The main topic of conversation around the place at the moment seems to be the about the terrible summer we are having.. They say that it has been one of the wettest Junes since records began, and July will not be much better.

The old people blamed the Russian Sputniks for the bad weather in the sixties. Of course, we all laughed at their innocence and naivety, but the big snow of ‘63 soon wiped the smirks off our faces!

There must be literally thousands of man-made satellites, derelict rockets and other bits of clapped-out equipment and machinery circling our earth at present. The sky is quickly becoming our new rubbish dump.

I blame the Greens. It is time that they got off their bicycles and started addressing the problems of climatic change. Isn’t it a tad ironic that, as soon as the Green Party assume power, we get a stinker of a summer! The Rain Gods are surely angry.

Meanwhile, it is the farmers, the holidaymakers, the golfers and the plain people of Ireland who are suffering the consequences. Hay is almost a thing of the past, and silage is not faring much better at the moment with heavy machinery getting bogged down on sodden meadows. Local holidaymakers are cowering in various taverns around the town, afraid to venture forth for fear of a drenching. But, at least the publicans are happy, now that they have a captive audience, so to speak.

……………………..

Meanwhile, high up on the Canadian Rockies, the old Indian chief finally went to the Great Hunting Ground in the sky, and the mantle of leadership passed to his eldest son.

Traditionally, the reigning chief was believed to be endowed with certain ancient secrets and powers handed down through the generations for thousands of years. These powers included the ability to predict what the coming winter would bring. This information was crucial to the survival of the tribe in the vast reaches of the high Rockies where temperatures were known to plummet to unimaginable depths.

However, the new chief had no time for all of this mumbo jumbo ad black magic rites, and he didn’t have a clue about what the approaching winter might bring. But, being a resourceful kind of chap, he dashed behind a wig-wam, whipped out his mobile and phoned Paddy McHugh at the RTE weather centre.

“Paddy” sez he, “what is the long range forecast for this winter.”

“It will be cold.” replied Paddy.

The chief went back to his people and instructed them to begin gathering firewood to prepare for a cold winter.

Two weeks later he called Paddy again and asked for an update.

“It will be very cold” predicted Paddy

So the chief instructed his people to redouble their efforts in gathering in the fire wood as the approaching winter was now going to be “very” cold.

A couple of weeks later, he again called RTE

“It is going to be very, very cold” said Paddy.

The chief rushed back to the tribe and told them to gather up every bit of firewood they could lay their hands on, as the winter would now be “very ,very” cold.

He contacted Paddy again a few weeks later and asked if there was any further news.

“It will be freezing cold” said Paddy. “In fact it is probably going to be the coldest winter in living memory.”

“How can you tell”" asked the chief, “I expect it is all these new satellites and computers and the latest modern technology.”

“Not at all,” said Paddy. “We know we are in for a severe winter because the Indians are gathering firewood like crazy!”

OUTING

The annual parish outing was well supported again this year and a most enjoyable time was had by all. The itinerary included Macroom, Glengarriff, Gougane Barra, Kenmare, and home by Killarney. The organizers would like to thank all who participated in the outing and also the many helpers who made the trip such a great success.

DRAMA:

Donna Reidy who has Abbeyfeale connections has just been accepted at the Lee Strasburg Institute of Theatre and Film in New York. Before she travels to N|Y, Donna who has a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity and who currently tutors at the Stagecoach Theatre Art School in Galway will run a one week workshop at the GAA Pavilion from 30th. July until August 3rd. for children aged 6-18 covering improvisation, scene work, accents/dialects, comedy, dance choreography, voicework and much more. Further information from Donna at 086 3811399.

RACES:

The officials and committee of Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony Racing Club would like to offer sincere thanks to all the sponsors of their recent race meeting, and also to John and Anthony Relihan for the use of their lands at Kilcarra. The meeting was a great success and plans are already being put in place for next year.

CHERNOBYL:

Kathleen Collins and Brenda Barry would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Chernobyl children’s collection.

AC:

St Ita’s Athletic Club won the U/15 boys, 4x100m Munster title in Cork recently. The winning team was Tim Tobin, Diarmuid O’Connell, Patrick Brislane, Shane O’Connor and Brian O’Connell. They will now compete in the All Ireland championships in Tullamore.

RUGBY;

Abbeyfeale 1^st XV are back in training for the new season every Tuesday and Thursday evening at The Grove. New players are welcome.

AGM:

At the AGM of Abbeyfeale Utd FC the following officers were elected; Chairman; John Kelliher. Vice Chairman; Noel Keane. Treasurer; John Haugh. Secretary; Ger Gavin. PRO; Kathleen Broderick. Committee; Frank Nelligan, Gerry Griffin, Tom Collins, Joe Weir, Dee Harnett, John Maurice O’Connor, Jim Leahy, Liam McNally, Dan Harnett.

GAA:

SFC; Fr Casey’s 1-10, Claughaun 2-4.

GOLF

Local golfers were out early in Bogmount this morning, trying to emulate the historic exploits of Padraig Harrington who won the British Open in a play-off with Sergio Garcia last evening.

It was riveting television viewing and, as Harrington stood over that final three foot putt, it seemed that all of Ireland was holding its collective breath. And then the outpouring of emotions as the ball dropped was unforgettable.

One of the great moments in Irish Sport.