Jack Flash showing Patrick Shepherd some magic at the Family Fun Day last Saturday in Carlow. 
Julie Kavanagh
A real highlight of the week gone by was Kildare and Leighlin’s celebration of family at the KandLe Family Fun Day, held on Saturday afternoon, June 16. The event was announced last year as part of the diocese’s preparation for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF), and was a follow-up to the very successful KandLe Family Picnic which the diocese hosted at Punchestown Race Course last August.
It was held in the grounds of Carlow College, St Patrick’s, next door to the diocesan Cathedral, thus providing a stunning setting for the event at the heart of Carlow town.
There was something for everyone, with entertainment from the Garda Band, local youth trad group Reelóg, the Dargan school of Dance, the Presentation School Band, St Joseph’s Choir, local young singer and song writer Ciara McNally, Aspiro Youth Choir and the Carlow Youth Orchestra. A drumming tent was a draw for many revelers, both young and old.
The College grounds were put to good use, with events happening in every corner, so it was possible to move around from one area to another and join in very diverse experiences. Everyone was wearing a smile, and the Kildare and Leighlin young people – KandLe Youth – were eager to chat and to offer directions to those looking for particular events.
On the day people could visit a WMOF information stand, visit a KandLe tent to write their family petitions, play a Trócaire led justice themed giant board game and be part of creating an art installation for our diocesan stand at the WMOF in the RDS.
Displays
Displays by the Army and the Fire Services were a highlight for many curious youngsters who might well consider a career in the Defence Forces or Emergency Services, while the horses with the Mounted Garda Unit appealed to all ages. Davy’s Petting Zoo was a great attraction.
Carlow Youth Services joined in the fun and provided entertainment at one of the picnic areas with music featuring young bands, singers and musicians as well as fun activities for all the family.
Sport was a feature of the day, with Tug-of-war, a GAA area including a point for your parish game, and traditional field games (three-legged, sack, and egg-and-spoon races), while a Balance Bike obstacle course offered a fun challenge for little ones and proved a huge success on the day.
Having celebrated Eid, the Rohingya community in Carlow were to the fore in the display from Carlow Cricket Club and shared henna art – we were delighted to have other members of the diocesan international community actively part of the day.
The ‘Scallion Aters’ project offered a local twist to the afternoon, reminding all and sundry that Carlovians are known as the Scallion Eaters. Slapdash theatre brought a bit of Bloomsday to the event while jugglers and stilt walkers all contributed to the joy of the afternoon.
Bishop Denis Nulty seemed to be everywhere, welcoming people and joining in the fun. He led the opening prayer, which offered a moment of joyful thanksgiving to the gathering.
Three generations of the Joseph family, living in Carlow and originally from India led the WMOF prayer, with the WMOF hymn sung by the Kildare and Leighlin Diocesan Choir. People came from every part of the diocese for the day, and their parish banners provided a colourful feature in the College grounds.
Credit is due to all at KandLe for their hard work in preparing this fun event, which was well-supported by local groups and Carlow County Council.
Julie Kavanagh is the WMOF delegate for the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.
