Peg Prendeville

Sympathies to the extended Brouder family on the death of Kitty Conway in Glin last weekend. She was a kind gentle lady and had the joy of celebrating her 90^th birthday recently. She was a loyal member of Glin ICA for many years also.

Sympathies too to the family of Billy Martin, Glin who died suddenly on Sunday evening.

There was great excitement in the FitzGerald household in Meadowvale, Ballyhahill last Friday November 20^th. This was the day that James FitzGerald, youngest son of Noel and Tina, and grandnephew to Liam Enright of Clounleharde, was one of the members of the Passing out Parade of the 137 Recruit Platoon from the Renmore Military Barracks in Galway. Yes, James FitzGerald is a new recruit in the Irish Army. Any of us who saw the programme on TV during the summer on the training of recruits knows that this was not an easy task so great credit is due to him. On top of that he was awarded the “Esprit de Corps”. This is an award given to the recruit “who participates most, works hardest and contributes best to the overall morale of the platoon. During training Recruit FitzGerald stood out to instructors as being extremely honest and hardworking. It became apparent, during the final training exercise, that when spirits were flagging, the platoon often turned to Recruit FitzGerald for morale and a kind word to lift spirits.” Well done to James and congratulations to him and all his family. We wish him well in his new career.

A huge crowd attended the Enterprise Town Expo in Askeaton last weekend. A big thank you to Brenda, Evelyn and all the staff of Bank of Ireland, Askeaton branch for giving local craft workers, businesses and sporting organisations an opportunity to showcase their work. Among the many displays were our own locals: Carol Noonan displaying her crafts, Pauline Sharp – her paintings, Cakes by Lisa – her cakes, Kearney’s –  their home baking, and Jim O’Brien’s cheeses. Mickey Harte, Paul O’Connell and Gerard Barrett gave very inspiring motivational speeches which should help and encourage all these enterprising people to keep going even when it seems that the path ahead might be difficult. Well done to all concerned.

Knockdown Arms is the place to be on next Monday night 30^th November for the local craft fair. Fiona Prendeville invites you to come see some of the beautiful jewellery and accessories that Stella & Dot have to offer. With half the catalogue under €50 there are plenty of products to chose from for your Christmas presents. Also on the night Linda Cummane will be selling some fantastic and fabulous skincare and make up products which can also be found in Mise Beauty in Limerick. Carol Noonan will be there to show us some of her lovely homemade crafts. All these make ideal Christmas gifts and you do even have to go into the city!

Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Ballyhahill will appreciate you supporting the Christmas raffle to help raise funds for the school. Lines are on sale in Knockdown shop or from any parent.