By Kathleen Mullane

 

‘Summer At Last’

Well “what a joy” these past few days of glorious, unbroken sunshine has been. Tractors and machinery of all shapes and sizes on the roads ‘from dawn to dusk’! Loads of turf leaving the bogs. The smell of newly cut grass – everyone “buzzing” and in good form. Ballybunion and Beale beaches were thronged on Saturday and Sunday, and isn’t it great to see the business people in Ballybunion doing well, seeing as their season is so short and they are totally dependant on the weather. Long may it last and as I’ve said before Ireland is one of the nicest places to be if you get the good weather!

Well on Friday night last myself  and my sister Patsy were delighted to be invited to the 25th anniversary of our cousin’s, Maura and Siobhán Kearney’s, celebration of their bakery business in Ballyhahill . It was great to see neighbours, relatives and friends gathered together to celebrate with them and wish them continued success. From a mere 1 van and 2 employees working out of a small kitchen to 5 vans and 22 employees now working out of a “state of the art” kitchen. Hard work was involved in getting to this stage but thankfully it has worked. Continued success to the girls and their hard working staff – who, incidentally are more like a big family and they have a number of people from Athea working there also. It’s not because they are our cousins that I’m mentioning them, but just that “all things are possible if you really want to make a go of them” – Well done.

Fr. Duggan has a few things “in the pipeline” for the church when he returns from the Lourdes trip this week. About 16 including youth helpers are travelling from the parish which indeed is great and no doubt the numbers will increase next year, now that this trip has been organized from the parish.

A new amplification and microphone system is being installed, this will greatly benefit those who find it hard to hear. Also the painting is going to be touched up, a new boiler is gong to replace the old one before the winter sets in, all good news for our church and with the plans for the new cark park on display “its full steam ahead”.

There’s not many tickets remaining for the GAA 500 club draw, so to be in with a chance you are advised to pick up one as soon as possible. The very best of luck to everyone. Fully paid up members are in for another draw of €1,000.