By Peg Prendeville

Congratulations to the four children from Ballyhahill school who received their first Holy Communion on Saturday last. They are Emily McElligott, Saibh Prendeville, Eden Kelly and Tyon Mulcahy. Fr Austin thanked all who prepared them for the Sacrament and urged the parents to continue to bring their “beautiful” children to Mass, “even if periodically” to give them the faith support that they deserve. Mrs Hartnett, who had prepared the children, is retiring at the end of this school year so it was a poignant occasion for her. The children presented her with a bouquet of flowers. The school is having a party on the 10th of June at 12 noon to celebrate her retirement and is inviting anybody who wishes to join them. It is a bitter sweet time for Mrs Hartnett whose husband died two years ago. She is well loved in Ballyhahill and everybody sends her warm wishes.

A great night was had by all at the Knockdown Arms on Saturday night. Donie Lucey from The Irish Community Air Ambulance accepted a cheque for €8400 from Knockdown Vintage Club, proceeds from their recent Vintage Run. This was a great amount of money to raise, thanks to the generosity of all who contributed.

There are big changes coming up regarding Masses in our pastoral area. From Saturday 4^th June there will be 6pm Mass in Foynes and 7.30 Mass in Kilcolman. From Sunday June 5 Mass will be in Loughill at 9.30 am, Shanagolden at 10.00 am and Glin at 11am. This will be the schedule until October when there will be slight changes. So, for the first time, in our memory anyway, there will be no weekend Mass in Ballyhahill until October. A sign of the times we are living in. I often think I would love to return in about 50 years to see how things have changed but sure I might as well be landing in Mars I’d say!