Cumann Naomh Bride have had a wonderful weekend workshop at Avondale Estate, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
We left Cabinteely around 10am for the beautiful, tranquil setting of Avondale. First thing on our agenda was a cookery lesson with Chef Paul Smith, resident chef in Avondale. The young musicians received instruction on making sausage rolls with a difference, some had tomato and basil added in, others had cheese, and some were plain. They also made gorgeous cream slices, which they finished with lemon icing and strawberry, and served them with custard and fresh cream. They even made some for me.
After cooking (and eating), they came over to the Annex to see which room had been allocated to them, and then it was time to join me in the Lecture Room to find out what new tunes were in store for them to learn. I had decided to focus on Vincent Broderick tunes, sadly Vincent died a couple of years ago and was someone I had always enjoyed talking to and I love his music, so it was a pleasure for me to pass some more of his wonderful compositions to the next generation. Seamus Hallahan (our youth officer) taught another of Vincent’s tunes, a barndance called Around the Fairy Fort. Brian and Eoghan took two of our newer members aside and gave them their first lesson on Concert Flute. Both are now working hard on mastering their new instruments.
After our music, Barbara Hallahan commenced arts and crafts, some of our musicians then turned their hands to making their own kites, this was brilliant, they then flew their kites outside and the weather was quite nice, but unfortunately, the odd shower! Then we went back to Avondale House for a lovely evening meal which was prepared by Chef Paul.
John Grassick, Seamus H and Daniel O’Connor then led our young musicians on a lovely nature walk through the woods. Mia found a pheasant’s feather which she brought into school the next week, and various items of invironmental interest were pointed out to the group.
On returning to the annex, Ger Cooper began to discuss the Mass for the next day with the group, she listened to readings, bidding prayers, as Gaeilge agus as Bearla (in Irish and English) and helped some of the group compose their own prayers. After that, they returned to the Lecture room with me to practise the tunes that would be played at the Mass. while this was happening, John and Barbara fired up the Barbeques and we then had a great time cooking sausages, chicken, burgers etc, and then toasting marshmallows. It was brilliant. Later some of the group wanted to sing a few songs, and others played board games, cards etc. Eventually, they were sent to bed, they went too! Ah but that was only the beginning of the nocturnal visits, three girls ended up in one tiny room together! but that was all part of their fun. Some of the boys were also up in one bedroom for ages playing card games and sending texts to one of the girls downstairs (separate floors for girls and boys, well supervised). Amazingly, most of them were up at 7.00 a.m.
Sunday began with early breakfast, then a tour of Avondale House, Aedeen (one of our local school teachers) and her husband Michael O’Brien arrived down for the day, much to the delight of many of our students and accompanied them on the tour of Avondale House. This tour also gave a history of Charles Stewart Parnell and details on the furnishings in the house. Then it was time for another walk before lunch. The parents, grandparents and other relations/friends arrived for Lunch, superbly prepared by Chef Paul and served by the staff of Avondale restaurant, and then it was time to go over to the Church for Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Arthur O’Neill, the Mass is only celebrated once a year in this Church and we always feel honoured that it is for our group and friends, but everyone is welcome.
After Mass, Ger Cooper got a few people together to make lots of sandwiches and tea, and put out cake and biscuits etc for our guests, we were all well ready for that and afterwards, we went back to the music room and had a lively afternoon of music and songs.
It is probably the most looked forward to event on our entire calendar, some or our young musicians said “can we do this again before next April” sadly I had to say no, we are lucky to have such wonderful committee members prepared to give up one weekend of their year to the youth, and also every Friday evening. Isnt it lovely to know, they enjoyed it so much that they want to do it all over again!
I would like to express my thanks to Barbara Hallahan, Seamus Hallahan, Ger Cooper, John Grassick and Daniel O’Connor, because without these, Avondale Weekend Workshop could never be a success.
Special mention should also be made of Fr. Arthur, he kindly came down from Cabinteely to celebrate our special Mass for us, we are very proud of him too, and we know our young people have a very special place in his heart.
