By Peg Prendeville

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of everybody’s friend – Mike Collins from Park, Ballyhahill – last week. Sincere sympathies to his wife Joan, sons Mike & Con, daughters Sheila & Nora, and extended family and friends. Mike was a character in the area, lovingly called Man Friday by locals. He sported a fine beard always. He was often called on to help in the bog which he was always willing to do until he got knocked out over a year ago. He was a jolly fellow and enjoyed life and never complained or spoke ill of anybody. May he rest in peace.

A Food & Craft Fair is being held this Sunday November 26^th in the Parish Hall, Ballyhahill. The doors open @ 1pm. Free entry. Light refreshments available. Beautiful amount of Crafts & Local Foods on sale. The Parish Hall committee is really looking forward to seeing you all there.

All shops are in full swing for Christmas. Personally I think it starts too early and takes away the excitement of the build up because by the time Christmas comes we are burned out from seeing ads and Christmas decorations and colours but I am probably just an old grump!  I know that children love looking forward to Santa and have already written their letters but they, too, see so many toys in the shops and on TV that they must be immune to it all by Christmas Day.

The Rector of the Redemptorists in Limerick is Fr Séamus Enright whose Dad came from Clounleharde. Fr Séamus recently had an audience with the Pope in Rome and gave him an official invitation to Mulgrave Street Prison on behalf of inmates, staff, the Limerick Diocese and the Bedford Row Family Project. It will be interesting to see if he takes up the offer. If Pope Francis comes to Dublin next year for the World Meeting of Families I think he will confine his visit to Dublin but who knows? Stranger things have happened!