Killeaney AFC will be presenting awards at the Annual Social on this Saturday night in Knockdown. Music by Oisin. The club members extend sympathies to Tom Connolly, Treasurer  of the club, on the death of his father Jack Connolly last weekend at the ripe old age of 97. Jack had been active until very recently. He was featured in the 2^nd Vanishing Ireland book. Jack was noted for his great memory and the editor, Turtle Bunbury, had this to say about him in the book “Jack is a quietly lucid individual. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of family pedigrees in the area. Not only is he able to identify any man or woman down to their nearest (or farthest) second cousin twice removed, but he can reel off the year of their birth, their occupation and their present address.” Sympathies to Tom, his mother Mary and all the Connolly families.

Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA was represented in the Limerick Federation ICA quiz in Adare on Monday night by Peggy Kelly, Geraldine Cahillane, Mary O’Brien and Peg Prendeville. Though we did not win we did not disgrace ourselves either.

A new book, which should be of local interest, by railway historian Dr. Alan O’Rourke titled ‘The North Kerry Line’ whose subject is the Limerick to Tralee railway along with the branch lines to Fenit and Foynes will be launched in the Library, Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick on Tuesday 26th Nov. at 8pm by Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. The public are cordially invited to attend on both nights. Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne. Dr. O’Rourke’s book is the result of several years research and contains a detailed history of the four railway companies who constructed these 90 miles or so of railway in West Limerick and North Kerry during the latter half of the 19th century. It also provides a fine description of the lie of the land and of the communities which were linked by the lines and their 22 stations.

Tom Wall’s book in Glin is the topic of conversation with many people and is still selling well. Available in local shops and all bookshops. At this time of year there is always a glut of books on offer so there is no shortage of reading coming up to Christmas, which is coming faster than we wish!

Belated birthday wishes to Pat Brosnan who was honoured recently for all his writings and contributions to society. Well done. It is nice to give praise and thanks to those who do so much in their lives in whatever way they can.

Congratulations also to Athea tidy Towns for all their successes this year. None of this comes about without hard work on the part of many people.