‘Meitheal na Nollaig’ planned for Kells

Following the amazing success of last year’s ‘Meitheal na Nollaig’ at the Kells People’s Resource Centre, there are plans to hold a similar event this Christmas Day.
Members of the Kells community who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone or in difficult circumstances came together to spend Christmas Day at the Resource Centre last Christmas and it is hoped they will do so again this year.
A ‘Meitheal’ was traditionally a community gathering when neighbours came together to help and support each other; whether it was saving the hay, taking in the turf, thatching a roof, or raising a barn.
In this instance, local people from Kells come together to celebrate Christmas by sharing dinner and an afternoon’s entertainment.
Each person attending contributes to the organisation, tasks and resources needed to make the day an enjoyable and special occasion. Some people cook the meal, others serve , wash up, gave lifts or entertain –much like a family event.  
Last year, the centre was overwhelmed by the level of generosity of the people, support organisations and businesses of Kells, with so many offers of help that they fulfilled their wish list and were able to pass on the goodwill and support to individuals and families experiencing difficult times.
This year the centre intends to run the event again and needs the help of the whole community to make it happen. There is no kitchen in the centre - just tea making facilities and this presented severe logistical challenges to the volunteers involved in producing the fabulous Christmas dinner for 25 people last year.
This was overcome by the generosity of a local café which allowed them to use its cooking facilities and the ingenuity of the volunteers who had to cook off-site and bring the dinner to the centre.
This year they hope to have up to 36 people for dinner on Christmas Day and to cook the meal in their own kitchen.
They are starting with nothing and are asking the help of local people, community groups and businesses to pull off another Christmas miracle.
Spokesperson Angela Murphy is looking for people to help by volunteering, donating cash or sponsoring anything from their wish list.
The wish list this year includes a double sink, base and wall kitchen units, splashback tiles, six ring electric cooker, extractor / fridge freezer, kitchen equipment and cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.