by Peg Prendeville

It was lovely to hear that a baby was born in Clounleharde last week. Congratulations to Anthony and Katey Halpin on the birth of their son Tadhg Martin Halpin, who live in what used to be Mulcair’s house, Clounleharde. Congratulations too to Granda Martin Halpin who is one of the Abha Bhán Players.

I know ye are sick of me talking about our play but just in case ye forgot …..Our local drama group, ABHA BHÁN PLAYERS, will stage Norman Robbins play A TOMB WITH A VIEW in Ballyhahill Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday April 5, 6 12 and 13. Directed by Eleanor McSweeney the cast members are John Buttery, Tony O’Shaughnessy, Norma Nolan, Jayne Daly, Caroline Gee, Terence McSweeney, Teresa Cregan/Stack, Peg Prendeville, Patricia Flannagan and Eimhin O’Brien who is from Listowel and who joined the group very recently and filled a very important role. As seating is limited it is advisable to book your tickets. These can be booked from Eilish in Paddy O’Rourke’s shop @ 086-8458821 Mondays and Tuesdays or Eilish @ 069 82106 Wednesday pm to Friday. State the night you wish to attend. Cash only, no card. Or they can be booked by phone and pay on the night. Ticket can only be used on that night. Admission is €15 per adult including refreshments and raffle on door ticket or €10 for students.

A little bit of excitement in the Prendeville family last Friday night when Jim’s sister Noreen was one of the Ceili group which broke the Guinness book of records for the largest Ceili gathering. This took place in Croke Park and was announced on the Late Late Show. Noreen was one of the set dancers. Almost 400 musicians gathered in Croke Park to reclaim the title of ‘largest céilí band’ performance. Some 384 performers lined out in the Dublin stadium to break the record during the RTÉ series’ St Patrick’s Day Special on March 15. The feat had previously been achieved by Scotland with 288 musicians taking part at Stonehaven Folk Festival in July 2018.

This coming Sunday ( Palm Sunday) is the big one in Knockdown with the Patrick Langan Memorial Vintage Day. We are hoping for fine weather to make the day even more enjoyable. It is always a great day thanks to the work of the hard-working committee members. No doubt there will be a cloud of sadness around too at the loss of the founder Patrick Langan.

I finish off with more good news. Ta has the foundations laid for the new shop. We can’t wait as it is sorely missed. Good man, Ta!