By Kathleen Mullane

‘Bits & Bobs’ 

Congrats to Bridie Birchall of Coole, Athea, who celebrated her 70th birthday recently at the Top of the Town where she was joined by family, relatives and friends. A great night was enjoyed by one and all.

Well done to the Athea Utd Junior team who, on Friday night last, won the Div 1 League final on a scoreline of 2-0 against Feenagh in ‘Glantine. They were delighted to be bringing the cup home to ‘The Vales’.

On this Thursday night, May 26th, the AGM of the Colbert Community Hall takes place in the hall kitchen. All committee members are requested to attend and indeed anyone else who would line to join or anyone with views on the hall.  All are welcome. It’s great to see the hall being used for the various sporting activities and also for parties and special occasions. And even though the debt on the hall is clear now thankfully – the running costs are large so we would be glad of all bookings made for the hall.

It’s great to see the Tidy Towns people ‘out in full force’ these Saturday mornings, weeding, planting and indeed a lot more. I’m sure they would be glad of ‘helping hands’ at anytime and wouldn’t it be great for our young people to join the team. Indeed we all on our respective roads can pull a few weeds or pick up ‘more rubbish’. Best of luck to them on ‘judging day’.

Congrats to Jenny Sutcliffe (O’Connor), daughter of Jim and Josephine, who celebrated her 40th birthday at The Devon Inn over the weekend along with her family and friends. A brilliant night was enjoyed by everyone.

Another lovely ceremony here in the church on Saturday last when the boys and girls of 2nd class made their 1st Holy Communion. The church was decorated lovely for the occasion and thankfully the day remained fairly good. Well done to the teachers, parents, choir, Fr. Bowen and of course the 1st Communicants

Athea was shocked at yet another sudden death in Templeathea on Monday last. John Byrne passed away at St. James’ Hospital in Dublin. John worked for many years at the ESB station in Tarbert as a painter until his retirement some time ago. He loved to walk with his dog ‘Jack’. Many came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Thursday evening last. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Friday to Holy Cross cemetery. Sincere sympathy goes to his wife Bertha, daughters Jenny and Louise and son Paul. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy also to Fergus Scanlon (who was a sergeant here in Athea) on the death of his wife Etna over the weekend. May she rest in peace.