By Peg Prendeville

It is great to have lovely news for a change. Congratulations to Joan and Tommy O’Connor, Turraree on the birth of their grandchild, Harvey Matthew Tynan, who was born on Sunday to their daughter Fiona. Parents and baby are doing well. Joan and Tommy are expecting two more grandchildren before the summer is out. Exciting times for all.

Ballyhahill NS Parents association is wondering if “ because we were unable to do anything to fundraise, we are hoping that if anyone is able to donate anything at all towards new outside picnic tables and chairs for the students we would be most grateful. They have no outside seating as it stands and could badly do with some so we are hoping to get them but it would be a lot more feasible if people could donate something towards them if at all possible. We would be most grateful. Get in touch with any of us here through any of the parents or with the school itself. Thanks so much. –  The Parents Association”.

Not that I have any knowledge of racing but isn’t it great to see Rachael Blackmore being so successful recently bringing honour to herself, her family and the whole country.  My grandchild Saibh Prendeville, 7 years, is so proud to be photographed with Rachael at the Listowel Races in 2019. It is a photo she will treasure all the more now. She has an ambition to be like her.

I suppose we will soon hear the rattle of the turf machines, hopefully followed by the melodious singing of the cuckoo. It lifts my heart every year. There was a very interesting programme on the Burren on Sunday evening in which they spoke about the cuckoo. An interesting bird.