by Peg Prendeville

We’ve had a spate of funerals connected to the family recently. I already mentioned Phil Naughton of Abbeyfeale but Phil was followed by her sister in law Anna Nash of Knocknasna, an aunt-in-law of Jim Prendeville and mother to six daughters, one of whom is Anne Marie Horgan of Athea. I extend sympathies to all her lovely daughters and their families. Anna and I both shared a love of poetry and writing and were good friends. We all miss her and her wit and humour.

Just when Anna’s funeral was over the father-in-law of our daughter Maura died in his home in Abbeyleix after a short illness. Christy Hutchinson, aged 71,  was a character in his home area and will be missed for his roguish smile. Sympathies to his sons Aubrey and Darren and daughter Yvette and extended families.

Meanwhile the O’Grady family next door to me lost their Uncle Mossy O’Grady in the USA aged 89 and their Aunt Joan Healy in the UK at the grand age of 100 years. Both sister and brother died within two days of each other. May they rest in peace. All Jack’s family are now gone. A reminder to us all that the years are flying by and our turn will come too. And the world will keep on turning.

Glin is really getting into the spirit of Halloween and is organising a Halloween festival. Glinfest will take place October 28 and 29. Be prepared to be spooked!

Congratulations to Ger White, originally from Glenbawn but now living in Sussex UK on publishing her book “Celtic Visions” – poems on love,  loss, kindness and pleasure. Available from www.amazon.co.uk. I know she is my sister but it is a lovely collection of poems. Our Dad, Paddy Faley, whose anniversary occurs this week would be pleased.

We are being threatened with a lot of wind and rain for the remainder of the week so hopefully it will not do any harm to the area.