Eyes down! Celebrating 50 years of bingo success in Callan!

ABOVE: All ready for the bingo in Callan, last Sunday night, were Phil Downes, Kathleen Moran, Kim Barron, Myra Murphy and Ettie Power
ALL PICTURES: HARRY REID

Bingo in Callan is such a long-established tradition that nobody can remember exactly when it started. What they do know is that as other parish games have fallen by the wayside, Callan Bingo is thriving.

Every Sunday night, for more than 50 years, the hall in the centre of the town is the busiest spot in Callan, as players flock from all surrounding areas for a night of fun and friendship.
There is even a bus from Kilkenny City which has been ferrying enthusiastic bingo players to Callan for many years.

Around 100 people sit down to play most Sundays. Often a family affair, with teenagers joining in during school holidays, numbers can swell for special events, especially coming up to Christmas - with up to 150 players vying for top prizes.

Callan Bingo is run by an efficient committee of seven people - Ber Fitzgerald, Hazel Hennessy, Bridget O’Brien, John Kerwin, Philomena Fitzpatrick, Patricia Kerwin and Kathleen Doheny.
On a Sunday evening they open up the hall, set out the tables and chairs, sell the playing books, call the numbers and check winning books.

Philomena Fitzpatrick has been calling the numbers for the last 10 years. She inherited the role from her husband Charlie, who had called the numbers in Callan for 25 years. He was also the bingo caller in the Carlton Ballroom bingo in the city for many years.

Being a bingo caller is no simple number recitation task. It takes a special person who can hold the attention of the crowd. In Callan Philomena has a great rapport with the players. She knows them by name and knows all the faces.

But she also goes above and beyond her Sunday night ‘stage job.’ Philomena keeps in touch with the players and if someone is missing will find out if they are okay. If a player suffers a bereavement she’ll make sure to send a mass card, or if they are in hospital she’ll ring to check in with them, to let them know they are missed by everyone at the bingo.

During the Covid lockdown there was no bingo for more than a year, and they all missed meeting people
The Sunday night game is much more than a business transaction for the players. They are all friends and know they are respected by the organisers.

For example, if changes are being considered to playing times or the price of books then Philomena will explain this to the players and ask for a show of hands to see if they agree or disagree.

You won’t hear Philomena calling any ‘funny’ numbers at Callan Bingo. No ‘legs eleven’ or ‘two little ducks’ - “If you go down that road people won’t know what you’re saying,” she explains.

Callers at Callan bingo over the years have included Jimmy Coogan, Paulie Holden, Ray Wall, Leo Rice and Charlie Fitzpatrick.
There have also been many helpers over the years. Bridie Bergin ran the bingo for more than 30 years before her retirement 15 years ago. Click the 'next' arrow to read on and see lots more photographs!