by Peg Prendeville

Congratulations to Edel Quinn, formerly Glenbawn, Knocknaclugga who got married to Desmond Bourke, Rathkeale recently. Wishing them many years of happiness together.

To celebrate the Bealtaine Festival a night of poetry and music will be held in  Glin Library at 8 pm on next Tuesday May 21st  This nationwide festival is celebrated annually during the month of May. Music will be by the Stack family from Ballyhahill and Michelle Foley from Glin. I will read from “The Purple Pencil” which I published last year. The event is open to all and it is FREE. Come along.

Congratulations to Patrick Massey, Knockdown who received his 1st Holy Communion in Ballyhahill recently.

The Ballyhahill Parish Hall committee held its AGM last week. The committee members remain in office as follows: Chairperson- Mary O’Brien, Secretary – Peg Prendeville, Treasurers – Deirdre O’Brien and Ml. Kearney. Members – John Reidy, Neilie Clifford and Helen Hayes. The Parish Hall is there for the whole community but it must be booked in advance through Neilie to avoid any doubling up. It is always kept in immaculate condition thanks to Mary and Deirdre and Neilie. It is always admired by visitors who come to attend the dancing etc. As well as being used by the Comhaltas and ICA some of the Pastoral area meetings are held there from time to time also. It was used too to cater for the family and friends of Donnacha O’Brien’s months mind Mass.

Killeaney Lotto stands at €8800. Numbers drawn on Sunday night were  2 -12 – 15  – 26. Michael and Maria Hayes won €80. Ann McGrath won €30. Mike Cummane €20, Tom O’Connor €20, Pats & Mickey €20.  Five free tickets went to Pat O’Keeffe and Karen O’Connor. Promoter’s prize went to Knockdown Shop. Next week’s draw will be held in Barretts, Glin on Sunday night May 12th. Killeaney club wishes to thank all who support the weekly lotto which is vital to the running of the club.

As I write this early in the morning I am accompanied by birdsong outside the window. In spite of the awful weather once again this year there is nothing more uplifting than listening to the singing of the birds. My little grandchildren, too, love to stand at the window in the morning and listen to the “birdies singing”.

Songs of Praise

(from The Purple Pencil)

Listening to the birds

singing with such energy

fills my heart with hope.

They do not worry

Or spoil their day with despair.

They sing and they trust

that their creator

will provide them with their needs

and give thanks with song.

All day they sing psalms

of praise, inviting us too

to connect with Him.