Thanks for the memories

OVER 50 entries were received for Fingal County Council’s Memory Makers’ competition which made a comeback after six years.

The event is specifically designed for the active age community and takes place during the national Bealtaine festival which celebrates creativity in older people.

The council’s community development officers worked closely with a number of new seniors groups and organisations in the county during preparations for the event.

The exhibition, hosted by TV3’s Martin King, included a great selection of craftwork and writing from all areas of Fingal including Swords, Malahide, Howth, Baldoyle, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown and the Naul.

A spokeswoman for Fingal County Council said:

“While the standard of entries is superb, it is important to remember that the emphasis of the competition is on the memory evoked by the craft and short story.

“This is a unique competition in this regard and it encourages entries from a diverse range of artistic abilities.

“We consider Fingal Memory Makers to be one of the most important cultural events of the year.

?

The spokeswoman added:

“This event is helping to ensure that Fingal’s tradition of craft work and writing is maintained and preserved and is a vital commitment to the arts and culture in the county.

?

Speaking at the exhibition, chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said culture and the arts are highly valued in Fingal.

“This is evident across our heritage properties, our libraries, our arts programmes, cultural centres and venues, and of course the work of our community development unit here today,

? said Mr Reid.

Outgoing Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Kieran Dennison, said:

?The arts, crafts and stories on exhibit are a unique part of Fingal’s culture.

“This is one of those occasions where a cliché such as

‘everyone is a winner’ is appropriate.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for participating and hope that you continue to do so in the future.

?