Paul Horan provides a report on the “Fun Day” Event that took place in The Sean O’Casey Community Centre as part of the Pride Of Place festival. Maureen O’Sullivan provides a review of the céilí which rounded off the day nicely.
As you are aware the event was originally planned to take place in Fairview Park and the activities had been planned accordingly. However these plans – as many “the best laid plans” – had to be abandoned at extremely short notice due to Dublin Co. Council’s failure to open the Playground area of Fairview on time as promised. This left for a very nervous couple of days before the commencement of the event for the volunteers and co-ordinators involved. Our fears however, proved groundless as East Wall rose to the challenge in typical style.
Somewhere between two hundred and three hundred people passed
through the Community Centre that day. (The number being gauged by the amount of burgers distributed by the Playground Group – and gratefully and hungrily received by the attendees). Spots and Stripes was well attended throughout the day. The theatre remained full to capacity for the majority of the performances/exhibitions and the glowing praise for the performers : – Rising Stars, East Wall Kick-boxing, Beat Performing Arts, East Wall Tae Kwan Do, PEG Variety & Drama and the McCormack School of Irish Dancing was only surpassed by the multiple and positive nature of 
the comments regarding “how good it was to see the whole community come together” in such a way. The day culminated in a Ceile in the large hall that involved groups on all ages dancing together to the accompaniment of some excellent traditional musicians. Many residents also had an opportunity not just to see it, but to have their photo taken with Eddie and the Olympic torch – a proud moment for sure!
It seems churlish to single out one individual for special praise in the wake
of such a wonderful group event, but I feel I would be remiss in not thanking specifically, Cathal Donohue of MC Entertainment who M.C.d the performance end of the day. Cathal is not an East Waller but has worked professionally with PEG Drama Group for several years now. He compeered the performances with a wonderful tempo, gushing in his praise for the acts – and rightly so – he was similarly gushing in his praise of the audience. His contribution was completely voluntary and was so integral a part of the overall success that we may have to make him an honorary East Waller for his participation.
We would like to thank all the volunteers, whose enthusiasm, energy and general positivity made the day such an enjoyable one for all. Also, and finally, we would like to thank all those who attended, young and old, tall and short, man, woman and child whose impeccable behaviour and boisterous appreciation and participation in the activities made last Sunday truly a “Fun Day” in East Wall.
And Maureen had this to say -Sunday was fantastic – great support from East Wall families – just a pity Fairview Park was not ready especially as not raining. I think everyone enjoyed the show from the dance groups to Kick Boxing display.
Fidelma and family provided the music for the céilí and we did Fallaí Luimnigh, Siege of Ennis and a two hander – a type of military two-step that has a variety of names. Some of the ‘older’ participants were wondering where the oxygen supply was! Need to organise lessons for some of the organising committee so they can lead the way at the next céilí!
Check out the selection of action packed photos to see what a great day it was.
Maureen