The late Rose Allen
Set dancing is alive and well in Donagh.
Organised initially by a group of enthusiasts from Newtownbutler and Donagh, under the tutelage of Anne Gallagher from Derrygonnelly, it now attracts learners from all of the neighbouring towns and villages, with a cross-community and cross-border element.
The venue has alternated between the Millennium Hall, McCarron’s Bar and currently St Pat’s GAA Clubhouse, attracting 2 full sets each Monday night, Sept-March.
This year, they have organised their 3rd ceilidh, which is dedicated to the memory of recently deceased and sorely missed founding member, Rose Allen from Newtownbutler.
The phrase “once met never forgotten” applied aptly to Rose. She had a devilish sense of humour, travelled the country over to attend ceilithe and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. A lady of many parts, she was a wife and mother, nurse, member of Newtownbutler Together cross-community group, instrumental in establishing a defibrillator in the town, avid reader, Irish language and crossword enthusiast, and of course, dancer and singer.
Up to six months before illness robbed the community of her talents in October 2014, she was still at the heart of the sets class. The 2015 ceilidh will include a short slide show in her memory, an Irish dancing display from two decorated local girls, some Scottish country dancing, a visit from a (tired) St Patrick, refreshments and enough sets to “send ‘em home sweatin”. It will be a fitting tribute to a life fully lived.
The full details are:
Ceilidh Rose
Millennium Hall Donagh
Tuesday 17th March 2015, 8-11 pm.
Music by Long Note