road through Laraghcon estate begins. Many regarded the wooden structure as a unique and historical piece of architectural heritage that could have been restored and cherished.
Now Leixlip artist Eddie Finn has brought the building back to life with this special work of art. It's a remarkable painting by anyone's standards and would embellish any local business premises. Indeed, it is a reminder of a less complicated time rich with the innocence of a bygone era.
Eddie's contact number is 085 1379922.
By John Kelly (Leixlip)
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