'King of all birds' on Navan streets

Dear sir - Many in Navan on St Stephen's Day witnessed and enjoyed the continuation of a tradition that dates back thousands of years to our Celtic origins when wren boys in traditional costume took to the streets to perform traditional music, song and dance. Musicians and dancers entertained those who had gathered in the pubs and on the streets of Navan and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the great people who gave up their time to make this event possible. These are members of Comhaltas Navan Branch, including chairman Shea Reynolds his good wife Margie, Paddy Pryle, Bill Slattery and Martin Noone, musicians Gary O'Hare, Mick Landers, John King and Siobhan Shalvey, our dancers Christine Murray and Eileen King. Funds raised from this event are going towards funding a cultural exchange in August 2012 between the towns of Navan, Ireland and Navan, Ottawa, Canada as we here in Navan, with the support of Navan Town Council, go in search of our friends and diaspora throughout the world as a way of securing our economic future . A big thank you is due to all owners and staff of the licensed premises who allowed us to perform our set to their patrons and thank you very sincerely to all who contributed to our bucket collection. We hope that the people of Navan will continue to support our efforts as we continue to draw on our past traditions while living in the present as a way of securing our futures as we strive to bring together two Navans who share so much but are divided by 170 years of history and 5,000 miles for the mutual benefits of all.   Yours, Martin Noone, PRO Comhaltas, Navan Branch.