A

A group at the Franciscan Youth Club reunion in The Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, on Friday night. Included in front are organisers Tom Griffin, Kathrina Breen, Carmel Lanigan and Rita Linehan with Franciscan Friar Brother Sean Murphy. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

A REAL whistle-stop trip back in time was on the cards at the weekend as members of the Franciscan Friary folk group and youth club gathered for a reunion in The Dromhall Hotel on Friday.

Carmel Lanigan, a past member, said she has many happy memories of being involved in the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service-run group. “It was a great place to meet when we were growing up, with a lot of activities and visits to other youth clubs,” she said.

Another past member of the youth club, Donal Whitty O’Sullivan, still has his membership card from the club from 1970. “I had great times there and have so many fond memories. Through the encouragement of Brother Victor, Brother Luke and Fr Vivian, the youth club was started up,” said Donal.

“We had our own tennis court, basketball court, open air swimming pool (which was covered in over a period of time), sports room with table tennis, ring board and various board games. The record player was in big demand too, with all the latest hits from the 1970s. But most of all and my favourite, we had our own soccer pitch where unfortunately the car park is today.”

He added: “We had access to the Aras Phádraig as well, where we had hops, shows and indoor activities. We went to many movies there when it was run by the Abbey Cinema. “Well done to all involved for rekindling great memories from the past.”
 

 
Pictured above: A group at the Franciscan Youth Club reunion in The Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, on Friday night. Included in front are organisers Tom Griffin, Kathrina Breen, Carmel Lanigan and Rita Linehan with Franciscan Friar Brother Sean Murphy. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH