By Peg Prendeville

I was very sad to hear of the death of neighbour Geraldine Costello, Turraree who was buried in Glin on Monday. Geraldine had been battling cancer for a number of years with great courage.  Sincere sympathies to her husband Mickey and their children,  Joanne, Eileen, Kathleen, Linda, Johnny and Robert. She is now re-united with her son James in Heaven.

Last weekend was Writer’s Week in Listowel. I managed to get a couple of hours there on Saturday for the launch of Mary Kennelly’s book “Into the Grey”. It is such a beautiful book of poems in memory of her uncles Brendan and Fr John. The actual launch was a lovely hour of poetry accompanied by songs from the “Rusty Songbirds.” These beautiful singers, Mary Moore, Siobhán Sweeney, Maureen Kennelly and Mary Kennelly, brought the large attendance together in song creating a lovely intimate atmosphere. Mickey McConnell had another beautiful song while the poet Mary read some of her poems. The event was officially launched by Minister for Education Norma Foley. Proceeds from the book go to Arus Mhuire Nursing Home Listowel and Tralee Our Lady of Fatima Nursing home. I would have liked to stay longer and soak in more of the atmosphere around the town.  It made me realise how much we have missed in the last two years due to the pandemic. I did not manage to attend any of the Fleadh events in Athea. I’m sure it was a great weekend. Well done to all the voluntary workers who make these events so successful.

This is just a gentle reminder that Mrs. Harnett is retiring from Ballyhahill school at the end of the school year. The Parents Association is having a party on this Friday the 10th of June at 12 noon to honour the years she spent in the school.  We are all invited to attend.

The June Rambling House will be held this Wednesday night in Ballyhahill Parish hall at 8pm. All welcome.  This is turning out to be a great night with people coming from all corners of the county to attend.

Jim and I celebrated 45 years – Sapphire I believe – of marriage last weekend. The years go by very quickly and we have enjoyed them and are grateful for everything in spite of some tears in recent years.

Meanwhile there are tears falling out of the sky as I write these notes on Monday night. It is pouring!