By Peg Prendeville

Killeaney AFC had a successful night last weekend as it held the Annual Social in the Knockdown Arms. Chairperson Anthony Collins welcomed everybody and thanked all who continually support the club in its endeavours. Seánie Sno got Player of the Year, Pat Massey was awarded the Supporter of the Year, Tom Sno got Clubman of the Year and a Special Merit award was presented to Tom Connolly. I was lucky enough to win a lovely hamper sponsored by the Knockdown Vintage committee. Lots more prizes were raffled as well as hot food being offered to all so everybody went home happy.

I was very saddened to hear of the rather sudden death of Eileen Scanlon last week. I got to know Eileen through the library. Having been reared on the Coole Road and gone to school in James Dore’s Eileen went to the USA where she lived for many years before returning to Ireland in recent years and settling down in the village. She became very active in community and contributed much to her parish. Sincere sympathies to her daughter Lisa and to her sister Mary Stanley and brother Micheal and their extended families.

I received a note from Ballyhahill Parish Hall PRO as follows:

The Parish Hall Committee was meeting on Tue night last Dec 5th when the sad news was received that one of our members Eileen Scanlan, had passed away unexpected in hospital. We are all trying to come to terms with Eileen’s death. Only a few short weeks ago Eileen was in the thick of things as we decorated the Parish Hall for the recent Craft Fair. Eileen brought many of her own Christmas decorations & we had great fun decorating the Christmas Tree in the Hall and we all had a wonderful day on the following day at the Craft Fair. Eileen was part of the plan as we discussed providing refreshments on the evening of the  Development Association annual Carol Service  and Santa’s visit and the turning on of the Christmas Tree Lights. This year the Development Association very generously provided a Christmas Tree & Lights for The Parish Hall also. Following a lovely ceremony on Sunday evening last  at the Church Grounds, people made their way to The Parish Hall. It had earlier been decided at short notice to invite Eileen Scanlan’s daughter Lisa (who traveled from America for her mother’s funeral) to turn on the lights of The Parish Hall Christmas Tree. It was a time of mixed emotions, everyone felt it was a very fitting tribute to Eileen & yet our hearts went out to Eileen’s loved ones, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy. Eileen’s family joined everyone later for a very welcome hot cuppa etc on a frosty Sunday evening where people chatted with them.Lisa had another opportunity to talk to the locals who had many stories to share with her about Eileen. We hope this lovely sincere gathering will in some little way ease Lisa’s heaviness as she returns to her home in America next week. The evening was another lovely gathering, though tinged with sadness. It reminded us how precious life really is. It reminds us how blessed we are to be part of a lovely community. On behalf of the Parish Hall Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the past few months & especially all the feedback. We welcome all your ideas & suggestions. The Parish Hall is for the people of the Parish, and each time we are part of a function there it is so lovely to see people enjoying & respecting the Parish Hall. Wishing you & yours a Peaceful & Happy  Christmas and a New Year that will bring many good things to our community.

The parish of Loughill/Ballyhahill is having something of a revival lately which is great to see. Between the Parish Hall and Ballyhahill Development and Loughill Development and the Abha Bhán Parish Park, there is lots going on. There is a Mock wedding organized for the 29^th December in Glin which promises to be a laugh for all. Many from the parish will be taking part in the Wrenboy competition in Glin next Sunday also. There should be great entertainment for all. I hope the weather obliges.

Meanwhile our Bishop Brendan Leahy is urging us all to take time to visit the ‘Icon of the Holy Family’ which was commissioned for next year’s celebration of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin and which will be in place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Newcastle West this coming weekend. Timetable as follows:

Sunday, December 17th – 12pm Mass with Bishop Leahy

2-4pm Adoration

7.15pm Mass with Children’s Choir

Monday, December 18th  – 10:30am Schools Celebration

3pm Caring for the Sick

7.30pm Family Liturgy

Tuesday, December 19th 10am Closing Mass.