The Christmas Gift Fair was held in Rathoe Hall on
Sunday 25th. November 2007

Marian O'Toole Ballynunnery and Helen Molloy Templepeter got together and organised same both having a keen interest in crafts.

Helen Molloy - Marian O'Toole - Joint Co-ordinators

As early as September they had tables booked for Art, Xmas Decorations,Flower Arranging, Christmas Candles, Handmade Jewellery and Cards.

There were over 20 tables filled for the day and there was something for everyone. Nancy Parnis from Facepainting Ireland, based in Carlow sold her Snazaroo facepainting products and kept the children occupied all day getting their faces painted. After 9.30am mass people came into the Hall and strolled around, looking at the various tables of Christmas Gifts.
Many people ordered their Christmas Cakes and Puddings from Catherine Moran and her Sister, who trade as Baker Sisters, as they tasted delicious

Everyone reported brisk trade at all tables throughout the day. Louise Bolger and her mother Kathleen set up the kitchen and served tea, coffee, sandwiches, rolls, apple tart, mince pies, christmas cake, cheesecake etc.
A table was set up where people could sit down and relax and enjoy the atmosphere while having their refreshments.

 

CBS Mini Co sold their SLANG ( Slang Language dictionary)

Jo O’Toole at the Butterflies and Fairies stand

Niamh O’Byrne, Rathrush pictured far right with her school friends

At their Mini Company stand where they sold their book

Of Chat up Lines.

Books still available for sale.

Mandy Byrne from Maganey

Her decoupage was very popular on the day

Liz Eustace and Marian Kennedy getting into the Christmas spirit

Artist at Work

Betty Nolan and her daughter Helen were helped by Mairead
at the Avon Cosmetics Stand.Very busy all day.
Great value was to be got on the day.

Kitty Kavanagh from Templeowen, Tullow visited the Gift Fair
with her two daughters and two of her grandchildren.

Nancy Parnis from Carlow had great fun face-painting.
Some scary people were going around.

Shauna O’Toole, Ballynunnery, Rathoe helped all day selling tickets for the Raffle.

Many thanks.

The evening came to an end with the Draw at 6pm. Proceeds were in aid of Rathoe School and many local people and businesses donated prizes.
Thanks very much to all.

Marian and Helen would like to thank the Hall Committee and especially
Mrs. Ann Connors for their help and assistance.

For any queries relating to the Christmas Gift Fair phone or text 085/1475807

 

and the winners were:

1st. Prize—William Nolan—Angelz Hair Salon Voucher

2nd. Prize—Kathlen Ryder—Avon Mini Hamper

3rd. Prize—Jo O’Toole—Painting - donated to School

4th. Prize—Patricia Roche— Baker Sisters Mini Hamper

5th. Prize—Betty Nolan—Angelz Hair Salon Voucher

6th. Prize—Caroline Nolan—Tin Celebrations

7th. Prize—Bill Maher—Bottle of Wine

8th. Prize—John O’Toole—Leinster Hills 2 Ball Voucher

9th. Prize—Anne Quirke—Flower/Candle Centerpiece

10th Prize—Louise Bolger—Bottle of Wine

11th. Prize Maria Eustace—Jo O’Toole Painting

12th. Prize—Helen Nolan—Jones Business Systems House Phone

Pictures and narrative by Marian O'Toole