Local seniors enjoy party time
For decades the Birdhill Senior Citizens Annual Dinner has been a regular event on the calendar which scores of senior citizens from the area have looked forward to each year.
Organised by a small group of local people who have committed their time to ensuring the success of the event each year, the annual gathering is as popular today as it was when first held so many years ago.
Enjoying the hospitality of a four-course meal at the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina-Killaloe, and renewing acquaintance with like-minded neighbours and friends is standard for the afternoon of eating, drinking and being entertained.
Annual attendance has consistently ranged between 90 and 100 as newcomers are welcomed to take the place vacated by those who have sadly passed away.
The 2025 regular diary date was again a great success with more than 90 present served an excellent meal enjoyed by all with Seamus O'Toole and Friends group present to provide music to be enjoyed or for ‘taking to the floor’ for dancing.
Long-time stalwart of the small organising committee, Joe Kennedy, had words of welcome for all and remembrance for those attended in the past years who had passed away during the year. In particular, they remembered the late Mary Coffey, one of the original founders of the committee.
Her daughter, Nora Coffey, has followed in her footsteps to help Joe and Kathleen Bradley with the annual task.
Leading a prayer before the meal, Rev Fr John O'Keeffe, PP, also included remembrance for those who have gone to their eternal reward.
The free draw for sponsored prizes after the meal has been a feature of the annual event for years. The number of prizes donated never fails to indicate the scale of community support by the generosity.
There wasn't exactly ‘one for everybody present’ but neither was it far from it.
During the remainder of the afternoon the music provided by Seamus O’Toole and Friends included some interludes for vocal contributions from William Ryan and Tom Hunt before it was time to bring down the curtain for another year.
Well done to all for another enjoyable annual dinner and party.