by Peg Prendeville

Sympathies to the family of Johnnie Martin who died last Saturday. Johnnie, from Moyreen, was very popular and loved to sing when with his friends. It was not too long ago, while in respite in St Ita’s Hospital, that he sang to entertain the others in the ward. May his soul rest in peace.

Paddy Faley was delighted to hear Georgie Langan singing in Fáilte Isteach with Donachadh Ó Dúlaing last Saturday night. Well done to Georgie for making it to National Radio.

While visiting my daughter Maura in Abbeyleix last weekend we went to Emo Court and gardens near Portlaoise. Emo Court was designed by architect James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portarlington. Between 1930 and 1969 it was a novitiate owned by the Jesuits. It was acquired by a Mr Cholmely-Harrison in the 1970’s. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, a lake, woodland walks and many fine trees and shrubs. The house and gardens were taken into state ownership in 1994 and is open to the public every day. It was very interesting to get a tour of the house as well as walk in the lovely sunshine through the woods which were carpeted with bluebells. There are tearooms and toilet facilities also. I am always delighted to visit these beautiful places of which there are many in the country but when one is on a motorway all these are by-passed but it is worthwhile seeking them out. www.hertiageireland.ie gives lots of information on these places.

The Loughill/Ballyhahill Parish Annual is getting lots of feedback, most positive, some negative. It is on sale at Collins’s in Athea as well as in Glin and Ballyhahill and Carrigkerry. Don’t forget to buy your copy! All profits go to the Parish Hall in Ballyhahill.

Thank you to all who sponsored Majella O’Connor who did the great Limerick Run on Sunday to raise funds for the Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA guild. The guild will be visiting Mullingar in June when they take part in the National final of the Elenora Gibbon Drama competition. Meanwhile they are having a night in the Parish Hall in Ballyhahill on May 10^that 8.30 pm where everyone is invited to help them make some terracotta figures. They are only about 4 inches high. Margaret from the Pitch for Shane team will supply the clay and help needed. It will be a night of fun and is open to all who want to make a figure to join the “team”. If anyone is interested in coming to this event in the Parish Hall please inform Secretary Pauline Sharp at 069 82255 so that the guild will have an idea of numbers attending. Thank you. There is no admission charge.

The Knockdown Vintage committee is enthusiastically preparing for the big Fun Day on July 17 in the Killeaney Grounds. Watch this space!