By Peg Prendeville

I was saddened to hear of the death of Nancy Langan, Glenagragra last weekend. Sincere sympathies to Mossy and all  the family.

Knockdown was buzzing again on Monday night when the Knockdown Arms opened its doors after the long COVID break. Ta has done great work to ensure the safety of all patrons. Let us hope now that this will be the last of the shut-downs. But it is up to us all to abide by the rules as much as possible so as to enable the publicans to keep their businesses running smoothly.

Many local people, who would normally go on a sun holiday, are enjoying holidays in Ireland this year and claim to be enjoying them very much. There is no doubt we have a beautiful country only for the weather so the last week has been the icing on the cake for those on holidays. I hope we have not seen the last of the sun. It is like a feast and a famine at the moment. A little bit of consistency would be nice.

The literary bug is running rampant in the Faley family this year. I am informed that two of my sisters are producing poetry books before the year is out. Bridie Murphy, who writes lovely poems of local people and places and events, will be combining her photography with her poems while Ger White in the UK will not let Bridie away with it and might even get in before her with her collection, ranging from light to serious topics. I know Paddy Faley is smiling in Heaven and glad that the tradition lives on. Watch this space!

I know I am gone from the Library staff but I am still happy to visit all libraries and was glad to see that the Newcastlewest staff have a lovely display to honour native Carolyn Hayes who represented Ireland in the Women’s Triathlon on Monday night.

Don’t forget that Glin library is reopened. Danielle Byrne is delighted to get to know all the local readers.