By Peg Prendeville
Wasn’t it lovely to get the two fine days of Sunday and Monday. It brought everybody out walking and cycling and availing of the fresh air and sunshine.
If anybody was watching the political debate on RTE 1, live from UL on Monday night, you could not fail to notice my neighbours Dave and Carol. The camera picked them out a few times. There were some locals in the audience also but did not feature on the TV screen.
On Saturday, April 23rd the Bally Rovers FC and Gerald Griffins Ladies GFC are hosting a Strictly Come Dancing night in aid of both clubs in the Devon Inn Hotel. There are 12 couples taking part (all to be revealed in coming weeks) in what is promised to be a great night of dancing and fun. More details to follow over the coming weeks. Watch this space!
The local ICA guild met last week. Though the group is very small, the meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month is always looked forward to and enjoyed by the members. There is a great sense of camaraderie amongst them, some of whom have been involved for the 35 years of its existence in the parish. I think this is what puts off a lot of the younger women from joining the organisation as who would want to be mixing with all those “old fogies”? But, I wonder, and this is my own opinion, if the next generation wanted to get involved I think we would quietly step back and give them their own space. It would be an interesting project. However I also think it is because the ICA organisation has been so successful in the past that it is not gaining members in the present: women, through the work of the ICA, have become more confident, more able and have more freedom to do what they want in their lives so they do not need the ICA anymore. Am I right or wrong?
Belated Happy Birthday to Patie Geoghegan, who celebrated his birthday on St Valentine’s day. Patie is well cared for in St Ita’s Hospital. And to prove to us all that we are aging young Val Mullane celebrated his 40th on Valentine’s day also.
One of the themes for the Diocesan Synod in April is ‘Building Community’ and sporting organisations have much to teach us in this regard. So the following has been arranged for anybody who wishes to attend. One does not have to be a synod delegate. This one-day conference will be a mix of keynote speakers and workshops.
Keynote Address One: Michael “Mickey” Harte is the current and most successful Gaelic Football manager of the Tyrone senior inter-county team and has also been very forthcoming with his Christian views. Keynote Address Two: ‘The Fellowship of Sport’. Gerard Hartmann is a native of Limerick City, who over the past twenty two years, has developed a reputation for treating many of the world’s elite sport stars. Gerard has treated 61 Olympic medal winners, 47 World Champions including World Record holder. In this input Ger will elaborate on the concept that sport connects people and communities giving identity, purpose and unity. Venue: Mary Immaculate College. Date: Wednesday 24th February. Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. All welcome. Free admission but it would be better to book a seat. Email [email protected]
The Abha Bhán Parish Park committee in Loughill/Ballyhahill presents a Spring /summer fashion show on Friday 11 March at Ceol Corbrai Community Hall in Glin. The evening will start at 7pm with a cheese and wine reception with food tastings from local producers. The reception will also include display stand and gifts for all attending on the night. The fashion show will showcase from local boutiques and designers. At the interval, light refreshments will be served, fabulous prize for Best Dressed Lady on the night. Raffle will also take place. Tickets are €15 and are now on sale from committee members or Paddy Hogan, Paddy O Rourke and Brides Boutique or ring0877539926. Your support will be appreciated.