By Peg Prendeville

Happy New Year to everybody. The only way to ensure that it is a Happy Year is for each one of us to take responsibility to create happiness and do good to and for everyone we meet. Then all our problems would be solved in one go, don’t you agree? So there is our challenge for the New Year!

It was nice to see some of our young people come home for the holidays, though not as many as usual were home this year. It was great too to have such marvellous weather apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. The wrenboys in Loughill/Ballyhahill rang in the New year by gathering together in Ballyhahill village and marching up the street. The weather managed to stay kind for the time needed. There is nothing like the sound of wrenboys to stir the soul and put one in celebratory mood. Great credit to all those who still go out on the wren and bring pleasure to so many people.

Happy Birthday wishes to Nora Wallace, Glenbawn, who celebrated 90 years last week.

It is great to hear that Jack Grady’s grandson Kieran in the UK, who had been very ill around Christmastime, is on the road to recovery. He had and continues to have the good wishes and prayers of all in the neighbourhood. Kieran, who often comes home to visit his beloved Poppa, is a lovely young gentleman and hopefully will be able to pay a visit in due course again.

Ballyhahill National School Parents Association had its Christmas raffle before the holidays and wishes to thank everyone who bought a line to raise much needed funds for the school. It was very much appreciated! Congratulations to all the winners who are as follows:

€75 Voucher from Cakes by Lisa: Seamus O Sullivan

€25 Voucher from Gatsby Menswear: Bridget McSweeney

Statement Necklace from Stella&Dot by Fiona: Céili Brambley

Fuel Voucher from Recession Fuels: Peg Prendeville

2 Smoke Alarms: Noreen Kennelly