17-08-2002
Avril
airs talent as Gran and grandkid star at Mardi Gras
A Gran and her grandchild were among the stars at Mountmellick Mardi Gras Festival last weekend.
At the Fun Day on Sunday, Carmel Melia from Pattison Estate scooped the Most Glamorous Grandmother prize.
And to her nine months old grandchild, Duana Melia Thomas, went the Bonny Baby award. Second was Courtney Bergin and third was Caitlin Molloy.
Another
Mardi Gras star was Debbicott girl Avril Hannon. She came out top of six contestants
in the Air Guitar Competition on Saturday night, just pipping Eddie Conroy.
Avril who got great support from Dempsey's Bar where she works, has already
appeared on television since her win. Next week she will be in Helsinki in
Finland, representing Ireland in the World Air Guitar Championships.
Lord Mayor, Jim Blanc presided at the Festival. He raised the astounding total of €12,000 for the St. Vincent's Hospital Benefit Fund during his election campaign. Ted Laffey won the Lord Mayor's draw.
In the fancy dress parade on Friday night, Teresa Coss, Kirwan Park headed the adult section and Aideen Westman, Camira the children's category. The fireworks display on the same night, put on at great expense, could be seen from miles away.
Earlier,
the waiters' race had taken place, with victory going to Brian Reddin of the
Druid Pub - but only just.
Top face painters were Dean McGurke (under 16), Charlotte Kiernan (under 12), Magan Cummins (under 8) and Nathan Dunne (under 5).
Niall and Betty McElane from Portarlington won the Emmet Store Treasure Hunt on Sunday. Ron Lawlor, Joe Brennan and Mary Murphy were second. Fourteen cars participated.
In the final of the Indoor Soccer Tournament, the Central Bar beat the Blow-Ins (The Druid), and apparently, there were some blow-ups along the way.
A very successful Mardi Gras it was, say Festival PRO Marc Connolly. It had, he notes something for all age groups and attracted international and national media attention, thus helping to promote Mountmellick.
Festival Chairman Michael Gormley is holidaying in Spain recuperating from his Mardi Gras exertions.
Dublin City Ramblers
The above group will play in the Concert Hall on Saturday August 31 at 8.30p.m.. Admission €10.
This is a great opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Concert Hall while at the same time having a great night's entertainment.
For bookings please contact (0502) 24313. Tickets also on sale in the parish office.
Mountmellick Game and District Game Preservation Association and Gun Club
There will be an open clay shoot on Sunday, August 25 at Gorman's Bog, Tullamore Road from 10 am until pm, 50 bird sporting, practice trap available.
For more information click here
Volleyball
Volleyball training has begun again on Tuesday nights in the community sports centre from 8pm to 10pm. New and former members are all welcome along.

