National Pioneer Ball

Cork 2003

Navan 2002

Tralee 2001

Knock 2000

Carrigaline 1999

Virginia 1998
Navan 2002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Report on Navan 2002
After a very successful 2001 Ball held in Tralee, the East Meath Region put their name forward to host this great occasion in 2002. It was confirmed and the wheels were set in motion. A committee was elected to organise the event and Christopher Clarke of Duleek was elected as Chairperson. Secretary was Melissa Fitzpatrick of Donore/Rosnaree Centre. It was decided that the committee would use the same Treasurer as the senior committee. The Treasurer for the event was Mary Brady of Duleek Centre.

Posters, an application form and Information letter was sent out to all Regional Secretaries in Ireland. The hotel was booked and a menu was set. The services of the band and the DJ were obtained by Melissa.

The night began with mass in St. Mary's Chapel in Navan. The principal celebrant was Fr. Coleman of Navan Parish and the homilist was Fr. Mac Greil. The readers at the mass were from the East Meath Region but all four provinces participated in the Offertory Procession - Matthew Mulkeen - Connaught, Bridget Reilly - Leinster, Suzanne Scott - Ulster, and Eilis Murphy - Munster.

In his homily; broadcast by LMFM, the local radio station, Fr. Mac Greil talked about the Young Pioneer Pledge - to abstain from alcohol until eighteen years old and to keep off illegal drugs for life. He also talked of the increase in the numbers enrolling in the Pioneer Association in Africa. The homily was both interesting and inspiring.

It was then time to move down to the Newgrange Hotel. The Pioneer prayer and grace before meals was lead by East Meath Regional Spiritual Director, Jack Matthews. Melissa Fitzpatrick did an excellent job in her role as Master of Cermonies for the night. Sean Coll, President of the Pioneer Association, told us how much he was enjoying the final year of his term. Seamus Kennedy, Chairperson of the East Meath Region, spoke of his delight at seeing such a great crowd of people of all age groups, having a ball without the aid of alcohol.

Christopher Clarke thanked everyone for their assistance in making the Ball possible, and everyone who came to make this a night to remember. He made a presentation to three special people, without whom this night would not have been so successful, namely, Margaret Brady, Mary Brady. Margaret and Mary received a certificate and a special gift for their dedication to the East Meath Young Pioneers. Christopher presented his mother with a bouquet of flowers as a 'thank you' for letting the Ball preparations take over their home for the last six months.

The night continued with music by local band 'All Shades', followed by a disco until the wee hours of the morning. All who were in attendance praised the hard working committee - Christopher Clarke (Chairperson), Melissa Fitzpatrick (Secretary), Grace and Margaret Brady (Booking Secretaries), Mary Brady (Treasurer), Colm Clarkin and Frank Wade (PRO's), Deirdre Brady and Philip Brady - for making the event so special and enjoyable.

A souvenir booklet was given out on the night to all present. The committee would like a special word of thanks to their families for putting up with all the inconveniences and also to the East Meath Regional Committee for their support from the time that plans for the event were put in motion, over six months ago. Thank you!

From official P.T.A.A. website ... click here.

Some pictures from Ulster Youth website ... click here.