An Grianán Special Contest Finals Weekend

On Friday 12th March Federation finalists and their supporters from all over the country came to An Grianán 
for the second special contests finals weekend.

There was a wonderful buzz about, and the house 
and three of the bungalows were full. After a delicious dinner we were entertained superbly by the 
Drogheda Comhaltas group comprising all ages. It was a great night enjoyed by all.

18 federations had an entry in the make and model sponsored by Hickey’s. The outfits were stunning.

The winner was Wendy Donoghue from Roscommon.

Betty Denning from Cavan was 2nd and Mary Matthews from Louth was 3rd.

26 federations had an entry in the Gempack Recipe competition.

Jenny Jones from Wicklow was the winner and her winning recipe 
Lemon and Chocolate Semolina Cream Cake was served for dessert at lunch.

Margaret Grace from Kilkenny was 2nd and Maureen Davey from Sligo was 3rd.

11 wonderful stories which had been shortlisted in the creative writing competition were read in an effective speaking competition. These competitions were sponsored by Delgany Guild who also gave sponsorship for the table quiz.

Maria Walsh from Portmarnock Guild Dublin was the winner of the effective speaking competition 
and the creative writing competition.

Mary Sheil from Ballymun Dublin was 2nd. Anne Walter from Dromboylan Guild Roscommon was 3rd

After another delicious dinner 26 federations took part in the table quiz.

The winners were Brīd Dunne, Christine Heggs and Maria Uī Ōgartaigh from Waterford.

Marie Donoghue, Mary O’Donnell and Colette Dalton from Kerry were 2nd.

Una Ryan, Stephanie Mc Donald and Joan O’Flaherty from Wicklow were 3rd.

The National Contests Committee want to thank our sponsors Gempack, Hickey’s and Delgany Guild 
and everyone who took part and supported the venture. There were not enough rooms for everyone who wanted to come so some supporters stayed in local B&Bs and came to An Grianán for meals and to be part of the proceedings.