Enniscorthy Extravangaza of Christmas Cheer:
A wonderful eclectic blend of entrepreneurism, local enterprise and home grown enthusiasm gathered together at the Riverside Park Hotel on Tuesday 20thDec for the Enniscorthy Lions Club annual Wine and Cheese fundraiser.
Showcasing jewellery, confectionery, wine, home baking, hats, candles, flowers and more, this colourful, vibrant event, the brainchild of the local Lions Club who are to be commended for creating awareness and interest in local businesses and craft people and what they have to offer.
The fabulous displays and diversity of exhibitors made it both an appealing and worthwhile evening giving the large attendance much to think about and choose from leading into the Christmas frenzy.
The festive fairy lit interior of the Riverside Hotel did much to contribute to the overall splendour and opulence of the occasion as the presence of The O`Duffy Cup and our 3 in a row All Ireland Camogie Champions contributed to that uplifting feeling and feel good factor that permeated throughout the evening. The choice of our All Ireland Champions as recipients of all proceeds made on the night linked success with success and winning with winning – a most worthy and excellent concept in the present climate and one that the Lions Club are to be applauded for.
The praise from the punters was flowery and forthcoming as they sampled titbits from Pettitts and Supervalu, admired Flowers By Grace, tried on fascinators and aprons by Alice J.Kelly, hats and scarves by Helen D`Eathe, savoured wines from Donohoes, wholesome brown bread from Ballyminane Mills, and delicious cakes from Blossom Bakes and Creative Toppers, and ogled the exquisite jewellery and beautifully perfumed candles from a wide variety of Exhibitors. Conor Morris and Lauren Reville Byrne students from FCJ Bunclody displayed prepacked baking products from their mini company and Jenny Crean displayed her delicate coloured glass mirrors, clocks, and frames. There were several collections of paintings by different and affordable artists and the Camogie girls themselves proved that they can do much more than hurl with their assortments of handmade knits and crocheted items.
A thoroughly enjoyable, pleasant and inspiring experience leaving one with the feeling that all is not doom and gloom in Enniscorthy – there is a lot happening locally and my compliments to the Chairman and members of the Lions Club for affording us this affable opportunity to view it.
Maria Nolan
