by Peg Prendeville

The locals around Knockdown were very sad and upset to hear that Lucy, who lived right beside the Soccer grounds, passed away very recently at her home in the UK. A young woman, she was always very industrious; as well as holding down a job she loved baking and looking after her cats, ducks, hens. When she was diagnosed with cancer last year she returned to her mother so that she could get treatment and she hoped to recover and return to Knockdown but sadly that did not happen. Her friends and neighbours will gather on this Wednesday night to offer Mass for her and to mark her contribution to the surrounding area.

Only once this year, so far, have I heard the cuckoo and I miss the familiar song. The cuckoo is always very busy around Glenbawn and Knockdown so it must be the cold weather which has quieted him. It is a pity as it can lift the heart just to hear him calling. Another sign that the weather is not warm enough, as if we needed signs, is that the primroses are still in the ditches. A friend was telling me that they should be dried up from the heat by now. But, we must continue to hope for a bit of summer as without hope there is nothing.

There was a very enjoyable night at the festival of Bealtaine, which celebrates creativity as we age, in Glin library on Tuesday last May 21st with music, song, dance, and poetry. A large crowd attended. As well as poetry we had eight year old Ella Foley dancing to the music of Michelle Foley, Catherine, Brendan and Gerard  Stack. The Ballyhahill Going Strong club enjoyed the night’s activities and some of their members did party pieces. Daisy Kearney entertained all with her story of “Minding the House” and her lively recitation of “Rita Danaher’s Jennett” written by Dan Keane many years ago. Joe Kelly, Pauline Cussen and Maureen Long sang some songs. Katie Pitt, from Glin, had the group singing “I’ll take you home again, Kathleen”. John Prendergast from Limerick 95fm recorded some of the evening’s performance for his Saturday morning programme. It was great to see all the local talent and I hoped it lifted the spirits of all who attended. I read this week that “Artists and poets are the raw nerve ends of humanity. By themselves they can do little to save humanity. Without them there would be little worth saving.” I agree. We must have some something other than the ordinary humdrum of work and everyday hassles to lift our minds and bring some light into our lives.

Glin Library is currently displaying a wonderful exhibition by the pupils of Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Ballyhahill which they put together after having a nature walk on the banks of the Abha Bhán. All welcome to come and admire.

I follow the work of Athea Tidy Towns through Facebook and want to congratulate those committed workers who seem to be out day and night improving the image of Athea. It is looking very well with the flower gardens, wild life areas, murals and many more little surprises. Well done to all.

Killeaney Lotto results.

Numbers drawn: 5,6,27,28. No winner.

€80: Mary hayes, Shanagolden

€30: Pat McSweeney, Ballyguiltenane

€20: Michael O’Shaughnessy, Flean

€20 Mike ahern, Knockfinisk

€20: Eddie O’Shaughness, Flean

House Draw; John O’Connor, c/o Anchor Bar

5 free tickets: Amanda O’Sullivan, c/o Anchor Bar

5 free tickets: Michael O’Connor, c/o Knockdown shop

Promoter’s prize: Micky Mulvihill

New jackpot: 9000

Venue: Brown Joes on Monday 3/6/13