Congratulations and good wishes are sent to Karina Buckley of Templeathea who, on Saturday night last, had a surprise 40th birthday sprung on her at Brown Joe’s here in Athea. Family, relations and many friends attended and all had a great night.

Well done to the boys U-13s “Smurfs” basketball team who over the weekend were victorious over Dingle and Lixnaw on home ground. The U-10s did very well also on Sunday when they travelled to Causeway and beat Ballymac. Congrats also to the U-14 girls “The Vixens” who, over the weekend, were victorious against Tralee Imperials and St. Bridget’s. Trish Phillips Aherne, trainer, was delighted with their performances.

Best wishes and congratulations are extended to Jenny Liston of Upper Athea (daughter of Kay and John) who, on Friday night last, launched her first ever CD at “The Crane” pub in Galway. Family, relatives and friends attended the launch. Jenny is a gifted songwriter and musician and no doubt her talent will shine out on her CD. We wish her well with it and hopefully it will be on sale locally.

The much looked forward to revived ‘Fair Day’ will take place here in Athea on November 3rd and what a great family fun day this will be, with everything from a “needle to an anchor” on sale with of course the animals being top on the list – from hens, ducks, pups and kittens to horses, donkeys, goats and much more!. If the weather remains dry there will be a great buzz around the village. The advice is – to come early and of course there will be a great deal of “haggling” going on but that’s what makes “The Fair Day”.

If any of you or your friends are in and around Dublin on October 31st make sure and go along to The Red Cow Inn where a grand fundraising concert is taking place (a follow-up to the Tomathon) with all proceeds going to Pieta House. Many musicians and singers have given of their time on the night. Tickets are just €20 and the cheque will be handed over on the night to Pieta House – the Tomathon having raised over €100,000. Well done to all.

Halloween is almost with us – with all the students looking forward to the mid-term break! If you haven’t  yet been to Knocknagoshel for their “Fright Night” go there, it’s so much fun and be prepared for screaming.