By Peg Prendeville

I enjoyed reading Domhnall’s account, last week, of growing up without electricity and all modern comforts. I was talking to a man recently who told me he was telling his 12 year grandchild of exactly the same circumstances, no electricity, no water on tap etc etc. His grandchild stood wide-eyed listening to him and said “But, Granda, did you have wifi!” It was then my friend realised that this generation has no concept whatsoever of what life was like then. And it was only 60 years ago.

Sincere sympathies to the Culhane family on the unexpected death of Eileen Culhane, Ballyguiltenane on Saturday last. Sympathies too to Una O’Sullivan, Ballyhahill on the death, last week, of her sister Anna O’Leary, Hamilton Terrace. I was also sorry to hear of the death of Jimmy Danaher, Knocknaboula. On top of all those I heard that Margaret Ahern, Glin and Newcastlewest, died in Milford Hospice and was buried on Monday. Margaret was our minder for two years after my mother dying. She was only 18 and had the job of looking after the house and farm, two sisters and me. So it was really one big child looking after three small children. Not all of it was perfect! We have lots of memories of those two years. May she now rest in peace.

Knockdown was a hive of activity and fun for the weekend with the Macra Quiz on Friday night and the Vintage/Modern tractor Run on Sunday. The sun shone out and brought out a huge crowd from near and far creating a carnival atmosphere. Lots of food was served to all in the Knockdown Arms before the Run and Ta served hot food afterwards. A monster raffle was held on Sunday evening. Once again it was a great success for the Knockdown Vintage committee which was formed in 2010 making this their 8^th year organising such an event. It gets bigger and better every year.