By Peg Prendeville

The month is flying with no major sign of a real summer coming our way. We were spoiled last year which made us think we must have a good summer every year. But at least the turf is being saved and farmers are getting their silage done so things could be worse.

There is a big event in Glin this coming Sunday to celebrate Fr Crawford’s 50^th jubilee. It all begins at 1 pm Mass which will be followed by celebrations in Ceol Corbraí. All are welcome to attend.

Loughill/Ballyhahill school-children had a joint sports day in Loughill Park on Monday and managed to have a good day in spite of the threat of a few showers. I am not sure who looks forward to the summer holidays the most – the children or the teachers? I think both need a break as I hear them counting down the days.

As readers can see I’ve been taking bits of breaks here and there lately and last week I took a trip to Dublin by train to visit the Guinness Storehouse. Guinness Storehouse is a tourist attraction at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. Since opening in 2000, it has received over four million visitors. The Storehouse covers seven floors surrounding a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. I, though a pioneer, was very impressed by the tour which took us through seven floors til we got to the top and could view out over the city. We could see familiar landmarks which we used to know when we worked in Dublin in the 70’s. It is only a ten minute walk from Heuston station. Did you know that Arthur Guinness had 21 children with his wife, Olivia, but only ten survived to adulthood. Co-incidentally, later in the day, we visited a pub in Jervis Street which used to be a protestant church one time and I was surprised to learn that this was the church where Arthur and Olivia got married and baptized their children. There is a bust of Arthur Guinness on the counter. The pub is called The Church. We can learn something new everyday!

Don’t forget that the Loughill/Ballyhahill Parish Outing will take place on July 9th to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens and Newbridge Centre. The fare of €60 includes breakfast, dinner, bus fare and entrance fee to the National Stud. Any queries to Lizzie Woulfe at 087 7435267 or Eileen O’Farrell at 086 3439036.