By Peg Prendeville

The Knockdown Arms took on a new look on Monday night when it hosted a “Craft Fair”. Local entrepreneurs Fiona Prendeville, Carol Noonan, Gary Flavin, John and Mary, Jim & Marie O’Brien and Linda Cummane had their stalls set up displaying Jewellery, Crafts, Christmas table arrangements, Knitwear, Cheese and Beauty products. The place was buzzing all night as many bought some Christmas presents while having tea or a drink with the neighbours. It is the season for craft fairs. We had Foynes last Sunday and Glin next Saturday so there will be plenty more chances for meeting these people.

Killeaney will have the Christmas raffle in the Knockdown Arms on Saturday 19th December. Lots of lovely prizes as usual. Both Ballyhahill and Loughill National Schools are doing raffles also as fundraisers for the schools. I know we are bombarded with lines and tickets but do the best you can to support all these. The local schools are busy preparing for the Christmas plays at this time too and all the little ones are excited learning their lines. The fact that I have grandchildren going to school and a daughter doing teaching practice, makes me more aware of all the work that the schools do at this time. I am sure they are ready to collapse by the time Santa arrives.

Congratulations to Wallace’s Bar in Glin which is opening up for food on this weekend. The have been operating as a pub for 35 years now. We wish the family great success.

The official launch of the Diocesan Synod took place around this time last year. Since then the 400 delegates have attended many meetings, organised parish questionnaires and collated the results in preparation for April 2016 when the delegates will gather for three days to make some decisions for the future of our diocese.  It is hard to believe that a year has passed and that we are into the Advent season again which is a time to let go, a time to ponder on the mystery of our faith. This is often the last thing on our minds with the excitement and preparation for Christmas but sometimes it is good to reflect and slow down. Now that there are grumblings of war and world unrest let us find time to create and spread peace.