While wind and rain was blowing all around us we, here in Knockdown, were being wrapped up in romances and engagements. First to start was John Harrison, Knockdown to Laura Holt from Scotland followed by Maria Hayes, Glenbawn to Mike Cunningham, Newcastlewest. Then Christine FitzGerald, Ballyhahill got a diamond from her man Dermot  Hale from Sligo while Josephine Sheehy, Dromagarraun came home from Australia with her fiancé Daniel Engeman. Congratulations to all concerned and wishing you many years of happiness.

It is with great amusement that the Faley family see their father, Paddy, on Youtube.com  this week. The Irish Rambling House has put up a clip of him “Minding the House” which was recorded in the Galtymore in London in the year 2000. Google “Paddy Faley Minding the House” if interested. He would be pleased to know that there were people from all over the world able to hear and see him. “Isn’t modern technology wonderful” he would say.

Christmas came and went in the usual fashion in the area. The wrenboys were out on Stephen’s Day; a lovely treat always. I composed the following to wish you all a Happy New Year and looking forward to keeping up the column for 2014.

New Year 2014

Now a happy new year I wish for you

At this blessed and sacred time

May all your dreams and schemes come true

Autumn stole summer’s morning dew

And halted the sunlight’s climb

Now a happy new year I wish for you.

Yes, we watched the winter come into view

Til Christmas was born and bells did chime

May all your dreams and schemes come true.

We can’t believe how fast it flew

For springtime days again we pine

Now a happy new year I wish for you.

May your problems and worries be very few

And obstacles be easy to climb

May all your dreams and schemes come true.

In 2014 we’ll start anew

And continue to dance and sing and rhyme

Now a happy new year I wish for you

May all your dreams and schemes come true.

Peg Prendeville