We 'shared the feeling'!

20 June 2003: The pride and emotion in Naas man Vinny Walsh’s eyes as his daughter Sheena received a standing ovation at the Special Olympics concert in Goff’s on Thursday night summed up the evening in a way that could hardly be better expressed.

Sheena had enthralled the packed audience after being called from her seat to sing ‘Molly Malone’ with her father and his friends from the traditional group, Rossa, who were among the many performers at an absolutely terrific concert.

Other special needs participants had also been given standing ovations for their drumming sessions, with one encouraging the crowd to rise from their seats. Not to be outdone, Sheena had done the same.

Full credit to the show’s organiser and super trouper Mona Conroy, to the many individual acts, groups, dance troops, bands, clubs and organisations who kept us entertained throughout the four hours. We wished it would never end!

For those who like a bit of celebrity spotting, a familiar face that delighted the crowd was that of actor Brian Murray who played Flurry in the RTE series ‘An Irish RM’. Brian was one of the many presenters on the evening. Another memory was the sight of the lady from Kill who has ‘had the pleasure of working with people with special needs for 60 years’ being helped onto the stage by Mona to introduce one of the acts.

The show ended with a rousing rendition of Together Ireland All; the NZ national anthem (which is the best I’ve heard of any national anthem) and Amhrán na bhFiann.

Chris Hooper who heads the NZ delegation said it was ‘one of the best ever shows he has seen anywhere’. He was ‘totally blown away’ by the talent on show from Naas. He praised Denis Curry, his committee and volunteers for their efforts and he also paid tribute to Grant Quinn, the founder of the Special Olympics New Zealand who was in the audience.

Tom Keightly from Naas Lions, who sponsored the evening, presented Chris Hooper with a framed Naas Lions pennant while Kieran Redmond (vice chairman of Naas Host Town committee) in his role of MC for the evening thanked Goff’s who had provided the venue free of charge, key contributors, local business people and all who had contributed E100 each to the committee’s coffers.

He also acknowledge the help of Naas Town Council and Pat Brophy and members of Naas Rugby Club; and the famous Chucka Chuckas which comprise six Tipperary men who got together to raise E9,000 for the Naas Host Town venture (the biggest single contribution); Friends of Naas Hospital, QK Meats, those who provided transport, host families, volunteers and the medical crew.

Kieran ended by wishing the best of luck to the New Zealand team, adding: “But every one of you is a winner already!”

A video of the concert is available at E15. Proceeds in aid of the Special Olympics fund.

All in all, it was an evening that will live on in the hearts and minds of all fortunate enough to be there.

Patricia Hipwell, Rosanne Dunne and Kevin Green, all volunteers with Naas Host Town Committee.

Pauline Buckley (host family), John F Dunne (Sports coordinator) and Sheila O'Connor (Medical coordinator).

Volunteer Michael Osborne with Des Healy, treasurer Naas Town Host Committe.

Naas Mayor Timmy Conway, his wife Kate, and Tony McAllister.