by Peg Prendeville

The local drama group – Abha Bhán Players – hosted a drama workshop by Diarmuid de Faoite, an actor,

writer and director from Ennis in Co Clare, in the Hall in Ballyhahill last Saturday November 23rd. It was

attended by the local group as well as some from neighbouring drama clubs. No doubt the Abha Bhán

Players will have learned new skills from the day and will display even more talent when they produce

THE FIELD next year. Watch this space!

Big Bags of firewood – hard wood and soft – wood are for sale in Ballyhahill. Contact 087/9849176 if

interested. All monies go to the school.

Ballyhahill will be busy this coming weekend. Ballyhahill school is putting on the Christmas play in the

Hall at 5 pm. This will be followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights in the Church Grounds at

7 followed by refreshments in the Hall.

I found the following poem among my father’s writings last week

Scenic Athea

 

Come and take a drive with me, we’ll pass an hour or two

As we travel round the parish its scenic sights to view

It’s always a mystery to me why natives go away

To view the far off places and leave behind Athea.

 

We’ll start out on our journey from Glasha’s fertile plain

And travel west on the Kerryline and turn left at Blaine

As we drive on by the bend of Kyle we’ll view that lovely scene

O’er that picturesque valley of Lower & Upper Dirreen.

 

We turn left at the crossroads, Knocknagorna fair to greet

As we drive along its sunkissed slopes overlooking Fairystreet

Then to Knockdown and Toureendonnell that’s sheltered from the breeze

By the hills of Knocknaclugga adorned with tall pine trees.

 

As we drive up through Knockfinisk we can view the country wide

O’er Rooska, Glenduff and Ballinahane and o’er Keale’s lofty height

Driving along by the Clash road our hearts thrill to the core

As we view the green fields of Templeathea, Knockanare and Glenagore.

 

The view o’er Cratloe and Dromadda would set the weary mind at rest

As you gaze down o’er Knocknabowl, Coole East and Coole West.

Driving by Parkanna brings pleasures all the way

With the greatest view in Limerick from the hill of Knockathea.

 

By Lower and Upper Athea we pass, its beauty never fails

As its verdant slopes go winding down through the valley of the Gale

To end our pleasant journey through the village we will pass

And thank God for His blessings as we drive up Gortnagross.

 

So if you ever want to enjoy a spin, no need to go far away

You’ll get pleasures in plenty here at home as you drive around Athea.

 

Paddy Faley

RIP 2011

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