St. Colman’s National School Craft Fair was the only gig in town on Thursday 17th December! From early morning, busy mums, dads and minders dropped off miniature minced pies, tray bakes and beautifully iced cupcakes for the annual Christmas event, run by the Parents’ Council. The tables looked set for the Great Irish Bake off competition; such was the display and appeal to the senses.

At 9.30am the wonderfully decorated Halla sprang to life with the chatter of the junior infants, family and friends. A beeline was made for the confectionery stand with Lucky bags, Reindeer poop (aka Maltesers) and snowman poop (aka mini marshmallows) proving to be popular. Parents, teachers and volunteers in festive dress also helped our savvy shoppers (and their teeth!), by ushering them in the direction of trinkets, bookmarks, mystery treasure chests and snow angels.

The magic and wonder was relived as classes trickled out at 20 minute intervals. Stocking fillers included Harry Potter wands, stuffed snowmen and an array of delightful decorations. Stunning and affordable gifts such as fresh wreaths, candles, handmade jewellery and remarkable wood turned figures were popular with the grownups.
This year, as an added interest, those attending could pay a visit to Mr Mc Grath’s 3rd class winter wonderland scene for a nominal cost. The proud students fashioned a town to scale from cardboard under the creative supervision of their teacher. Fairy lights, a skating rink, a windmill and miniature people all added to the enchantment and wonder of the occasion.

The finale was the much anticipated raffle of 20 kindly donated prizes for adults. First prize of a beautiful painting by Paraic O’ Regan ‘An evening at Ballymaloe’ went to Lorraine Murphy of Cherry Vale, Cloyne. Over 40 prizes were scooped in the children’s raffle.

The School and the Parents Council would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who contributed in any way to this successful event. All proceeds will be reinvested into initiatives such as the Book Rental scheme and increasing the bank of books of the accelerated reading programme.  We wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas.

Check out the Gallery for photos of the day.