Best wishes to Tom Wall of Glin who will launch his book “The Boy from the Industrial School” this weekend on the occasion of the Reunion and Reconciliation Mass of the boys from St Joseph’s Industrial School in Glin. Councillor John Sheahan will launch the book in the Couth Court Hotel after the 3.30pm Mass in Raheen Church.

Mass in Ballyhahill next Saturday night at 6pm is being offered for Paddy Faley, whose second anniversary occurs this week.

Congratulations to Carol Noonan, Clounleharde, who graduated last week with a Fetac level 5 in Art. Carol’s work, whether it is painting or sculpture, is always most impressive and creative.  Meanwhile her neighbour Pauline Sharp has had her work on display in Newcastle West library for the past three weeks so if you have not seen it you still have until Saturday to get there. But in case you cannot get to town at all it will be in Glin library from next Tuesday 22^nd. All welcome during opening hours.

I called to see Nora Mulvihill in St Ita’s this week. She is in great form and wishes to say “Hello” to all her friends in the Knockdown area. Liza Mulvihill too, at 98, is still hale and hearty. Both these women read the paper every day to keep themselves up to date on what is going on in our country. They are an inspiration to us all.

Congratulations to Peg and Jack O’Grady, Glenbawn, who will celebrate 64 years of marriage this week. Thankfully they are both in good form at the moment.

As I write these notes I have just been watching the Madeleine McCann story on BBC. My heart breaks for Madeleine’s parents. It must be a most awful nightmare for them and all other families in similar circumstances. Wouldn’t it be marvellous – and a miracle – if she were found safe and well?  I hope and pray that it happens.