by Peg Prendeville

Nell McCafferty, who passed away last week, touched a lot of people’s lives while she lived. A very outspoken woman, afraid of nobody, with a lovely wit and sense of humour was liked by many and maybe not so liked by many too. I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting her at an Art Exhibition in Newcastlewest library in 1995. It may have been during the Éigse Michael Hartnett. She kept us all entertained with her wit. May she entertain those beyond the veil now.

Saibh Prendeville with her trophy and sash and rosette.

There was great excitement in Glenbawn on Sunday night when 10 year old Saibh Prendeville arrived home after being made National Champion by the Irish Pony club Eventing Championships in Tattersalls at the weekend. Saibh, a member of the Kingdom Pony club, had to pass a number of tests before she qualified to attend the championships and we were so excited when she did get through. But imagine how proud we are to hear that she got 1st place in the U12’s Individual and also 1st in her Dressage. The competition involved Dressage, Showjumping and Cross Country where she got clear rounds. She just loves her pony Sunny and intends to win lots more in the future. She has made an impressive start and we wish her well.

A very successful Family Fun day was held in Loughill at the weekend. In spite of some heavy showers there was a great turnout for all the events and the fun continued in the bar until late into the night. Well done to the committee members who work hard behind the scenes to ensure that all goes well.

Likewise in Glin on Sunday when hordes turned up to the open day in the Castle. Glin Development committee with the help and permission of Catherine and Dominic West were very happy with the day.

Best of luck to the 8 children who started in “Big School” on Monday in Ballyhahill. Three girls and five boys went happily in the door. Maggie Mulvihill, Ellen Hayes, Robyn Daly, Ógie Prendeville, Kyle Egan, Kingsley O’Riordan, Mikey Dillane, Riain Fitzpatrick. Congratulations to the new Principal Miss Griffin who will be working with Miss Dunworth, Miss Farrelly and SNA Liz Culhane. They are a good team. The pre-school opens on Wednesday