by Peg Prendeville

Sincere sympathies to the Costello family in Turraree on the death of their brother Patrick during last week. May he rest in peace.

George Langan, as we all know is a great collector of local history and local happenings. Imagine my surprise when he sent me the following during the week. It was from the local notes in the Kerryman in 1963. “In Dec 1963 Paddy Faley won his 3rd prize within seven months on Radio Eireann’s ‘Dear Sir or Madam’. Meanwhile three of his daughters have been entertaining audiences in West Limerick with sketches written by their father. Their latest performance on stage is with two of Ireland’s best comedians, Tom O’Donnell & Paschal O’Grady.”  I had this memory in my head that my sisters and I were on stage at a concert in which Tom and Paschal also performed but could not think where or when. It turns out to be at a Ballyguiltenane school concert. I was 10 years old and my sister 9 and 8. It seems that this is how my father dealt with the grief of losing my mother in 1962 – by immersing himself in writing letters and sketches. All this happened over 60 years ago! It was nice to go back in time for a few moments. Thank you George.

The Abha Bhán Players are back in action. The group has decided to return to the good old John B for its next play. So the members are going to take on THE FIELD. Some people like John B and some don’t but he always remains popular. We look forward to next Spring when it is hoped to stage this production.

This is a poem I recently wrote.

Ballyhahill’s Rambling House – (next session on next Wednesday November 13)

When your head it is weary and your body won’t move

You’ve taken all tablets but you’ve not improved

You’re blaming the weather, the dog and your spouse

But the cure is in Bally and its famed Rambling House!

For there is the answer to all pains and aches

You’ll be filled up with tea and delicious cakes

You’ll dance away cares and sing with the crowd

That gathers each month in this famed Rambling House.

Mary, the host, will meet you at the door

And very soon she’ll have you on the floor

The melodious music will have you aroused

You’ll be tapping the floor in this famed Rambling House.

They come from all corners and up the main street

West Limerick, North Kerry, some come from Westmeath

You’ll make many new friends with whom to carouse

When you step in the door of this famed Rambling House

And at Christmas time the whole place comes alive

At the sound of the bodhrans when the wrenboys arrive

They will entertain all –  if space allows

For the Hall will be packed for this famed Rambling House.

It’s all thanks to Mary and the Hall committee

Who deserve all the credit and grateful are we

For they’ve spent all day baking and keeping their vows

To ensure we’re all happy in this famed Rambling House.

So now that you know, you’ve no reason to dally

Look up Google maps and there you’ll find Bally

Come on to the Hall and spend a few hours

Singing songs, telling stories in this famed Rambling House.