Community stalwart honoured in Callan - Kilkenny Live

Back in the 1970s the old National School on Coolaghmore Hill stood idle, empty apart from a few bales of hay which were stored out of the rain by a local farmer. The local community got together to raise funds and purchased the property, which meant a lot as they, like their previous generations, received their early education there.

When the school was finally purchased all ideas of how to use the school were listened to. One idea was the pre-Christmas card games. And so began the famous Coolagh Christmas Card games which, from the very start, drew huge numbers over four Thursday nights leading up to Christmas for over 40 years.

The game of 25s was extremely popular around the area and, from the first night, went from strength to strength. At the helm was Billy Maher who lived just beside the old school, having built his bungalow there in the 1970s. Billy said he would take on the task of running the card games - and what a run it has been. The Mullinahone native, having taken over his Uncle Jim Brett's business the Callan Motor Garage, immersed himself in the community of Coolagh and also in the John Lockes GAA club where he served a selector on many successful hurling teams. Billy is the chairman of the club and has been since his election in 1978 - there can't be too many clubs that hold on to a chairman for that length of time.

The hall itself is used for different needs, keeps the community together and has undergone various alterations and extensions. There was no electricity in the old school when the first ever Christmas cards began, so the power was supplied by neighbour Jackie Shea.

At the final round of cards before Christmas, vice-chairman of the club Shem O'Neill presented Billy with a token to mark his longevity in running the Christmas cards. Shem made the presentation on behalf of all members of the club and all card players over the past four decades. He said the commitment Billy has given is immeasurable, as he adds life and activity to the local area. Fr Willie Dalton added words of support and appreciation of Billy's tireless involvement in the Club.

Billy thanked all and said it was an honour and privilege to have helped in any small way to keep the community spirit alive. He thanked all card players, those who travelled near or far distance, and said he met some wonderful characters over the years.