Village Conversations

  Symba and The Woodpecker of Lis na Grá is the second children's book by local author Georgie Rehill. Symba and The Fairies of Inch Island was Georgie's first book and she launched that just over 18 months ago. Symba was the beloved dog of Georgie and she wrote the first story for her two nieces. Since that first publication, Symba sadly passed away. But Georgie has found a way to keep her beloved pet alive, through stories. This new adventure sees Symba exploring the local forest here in Muff, Lis na Grá. She goes off in search of her friend Winnie after a noisy mis-understanding. The story takes us through the woods and the encounters Symba has there.  Symba herself narrates the story and she takes us through the beautiful woods and all that we find there amidst the natural world. There is learning within these pages and there is beautiful language. It's a story of friendship, nature, one of fun and it also mentions the now infamous 'Muff Feile'.  Above all els...

 Early last night Dean Hegarty called his 'last orders' at The Squealing Pig here in Muff. A permanent fixture behind the 'Pig' bar for the past 14 years, he has chosen to put the tap upright and allow new blood to take over the ropes/taps!!!! Working as a barperson is not an easy role and you are everyone's friend as you pour the drink, but just as quickly you become the enemy when the night is done, and the bar is shut. It's a difficult career for anyone, and yet no one can argue that Dean did this role proud, and handled it with dignity and authority. Reliable, and dependable he has been to the locals this past 14 years and there's no doubt his presence will be missed. Behind that bar you are not only the barman, but you are marriage counsellor, therapist, friend, enemy, and so much more. No doubt this wide variety of abilities will serve Dean well as he goes forward.  As Dean departs the bar, we must welcome Eoin aboard, and wish him well as he bonds in ...

 On Sunday last The Great Muff Bake-Off took place as part of the annual Muff Féile here in the village. The Bake-Off is in memory of a young local chef who sadly passed away, James Rehill. Every year it draws much attention and none more so than this year. One of the organisers remarked on Sunday that it was one of the 'biggest' Bake-Offs to date. There was a children's U10's and U 12's and then Adults. One of the children's entries was a creation by Jenny Rose McLaughlin and friend Alex Marner. There's was a 'Kneecap' cake. Micky Doherty and the judges all agreed it tasted as good as it looked and it proudly took 3rd place. Earlier today KNEECAP saw the video and DJ Provai sent a video message to Jenny Rose. We think he was rather impressed with the cake indeed. Maybe he'll come himself next year and enter the next Bake-Off, or even give us a performance.        You just never know where The Muff Féile will reach.  GMcC

 The Eras tour last year brought the real Swifties to the fore. Young girls were out in force showcasing the frills, the boots, the hats and more in support of their beloved TS. Many were fortunate to get to the gigs in Dublin, others watched from public screenings. And then there was Lee and Paddy.... The two local barmen were unable to make it to the live gigs, so instead they brought their own version of those 'live gigs' to Muff. And more centrally, to The Squealing Pig. If you've been fortunate enough, or maybe that should be 'unfortunate' (depending on your view of these voices), you might just have caught one of their performances of late. The most recent one being this past weekend during the Muff Féile. On Sunday morning last, I found myself clearing up litter on the village streets and it was early and I certainly wasn't expecting to meet two large cut-outs of Taylor Swift sauntering through the village. But that's exactly what I did meet. And of c...

Last year at the inaugural Muff Féile a new award was introduced. This was titled, 'Unsung Hero'. An award to acknowledge the contribution of an individual to our village and community life. It is an opportunity for someone to get a public thanks for all they do for and in the area. Last night as Muff Féile rounded off another hugely successful weekend, the committee met at the Muff Liquor homeplace and the Féile draw took place. A huge selection of prizes were given out and the overall prizewinner bagged themselves a St. Patrick's weekend stay in New York City 2026. Everyone was delighted when local lady, Audrey Buchanan took this first prize. Congrats Audrey from all in Muff. Immediately following the 'live' draw the Unsung Hero announcement took place. This years award went to Willie Doherty. A true Unsung Hero in the village. Willie has been volunteering in the village for more than 25 years and continues to be at the helm when there is work to be done. He can b...