By Peg Prendeville

Knockdown is reeling from the shock everyone got when word went round
that Micheal Long of Turraree had died on last Friday night after a
very short illness. Sincere sympathies to his doting parents Maureen
and Seamus, his brothers Liam and John and their families. A sudden
departing like this brings home to all of us how transient life is and
how much we should appreciate it when we have life and health. We will
keep Maureen and Seamus in our thoughts and prayers every day as they
adjust to life without his physical presence. May he rest in peace.
Congratulations to all those who received their 1st Holy Communion
last weekend in Ballyhahill. The sun shone for the weekend making it a
most enjoyable occasion. the children were: Mikela Kennelly, Clodagh
Prendeville, Julia Lawinska, Noah Daly, Dan Healy, Ross Phillips, Gary Conway and Jimmy Mullane.  As a grandparent I hope I speak on behalf of all who attended the ceremony, which was conducted so reverently
and simply. I greatly admire the energy of the teachers who put in so much time and effort in the preparation of the hymns and the music. They are a credit to the school and the parish and it is obvious that they are held in high esteem by the children too. Special thanks to Fr. Austin who helped prepare the children all the year and who spoke to them at their level of understanding. Of course the Loughill children will receive the same attention this Saturday when they receive the sacrament for the first time also. Hopefully the weather will be just as pleasant for the celebrations afterwards.
A big crowd attended the singing session in Barrett’s pub in Glin last Friday night. Over  twenty singers were present to entertain all. These singing sessions are becoming popular in many places. People must be getting tired of the TV.