St Patrick’s Day was celebrated in true traditional fashion in Knockdown with Big Maggie on Sunday night where the singing and dancing continued into St Patrick’s morning and everybody enjoying the festive atmosphere. On this day especially (but everyday really) we think of our family members who have emigrated in recent years, mainly to Australia. There is hardly a family locally that does not have somebody working there, or if not there, in Korea. We hope they all enjoyed the day. It is a source of pride to many I am sure to think that St Patrick is the most celebrated saint in the world; it shows how the Irish have spread themselves around the globe and made their mark.

A little bird told me that the turf machines are gearing up for the year and is a reminder to us that time is passing by very quickly. However I would think that a little bit of dry weather is needed before one can put a foot in the bog.

The local Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA guild had a meeting recently at which Geraldine Cahillane showed her items of Limerick Lace which won her an Excellence at the Hand Craft Award recently. Geraldine joined the Limerick Federation class for reviving the art of Limerick Lace Making in 2010 and as the classes progressed she found that her skills were improving and soon enjoyed making larger and more detailed pieces. All the local members were amazed at her skill and talent and are proud to have her in the guild. If anybody is interested in seeing her work she has kindly allowed it to be displayed in Glin Library for a short while. Feel free to call in and see. It will be worth your while.

The whole world, I am sure, is shocked at the disappearance of the plane MH370 out in Malaysia. It is not a comforting thought for anybody who does a lot of flying. I hope the mystery will be solved soon for the sake of the families involved. It is a nightmare situation

Sympathies extended to Dave Culhane and family, Glenbawn on the death of his uncle Tom Houlihan from Ballyhahill last week.