MEENKILLY WELL SCHOOLED IN THE ART OF CARD PLAYING!
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Meenkilly National School, Abbeyfeale has enjoyed a long and proud academic history since its establishment at the start of the 1900`s. However, in recent years, it has garnered an additional reputation for the quality and excellence of its card school.
Meenkilly Card Game has been up and running now for several seasons and has almost become a national institution. It receives major media attention, with The Weekly Observer diligently reporting results to an eager public each week. The card game is organized by a small but dedicated local committee and is held in the schoolhouse every Tuesday night during the winter months. It is not uncommon for up to one hundred people to attend these weekly gatherings, with an average of between 12 and 16 tables taking part on any given night.
The level of attendance is matched only by the extraordinary skill and proficiency of the participants. Such is the expertise and competitive nature of the card players, and so great is their reluctance to concede soft tricks, that dead-heats are a regular occurrence, with two, and often three teams, dividing first prize. "Tokens" are outlawed, and "reneging" is also frowned upon, particularly from the cold cards. The "fall of the trick" is obligatory, while persistent "sticking" of your partner can be a sending-off offence! Pounding the table is permitted – but only in exceptional circumstances, such as the stopping of a certain jink. And for those who might not be enjoying a particularly good run of cards, there are numerous raffles, draws, spot prizes, etc. to soften the blow.
All moneys generated by the card game are donated to school funds, and the pupils have reaped the benefits from the numerous projects which these funds have helped to finance.
Meenkilly Card Game is a shining example of the positive social effects that can be created by co-operation and support between parents, teachers and the local community. The game continues each Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
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