Delvin Friendship Club celebrated their 20th Birthday on the 7th April. 16. Celebrations started with a beautiful prayerful Mass said by Fr. Seamus Heaney in the Church of Assumption Delvin at 11am. The Choir accompanying with music and hymns. To represent past deceased members and deceased committee members of the Club Alice Reilly Chairperson presented a lighted candle in a glass vase to the altar at the beginning of Mass to represent past members from 1996 to present day.

After the Mass the members, committee and guests attended a dinner in St Patrick’s Hall Delvin followed by music from Matt Leavy.

After dinner Alice Reilly Chairperson and on behalf of the Committee thanked everyone who came.

Alice Reilly also thanked Fr. Heaney for the beautiful Mass,also the Choir and Organist for the lovely music and all whom took part in the Mass service. A big thanks given to Sr. Pearl Lenihen and Mary Murphy for the wonderful flower arrangements on the altar. Alice also gave thanks to David Smyth Catering and his staff for a fabulous dinner and excellent service. Alice thanked Oliva Fox for the handmade Birthday Cake which Fr. Heaney was invited to cut and everyone joined in with the Happy Birthday song.

Alice thanked the Delvin Friendship Club committee who decorated and dressed the dinning hall for the party.

Alice Reilly on behalf of the committee also thanked the following: Clare Kenny and Carmel Moran for their part in designing the bookmarks which were given to all members. Margaret O’Shaughnessy for her photography work which Margaret exhibited on display boards, pictures of members and the first committee from the beginning of the Club to present day. Many happy memories to share. Eileen McCaffrey and her staff who prepared and made ready the hall. Musician Matt Leavy who provided the music for the afternoon and thanks given to all the people who donated prizes for the raffles.

Alice and the committee wish to say again a big happy birthday to all the members and are looking forward to many years ahead of Friendship and time spend together.