Kildare group's Newbridge event champions diversity

A Communty Culture Night event which was held by Newbridge4All (N4A) at Ryston Sports and Social Club over the weekend was a rousing success.

Hosted by radio DJ and comedian Keith Walsh, the event, which championed diversity within the town, was attended by around 90 people on Saturday, March 2 last.

The event featured traditional Irish music, followed by musical bingo from Crooked House Theatre Company, and also some different forms of enthrallingd dancing, such as Dabke dancing, Flamenco dancing and Cancan dancing.

James Stokes, an 18-year-old Irish Traveller youth activist from Newbridge, was among the attendees, in which he hosted a stall on Traveller culture.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, James said: "It was a great event with a good turnout.

"A lot of people engaged with my stall and were very interested in it, and Keith Walsh was learning the Cant language."

He added: "The organisers deserve praise, as well as the participants. Here's hoping that they do another event like this soon!"

Newbridge Women's Shed also carried out a calming Tai-Chi demonstration at the event.

Also in attendance on the day in question were Fine Gael Minister Martin Heydon, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, Fine Gael councillor Peggy O’Dwyer and Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.

A video showcasing the event can be viewed on YouTube.