Rachel Brederick, Margaret Errity, Winnie Conway, Phylis Broderick and Patricia Maguire, who went to Irish dancing classes together in Rathowen in the 1950s, were reunited for another dance on Saturday during The Gathering.

Rathowen's Gathering

Published: Tue 3 Sep 2013, 5:02 PM

Last updated: Tue 3 Sep 2013, 6:07 PM

The Rathowen Gathering was on Saturday 31 August and to say it was a success is an understatement. With more 200 visitors (who signed the visitor book), some from America and some from England.

The Gathering Museum in the community centre was full of memories for the many visitors and childhood friends who have not seen each other for decades.

They all got to enjoy the hundreds of photos which has been collected for the last four months by the Gathering Committee and digitally restored with the help of Anthony Tighe Photography; all pictures were on display along with the role books from the schools and it documented the history of Rathowen and some of its famous occupants down through the years.

The ICA were on hand to cater for all the visitors with complimentary tea/ coffee and treats donated by the community.

Rathowen can be proud of itself as the generosity of the community and businesses towards the Gathering was overwhelming and the committee says thank you.

Anyone interested in the photos can go to the Facebook page of Rathowen Gathering. Gabriel Maguire has all photos on the page and you can contact him with queries.

Musical Artist came from as far as Cork to play on the Gig Rig and in Connaughton’s Pub and they were entertaining and thank you to all who came. Also the pop-up cinema was a great success with various residents giving interviews and all was edited and put up as a seven minute movie. Thanks to Jimmy Keary for his reading of his plays and to Dermot Healy. Dance groups from Edgeworthstown, Legan and Ballynacargy and local musicians entertained.

The ladies football game kicked off about 6.30pm – Clan Gaels against Rathowen and Rathowen won, I fear there are a few sore bodies around this week after the game!

The Gathering Committee would like to thank Padraig Flynn and the board of management for the loan of their role books also the ICA and the gun club and Legan Vintage Club for help with traffic. Thanks also to Anthony Tighe for his skill with the photographs.

A special word of thanks to Peter Duffy, who along with his family Gavin, Ray and Brendan, made the Gathering the success it was. The committee organised a presentation to Peter to acknowledge all his work and also to Peter’s wife Chris. Gabriel Maguire also got acknowledge for his role in the Gathering and his gathering of the photos and history.

The comments in the visitor’s book said it all: “well organised”, “entertaining”, “most enjoyable”, “superb event” “lovely photographic memories”.