Fr. Paddy Byrne PP, Linda Hastings and Rev. Canon Patrick Harvey

Paula, Leon and Jon Beach with “Millie”

Philip, Jack, Kim and Bobby Thompson

THE 2022 Abbeyleix rectory garden fête was the first to take place in three years. It was also a milestone, celebrating its 60th anniversary. The heavens opened just before the official opening, but it abated for the rest of the afternoon.

Canon Patrick Harvey said the organisers were delighted that Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest of Abbeyleix, was able to attend to officially open the fête.

“We are also very grateful to all those who came to support this event despite the rain,’’ said canon Harvey.

Attractions included the wheel of fortune, soft archery, bowls, duck racing, kids’ korner, teas, raffles, the hot dog, cake, books, white elephant, bottle stall and country produce.

Thanks go to the fête committee. A great deal of hard work goes on behind the scenes preparing for the day, setting up the garden and running the stalls, sideshows and games and in preparing and serving the teas.

The committee is also grateful to its many sponsors, of whom this year there were more than ever, who generously support the fête.

“On behalf of the parishes of Abbeyleix, Ballinakill and Ballyroan, which benefit from the day’s fundraising, I want to thank sincerely all who come, rain or shine, for their continuing generous support of our fête,” concluded canon Harvey.

Draw winners: 1st prize €250 Barbara Kingston, 2nd €100 Fyffe’s fashion store voucher Peter Bennett, 3rd €50 voucher for Cleland’s, Abbeyleix Zoë Patterson, 4th €50 voucher for Moynan’s Fuel Services, Abbeyleix Mary Campion, 5th bottle of whiskey Howard Rothwell, Blackhill Woods retreat Margaret Wallace, voucher for Polly’s at the Manor Hotel Johnny Talbot, Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow voucher Connor Acheson, voucher for SuperValu, Abbeyleix Kathleen Thompson, Sandymount heritage family day Zieta O’Hagan, Avril Twiss craniosacral therapy Emily Cobbe, cuddly toy William Gee, ‘Who am I’ quiz Jessica Kelly, generation doll Kate Smith, hamper Ben Patterson, five Blackhill Woods yoga classes Deirdre Moynan, lamb Andrew Ubowski.

Winners of photography competition: 1 Donna Corbett, 2 Jim Fennelly, 3 Rosie Gee.

See more photos from this event in next week’s Laois Nationalist, on sale from Tuesday in all local stores or online.