There was great excitement in the area last Thursday November 28^th when a helicopter flew very low over the area especially over the Clounleharde area and Knockdown Arms. Within the helicopter were the Sheahan family Margaret and Martin with their sons Mark and Conor. This trip, in honour of Mark Sheahan, was organised by the Make-a-wish foundation. Mark, who is five and undergoing treatment for leukaemia has always wanted to go on a Search and Rescue helicopter and to see his own house from the air so the Search and Rescue Foundation gave him his heart’s desire. They picked the family up in Shannon, flew out to Clounleharde via Kilcolman school, which Mark attends, back to Knockdown, down to Tarbert and home along the estuary passing over Aughinish.  It was filmed by TV3 and will be shown on December 18^th at 9pm. Mark was given a specially made uniform for the day and was treated to tea and cake at the Search and Rescue base in Shannon on his return. We are all delighted that his dream came true. To make it better his regular checkups in Dublin are all going well and the doctors are very pleased with his progress. We are all wishing him a full recovery. He is a very brave and happy boy.

The Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA group wishes to congratulate fellow member Geraldine Cahillane on being bestowed a National Crafts Award for her Limerick Lace work. Geraldine is part of a dedicated ICA group which is trying to revive the art of Limerick Lace making. The local ICAmembers are extremely proud of this talented member.

Estuary Macra would like to invite you all to the Christmas Jumper Quiz Night next Friday Night December 6th at the Knockdown Arms. It promises to be “a cracking night of laughs and entertainment with finger food and music.” Prizes for Best and Worst Jumper / Onesie. €20 for a table of 4. This is the group which won the “Best Emerging Club of the Year” in Macra recently. The members are to be admired for their energy and enthusiasm and deserve your support.

Having recovered from Friday night gather your energies again for Saturday night when there is a Fundraising night for Milford Hospice in the Knockdown Arms. Again there will be lots of spot prizes and music, all for a great cause. All this talk about Knockdown Arms reminds me of the poem which Paddy Faley wrote when the pub was opened 28 years ago this month. Here it is again:

The Knockdown Arms

 Paddy Faley RIP

In Knockdown in ’85 history was made

There to build a span new pub the foundation stone was laid

Like a mushroom it quickly grew to withstand any storms

A landmark on the Kerryline now stands the Knockdown Arms.

Imposing in its attractiveness in this quiet countryside

You could hardly believe you were in Knockdown when you’d step inside

And view the luxurious layout, with Ta and Ita’s charms

Welcoming you with a friendly smile into their Knockdown Arms

On the opening night, oh, what a crowd descended on this spot

The spacious bar and lounge were packed, inflation was forgot

As pints and whiskies were filled out, they forgot their cows and farms

As they toasted to each other’s health here in the Knockdown Arms

Ta, an enterprising man, with a charming wife at hand

Has completely changed the face of this rural town land

First a shop and then a pub, where conversation warms

Hearts gone cold with worry here in the Knockdown Arms

How history repeats itself, for here in days gone by

In Tom Behane’s ballroom of romance danced many a girl and boy

And many a courtship here began that finished in wedding charms

Their offspring might find life partners now here in the Knockdown Arms

If you want to drink in comfort away from the noisy town

Come with your companions to this quiet spot in Knockdown

Where you can sit down and relax with no fear of any alarms

In the peaceful surroundings of the cosy Knockdown Arms

The crowds here are increasing on each succeeding night

With music and song ascending their hearts for to delight

And as the news is spreading they are coming here in swarms

There is talk of an extension to the spacious Knockdown Arms!

If further room is needed it will very soon take root

For Ta has plenty cash at hand and there’s no better man to do it

So good luck to Ta and Ita, God keep them from all harm

May they live long to serve their customers in the shop and Knockdown Arms