by Peg Prendeville

The last day of August already! And, even though we have nice autumn days now, I miss  the summer that never came. All the children are back to school this week and we wish them well through the year especially those who may be starting school or moving on to secondary level.

It was lovely to read the article in the Leader last week about the Ballroom Dancing in the Parish Hall in Ballyhahill. I believe that those who attend have great fun and that the organisers never expected it to take off so well. It will soon end to give way to the Céili dancing which will continue until next Spring. This too always attracts a crowd and is good for the figure also!

On a recent visit to St Ita’s in Newcastle I met Nora Mulvihill who is always in great form and asking for the O’Gradys and Paddy Faley. She had a copy of the Athea News up beside her so she keeps in touch with all that is happening. I wish a speedy recovery to Cathy Moran who is recovering well from a hip operation after a recent fall. She is an inspiration to everybody. Get well wishes too to Tommy Sheehy, Joe O’Shaughnessy and Mary Fitzmaurice who have all needed medical attention in recent weeks.

We are all happy in Knockdown that our shop and petrol pumps are back to us again. Such is its importance that Gerry Collins, formerly of Knockdown, cycled all the way from Clara to visit during the week!

Sympathies to Emily and Thomas Normoyle, Glenagragra, on the sudden death of Emily’s father recently. Emily’s family are from Wicklow.