By Peg Prendeville

The Ballyhahill Spooktacular was an astounding success for the 2^nd year in a row. Adults and children came in their droves on Monday evening to be frightened out of their lives as banshees, ghouls and ghostlike creatures wailed and pounced on anyone who dared walk the dark avenue opposite Fortfield! Tea and refreshments was served in the Hall afterwards to help recovery while the little children were treated to treats and a gentle storytime to help them relax. Well done to the Development Committee who put is so much work. It was great to see all generations come together to plan and prepare and partake in the event and showed the growing community spirit in the parish.

It was lovely to visit Kathleen Dunican, nee Dillane, in her Clounleharde home last weekend. Though living in Dublin for over 50 years Kathleen is a very regular visitor to her native place. Naturally, she greatly misses her husband Jim, who died three years ago, but she loved catching up with her brothers John and Michael last week as well as the neighbours. It was nice to see her looking so well and enjoying her mini holiday

There was a very enjoyable night in The Top of the Town, Athea on Sunday night at the Bodhrán competition. It was like Christmas listening to all the bodhrán sounds and worthy winners were picked as follows: Confined competition – Jim Kelly. Open competition – Stephen Murphy, Glenastar. Ladies competition – Linda Clifford, Glenastar. Congratulations to all who took part. It is lovely to see the tradition being handed down to the younger generation. Talented Seán Mulvihill from Glin provided great lively music for the competitors.

Masses next weekend in Loughill/Ballyhahill will be for those whose funerals have been celebrated in our Church since last November. The Rosary will be prayed during the Sundays of November in our places of burial as follows:

5th November – Loughill Church grounds at 11.30 am

12th November – Ballyhahill Church grounds immediately after 10 am Mass

19th November – Loughill Church grounds 11.30 am

26th November – Loughill graveyard 11.30 am.

A Remembrance Tree is erected in both Churches for the month of November and you are invited to put the names of your dead loved ones on it.