by Peg Prendeville

Irene, Maria and Noreen Sheahan whose father came from Knockdown area at the 150th celebrations of the old school in Ballyhahill at the weekend

What a great turnout in Ballyhahill last weekend to celebrate 150 years since the Old School/Parish Hall was first opened in 1874. Gerard O’Brien welcomed everybody to the Mass which  was celebrated by Fr Mikie O’Connor with the help of Fr Tim Curtin (who, being from Cork, can’t wipe the broad smile off his face since beating Limerick). Fr Mikie, as usual, had a very witty sermon reminding the congregation of the conditions in the schools in the 40’s and 50’s. “I was telling the young lads in my parish in Darndale about the “dry toilets” and they only told me to shut up,”  he says. There were many past pupils of Ballyhahill present which was lovely to see and to hear them reminisce and swap stories – not all of them good as we know. Conditions at school – and in the homes – were so different in those times. After Mass and still in Church there was a mini concert during which songs were sung and the Mohernagh-Ballyhahill wrenboys came in and played a few tunes before leading the congregation up the street to the Old School which of course is now the very comfortable Parish Hall. There the people were treated to wine and drink and finger food while they sat around and chatted. The walls were decorated with old photos of past pupils and teachers. A little booklet was printed in memory of the occasion which included interviews with some of these pupils.  A vintage car run was organised for the following day Sunday which enabled all these people to meet up again and continue the chat. Well done to the committee who put in so much work to organise the night. As we all know an awful lot of background work goes into making these occasions so successful. And successful it was.

Sympathies to Mary Clifford on the death of her brother Joseph Kelly. Mary and Neilie had been very active on the School committee all along but were not present at the celebrations due to her brother’s death. Thinking of Mary’s mother Peggy too. May Joseph rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy too to Michael and Ailish Dillane, formerly of Clounleharde, on the death of their son Kevin Dillane during the week. It is very sad to see these young men in their 50’s departing this life.