Winter is in with a bang and even though we have no awful cold or frost the days are a bit miserable but at least we had a good summer so I will stop complaining. This week is promised not too bad, at least.
Pauline Sharp’s exhibition in Glin library is the tonic needed to dispel the gloom of November so try to get to see it before the end of November. It might also give you ideas for a Christmas present. Tom Wall’s book, too, is being sought after in Glin. He told me it was the 2ndbest-selling book in O’Mahony’s last week. Alex Ferguson was 1st. I would not mind having that honour so well done to Tom.
Remember that the Mass times in Loughill/Ballyhahill Parish have changed with the clock. Ballyhahill Mass is now on Sundays at 10 amwhile Saturday night Mass is in Loughill at 8pm.
Congratulations to the two O’Grady sisters who have recently graduated from college. Ciara has a 1st class Honours Bachelor of Business in Accounting from the GMIT in Castlebar while her older sister Leona graduated from Mary Immaculate with a Certificate in Inclusive Care in Education. Well done to both.
The Killeaney AFC Annual Social will be held in the Knockdown Arms on Saturday November 23rd. All welcome.
The ICA has just published another book to follow on from the Cookery book last year. It is the “Book of Home and Family”. I just looked through it this week and it is full of hints and tips passed on from the older generation to the younger. Another idea for the Christmas present.
November is the month of the Holy souls and the anniversary of my mother Nell Faley. I finish with a poem which I wrote in her memory some years ago
In memory of my mother
The dark days of November
are a fitting reminder of your anniversary,
but your grave holds no comfort for me
as your spirit
could not be contained
by any clay.
I hear your laugh
and see your merry eyes dancing
as you dragged hoarse music
from an old accordion.
On hearing Dad’s footsteps at the door,
you handed it to Jack, our neighbour,
and sat back to see Dad’s reaction
to the lively hornpipe
that now filled the room.
Your laugh and humour
has never died.
It continues to ring in our ears
inviting us to dance in your memory.