Meelin Wren Group gather up a pretty penny for good causes

‘UP with the kettle and down with the pan, a penny or two to bury the wren” might be the traditional rhyme that wrenboys chanted from ancient times in Ireland, but the Meelin Wren Group can be justifiably proud of collecting not just “a penny or two” but a whopping €3,546 during their recent St. Stephen’s Day fundraising expedition.

Although the custom has largely disappeared, Anne Marie Lehane, a native of Meelin, who works as a nurse at Kanturk Community Hospital, decided to revive the tradition locally a few years ago. “Around 20 people take part every year. We split up into six groups and take different Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald routes covering a radius of about 10 miles,” Anne Marie told The Corkman.

“We have children as young as nine taking part. We sing and play, and enjoy a fun day out while collecting money for different charities every year,” she explained.

The wren group chose Cancer Connect, Kanturk Grow Mental Health Support Group and Mallow Search and Rescue as beneficiaries this year. Representatives of all three organisations were on hand to accept the cheques at Quinlan’s Bar in Meelin and the evening was rounded off with a lively music session.

And already looking ahead to next St. Stephen’s Day, Anne Marie is urging more people to get involved - “the more the merrier,” she said.

There was a big thumbs up from Meelin Wren Group who raised an amazing €3,546 on St. Stephen’s Day.

Shane McCarthy, Diarmuid Lehane, Paul Moynihan and Jack Doody of Meelin Wren Group presenting a Cheque for €1,182 to John Woulfe, Bruno Segondet, Donal Gleeson and Willie Walsh of Mallow Search and Rescue.

Above: Luke Lehane of Meelin Wren Group presenting a Cheque for €1,182 to Neily Curtin for Cancer Connect.