by Peg Prendeville

The pupils of Ballyhahill school who took part in the Horse Riding competition

Ballyhahill School competed in its first ever Horse Riding Competition. On last Sunday some of their talented riders participated in the competition which was held in Maryville, Co. Cork. At 6am they set off and students from the junior class and the senior class saddled up and showed off their equestrian skills. The children received medals and rosettes for their efforts. Congratulations too to Cleo, Àine, Rìain, Saibh, Ayda, Klara and Grace who participated. They are all horse riding enthusiasts and I have to confess that I am proud to say that five out of the seven are my grandchildren! Well done to the teachers and parents who facilitated this and gave the students a great experience. The pupils are collecting returnable bottles and cans to make money for their school and were delighted recently to be able to add €175 to the account. Well done all.

We’ve got a few lovely days recently so we took advantage and set off for Ennistymon in Clare where Jim’s sister lives. Going out for a day with a wheelchair is not always easy and requires some forethought but it is worth the hassle. Not all houses are wheelchair friendly and can be a bit of a nightmare to enter so we bring a ramp to gain access. There is a lovely walk in Lahinch with the beach on one side and the golf course on the other. It was as warm as any day in summer and a tonic at this time of year. Lovely too to catch up with family and be home again that night in our own corner. I thank God for blessings like this.

I see lots on FB these days about the Northern Lights being visible but I’m afraid there is too much cloud in these parts. I haven’t seen them yet anyhow but I believe they were seen in Glenastar by my sister. This phenomenon seems to be becoming more frequent. Climate change? I don’t know.

Sunday Mass is in Ballyhahill at 9.30am each week from now til around Easter 2025.