Young and old enjoy family fun after Mass

CHEERS of laughter at the all-singing, all-dancing puppets could be heard far and wide around Newmarket last Sunday as a great many children enjoyed the Godshandiwork Show which was organised by the Pastoral Council to celebrate the Festival of Families.

The day started with a Family Mass celebrated by PP Fr Francis Manning where special prayers for families were recited and spiritual fridge magnets were distributed to the congregation.

Following Mass, Sam Shaw of Godshandiwork, with Linda Summer of Agape Puppets and their team, put on an entertaining show which, although geared towards children, was also thoroughly enjoyed by all the adults present.

The puppets proved to be hugely popular as they rocked the joint with energetic takes of well-known pop songs.

Gifted storyteller and artist Linda Summer held the audience enthralled with beautiful stories from the Bible.

Godshandiwork performers are based in the north of Ireland. They also travel to England, Scotland and further afield.

They have visited the Ukraine, South Africa, Germany and Brazil to train others. In addition, they tour with The Agape Puppets, who share with over 60,000 children every year.

The event in Newmarket was further enhanced by lashings of ice cream courtesy of Tadhg and Agnes Ryan, and by the tea and refreshments provided by the Pastoral Council.

Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald. Denis McCarthy, Cathal Fitzpatrick, Ronan Weathers, Jamie Forrest and Adam Weathers pictured with puppets from the Godshandiwork Puppet Show.

Sheila Fitzgerald. Photo by Donnacha Clifford and Jim Cronin enjoying the Puppet Show and Ice Cream.

Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald. Paudric, Theresa and Antoinette O’ Brien having fun at the Festival of Families gathering in Newmarket.

Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald. Peter and Jane Gubbins with their mum, Mary, enjoying the Festival of Families in Newmarket.