By Peg Prendeville

Those who visit the Knockdown area will have noticed some new faces in the past few months, both in the shop and across the road in the Killeaney Grounds. Johnny Sheehy, caretaker of the grounds has been joined by Richard McDonagh from Athea, while the new faces in the shop, depending on the night you visit, are two sisters-in-law Fiona and Bernie Prendeville. Fiona from Kerry and Bernie from Tyrone may never be GAA buddies but both are happy to live locally and to work in the Knockdown shop.

The time is getting near for the Abha Bhán Players who will be staging SIVE in the Parish Hall in Ballyhahill. Directed by Eleanor McSweeney and Caroline Gee it will run for four nights: Fri 30th Nov, Sat 1st Dec, Fri 7th Dec & Sat 8th Dec. Doors open at 7.20pm and show commences at 8pm. You can buy tickets in Paddy O’Rourke’s Shop, Ballyhahill or book them by calling 069-82245 / 085-1088445 between 6-8pm any evening. There are two sets of female casts for the four nights. The first cast is: Helen Hayes, Jayne Daly and Laura Kerin and they are performing on both the Friday nights. The second cast is: Peg Prendeville, Norma Nolan and Orlaith McSweeney and they are performing on both the Saturday nights. The male cast members, who will be on stage for every performance, are Ger and Brendan Stack, Pat Noonan, Tony O’Shaughnessy, Terence McSweeney and Martin Halpin. There are many busy bees backstage also to ensure that the set and props are in order. You are advised to book your tickets as they are going fast!

The Craft and Food Fair will be held in the Parish Hall on this coming Sunday 25th November. This is a great way to ensure you shop local as well as it being a great social occasion where you can meet everyone while enjoying a nice cuppa also. The present Parish Hall committee is to be credited for keeping the Hall in top condition as well as ensuring that it is open to all. Between whist drive on Sundays, dancing on Mondays, drama on Tuesdays and Thursdays, music on Wednesdays and the odd birthday party at weekends there is seldom an evening when it is in darkness. It is the hub of the parish and we are lucky to have such an amenity.   

The Annual General Meeting of Ballyhahill Development Association will be held on Tuesday 11th Dec at 8 p.m. in the hall. New members welcome.