By Peg Prendeville
Patie ‘The Yank’ Geoghegan R.I.P.
One of Knockdown’s favourite characters has bade farewell to us. Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of “Patie the Yank” who has died aged 93. Patie’s birthday was well known as it was on Valentine’s Day and there was always a little party and cake for him in Knockdown where he celebrated with his friends and neighbours. He was well loved by all the people and well looked after in St Ita’s Hospital for the past two years. Previous to that his kind neighours looked out for him and ensured he had the best of attention. He was a Glin coursing man and a member of the club has paid the following tribute to him on the Glin Community News FB page.
“Today we heard of the passing of Patie The Yank ( Geoghegan ) He spent his early years in Spa Hill and worked on The Scheme – the elder locals will know the story. He always dabbled in a few dogs in his earlier years and learned his trade with that man from “Bricktown”. In their day they were a good outfit and had many a decent hound; that time they were noted for pulling off the gamble. Later Patie moved to The States and plied his trade there for a few years, hence he got the title “The Yank”. His heart was never far from Crock and he returned to his home patch. He was a proud and dedicated member of Glin Coursing Club and in his lifetime he saw the club course at 5 different venues, but his heart and soul was in The Famed Gortahollow . He won The Local on a few occasions, once with a bitch with the “Slounane “prefix when he had the late Bill Moloney in his corner. To the very end that was the one that gave him the greatest thrill. He was always a happy go lucky type as he used say no matter what you had all you could have was one dinner in the day and he claimed no day was done without a few “beers”. In later years Knockdown was his favourite haunt and there he was happiest amongst his friends, of which he had many. He was a person you could spend hours with and never miss the time go by. May He Rest In Peace”.
Sincere sympathies too to the McSweeney family in Knocknaclugga on the death of Bridget’s mother Bridget Dillane of Kinard Cross, Ballyguiltenane who died this week.
I attended and took part in the newly composed ballad competition at the Garry McMahon festival in Abbeyfeale last weekend. It is great to know that new songs are always being written and sung. The winning song was on the subject of emigration. Congratulations to the committee who ran it so efficiently.
The Loughill/Ballyhahill Liturgy committee is organising a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass in both churches this weekend to which all are invited. Special prayers and gifts will be presented. It will be in Ballyhahill this Saturday night at 6pm. Mass times in the parish will change on the 1st November so the Saturday night Mass on and from November 5th will be in Loughill and the Sunday 10 am Mass will revert to Ballyhahill.
Ballyhahill Development Association is organising a spectacular outdoors Halloween event for all the family on this Sunday 30th Oct 2016, commencing at 4 pm sharp to 5.30 pm. This fun filled ghost and witch trail kicks off at the Community Hall, Ballyhahill where you can meet the ‘ Bally’ witch who will regale you with some terrifying tales of Halloween. On this spooktacular adventure you will be greeted by friendly witches (and not so friendly), mysterious creatures, ghouls and spooky ghosts. A surprise awaits you around every corner as you journey along this eerie and spooky route. There will be treats for the children in the Community hall afterwards and light refreshments for the adults. Children to be accompanied by adults. Admission: €2 each