from Anil and Arati
Dublin, Dec 18: It was cold wet day, with temperature around 8-10 degrees Celsius. Yet people beautifully dressed and with great enthusiasm gathered in the Riverside community hall for advance Christmas party and launch of a new group, now named "Konkans Ireland".
Ashok Cutinha and Arati Noronha took the initiative of the ceremony. After the prayer and a Konkani invocation song "Ek Kuttam zaun ami ekttaim zaleanv" ("Like one family we have gathered here"), Helen Castelino welcomed the gathering.
The following were elected as office-bearers:
President: Ashok Cutinha
Vice president: Vijay Bennis
Secretary: Helen Castelino
Treasurer: Santosh Tauro
Cultural secretary: Glany D'Souza
Photography and publicity: Anil Pratap D'Souza
The president sought opinions on a suitable title for the group and finally the name "Konkans Ireland" was decided. President Ashok said that besides meeting on special occasions and celebrations, the group should also have certains goals and objectives after having come together.
The members decided the objective to be to reach out to the needy and help them in whatever little way they could. Other office-bearers too wished the group well for the year 2007-08.
The womenfolk sang Christmas carols with Anil Pratap accompanying them on the guitar. Songs and dances added colour to the occasion. Konkans Ireland Caterers with joint efforts served a community meal.
The proceedings ended with games conducted by Antony and James.
Arati Noronha thanked everyone for a good beginning made. Many felt that it was the very first get-together with a feeling of being back home, and felt sad it ended too soon.
Earlier report: