Then & Now: Counting down to Christmas

CALENDARS for next year are on sale in local shops at present, and they make a nice Christmas gift, especially for somebody abroad. They include a theme which features prominently and in years to come, they may become very much sought after. Calendars have become very popular in recent years as a fundraiser for clubs, organisations and community groups. It is an ideal way to raise at least €3,000, and much more if sales are pushed. It can also be a public relations exercise, as well to get their message across, and to highlight the work they are involved in.

Growing up calendars were very scarce, and people depended on getting one from their local shop as part of their Christmas box. The Christmas box was an age-old tradition that shopkeepers gave in return to their loyal customers, who supported them over the past year. The box would contain a Christmas cake, bottle of Sandeman Port Wine, Sherry wine, some grocery items, and a calendar.

A number of shops got their own calendar printed, with a black and white photo of their own premises or some other local landmark.

It was usually one hardback page, with the twelve months, on separate sheets, in a pull-out section, attached on with two staples. These would be ripped off at the end of each month, to show the following month, and so on.

The first calendar I saw was back in the 1960s, and it came in the Christmas box, from the Stack family in Carrigkerry.
It was possibly one of the first local calendars to be produced. The altar area of St Mary’s Church in Carrigkerry was the featured photograph, and I looked forward to the end of the month to tear off the page.

Over the years the page content, quality and presentation of calendars greatly advanced. A prominent shopkeeper in Newcastle West (Charlie Coughlin Rip) would thank you, for your business, on leaving his shop on Christmas week with a firm handshake and a calendar.

Calendars come in all shapes, and sizes at present, and they can be very colourful and attractive to view. They can be single or double sided with lots of space, for text and photographs to do justice to the club or organisation.

The main work in assembling a calendar is to secure enough advertising to cover the cost of publishing the number required for sale. Once this is secured the profits will come from the sales. If 300 are sold at €10 each that will leave a nice profit of €3,000.

ADVENT CALENDARS
ADVENT calendars originated in Germany in the 1800s, and families used chalk lines to mark the days until Christmas. The first printed cardboard calendars were created by Richard Sellmer Verlag in 1946. Children use them to count down the days until Santa Claus will arrive, and many people may not be aware of their history.

The high point of the Christian calendar is Christmas, and Advent is one of the church seasons. The Advent tradition has been celebrated since the fourth century and it prepares us for the coming of Jesus. It was a time for reflection, preparation, and anticipation. It covered the period from November 11 St Martin’s Day to December 24 Christmas Eve.

This has been shortened in recent years, and Advent commences now on the last Sunday in November. Candles are lit in churches each Sunday on the run up to Christmas. The symbols are for hope, peace, joy, and love. At present the Advent calendar covers from December 1, up to December 24, and the children eagerly prise open the window each day to sample the chocolates.

There is a great choice in modern Advent calendars, with most preferences, and tastes catered for. The shops display calendars aimed for children which include the characters that are currently in fashion. Adults are also catered for with Advent calendars containing cosmetics, fancy goods, drinks, chocolates, animals and pets.

Personalised calendars can be created by buying wooden or felt Advent calendars, which can be filled with a selection of items aimed for the person who is to receive them. The basic cardboard and chocolate versions have made their way all around the world and can be bought in most countries. This year it might be nice to recall all the traditions of Advent while enjoying the chocolates and the festivities.

JOHNNY DONEGAN
JOHNNY DONEGAN the much-loved entertainer is still sadly missed twelve years after his passing on December 16, 2011. He was one of Limerick’s most popular entertainers, and he was known throughout Ireland and abroad. His parents Michael and Mary welcomed him into the family on November 23, 1941. They lived in Monabricka, Ballyagran, but were in the parish of Milford in county Cork. He was the eldest of a large family that attended Ballyagran school, and he went out working with farmers at a young age.

A love for music was instilled by his parents who got Willie Dunne from Meanus, to give him music lessons. He specialised in the fiddle, and he could play it over his head behind his back or lying on the floor. He had a talent for playing the tin whistle; concert flute, mandolin and banjo, and he could sing and lilt as well. He was full of devilment and was possessed with a wonderful sense of humour. He had a natural talent for music, something that can never be taught, and he could sing and play at the same time.

Traditional Irish music was his favourite, but he enjoyed playing American Folk Music, better known as Blue Grass.
Johnny’s unusual singing voice was ideally suited for the type of ballad he sang in the local halls, in Cricklewood and Camden Town. He performed at Rambling houses, Irish nights, concerts, pubs and clubs, for noble causes, and charity events. He also competed and performed at Fleadh Cheoil’s around the country.

He married Mary Lynch Ballinlongig, Dromcollogher in 1963, and lived there for the rest of his life, but he never forgot his roots. He was a proud Cork man, and he flew the flag proudly whenever they were playing.

He sang the songs with great pride and emotion, and he always held the listener’s attention. Who can ever forget The Boys of Kilmichael, Sean South, Kevin Barry. Michael Collins, The Boys from the County Cork, The Glens of Mayo, Sean O’Farrell and Kelly the Boy from Killane. We will always remember his playing of The Masons Apron, The Four Poster Bed and A Tramp on the Street.

WATCH: Music superstars spotted busking on Limerick street

Johnny played with many groups and showbands over the years, and he travelled far afield. He performed on Cork County Sound, West Limerick 102, East Limerick Radio, Tipperary Mid-West, RLO Limerick, Radio Kerry, Radio Clare, and many other stations.

Johnny was one of the great characters and entertainers of our lifetime. He was only a few weeks past his 70th birthday but his life was jam packed in musical terms. He liked to be known as Johnny the Fiddler, but he never sought out the limelight, or looked for payment.

Giving enjoyment and pleasure to others was his main reward. Johnny recorded many albums and DVDs, and his songs, and music will flow on forever.