Saint Patrick’s Day, as ever, a huge success in Valentia

AS St Patrick’s Day fell this year on a Sunday followed by the Bank Holiday Monday, Valentia hosted a great number of visitors, both native and otherwise.

The weather was reasonably favourable, and Mass was celebrated in the Church of Saints Derarca and Teresa of Chapeltown by Fr Larry Kelly.

The Ring Lyne Bar and Restaurant operated by Steve and Aisling Sheehan ran its annual pig’s head carving, with sumptuous plates of the traditional meat distributed to patrons simultaneously entertained by music and singing by children from Scoil Derarca.

The two pigs’ heads were carved by the former Ring Lyne proprietor, Eileen Healy, as Sean Curran of Chapeltown was absent due to circumstances beyond his control. This annual St Patrick’s Day pig’s head carving is always in honour of the late Aidan Walsh of Knightstown, who annually performed such duties. Aidan passed away on May, 2017, and his memory is always fondly recalled.

The annual St Patrick’s Day Social Dance held in the Community Centre of Chapeltown went off very well, with a large attendance complemented by the singing and musical talents of Eddie Lee and Paddy Casey.

Organisers were delighted with the night and would like to thank all those who attended and those who helped out in any way. They look forward with eagerness to next year when all will again be most welcome.

The late Aidan Walsh, who annually carved the pig’s head in The Ring Lyne on St Patrick’s Day. He is always fondly remembered