There is no doubting that Kilkenny and her streets are full of history.
Walkin Street falls into that category.
Ask any resident from the area and they will give a glowing report of growing up on that patch.
In his book on ‘St. Rioch’s’, former brewery employee Tom Reade speaks of days of handball, hurling and soccer in The Fair Green and ‘pitch and toss’ at The Closh.
Hurling, it is said, was played in The Fair Green from early morning until darkness fell.
There was also memories of the circus visiting the area as well as ‘Fair days’, where young boys had a chance of making a few pence looking after cattle and sheep.
One landmark which is remembered with fondness is Haughney’s orchard.
Mrs Ellen Haughney’s house and orchard was beside the Fair Green, where the new supermarket is now located.
Older residents remember the orchard as having beautiful red apples.
Following the death of Mrs Haughney in 1945, the premises was purchased by Kilkenny Corporation.
In 2005 St Mary’s parish built houses and apartments on the land and it now includes St Mary’s day care centre which provides a range of activities including meals, recreational activities and health promotion.
Birthday celebrations
And it was here that over thirty people were in attendance at last week, when Birdie Hayes celebrated her 90th birthday.
It was just another Wednesday or Thursday for Birdie who volunteers on these days at the centre where those in attendance are treated to lunch, a cup of tea, and maybe some music and a game of 25’s.
And if anyone needs proof that age is just a number, then Bridie is living proof. Herself and Mary Meighan have each dedicated 45 years keeping the nearby St Mary’s cathedral to a high standard of cleanliness. Other strings to her bow include 50 year membership of the ICA, and is also a member of the Goodwill society.
Speaking at the lunch, Chair of the centre Eamon Corcoran said that Birdie was an example to all with her work ethic, energy and commitment to the centre itself.
Eamon went on to say that Birdie was on the first committee back in early 2000 and her absolute dedication to the centre is to be both admired and respected.
Mr Corcoran also paid tribute to Carmel Byrne, another committee member who has served on the committee from day one.
A presentation was made to Birdie on behalf of the centre
