By Peg Prendeville

Sincere sympathy to local correspondent, Helen Ambrose and her family, on the death of her husband Con very recently. Con was a past chairperson of the Gerald Griffins Ladies Football club, along with a lifelong supporter. Indeed he was widely known and was involved in many Committees and Clubs throughout the Village and Parish down through the years. His health had been declining for a while. May he rest in peace. Helen is the local correspondent for the Observer and Leader for many, many years and we appreciate her work.

Our family was hit by a bereavement last Tuesday morning 13^th when we were informed that my brother-in-law, Barry O’Kane, husband to my sister Gerardine, had died suddenly and unexpectedly. He was only 62 years, a nice, gentle, quiet man. They live in Sussex. Gerardine is arranging a cremation and bringing his ashes home to Ireland. He was originally from Cavan but lived a lot of his life in Dublin before they both went to the UK. May he rest in peace and may Gerardine find the strength to live her life without him.

The Ballyhahill Rambling House, which was due to take place last Wednesday night, was cancelled until the New Year on account of the awful frosty weather. This weather is surprising us all. We were frozen with the cold until Sunday morning when it got very mild ‘til Monday evening. Now it is beginning to feel chilly again. I do not think we will have a white Christmas although I believe there is a chance of it up in Donegal.

I am delighted to hear that the Carrigkerry wrenboys will be playing outside the Knockdown Arms on Stephen’s Day like they did last year. It gives everyone a chance to enjoy this great tradition.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year. Enjoy every day as we do not know when it might be our last one.