By Peg Prendeville

Loughill/Ballyhahill was saddened by two funerals last week. Peg O’Connor, Knocknaboula aged 95 passed away peacefully in her own home as did Mary Brouder aged 81 from Knocknaclugga, but more suddenly. I extend sympathies to both families. Mary Brouder was a keen reader of Athea and District News and never missed a week. She would often ring me up with bits of news for the Knockdown News column. I believe she had a scrapbook where she kept snippets of all the little interesting bits from local papers and  newsletters. Mary had been going out to Going Strong parties etc up to the last week. May they both rest in peace.

Loughill/Ballyhahill Strictly has started the rehearsals under the professional Bridget Harte.  The highly entertaining final night will be on April 23rd. in the Devon Inn.  Over the next couple of weeks they will be putting faces to the 12 dancing couples, along with their sponsors. Sponsorship is now the vital part of this being a success. Anyone who wishes to sponsor  please look up the Facebook page Loughill Ballyhahill or contact any member of the Gerald Griffins ladies GFC or Bally Rovers AFC committees. Well done to the committees for coming up with the idea.

I am looking forward to seeing The Hen Night Epiphany by Athea Drama group either this weekend or next. If it is as good as previous productions it will be worth waiting for.

The local Knockdown Vintage is organising a “run” on Sunday April 10th. All proceeds to charity including the Jack and Jill foundation. All support appreciated, as always.

This time next week we will know if we have a new government and all the posters will be taken down, hopefully.