As I write these notes on Tuesday morning the rain is once again pattering off the window pane but for once I do not complain. A little bit is needed now and then to keep the earth moist and farmers happy. It was great to experience sun and heat for a while but it reminds us that we are not used to it and sometimes find it difficult to function. However, it is nice to know that our New Zealand weather forecaster tells us that more is on the way. George Langan, too, has got caught up in the madness of it all and has compiled another CD called July Madness. He is offering it free with every Dvd of Lovely Clounleharde, which costs €5. It is now available at the Knockdown food-store. Well done again George. It is nice to know that you are keeping busy. I look forward to hearing it. The Clounleharde DVD is a treasure for anyone living in Glenbawn, Knockdown, Clounleharde, Glenagragra, Glasha.

Glin was a buzz with excitement last weekend with the Triathlon taking place on a very hot Saturday. It cannot have been easy for the participants. There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the weekend. To mark the 1st Anniversary of Glin Heritage Trails, Glin Development is running a Poetry and Art competition. It is open to Children under 12, Children over 12 and adults (over 18). The theme is “The Knight’s Walk”. All entries (either art or poetry) for the competition must be completed and submitted on or before Friday 2nd August. All entries must have Name and a contact number attached. Please submit your work to Glin Library, where it will be exhibited on the run up to the festival.

Glin Library has a most beautiful exhibition at the moment. It is a collection of Carol Noonan’s Art which includes paintings and sculptures. These are all new pieces which have not been exhibited before and shows how busy and creative Carol has been for the past year. Please call to see it.

The Great Southern Trail [GST]  will be the subject of Radio Kerry’s Frank Lewis programme this Saturday 27th July from  9a.m. to 11a.m. http://www.radiokerry.ie/programme/saturday-supplement/

The programme was recorded last Sunday at eight different locations along the GST between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. Denis McAuliffe, Vice-Chairman of the GST organised the twenty contributors who spoke on the history, flora, fauna and folklore of the district. The recordings were also interspersed with poetry recitations and songs. It should be an interesting programme.