The January meeting of the Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA took place on Tuesday 14th.  After the minutes and correspondence and competition there was the usual mix of good banter and conversation with the tea which everyone enjoys. It was great to see a budding new member present also. The guild is always open to new members joining them and a welcome is guaranteed. The members are extremely grateful for an unexpected visit from Paul Murphy, who, on behalf of the Tenekilla Wrenboys, gave a generous donation to the guild. On top of that Paul sang a verse of “If you’re Irish”. It was a lovely end to a pleasant January meeting.

There is a general invitation to all parishioners, male and female, in Loughill/Ballyhahill to become involved in the running of the parish both liturgically and practically. More readers and Eucharistic ministers are needed as well as people who will help with the maintenance and cleaning of both churches. Many hands make light work and there will be less work for those presently involved if more hands join them. Anyone interested is asked to contact Fr O’Leary by phone or text. 069-82103/087-9378685. Fr. O’Leary explained that with the shortage of priests in the diocese there is no guarantee of what will happen in a few years so it is time that more laity takes an active part in the parish. My own personal opinion is that a parish should be like a family unit with everybody working together for the good of all and it is our duty to take an interest as priests move on but those of us living in the parish intend to be there for a longer spell. I imagine the day will come when parishes will be joined and a priest will visit on Sundays to celebrate Mass. But we will see what the future holds

I have seen the new Diocesan book recently. It is very well produced with lovely colour photographs but contains some factual errors in the Loughill/Ballyhahill page which is a pity.

The Killeaney Lotto stands at €12,400. Your support is always appreciated.

It is lovely to see the evenings stretching and the daffodils peeping up promising that spring is just around the corner. I took a trip to Ballybunion last weekend to survey the damage done by the recent high tide and storm. The whole beach has been cleared of the debris by a band of people who got together but it is amazing how much sand and stones have been moved by the water. The big steel doors on the Search and Rescue building were destroyed and bent like a folded towel such was the strength. Gladly they have been replaced since the weekend. A calendar with various photos from Ballybunion is on sale in the Supervalu shop with all proceeds going to the Search and Rescue funds. Nice idea.