Storyteller Eoin Kelly spins his magic at Ringsend Library.

Correction to Iris Charles article in last issue

Iris Charles was the Chairperson of the Committee until her death at the age of 93 years on 21st January 2000. Her concern for the elderly people never wavered. She was on lots of committees including the Dublin Council for the Aged. She was the recipient of a Person of the Year Award in 1980. She was very interested in young people also and encouraged them to come to the Centre and to interact with the members. She was very anxious that the Centre be fully utilised for the benefit of all the elderly people. She was surprised and honoured when the name of the Centre was changed from the Sandymount/ Ringsend Old People’s Group to the Iris Charles Centre for Older People in July 1999 six months before she died.

High jinks and fun at Ringsend Summer Project Crazy Day at Ringsend Community Centre.

St Mark’s Athletic looking for players

When you think of the words Ringsend and Soccer what comes to mind? Probably some of the greats of yesteryear or of the powerhouse teams of today– St Pat’s CY, Liffeys Pearse or Ringsend Rovers.

One of the lesser-known clubs is Saint Mark’s Athletic. Founded in 1906 in Pearse Street, St Mark’s is one of the oldest junior soccer clubs in Dublin. We currently have one over-35 team and compete in the Saturday Senior Division 2 of the Amateur Football League.

In Irishtown Stadium, we have match day facilities that are second to none. Hot showers and underfloor heating are included! At the moment training takes place in UCD Belfield on Thursday nights. We will be training on the new pitch in Ringsend Park from this autumn on.

So what are you waiting for? If you are over 35 and can play a bit why not come and join us. You will find a warm welcome awaits you. See our website www.saintmarksathletic.com for details.

Sean Raethorne who lives in George Reynolds House has brought to our attention that the famous grotto nearby is in a lamentable state of neglect. The recent rains mean the grass is also in urgent need of being cut and weeded. Hopefully, this local landmark will soon be pristine once more.

Horse Show Ball for Brainwave

The 32nd Annual Horse Show Ball in aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association takes place on Friday August 8th 2008 in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin 4.

Tables are now on sale. €1,500 per table of 10, Single tickets €150. The Horse Show Ball is Brainwave’s flagship fundraising event of the year. Now in its 32nd year, it is one of Dublin’s oldest and most exciting social events, with excellent food and wonderful entertainment for all. To reserve your table or for further information, contact Brainwave at 01 4557500 or email info@epilepsy.ie

A Cause for Celebration

Annie Byrne, pictured left with her great grandchildren Mia and Lee, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party in the Hobbler’s End in Ringsend. Congratulations, Annie.

Congratulations are due to the Bowling teams in the Ringsend Active Retirement Association. Both teams had a very successful season, winning trophies in their respective divisions.

But then it’s not all competitive, some members choose to play just for the social end as they feel it’s a great way to pass a couple of hours in good company, not forgetting the cup of tea.

If you are interested in becoming a member call any Wednesday or Friday to the C.Y.M.S. between 2.30pm and 4.30pm where you’ll be guaranteed a friendly welcome.
By Carmel Magee

Riverside Singers in full flow again!

The Riverside Singers will resume rehearsals in September every Wednesday morning in Ringsend Technical Institute from 10.30 till 12.30, and will be delighted to welcome new members, male or female, young or not so young.

Last season was a very busy and successful one for the choir, beginning with a Christmas concert in the Square in Tallaght in December, followed by carol singing in Grafton St. In the spring there was a concert for ‘People in Need’, and in May they sang for the patients in the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook. Soon after, their singing helped raise over €1000 for CRAI. Their season came to a very successful conclusion on June 20th when they hosted a very enjoyable variety concert outside Ringsend Library.

At the time of going to press, a definite date for resumption of rehearsals can’t be given, but anyone interested in joining is asked to phone the choirmaster, Ray Ryan, at 087-9195012, or email him at rayryan66@yahoo.com