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Youghal Town Council accorded a civic reception to Kathleen Keniry at the council chambers on Saturday Night ( 14th Nov. 2009). A large audience representing past and present pupils, dance teachers, family and friends were present to celebrate Kathleen’s 50 years teaching of Irish dance and culture in the town.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com
Kathleen Keniry with the Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and past students Helen O’Brien, Mary Murphy, Eleanor Barry, Brigid Hughes and Margaret Carey
Speech by Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan at the civic reception held in The Mall House to honour Kathleen Keniry.
“Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to welcome you all here this evening to this civic reception to honour Mrs Keniry for bringing Irish dance and culture to Youghal for the past 50 years.
Its always a pleasure to celebrate a long career of dedicated service.
Mrs Keniry qualified with An Commisiun 55 years ago and like her father before her began to teach Irish Dancing in Midleton.
Her dad had a small business in Youghal on the main street and Youghal was like a second home to her, so it was inevitable that Mrs Keniry was going to start teaching Irish Dance Classes here in Youghal.
She began her first lessons here in the Town Hall 50 years ago. Among some of her first pupils were Helen Loughman O’Brien, Bridget Hughes Eleanor Seward Barry and Margaret Carey. Over the years she moved to the League of the Cross and the Community Centre where she never missed a Wednesday.
Some of her pupils went on to achieve great honours. She was rewarded by winning an eight hand reel, a three hand reel and by Marguerite Savage winning the Individual Award at the All Ireland Championships.
She was a founder member of An Comdhail Muinteori na Rince Gaelic which was founded in Glasgow in 1970. She will be returning to Glasgow next year to celebrate its 40th Anniversary as President of the organisation. That is some achievement.
She also became an adjudicator over 30 years ago.
I would like to congratulate you on all you have achieved throughout your 50 years of dedication and commitment for the benefit of the people of Youghal and surrounding areas.
Mrs Keniry Thank you so much and enjoy the rest of your evening.
I would now like to make a presentation to you on behalf of Youghal Town Council”.
Mrs Kathleen Keniry’s speech
She firstly thanked sincerely Youghal Town Council for the honour bestowed on her with this Civic Reception. She very much appreciated it. She told of how she opened her school in Youghal in 1950 and the first pupils through her door were Brigid Hughes, Helen O’Brien, Eleanor Barry and Mary Murphy. She has enjoyed every minute of those years. The pupils were always a pleasure to teach but without the parents there would not have been a dancing class. Many of those parents now have children and grandchildren who are pupils today. Their support was invaluable. She thanked all the teachers down the years. She was delighted to see such a large gathering tonight, including pupils, parents and teachers. And NO, contrary to rumours, SHE IS NOT RETIRING!
Click on image to see the civic reception accorded to Kathleen
