Limerick community’s festival set to marry nostalgia of past with joy for present

CELEBRATIONS this weekend to mark 40 years of Caherdavin’s parish church will bring a sense of nostalgia to the present day.

That’s the aim of the organising committee, who have been working non-stop on the ruby anniversary.

It is probably best typified with two events on the first and final day of the week-long celebration on the northside.

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This Saturday, September 27, Na Piarsaigh’s GAA grounds will play host to a parish community picnic from 12noon until 3.30pm.

Mags Brown, treasurer of the Caherdavin Residents Association said: “In the community, they used to have a sports day down by the Greenhils Hotel. It was not just a sports day, it was a novelty day too. At this picnic, we will have scouts from the Caherdavin troop. They will organise the games. It is nostalgia, but we are trying to bring it forward for the new generation.”

On the final night of the celebrations, Friday, October 3, the glory days of the parish dances in Caherdavin will be brought back.

A little night of music, again at Na Piarsaigh GAA’s grounds will take place on Friday, October 3.

Mags said: “This again is part of our nostalgia. It’s a way to finish off our week of celebration. We always used to have parish socials for a long time. We are now trying to bring it back as a parish and community again.”

And there is plenty happening north of the Shannon in between the first and last day.

Emma Schmid-Looney has been putting together the programme of events together since April this year.

It was decided to hold a joint celebration, with the Caherdavin community centre marking 40 years of operation last year, and Christ the King Church reaching the landmark celebration this.

She admitted since Covid-19, things haven’t quite gotten back to the way they have before - and the festival is an opportunity to address this.

Caherdavin is unique in the sense that the houses came before the church and the community centre.

This is reflected in an hour-long documentary, which will be screened in the church next Tuesday night, September 30, doors from 6pm.

Emma linked up with one of her neighbours Chris Sheridan to put it together.

“I’ve just had the first draft back. It’s good. The church looks really well. And it’s nice because you have local people talking about other local people. You hear all the little stories and titbits,” she said.

Mags said: “What is important about the Caherdavin parish is it was the community that built the local church. They built this community centre. They had to save - they did a 1,000 club at a time when wages were lower. It’s a great way to celebrate both. We believe the parish and the community are all one.”

The work of the volunteers in the community will be celebrated on the opening day of the festival, with an exhibition in the community centre.