By Peg Prendeville

Sincere sympathies to Han Geoghegan on the death of her brother Jimmy Reidy, Croagh and  formerly of Knockdown who died last weekend. Sympathies too to Dolly O’Malley and her family on the death of her husband Frank O’Malley, Loughill West last Sunday. May they rest in peace.

Killeaney AFC will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Plans are afoot for a celebration in July. Watch this space.

The Ballyhahill/Loughill ICA has changed its meeting nights to the 2nd Wednesday of every month in the Parish Hall, Ballyhahill. The February meeting takes place on next Wednesday 10th. There are only ten members in the fuild who enjoy getting together once a month and would welcome newcomers at any time.

A gathering of the Diocesan Synod delegates took place in Limerick last Saturday January 31st. Next Sunday February 8th has been designated as Synod Sunday for all the parishes of the diocese. The day will serve to raise awareness in each Parish around the Synod – special readings and prayers will be offered for its success. Parish delegates will say a few words. As one of the delegates for Loughill/Ballyhahill I wish I could convey the enthusiasm of the other 350+ who met in the Radisson last weekend. I know that there are still a lot of people who do not know, nor care, about whether we have a synod or not and maybe they are right – I am not judging. But my opinion is that we will not get a chance again to have our say or to make an effort to bring needed changes to the way our diocese is run so we should seize upon this chance. During the next few months all people, whether fervent or lapsed in faith, will be given a chance to have their voices heard. Changes can be made if we dare to try. Pope Francis is leading the way.

The Athea Annual Journal got a lovely write-up in Tom Aherne’s “Then and Now” column in last week’s Limerick Leader. Tom is a great man to keep the column going week after week.

A walk is being held on each Sunday at 11.30 a.m. starting at Loughill Resource Centre.  This will go ahead for ten consecutive Sundays starting with a 2km walk and working up to a 10km walk.  All proceeds will go to Pieta House.  All welcome to join.