by Peg Prendeville

I have the best news ever this week. I have it from the horse’s mouth that the Shop in Knockdown will be open for business next Monday February 10^th. As you know the last shop was burned down accidentally on June 9, 2023 just a few days after Marian Cummane’s death. It was the cause of much trauma to everybody at the time and especially to the Mullane family. But, fair play to Ta, who did not give up but pulled up his sleeves and got going on rebuilding it. And soon we will see the result. Well done, Ta. It deserves a poem.

Knockdown shop

For two years now we’ve mourned her passing

Each time we drove through Knockdown

It brought tears to the eyes of those passing

To see the shop burned to the ground

It was so deserted and lonely

No friendly smile or a wave

Just a cold wire fence in the greyness

More desolate than any grave.

But as the Phoenix rose from the ashes

New life has come into Knockdown

A new building has now been erected

All that’s missing is a shining new crown.

The door of the shop will be open

Next Monday February 10

And all of Knockdown is rejoicing

That our shop will be open again!

Well done Ta Mullane, you are super

Danny would be so happy and proud

For it was he who started the business

Long before you were around.

We hope you’ll be very successful

May you be smiling with never a frown

When you retire by the fire every evening

Knowing the service you give to Knockdown.

Peg Prendeville

February 2025