As this year comes to an end we are delighted to send you our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

The year 2013 was a busy year as always for us here in the Carlow Association London (CCAL). Some of the highlights were London St Patrick’s Parade, Emigrants dance in Leighlin Bridge, Crawley Irish Festival, London Irish Vintage Rally, and the Run for your County fun run. All events and many more met the remit of why the CCAL was set up some 45+ years ago and that was to organise social events that appeal to all. Yes we met our objectives and can say without any fear of contradiction a good time was had by all.

45^th Annual Dinner Dance

The looked forward to event last October proved itself as a very successful evening as we marked our 45^th Milestone. We would like to thank all for making it a success, those who gave raffle prizes and those who helped with the organisational tasks on the run up to it. Delegates visiting from Carlow included Cllr Des Hurley, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council together with Cllr Eileen Brophy, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council as well as councillors from both councils. Our guest for the evening was the newly appointed Irish Ambassador to the United Kingdom Mr Daniel Mulhall and his Australian wife Greta. Dan as her likes to be called hails from Waterford delivered a great after-dinner speech setting out his goals for his duration here in the UK and pinpointed some notable people from Carlow who have made a name for themselves across the world. But the biggest cheer was reserved at the end for the ‘Tullow Tank’ himself Sean O’Brien. And to add that extra bit of glamour the London Rose of Tralee, Grace Kenny also attended.

2013 Rose of Tralee Festival

Carlow was more than represented at this year’s event. Crawley native Grace Kenny who’s dad Martin was from Tullow became the London Rose way back in April and took on her role with great confidence during the summer. In front of a packed audience the politics graduate spoke with great pride of her Carlow heritage as one of the final 32 in The Dome in Tralee when screened on RTE live with Daithi O’Sé. Grace was sponsored by Crawley’s Celtic and Irish Cultural Society in the competition and is looking forward to a great year in representing London’s Irish community. Special thanks has to go to former member of the CCAL Harry Hynes now based in Tralee for acting as perfect host to Grace’s supporters.

Carlow Gathering Event

As a backdrop to the Eigse Arts Festival and following an invitation from Cllr Eileen Brophy, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council we were represented at the Carlow Gathering Event. Also in attendance were the twinned communities of Dole, Banbridge and Northwich and also Carlow Association Birmingham.  The weekend highlighted the closeness of the communities and how the council at home maintained that link for the benefit of all emigrant communities. .

Linking up with Carlow Museum

Early in the coming year we’ll be linking up on a project with Carlow County Museum on Carlow Trivia. We are in communication with Dermot Mulligan the Museum’s curator who’ll set a question on stuff to do with Carlow its history, culture and heritage. It’ll be posted on the website and the social networking forums and will give all a chance to test your knowledge and get more involved in who we really are. There is also a Museum blog being put together from January the plan is to update it every fortnight with ‘guest writers’ such as the CCAL and others where we would be invited to pen articles on our experiences in London and how we have made that contribution to life here in the UK.  The blog would be no more than 1,500 words per posting with approx 4 photos. The blog is set up so it can be easily shared through social media outlets.  So there is something to think about over the Christmas break!

Social Networking

Did you know we are now on Facebook and Twitter. Yes as well as via our website we can be contacted also on our FB page Carlow Association London and Twitter CarlowinLondon.

Mount Leinster Rangers are Leinster Champions

This newsletter wouldn’t be complete without honouring Mount Leinster Rangers our history makers from the 3 villages of Ballymurphy Rahanna and Borris.  Its the first time ever a Carlow Senior hurling club has achieved this and South Carlow is buzzing since. I don’t think any of us will forget where we were when we heard Brendan Hennessy’s excellent broadcast on KCLR that Sunday when the lads beat Oulart the Ballagh, the Wexford Champs in the final in Nowlan Pk. Since then the news of their victory has gone across the world and it would be safe to say we’ll be inviting a few of the players and the cup over to our 2014 Dinner.

As they approach their next game, the semi-final on the second weekend of February they are fundraising with a 5K and 10K ‘Run with the Leinster Champions’ fun run in Borris on the 28th December at 12 noon. A great way to use up the stored calories from the Christmas festivities.  All the senior hurlers will take part and if you are around the area you can help also by running, walking or crawling or by just making a donation.

Making Contact

If you have just settled here in London or have a family member or friend that has why don’t you get them to make contact.
Sending Christmas greetings home via KCLR

We have teamed up with KCLR and the Sue Nunn show so you can send Christmas greetings back home. No matter where you happen to be why don’t you private message via the Sue Nunn facebook page, you can email them on thesuenunnshow@kclr96fm.com or call them on 00353-56-7796272 quoting ‘Christmas Wishes from Carlow Association’ at all times. Your messages will be read out on the regular Sue Nunn shows on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December.

Not forgetting Brendan Hennessy on Hennessy’s Weekend on Saturday next between 10 and 12. Brendan’s a true Carlovian with red yellow and green blood running through his veins and has always given the CCAL a shout out whether he be commentating on Hurling, Football or Rugby or broadcasting from his studio. You can make contact with him via the KCLR website or his facebook page.

That’s about it for the moment

Here’s wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and may all your wishes be granted in the year ahead.

Looking forward to seeing and hearing from you real soon.

Kind regards

County Carlow Association of London

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You can download all the newsletters at http://www.carlowassociation.co.uk/newsletters/

Grace Kenny, Carlow's 'London Rose'

*SAVE  THE  DATE *

*26^th OCTOBER*

Carlow Association London’s Annual Dinner is Saturday 26th October and is all set to be a fantastic night.

London Rose of Tralee,  Grace Kenny whose roots are in Tullow will be the guest of honour at our 45th Annual Dinner on Saturday 26th October in the famous CROWN MORAN http://www.crownmoranhotel.com/ at 152 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, London, NW2 3ED.

Crawley native Grace was sponsored into the Rose of Tralee contest by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society and qualified through her dad Martin who was born on the Dublin Rd in Tullow.  She distinguished herself when she spoke with great pride of her Carlow heritage as one of the final 32 in the famous Dome in Tralee when screened on RTE live with Daithi O’Sé last August.

‘The Crown’ Pub is one of London’s most iconic pubs in North London and was cited by The Dubliner’s in their well-travelled song McAlpine’s Fusiliers – “The ‘craic’ was good in Cricklewood and they wouldn’t leave the Crown”

The newly appointed Ambassador to the UK, Waterford man Mr Daniel Mulhall and his Australian wife Greta are also our guests.

The Ambassador who has already served in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam is only 6 weeks into his role and is looking forward to making the Carlow Dinner his first County Association event during his stay here in London.

The much looked-forward-to event is the Number 1 fixture in our yearly calendar and the ideal opportunity for all Carlovians and their friends here in London to catch up for some good old ‘craic caint agus ceoil’. Delegates visiting from Carlow include Cllr Des Hurley, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council together with Cllr Eileen Brophy, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council as well as Bagenalstown Town Council and a ‘host of surprises’ – certainly a night not to be missed

Music for the evening is by Barley Mix

Add ‘Carlow’s 45th’ to your list of gatherings attended in the year  2013

Reception at 7.00 for 7.30 sit down

Tickets are £30 and available from

Catherina 07789226734

Ned 07802462741

Noreen 01293513189

Claire 02076094650

London Rose of Tralee, Grace Kenny whose roots are in Tullow, Co. Carlow, and a native of Crawley, West Sussex, took time out of her busy schedule to visit Concern Worldwide’s London office to give some encouragement to this year’s Concern London Triathalon relay team.

Photo L-R Natalie Jones (run), Carla Thompson (swim), London Rose Grace Kenny and Mila Robinson (cycle).

The event, on 27th and 28th July at London ExCel, involves a 10km run, a 40km cycle and a 1.5km swim. All proceeds raised for Concern Worldwide will go to their education and nutrition programme in Liberia where it’s estimated  over a third of children under five years old are stunted due to poor nutrition.

Concern team with Grace

Grace is one of three British Roses from London, Manchester and Liverpool who were among 23 young women selected at the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival last month. And with the 9 already pre-selected 32 go forward to the televised stages of the International Festival in the Dome with host Dáithí Ó Sé later this summer.

Grace with Brian O'Connell, Special Projects manager Concern Worldwide (UK)

Several corporate teams are competing on behalf of Concern Worldwide but, with only days before the deadline for registration, there are still places available. If you fancy taking part or would like to support the worthwhile project contact maria.mcdonnell@concern.net or ring 020 7801 1873.

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling hunger and transforming lives in the world’s poorest places.  They are working for a world where no one dies for want of safe and nutritious food and use their expertise and local knowledge to help people and communities develop lasting solutions to hunger so that they can lead happier, healthier lives and lift themselves out of poverty.

Visit their website on www.concern.net and find out how you can help them to help others.

Carlow’s Pat Carroll who has worked at Buckingham Palace for 60 years has been presented with a gold medal by Queen Elizabeth.

Pat Carroll poses with the medal he received from the queen for his 60 years of service at Buckingham Palace.

Pat  started working as a palace messenger on the day of the queen’s coronation in 1953.  He worked in the lord chamberlain’s office before becoming a state porter, welcoming guests to events at the palace and today after 60 years the  84-year-old still works part-time as a state porter.

The Royal Victorian Medal was established by Queen Victoria in April 1896 and is issued in recognising personal service to the royal family.

“This was a wonderful surprise. ” Pat said afterwards. “I hadn’t a clue.  I’m so proud to have served the queen.   It’s been an honour.

CALLING ALL CARLOVIANS IN LONDON

Its countdown to the 2013 St Patrick’s Celebrations and Carlow Association London plan to be out in force on the biggest Irish day in the world’s calendar.

Will you be there in your County Jersey or Irish Top waving your flag and banner.

You’ll be made very welcome. Beigh fáilte romhat

The 'Follow me up to Carlow' float and group at the parade last year.

London is planning great celebrations with the mayor’s office presenting a free day of family fun. Come out on St Patrick’s day and help paint the town GREEN. The parade leaves the top of Piccadilly by Green Park at noon. Come along and join the craic in following the ‘Follow me up to Carlow ‘ banner. Make it the event where all Carlovians in London can experience ‘The Gathering’ outside Ireland.

Watch out for the puca, a giant inflatable dragon, which is being brought over by award winning artists Bui Bolg. At over 36 metres long and eight metres high, the brightly coloured puca will be an incredible spectacle as it winds its way through the streets of central London.

Also see the wonderful floats from Irish County Associations, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish Dancing schools.

The parade finishes in Trafalgar Square to a backdrop of Irish culture from noon until 6pm. The day has everything rom traditional and contemporary music, including the house band from RTE’s Late Late Show. God only knows who you’d bump into up. The packed programme has something for everyone – including DJs and a huge outdoor ceili, comedy tent, film arena, children’s area, food stalls and much more.

Following Carlow all the way.....

More info on http://events.london.gov.uk/events/st-patricks-day-parade-and-festival

We are delighted to hear that 21year old Grace Kenny from Crawley who has strong links with Tullow has been nominated by The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society to represent it in the 2013 Rose of Tralee contest.

Grace Kenny

Grace’s roots are in Tullow, County Carlow. Her dad Martin now deceased and all his 8 siblings were born and grew up there before moving to Horley in Surrey for her Grandad’s work. It was a big decision for the whole family to move. Because of the economic situation in the county at that time there was very little work and Larry Kenny her Grandad took the decision like other Irish families of that era and emigrated. Her Nanny Kenny was born in Rathvilly, Carlow and Grandad is from Craanford in Wexford.  Her trips back to Ireland take in visits to family in Carrigtohill in County Cork, Bray in County Wicklow and Island in County Wexford and values her trips to Tullow to meet the last remaining member of her Grandparent’s generation, her Aunt Maggie still alive at the grand age of 96. Grace talks about Carlow as a wonderful place to visit and recalls great trips home. “Carlow is a beautiful, little place. Especially in Tullow in the Summer, it’s serene and quiet and everyone is just so friendly.”

A former pupil of Hazelwick Secondary School in Crawley Grace is studying Politics and International Relations at Portsmouth University and after graduating is looking forward to taking a year out and travel to Asia to work in an orphanage in Nepal teaching English to the children there. Following on from that she wants to return to studying to gain a master’s degree in gender politics at University College Dublin.

Away from her studies she is big into political debates, which she loves organising and getting involved in and feels it is essential for young people to be engaged in politics in providing that platform for their voice and opinions to be heard.  Volunteering is high on her list of activities in Portsmouth on helping at the local Salvation Army café a few mornings a week before classes. Summer breaks sees her helping out at a local youth wing assisting with homework, cooking and arranging fund raising activities with them.

In her spare time – as if there is any left – she follows London Irish Rugby loves to travel and experiencing different cultures, recently visiting Rome at the end of last year.

And there’s more…the great passion of her life is Irish Dancing and has been for the last 17 years!  As a senior member of her dance school she now helps each the younger members. Her trophy cabinets are bursting with her many awards won from her travels to dancing competitions across Europe. Some of the highlights have been winning 8^th in the European and World W.I.D.A Championships in 2009, winning the UK Dance Challenge in 2010 and coming 2^nd in the Celtic National and European Championships last year.

She says “ The pinnacle of my dancing experiences however is being part of the Celtic Colleens and getting through to the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2010. It was such an unbelievable experience being able to perform on live television in front of all those people doing something I love.”

On being nominated for the contest Grace said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in this exciting experience. It will be such an honour representing Crawley in the Rose of Tralee contest and a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the Irish culture we have in our town. I hope I can do all my friends and family here and in Ireland proud!

I’m sure you’ll all agree her credentials make her the ideal contestant in this world famous contest and all of us here in the Carlow Association London wish her the best of luck.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE Division 4 CARLOW V LEITRIM at Dr Cullen Pk at 2.00pm

Anthony Rainbow has announced his starting fifteen for Carlow’s Allianz NFL third round clash at home to Leitrim on Sunday 3rd March. Having won their first 2 matches against Tipperary and London Rainbow expects Carlow’s winning streak to continue.

This is a big one for this team and the league. If a win is secured it really sets them up well for their visit to Limerick on March 10th. Best wishes Carlow from The Carlow Association London.

KCLR96fm will be broadcasting the match and you can listen live on

There are two changes to the side that narrowly beat London two weeks ago. Shane Murphy and Shane Mernagh come into the fold in place of Barry John Molloy and Alan Kelly. One notable positional switch is Shane Redmond at left half forward from full back. Daniel St Ledger does not feature in the squad despite reports that he would be fit to play.

he Carlow line-out is as follows
1. Trevor O’Reilly (Tinryland)
2. Shane Murphy (Clonmore)
3. Shane Mernagh (Kildavin/Clonegal)
4. Benny Kavanagh (Éire Óg)
5. Kieran Nolan (Fighting Cocks)
6. Derek Hayden (Éire Óg)
7. Tony Bolger(Rathvilly)
8. Darragh Foley (Kilbride)
9. Brendan Murphy (Rathvilly)
10. Shane Redmond (Tinryland)
11. Paul Reid (Palatine)
12. Eoghan Ruth (Éire Óg)
13. Brian Murphy (Rathvilly)
14. Ray Walker (O’Hanrahan’s)
15. William Minchin (Old Leighlin)
Subs:
16. Andy O’Brien (Naomh Eoin)
17. Conor Lawler (Palatine)
18. Jeffrey O’Donoghue (Rathvilly)
19. Kevin Byrne (Rathvilly)
20. Martin Doyle (Naomh Eoin)
21. John Murphy (Grange)
22. Keith Jackson (Tinryland)
23. Alan Kelly (Rathvilly)
24. Ciarán Moran (Palatine)
25. Jack Kennedy (St Patrick’s)
26. Keith Hession (Éire Óg)

Mis à part les robes longues et traditionnelles, les robes de mariée courte ont gagné de plus en plus de popularité parmi les jeunes, car elles vont vous rendre plus brillante et animée en donnant au monde votre ligne de jambes. Bon choix pour une cérémonie de mariage à la plage!

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 19th February 2013 in

The London Irish Centre
50-52 Camden Square
London
NW1 9XB at 8pm

Do come and hear how last year went and see our plans for the coming year.
It would be great to see you there and please pass the word to all your friends.

Tea and refreshments available.

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 24th April 2012 at 8pm at the London Irish Centre Camden.

All welcome!!!!!

A great night was had by all!!!!