By Peg Prendeville

The Full Moon Barndance in Ballinruane, Kilmeedy, is a unique charity Barn Dance held on the first full moon of the summer in West Limerick. Each year a different charity is chosen; to date Barndance has raised in excess of €50,000. Barndance was born in 2011 and with such success is now an annual event. It will be held this year on July 11/12^th. Tickets cost €50 pp including a free bar. This year, all funds raised will go to St. John’s Ward of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. This is the ward which has looked after Mark Sheahan, Clounleharde for the past few years and it is great to hear that Mark’s treatment is almost at an end and he is doing great thanks to the care he got while in St John’s Ward. His parents Margaret and Martin are more than grateful to the Barn Dance committee members for the wonderful work they are doing as they feel that Crumlin hospital deserves all it can get. The money raised is going to be used to build accommodation for parents of sick children who want to stay in the hospital. The tickets can be bought through Margaret and Martin as well as other members of the Barn Dance group. It is important to remember that this year there is a Kiddies night on Friday 11^th July with a children’s party, including Bouncy Castle, from 9 to 11 pm, admission only €5. All support will be greatly appreciated. If interested contact Margaret on 086 3609476.

Congratulations to Lisa and John Wallace on the birth of a baby boy Jack recently, a brother for Harry. Congratulations too to Lisa and Diarmaid Daly on the birth of a boy, Ríain, on Sunday night, a brother for Noah and Ayda. All are doing well, thank God.

Killeaney AFC wishes to thank all who supported the Fun Day last Sunday. It was great to see so much colour and so many people enjoying themselves in the nice weather. Some clever people brought their rugs and had a picnic. The scenic walk through Spahill was enjoyed and was a new experience for many. It is very pleasant to walk through a bog when one knows there is no work to be done on the way. Who knows but next year there might a gallon of tae and currant cake midway!

We have all enjoyed the brilliant weather these last few weeks but I think of  those students who were doing exams and who had to stay indoors studying and now that the exams are almost all over the weather is threatening to change slightly. But let us hope it will continue to be pleasant enough.

Welcome home this week from foreign parts: from Australia Thomas O’Connor and Seán Prendeville, and from Korea Paudie and Seánie Cummane and Patrice Reidy. It is good to see them returning, if only for a holiday.