Variety is the spice of lively in Lismire

THERE’S nothing like a few songs, some lively music, and a selection of great comedy sketches to while away the chilly January nights, and last week the community in Lismire pulled out all the stops when they hosted their annual variety show on two consecutive nights in the local community centre.

Sketches such as ‘ The Hospital’ had the audience in stitches, while ‘ The Cinema’, ‘ The Will’, and ‘ The Park Bench Mime’ along with several more great acts were hugely enjoyed by everyone. Everyone’s favourite newspaper, The Corkman, featured in ‘ The Tax Office’ sketch when Office Clerk Mary Finn took a few minutes out to catch up with local news.

On Friday night, the Lorraine O’ Riordan Gospel Choir and the Boherbue Music Group took to the stage while on Saturday night, along with the many sketches, the cream of local singers and musicians entertained.

All funds generated by the variety show go back into the community, benefiting the local youth club, national school, GAA, and community development association.

Tributes were paid to co-ordinators Joe Noonan and Denis Jones for their professionalism and hard work throughout.

The first ever variety show in Lismire was organised by John Mulcahy and took place in the parish in 1992, subsequently running for 15 years until 2005. After a lapse of 10 years, the show was revived in 2015.

“This is our third successful year and we are delighted with the whole new generation of talent that has arisen,” Sheila Kearney told The Corkman.

The Will’ was portrayed by Nicholas O’ Donoghue, Gillian O’ Connor, Michael O’ Connor, Con Hannigan, and John Buckley in the Variety Show at Lismire Community Centre.

Margaret Moynihan, Dan Harmon, and Sheila Kearney brought the house down with their ‘Mr. Bean Sketch’ at the Lismire Variety Show. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald.

Joanne Kiely, Michael Jones, Mikey O’ Sullivan, and Mary Finn reading The Corkman, presented ‘The Tax Office’ at the Lismire Variety Show. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald.

The cast of ‘The Remote Control’ went down a treat with everyone at the Lismire Variety Show.

James O’ Connor, Caitlin Kenneally, and Alex Collins presented ‘The White Board Sketch’ at the Lismire Variety Show.

Right: Some of the local children who took part in Lismire Variety Show. Right: Harpist Ríona Sheahan entertained at the Variety Show.