by Peg Prendeville

This weather is getting depressing. I know Saturday was beautiful and everybody enjoyed it bout not being able to get away on Saturday Jim and I took time out on Monday to tour Kerry and the Slea Head area with the intention of visiting the Great Blasket. Not alone could we not go out to it due to rough waters but we could not even see the island due to  the mist. However the Interpretative Centre, which was opened in April 1994, was very interesting giving the history of the area and showing many lovely photographs. We came on to Killarney to find the mist was following us and so we got no satisfaction there either. Torc waterfall was in full spate but that should be its winter exhibition! God help those who are trying to make a living out of tourism this year. Even the jaunting cars have roofs on some of them in an attempt to coax the customers! But it was good to see that even though the weather was not great there were many tourists about. But I feel sorry for those people who come on a one-off visit to Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher or the lakes of Killarney and find them covered in mist or worse still lashing rain and wind.

In Glin library at this time of year I often get tourists calling, especially from America. I had a family last week from San Francisco, who are staying in Hazel cottage Ballyhahill, and who were telling me that they love the rain as they are sick of being burned by the sun! So, I suppose, it is not all bad news.

Belated Happy 21^st birthday wishes to James McSweeney who recently celebrated in the Knockdown Arms. I was unable to attend but have heard it said that it was great to see so many youngsters together enjoying themselves and great to see that there are many still in the country.

Best wishes to Mike Hayes on his forthcoming walk to Dublin to raise awareness of suicide and its effects on families. I have just read a very interesting book on the subject titled “The Coldest Night” by Carol Anne Milton. Carol’s son also completed suicide (her words) and she tells of the effect it had and does some study into the “why” of it all. A heartbreaking but enlightening read that will benefit anyone who would like to read it. It is in the libraries.

Storytime for children continues every Friday morning in Glin Library from 11 to 12. All welcome.