By Peg Prendeville
Love is in the air in Loughill/Ballyhahill/Glin area. Last weekend three weddings were celebrated. Congratulations to all three couples as follows:
Joan Healy, The Village to John Ryan, Ballyhahill.
Monica Chawke, Clounleharde to David Hayes, The Village.
Ciara Gallagher, Glenagragra to Paddy Fitzgerald, Glin.
It is great to know that they will all be living locally so rural Ireland is not dead yet.
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our major tourist boasts in recent years so last week Jim and I took time out to explore south west Cork coast. Basing ourselves in Clonakilty we drove to Mizen Head one day and to Kinsale the next day. We were lucky with the weather as it would have been a disaster if it was raining. But we had clear enough skies which afforded lovely views of the Atlantic as we passed through coastal towns along the way. We visited Drombeg Stone circle en route and stopped in the gorgeous villages of Glandore, Union Hall, Baltimore, Ballydehob, Schull, Barleycove before reaching Mizen Head. There is no doubt that if the sun shone all the time we would have the nicest country in the world.
Likewise on our journey east of Clonakilty through Timoleague, Kinsale and the Old Head of Kinsale, Belgooly, Crosshaven, Carrigaline and back to Clonakilty by Inishannon and Bandon was just as pleasant. The town of Clonakilty has its own attractions and is home to many traditional music pubs which were packed each night. The Wild Atlantic Way is 2500 km long and so this was just a taster but a pleasant one. Hopefully we will get a chance to explore some more of it in time to come.
Glin Defibrillator Group is holding a Coffee Morning in Conways after Mass next Sunday and would appreciate support. The money collected goes towards batteries and pads for the 9 defibrillators in the parish including the one in Knockdown. I am told that donations of baking/spot prizes would be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to Donie Nolan on the launch of his CD which features music and song and is on sale at the usual local outlets.