I extend sympathies to Dan Barrett, Turraree on the death of his sister-in-law Alice Barrett (nee Stokes), Glenastar; wife of the late Mick, she died peacefully at her residence last weekend. Sympathies too to Anne Hanrahan, Ballyguiltenane whose sister Peggy Wallace, Aughrim, Moyvane died last weekend. May they rest in peace.

All is quiet in Knockdown. There are still many trees, which fell during the storm, waiting to be chopped up for firewood. The old saying “It is an ill wind that blows nobody good” might be proved this year. If people have enough timber they may not need to have to go to the bog! One never knows.

I was watching Hector on RTE 1 on Monday night with his programme on matchmaking. It seems matchmaking is still alive and well in Ireland, especially in Lisdoonvarna, and maybe more so since the days of the showband dancing are over. I enjoy Hector and his devil-may-care attitude; he says what he has to say but without offending anybody. He was regretting the demise of the “slow dance” and included Xanadu’s in Newcastlewest among the places where he had memories of same.

It being Lent I include a reflection from the Loughill/Ballyhahill newsletter this week. It was written by the late John O’Donohue, poet/philosopher and former priest. He had a lovely gentle way of speaking and I can hear him in my head saying these thoughtful lines inviting us to slow down and notice nature.

 Reflection

You have travelled too fast over false ground;

Now your soul has come to take you back.

Take refuge in your senses, open up

To all the small miracles you rushed through.

Become inclined to watch the way of rain

When it falls slow and free.

Imitate the habit of twilight,

Taking time to open the well of colour

That fostered the brightness of day.

Draw alongside the silence of stone

Until its calmness can claim you.

John O’Donohue