By Peg Prendeville

Sincere sympathies to Joan O’Connor, Turraree, and family on the accidental death of her brother-in-law Dermot Holt in Australia recently. Dermot, who was originally from Carbury, Co. Kildare, had been married to Theresa O’Connor and had been living in Australia for a number of years. Theresa’s mother Maureen died in June this year and Dermot’s mother had just died this month. We remember them all in our prayers.

It was lovely to meet up with all the Fealys, formerly of Glenbawn, this week. They came together to help their mother Phil Fealy, Ballybunion, celebrate a birthday. It was especially nice to meet Johnny, the youngest of the family, and Siobhan Ambrose his wife, whom I have not seen since their wedding in Spain last year. Both are well and happy and working in the UK.

Estuary Macra group held a BBQ & Awards night in Knockdown on Saturday night and as usual a good night was enjoyed by all. I admire this group of young energetic people who organise various social events and competitions throughout the year. They had many medals and cups on display in the Knockdown Arms.

I was reading in the Limerick Leader recently of a proposal being considered by Limerick City and County Council for the now closed landfill site in Gortadroma. A US company has proposed building a multi-million euro energy plant on the site that would employ 180 people and generate almost €200m for Limerick City and Council over the next 30 years. The proposal received a muted response from councillors at the meeting who said they would need more information before making any recommendation. Cllr Tom Neville said that while he welcomed the interest in the site, the council would have to ensure that the environment was protected. I presume we will hear a lot more about this as time goes on and I would expect a lot of opposition from the people of West Limerick in spite of the promise of employment. When in operation, Gortadroma generated significant revenue for Limerick County Council. However, now that it is closed the annual after-care cost to the council will be in the region of €200,000 per year for the next 30 years. Plans to sell the site were shelved when no interested buyers came forward.