By Peg Prendeville

“Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,

It’s with O’Leary in the grave”

These two lines from the poem “September 1913” by W.B. Yeats came to me last Friday night after watching most of the Late Late Show. I had settled myself down for a quiet night to watch the St. Valentine Special but eventually gave up and turned it off. It would seem, from the programme, that romance is a thing of the past in Ireland and has been replaced by swearing and double-meaning vulgar talk and actions. I may sound like a prude but I cannot help but feel sorry for the young generation who are hoping to be swept off their feet with a little bit of romance before settling down to the humdrum of daily life. Judging by the majority – not all – of the comments on the Late Late Show Facebook page  I am not the only one who thinks it was in very bad taste. I think that Ryan Tubridy should have shown more respect for both men and women and called both guests and audience to order. Maybe Domhnall might have more to say on it in his column this week or next? I always enjoy his opinions and comments. Anyway I hope St. Valentine’s Day was a happy day for all you readers and that you got some whiff of romance during the day.

The play in Athea “Anyone Could Rob a Bank” brought back the smile to my face on Saturday night.. It was a great choice of play, well acted, as always, and brought laughter to brighten up our hearts. Well done to all. Make sure you see it when it is staged again this coming week. So much work goes into producing dramas like this that it is important to appreciate and support it.

Gerald Griffin’s GAA had a large turnout for their dinner/dance on Saturday night in the Devon Inn to celebrate their successes in 2016.

Best of luck to Patrick Langan, Glasha when he appears in Winning Streak this coming weekend. Something for us all to look  forward to.

There is a Church Gate collection next Sunday in Ballyhahill National School. The parents’ association will appreciate all support.