By Peg Prendeville

We are getting our share of wind and rain this February. Last week was the first time that three storms were recorded in one week. No sooner had we waved goodbye to Dudley and Eunice than Franklin came raging in on top of us. This was one we, in Ballyhahill, will not forget. On Sunday evening at around 3pm I heard an enormous clap of thunder – I did not see the lightening. But that evening the news went round that O’Shaughnessy’s house next to the Gerald Griffins football field had been struck by the lightening resulting in it being destroyed in a short time. Thankfully nobody was hurt but the shock and trauma of that will stay with the family for a long time. No doubt the community will gather round and help all they can but at the end of the day a home has been gutted and everything lost. Tony O’Shaughnessy is a member of the Abha Bhán Players and played the leading male role in Sive two years ago.

While Jim does physio in Listowel on Mondays I get a chance to take a quick walk in Ballybunion. It was fairly blustery on Monday with huge waves out to sea. To my astonishment, what did I see stranded on the ladies beach near the cliffs was a huge dead dolphin which had been washed in that morning. He was in a sorry state and beginning to stink so I presume it was moved before the day was out. It shows the power of the raging foam. But in spite of the dismal day it was energising to listen to the crashing waves.

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather conditions, Kearney’s Home Baking had  to postpone the Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation until next Sunday February 27th at 11am. So there is still a chance to take part. They will unveil the new defibrillator, which will be available for public use, and tea/coffee will be provided afterwards. Let us hope that the weather will have settled down by then. Buckets will be available for voluntary donations.

Confirmation takes place in the parish on March 4th . My two oldest grandchildren cousins Noah and Clodagh will be among those confirmed. They are growing up quickly.

I am looking forward to Dancing at Lúnasa on Saturday night.