Ladies make the most of Nollaig na mBan

WHILE on a whistle stop tour of Women’s Christmas Parties on Friday, January 6, The Corkman was made aware of a little known statistic courtesy of a lady in Mallow.

“Christmas was made just for Men and Children,” she said, and that’s why Women’s Christmas was invented – to give us a chance to enjoy ourselves after all the preparations, buying gifts, and slaving over a hot stove for several days.” While she opted to remain anonymous, her sentiment was very much in agreement with the ladies throughout Duhallow.

Enjoyment was the predominant theme all over North Cork as ladies partied on what is also known as Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan.

At Springfort Hall, women from Doneraile, Castletownroche, Killavullen, Boherbue, and Limerick were enjoying the festive and fun atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Gallery Bar and Restaurant in Mallow was buzzing with lots of ladies out in groups to mark the special occasion.

At Bob’s Bar and Restaurant in Kanturk to a background of great live music, mothers and daughters, sisters, families, and work mates were all celebrating, while just up the road Scanlon’s Bar in Newmarket was rocking with Nollaig na mBan in full swing.

Knocknagree has always been a focal point for women from western Duhallow who want to party on Little Christmas and this year was no exception with the Fairfield Tavern packed to capacity.

Ladies from both sides of the county bounds were out in force partying to a lively disco after enjoying a great meal earlier in the adjacent marquee.

Nella Lynch, Nora Daly, Maura O’ Riordan, Eileen Sheahan, Mary O’ Doherty, Peg Collins, and Nora O’ Keeffe having fun on Women’s Christmas night at Scanlon’s Bar in Newmarket. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald.

Kathleen Lehane, Newmarket, Breda Lynch, Newmarket, Gayle McGrath, Newmarket, and Carmel O’ Flaherty, Newmarket and London at t Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk.

Helen Breen, Sheila Buckley, and Rose O’ Riordan were at the Women’s Christmas Party at the Fairfield Tavern in Knocknagree. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald.