By Peg Prendeville
Congratulations to past pupil of Ballyhahill N.S. and present pupil of Tarbert Comprehensive, Maurice Moore, who achieved A’s in his Junior Cert Science and Maths exams thus qualifying him to take part in the 2014 Irish Junior Science Olympiad (IrJSO 2014), which is a science competition for students who are under sixteen on December 31st 2014. This meant he had to do a further exam on the 1st weekend of November in DCU. Out of the 122 that did this exam Maurice came out in the first six places which means he gets to represent Ireland in the 2014 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Mendoza, Argentina in December. Two lecturers from DCU will accompany the finalists who will spend two weeks in Mendoza doing exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Strict rules apply during this time so there will be no access to phones or Facebook or other communication, even with family. Naturally everybody wishes Maurice well. I am sure his parents in Glin and Granda and Nana in Athea are very proud of their grandson. We look forward to December and his return home.
Knockdown area must be a great place for romance! A short time ago we had a 65th wedding anniversary and this past week we had a Golden Wedding. Yes, Maureen and Séamus Long, Turraree, have celebrated 50 years of married life together and we wish them heartiest congratulations. As a young child going to concerts in the 1960’s I remember Séamus collecting us one night in his volkswagon (I am almost sure) to take us to a concert in Effin. He had Maureen in the car with him and even then I felt conscious of being a gooseberry. I am sure both would have preferred to be able to travel without the Faleys in the back seat! Anyway, I am glad that the romance continued and wish them both many more years together.
Killeaney Soccer club’s Annual Social will be held in Knockdown on this Saturday 15th November. All welcome.
Sympathies to Jack O’Grady and his family on the death of his sister Eileen Cardwell in England recently.
There is a Breast Cancer Prevention fundraiser on Friday 14th November in the Hall, Ballyhahill at 8.30 p.m. Tickets €10, students €5. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
The Limerick Diocesan Synod, recently convened by Bishop Leahy, begins next Saturday in Mary Immaculate College. It is expected that all parishes will be represented.