Lively afternoon in Griffin's

Known to older readers as 'Griffin's, this public house, close to Skenakilla Cross, also trades under the name 'Hannah's'. Currently under the ownership of the O'Regan family (Country Clean Recycling), it has, in a relatively short time, become a very popular venue for parties, celebrations and other social engagements.

While the bulk of this activity takes place at weekends, management are putting in a big effort to attract patrons during the week - as a result, they've come up with the idea of traditional Irish music sessions on the last Monday of each month. The most recent of these sessions took place last Monday afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm.

GREAT BUZZ FOR A MONDAY AFTERNOON

When TheAvondhu dropped in on Monday, things were in full swing, with renowned local artist, Donal Deady, overseeing the show. Speaking to the local press, he was effusive in his praise of the 'Monday sessions'.

"This is brilliant altogether, we're having a super time, everyone wants to sing or dance or give a recitation. We've some wonderful entertainers, they're here from all over, it's really great. I'm a kind of MC, but it's all very informal, it's a great way to spend an afternoon," Donal said.

He also made a special point of identifying some of his art work on the walls.

"I'm very passionate about art and painting, some of my work is on display here. The Avondhu have given me publicity over the years," he told us.

You couldn't disagree with Donal's assessment that the place was 'rocking', with young dancers, old time singers, balladeers and poets all competing for 'a slot' at Griffin's.

THEY'LL BE BACK

Organisers are already looking forward to the next session. We've also been asked to point out that admission to the 'Monday sessions' is free of charge and that patrons are welcome to avail of the 'social spin transport scheme' - essentially a free lift home.

(Pic: John Ahern) Local ladies who were brilliantly entertained at the music session earlier this week in Griffin’s Bar, l-r: Frances Astor (Killavullen), Mary Griffin (Doneraile) and Margaret Roche (Doneraile).

(Pic: John Ahern) Killavullen musician, Edmond O’Gorman, right, pictured with, l-r: Michael O’Regan, David O’Regan and Martin Curtin, from Shanballymore, at Monday afternoon’s music session in Griffin’s Bar.

(Pic: John Ahern) 3 OF THE BEST: MC, Donal Deady, with Tony Buckley and Christy Nolan, from Skeheenarinky, at Monday’s very successful music session in Griffin’s Bar, Skenakilla.