By Peg Prendeville

Last Friday the 13th of November was the day marked out for Ballyhahill N.S. for the visit of two members of the Irish Army, Private Ashling Byrne and Sergeant Derek Dinan of Sarsfield Barracks, to visit the school and present the Irish Proclamation and Flag in preparation for the 2016 celebrations. Hugh O’Donnell being the oldest child and Clodagh Prendeville being the youngest had the honour of accepting these items on behalf of the school. Hugh also read an extract from the Proclamation and was complimented for his clarity of speech and his confidence in reading. On March 15^th 2016 every school in the country will raise the flag in memory of our country becoming free and independent 100 years previously. Congratulations to the teachers in the school who had done great work in preparing the pupils for this occasion. The pupils sat quietly and listened as Sgt Derek Dinan informed them briefly of the origins of our independence and when it  came to question time there were lots of little hands up with very interesting questions. Of course the boys wanted to know all about guns and if Sgt Dinan ever killed anyone! He had not. It was a very informative hour and both adults and children learned a lot about the life of soldiers in the Irish Army. Local historian John Curtin had some more local information for everyone. Afterwards the children played some music and sang Amhrán na bhFiann and “Grace”. Tea and goodies were served to all present which included parents and grandparents and interested parishioners. It was a special occasion for the school and was a learning experience for all of us.

The Parents Association of Ballyhahill NS is holding a raffle in the near future. Lines are on sale in Knockdown Shop and with all parents. All support will be appreciated.

A meeting of the Parish Hall committee will be held in the Hall on Thursday 26th November at ten past eight. The fees for the use of the Hall is €20 per night or €30 per week. It is regrettable that the fees have had to be raised but the money is needed for oil and electricity and general maintenance repairs. The Hall is a great asset to the parish and it is important to keep it in good order.

Congratulations to the Comhaltas committee members who organised such a lovely evening of traditional music, song and dance last Friday night in the Hall. It was great to see so many people enjoying all the local talent and it is hoped that there will be more of these nights in the near future.

The Killeaney Annual Social was held in the Knockdown Arms last weekend and proved to be a very enjoyable night.  Popular man, Anto Collins, was nominated Clubman of the Year, a decision which was applauded by everybody.

A large crowd attended an information evening in the Devon Inn on Monday night organised by the Diocesan Synod committee. The theme was People of Limerick.  It was facilitated by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe of the Geography department of Mary Immaculate College and Fr Eamon Fitzgibbon, Diocesan Office. Using the 2011 census it provided a lot of very interesting information on the demographic make-up of the west Limerick parishes. All the information will be downloaded onto the synod website www.synod2016.com.