by Peg Prendeville

The Abha Bhán Players are in full swing preparing for the staging of  THE FIELD by JOHN B KEANE in the Parish Hall, Ballyhahill, on April 26th,  27th, 29th  & 30th. Doors open @ 7.30 pm.

Performance @ 8pm. Booking with Eilish at 086 8458821. Pay at the door. Cash Only. Admission €15 inc Tea/Coffee. Raffle on the night. All welcome. There is a large cast to this play including some young children so it is a mammoth task. Thanks to the patience of Eleanor McSweeney, the director, it promises to be a huge success.

Easter ceremonies in Loughill Ballyhahill

Holy Thursday Ballyhahill at 6pm

Good Friday Stations of the Cross 7.30 pm

Holy Saturday Ballyhahill Vigil Mass 6pm

Easter Sunday Loughill Mass 9.30 am

As you know I took a holiday in France, last week, taking in various sites across Normandy. Travelling by coach and ferry it was a great week, meeting lots of lovely people and seeing beautiful and historic places under blue skies and warm sun. Based in Lisieux we took daily trips to neighbouring towns and sites. I was very excited to visit the Basilica of St. Therese of Lisieux. Ever since I was a child I had a fascination for this saint who died over a hundred years ago aged only 24 but who left her mark on the world and is still venerated.  I summarised my trip in poetic form as follows:

Normandy Trip

To go on holidays alone I was slow to do

Travelling with people whom I never knew

“Sure, give it a go”, my family said.

“Be brave, have fun, don’t be in dread.”

O’Callaghan Coaches came to mind

I had heard that they were very kind

So I booked my place well in advance

And packed my bags for the north of France.

And wasn’t I the lucky one

To be blessed with a week of blue skies and sun

And the nicest people joined with me

To see the best of Normandie.

With Gavin and Pat to guide us each day

Minding the “Children” to them was play

And we soon became a big family

And had great fun in Normandie.

And never once did I feel alone

As friendships very soon were born

I needn’t have worried, I would come to no harm

With O’Callaghan coaches I was safe and warm.

Happy Easter to you all.