Sympathies to Margaret Wallace and to the Wallace family in Glenbawn on the death of Margaret’s husband Danny from Tullyleague who died in St Ita’s Hospital during the week. We remember, too, Mike Ahern, Glenagragra who died suddenly and we extend our sympathies to his wife Bridie, daughters Mary, Breda, Jenny and Michelle and all his family.

I seem to be doing a bit of travelling around the country lately, at family events, and last weekend I was in Ennistymon, Co Clare. There is not the same evidence in Clare of the storm Darwin in the number of trees that were knocked down, compared to West Limerick, but there is so much more water everywhere. Apart from numerous lakes, where there should be grass, I could not help but notice the film of water over every field. It will take a lot of heat and sun to dry up the country. Let us hope we will get it. No sign of it yet anyway but we must hope.

The year is moving on and next week is the start of Lent preceded by Pancake Tuesday. It is strange how all these customs came about and how they are lasting. Nowadays nobody gives up eggs for Lent so there is no need to use all the eggs in pancakes but it is still a nice custom to keep going.

In spite of the rough weather the daffodils are not cowarded and are growing daily and in some place have budded into flower. It is lovely to see. 

We have got used to the Knockdown area being lit up every night but did you know that it is just five years this month since the street lighting was introduced in Knockdown by Limerick County Council. A little bit of useless knowledge for you!