by Peg Prendeville

I had a call from Fr. Mick O’Connor in Dublin who is always interested in events in Clounleharde. He was bringing to my attention that one of the teachers Miss King, as we knew her, has died.  She taught in the school in the late 50’s/early 60’s for a short while.. She was a good looking woman who wore very fashionable clothes. Eileen King became Mrs Nash. She died in Dublin this week. May she rest in peace.

Ballyhahill is a hive of activity recently. The Development committee has changed the western entrance to the village with the laying down of footpaths, ramps and lights making it safer around the school and enabling safer walking at night from the four crosses down to the River Walk.

Meanwhile the Ballyhahill School Parent’s Association has produced a beautiful colorful recipe book with all the favourite recipes of the children and teachers. This is on sale for a very modest €12 from the school or in the local shops in Glin and Ballyhahill. I understand there will be calendars and Christmas Cards available very soon also. All monies go to the School. The school committee also issues an invitation  on Sunday, November 24th, from 11am to 3pm to the annual Craft Fair organised by Ballyhahill Parish Hall committee. The Parents Association will be serving mulled wine, mince pies, hot chocolate, and treat bags, along with face painting for the kids. There will be plenty of stalls to browse, and a great chance to do some early Christmas shopping.

And while all this busyness is going on the Abha Bhán Players are reading The Field. So there is something for everyone.

Loughill has a lovely calendar on sale with all proceeds going towards the Christmas Lights fund.

Mass for all those in the parish who have died in the past 12 months will be celebrated in Loughill on Friday 15^th November at 7.30pm. Families whose loved one has died will be contacted and invited to bring a candle to the altar.

Athea was lucky with the weather for the fair last Saturday. The village was very busy with all available spaces taken up with outdoor stalls. There was lots of temptation in the Hall also with all the crafts on display.

I went to see The Beauty Queen of Leenane in Listowel last weekend. I see it is coming to Athea on November 30^th. Written by Martin McDonogh it is a powerful play with an adult theme very well acted by Flavour of  the Month Productions. Though it is dark it has some very funny lines also. The set was perfect.

Congratulations to Catherine Stack, Mohernagh who got engaged to Hughie Leahy, Listowel recently. Daughter to Teresa and Bernie they intend building in Mohernagh near her home place.