Firstly to give you details of the funeral of the late Johnny Collins who is being brought home to Athea for burial this weekend. There will be Mass on Thursday 28th at 12.15 in Quex Road Church, London – followed by refreshments in the nearby Kingdom Bar. Johnny’s remains will be arriving in Shannon on Friday at 12.30pm, then on Friday evening friends and anyone who may have known Johnny might like to come along to Kelly’s funeral parlour from 7 – 8pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday will be at 12 mid-day and burial afterwards in Holy Cross. Great credit is due to all those who have put in a lot of work since Johnny died in an effort to have him brought home for burial in Athea and all the volunteers who are giving of their time and energy free gratis – to give him an Irish burial ‘Go ndeana Dia trocaire le na hanam’

Well done to Ciara O’Shea (daughter of Maireád and Sean) Templeathea along with twins Noelle and Michelle Curtin who were the U12’s winners of the Larkin Shield at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick last week – all three are members of the Athea Ladies Football Club.

Get fit for Christmas on Thursday evenings; Colm Hassett will be at the hall from 8 – 9pm with his health and fitness regime – open to men and women, a full body workout also on Wednesday mornings from 10 – 11am. Details from Colm on 085 1111617

Athea Going Strong/Vincent de Paul are holding their Annual Christmas Party on Wednesday December 11th at The Top of the Town. Mass is at 12 noon followed by dinner. This being a hot-meal it is necessary to hand in your name with your €10 before Friday Dec 6th to any of the committee or to Collins’ or Rose’s Shop, Top of the Town or Mary T. Mulvihill. There will be great music with Jim Connery, loads of spot prizes and a raffle for the door prize. In all a great day is anticipated. Donations of spot prizes would be gratefully received.

At last something for our U16’s and what a great Youth night it turned out to be on Friday night last at St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale – when boys and girls from Athea, Abbeyfeale and surrounding parishes brought along their musical instruments, had a sing-song, games, fun – pizza and soft drinks, all enjoying new  friendships made and just enjoying themselves. It is hoped to have another such night later on and all U16’s boys and girls are welcome.