It might be lovely someday to video the wonderful Christmas Mass on Cape Clear Island but then again it might not. Maybe its best that some events remain video and social media free and perhaps it should be left to our human memories only to capture and retain the sense of the occasion. A well filled Church, a beautiful Manger, a homely Priest, carols, music, the presence of young children at their first Christmas Mass, others their first procession with the Infant Jesus, a sense of contentment and  decorum throughout , it’s the perfect, ancient and appropriate start to our Festive Season.

Christmas Day almost saw the planned canoe polo in jeopardy as the biting cold winds made it seem uninviting but for the intrepid competitors who took to the filed it was an extremely enjoyable experience, the cold instantly forgotten by the fun and challenge of the occasion. It was, the ladies who won on this occasion, ach beidh lá eile ag an mBaoradh. It has to be said that the victory was both close and dearly won as the winning goal saw the scorer take an impromptu and rather cold swim.

Mulled wine flowed freely in Club Cléire thereafter and Steve Wing and Mary Gade were the popular winners of the hamper donated by Helen and Fachtna Ó Drisceoil towards Cape Clear Trust and which raised €350.

St Stephens Day saw a larger contingent than usual, brimming with talent of óg agus aosta araon. It became a long but enjoyable day as the performers navigated the Island’s boreen’s in search of hospitality and good cheer. Highlights are too many to mention although this was probably our first time to feature Opera and singing in the Breton language. And as for scéalta, well, Ted’s certainly get better bliain i  ndiaidh a céile. Another €300 was raised for the Trust.

In the quieter days ahead we hope some will join the meitheal at the Hostel on Thursday and Friday to repair some of the storm damage to the walls.