The annual Christmas dinner and party for senior citizens was held in Arney Hall at the start of December.

Over 80 people attended the dinner from Arney, Florencecourt, Bellanaleck and surrounding areas and entertainment after the meal was provided by Tommy and Aveen Owens, Sr. Marie Cox and a demonstration of Irish dancing by children from The McGirr School of Dancing.

Members and volunteers from the association were in attendance to help with the dinner and ensure that the event was a success.

A spokesperson for the Association was pleased with the turn out, saying: "This was the first time since Covid that we were able to host the event and we are delighted that so many of our elderly neighbours were able to attend.

"After nearly two years of isolation it was a great opportunity to bring people together again."

However, some expressed disappointment that Santa did not make an appearance and appealed to the committee to ensure that an invitation is extended to him in good time for next year’s event. The Chairperson Caroline Meehan assured the group that the request would be taken seriously and that a line of communication has already been set up well in advance of next year’s event.

The association is very busy with regular events in the hall and is looking forward to the New Year when they would hope to get a youth club back up and going again and they are also planning to start a group for older residents who have expressed a wish to be able to attend the hall in the early part of the day for some organised event or just a chat and some light refreshments.

They also now have a floodlight MUGA at the rear of the hall and this is now available for hire to groups or individuals.