By Peg Prendeville

Pope Francis has come and gone but I, personally, am a little bit disappointed, that, although he asked forgiveness and apologised he did not announce any plan to be put in place to assure all those who have been hurt that it would not happen again. But, I will not give up. He seems to be a fair man and he may have a surprise in store for the world yet. If not I can see the whole structure of the Catholic Church crumbling like the Roman Empire. Maybe that is what is needed. We wait and see.

An eight week course on Meditation and Mindfulness by qualified Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher, Ali Burnard, will begin in Cloverfield in Glin on Monday September 17th. Learn how to slow down and experience the peace of a relaxed mind in a small supportive group. Booking is essential as group size is limited. All welcome. Cost = €100. Beginner’s Class starts at 6.30 pm to 8 pm. Continuation Class for more experienced starts at 8.15 to 9.45pm. Another class takes place in NCW from Thursday 20th Sept from 7.30 to 9pm. Cost €115. Call Ali on 087 6452227 to book.

Pauline Sharp’s Art will be displayed in St John’s Theatre in Listowel for the first two weeks of September. Pauline Tee, who lives in Glenbawn, has called her exhibition “Essence of Equine – an exhibition of artworks in oils related to everything equine, including yardmates. Capturing horses of every description in all their beauty.” The exhibition opens on this Saturday September 1st at 8pm but continues for two weeks and I am sure Pauline will appreciate your support. Congratulations and the best of luck to Pauline.

Meanwhile there is local art on display in Glin library also. Feel free to call during opening hours.

Monday- Closed.  Tuesday- 10 – 1 & 2 – 5

Wednesday- 10 – 1 & 6 – 8        Thursday- 11 – 2

Friday- 10 – 1 & 2 – 5

Most schools are reopening this week; it is hard to believe that the summer holidays are over. At least we got a summer this year and hopefully will have a nice autumn also.

I came across this poem lately. As far as I know it was written by Paddy Faley but correct me if I’m wrong.

Dreams of  Knockdown

Last night in dreams I wandered back across the ocean blue

And saw again my mother dear as ever fond and true

I kissed her gentle loving cheeks as joy her heart did crown

And clenched my father’s welcome hand in that cottage in Knockdown.

 

I walked again the winding road beside the old lime kiln

And inhaled the fragrant breezes from the boglands of Spahill

I heard the starling twitter as without a care or frown

They came to sleep in Cummane’s grove near that

cottage in Knockdown.

With my comrades fond I strolled along that stream up by Glenbawn

With our bare feet the waters ‘neath we caught the small gissaun

And played along its greenclad banks and on its mountain brown

As twilight cast is sweetness oe’r the slopes of sweet Knockdown 

I stooped and drank from the crystal spring that bubbled from the ground

Where oft of yore I quenched my thirst as playmates

gathered round

As homewards we came bouncing from that schoolhouse in Bricktown

In dreams I lived those days again which I spent in sweet Knockdown.

Oh dear Knockdown I cant forget no matter where I be

No time or wealth can blot it out of my sweet memory

At night my spirit wanders back as I in sleep lie down

And return refreshed with Irish air from the hills of sweet Knockdown.