Culture Night on Friday evening began much as it ended; with waves of greetings and laughter with our wonderful storytellers Colman O'Raghallaigh and Pat Keane, educating and entertaining us with their historic tour through the origins of the town and our ancestry.

Recording the event for posterity makes it difficult to participate and be present when viewing the proceedings through a tiny screen, though no footage can capture the atmosphere of a place and time than to actually follow in the footsteps of those who can talk of the history of these streets from personal experience. However well scripted and prepared our storytellers may be there is nothing like a live audience to offer their anecdotes and some spontaneity on our journey through the streets of Claremorris and how they have been transformed over the centuries.

Thanks to all those who participated. We're glad you appreciated our efforts, shown by your presence and the generosity of your praise, which makes it all worthwhile. Time flew or perhaps we were beguiled by the history, the music and the poetry of our community, delivered with wit, and so eloquently that if ever we needed a reason to revive our native language into our everyday speech we need look no further than what we witnessed within our own rural community on tripping tongues and harp strings that touched ours hearts and offered us hope for the future of our town and its family.

Long may it continue le cúnamh Dé.