By Peg Prendeville

There are lots of congratulations this week.

Congratulations to Darragh Mullane, grandson of Ta and Ita, who will proudly represent the Desmond League in the Kennedy Cup in June.  This is a huge achievement. Congrats also to the U12 GB Rovers team, comprising of children from Glin/Ballyhahill/Loughill who won the U12 Div 2 League last week. Even though most of the children are only 11 they came out the overall winners. Our oldest grandson Noah Daly is one of the team. Captain Dan Healy from Ballyhahill gave a great thank you speech. They all took great delight in the cavalcade through Ballyhahill and Glin before they were treated to chips etc in Glin Town Park. I hear there is great talent in this group so they will entertain us all for some years yet.

Peg and Jim Prendeville with
grandchild Lucy on her Communion Day

Congratulations too to Lucy Hutchinson who received her First Holy Communion in Abbeyleix last Saturday and celebrated with family and friends under a lovely blue sky in her family’s lovely, well-tended garden. Contrary to local Communions Lucy was one of 35 who received the sacrament. The Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Paddy Byrne who is often interviewed on TV and is known for his kindness and openness to all. This coming Saturday we will attend the First Communion ceremony of Saibh Prendeville in Ballyhahill. It is a very small group this year, only three children, I think.

Well done to the Knockdown Vintage committee who recently raised €8,400 in the Vintage Run in Knockdown. This will be presented to THE IRISH COMMUNITY AIR AMBULANCE on this Saturday night May 14th at the Knockdown Arms. All are welcome.

The Ballyhahill Parish Hall Rambling house takes place this Wednesday May 11th from 8 to 11 pm. Again all are welcome to come along for music, dance song and cupán tae.

There are rumours of a little heatwave on the way after the weekend. Wouldn’t it be lovely. The turf will be well ready for footing. Don’t forget the sun cream.