Happy Valentine’s

 To all those “love-struck” young people and indeed to all couples a very happy ‘Valentine’s Day’. No doubt there will be flowers, cards, chocolates and Valentine’s gifts in abundance. With so much ‘doom and gloom’ and wet weather around it’s nice to have a “happy” day for a change!

A very happy Valentine’s to Conor Mulvihill, son of Mary and Denny, who has become engaged to Jane Wrenn of Tournafulla in the U.S.A.

Well Lent is with us today, Wednesday, for over 6 weeks and then we will have Easter. In years gone by families gave up sugar and even milk in their tea, they fasted, kids gave up sweets and biscuits, adults up favourite TV programmes, went to Mass every day and much more – how times have changed!

Congratulations and good wishes go to Amy Horgan of Rathronan, Athea (daughter of Doris and John) who celebrated a great 21st birthday, along with her family, relatives and friends at the Top of the Town on Saturday night last. Everyone had a most enjoyable night.

Congratulations also to Gerard Barrett (son of Peggy and Joe) who was the deserving winner of “The Rising Star” award at the I.F.T.A’s on Saturday night last in Dublin for his film ‘Pilgrim Hill’ which he made on a low budget. His relatives in Knocknagorna must be also delighted for him – no doubt this isn’t the last we will hear of Gerard who is just 24!

Sincere sympathy goes to the family, relations and many friends of Nellie Hannon of Kingsland who went to her eternal reward over the past week at the great age of 94 years. She reared 8 daughters in hard times, but was always a real jovial person. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’

Apologies for omitting Mike Sheahan as Vice-Chairman of Coiste na nÓg in the list of recently elected officers, an error on my part.

AN now the news of the resignation of Pope Benedict, which brought a sense of shock and surprise to the Vatican and to the world. However, he felt he was “too frail” to carry on as Pope. Many are hoping the next Pope to be elected will be a younger Pope who would be more in touch with our youth and with a lot of strength and energy. There are those who say that Pope John Paul, his predecessor, was a warm and loving Pope.

Happy 40th birthday wishes go to Donal Woulfe of Cratloe who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, along with family, relatives and friends at his home. A great night was enjoyed by everyone.

Would you believe “Aran Jumpers” are all the rage now in Japan!