Heritage Day at Locke's Distillery Museum

Those invited to Heritage Day at Locke's Distillery Museum on Sunday past were treated to a wealth of talent from Kilbeggan and as well as an education in the town's proud history.Organised by the town's own Kitty Flynn and compered by Anne Corcoran, the afternoon saw a mixture of poets, writers, musicians and story tellers take to the stage - and in doing so, prove how much Kilbeggan has to offer.Stan McCormack's reminiscences on being a teenager in the town were well received and he recalled the dark winters before the light of television came into Kilbeggan households."I remember that summer here were long days filled with sunshine but the winters were long dark and full of visits to Mass for October devotions, Christmas Eve Mass, and then came the Lent and Easter devotions. There was a lot of kneeling and praying," he laughed.But Stan also recalled triumphant trips to All Ireland football finals, the Andy Hennessey showband in St James's Hall and that the "good outweighed the bad" during the years of his youth.Stan also told of his admiration for people of Kilbeggan's older generation of that time and quoted "When times were tough, there was just enough.... from The 'Town I loved So Well'."People reared their families first and fore mostly and made sure that they were fed and educated even when they just had enough. They cycled long journeys in all weathers to get to work and I and am filled with admiration for them," he said.Poetry recitals from Molty Carey, Nan Moore, Dan Scally and Cathal McDaniel who had travelled from Dublin for the occasion were also well received. And there was a beautiful prose reading of short stories from Mullingar Scribbler Grace Brennan.After a conclusion delivered by John Deegan, refreshments were served in The Pantry restaurant next door.Kilbeggan NotesKilbeggan/Ballinagore Social ServicesWill be holding a table quiz in the Bodhrán Bar in Ballinagore on Friday October 16 at 9pm. There will be spot prizes on the night. Your support would be greatly appreciated.Grand Canal Annual Fun WalkSunday October4. The bus leaving Harbour 1.30pm Walk commences at Ballycommon at 2.00pm. Come and enjoy eight scenic miles. Enquiries to Mary Fox on 057 9332213 or Dan Scally 057 9332316/ 0872770141.Young at Heart GroupThe Young at Heart active retirement group meet on Mondays from 3pm to 5pm in the SWEETS meeting room. All are welcome, for further information contact SWEETS office on 057 9332030.BingoBingo continues every Tuesday night at 8pm in St James's Hall.Grand Canal Harbour Walk: Sunday, October 4 2009 at 1.30pm.