Knockdown was abuzz with excitement all weekend due to the marriage of two very popular people James Chawke, Clounleharde and Annette Hanrahan, Ballyguiltenane on last Saturday. Celebrations began on Friday and ended in Knockdown late on Sunday night. They were married in Glin with the reception in the Devon Inn. Best wishes to both James and Annette in their future life together.

Congratulations to jockey Gearóid Brouder, grandson to Mary in Knocknaclugga, who had his first race and win in the Curragh on Sunday, riding Madeira Girl to victory. Gearóid is 17 and from Listowel, Co Kerry.His brother Kevin, who also works for Christy Roche, led the horse up. Best of luck to these two brothers. Their grandmother Mary is very proud of them. 

There was a lovely occasion in Askeaton last Friday night at the “Mo Eas Geitine” art exhibition. Carol Noonan, Clounleharde was one of the artists who displayed her work and received her Fetac Level 5 Certificate for Combined Materials and Figure Studies from Eimear Brophy of the VEC. Well done to all the artists. Their creativity has to be admired and encouraged. The exhibition, which included paintings and sculptures, will be on view in the Tourist Office in Askeaton for the next two weeks. All the people who gathered on Friday night were excited to see the Olympic Torch make a visit also. I met Gerard Curtin from Ballyhahill who tells me he will be launching his book “Every field had a name” in Brown Joes in Athea in November. Watch out for that as he is not sure of the exact date yet. Let us hope it does not clash with the launch of “The Purple Pencil” by Peg Prendeville in Newcastle West library on 16th November! Our little Parish has produced a lot of books in recent years. Must be something in the water – the Abha Bhán naturally!