HAPPY EASTER

Jerry Brouder with his colleagues from Glin Mens’ Shed in Athea last
Saturday morning.

Chair Yoga

In Knockanure Community Centre on Wednesdays at 11am. Fee €10

Parish Litter Pick-up

The annual  parish clean-up will take place on Good Friday.  Every year tons of litter are picked up by local volunteers on all the roads around the parish. In this day and age there is no need for anybody to dump their litter on the side of the road so please refrain from doing so

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I had made a promise to myself that I would not write about Trump anymore but two awful happenings that occurred this week have changed my mind. One was the bombing of a hospital in Ghaza by Israeli forces and the other was the bombing of people leaving Palm Sunday ceremonies in a church in Ukraine. It is beyond any shadow of doubt that these two events are war crimes and the majority of world leaders rightly condemned them as such but Donald Trump did not. He made no mention of Ghaza and failed to condemn Russia saying they “made a mistake”. It is clear that both the Israelis and the Russians feel they have a free hand because Israel has the total backing of Trump and Putin has him in his pocket. There seems to be a plan between Trump and Putin to carve up Ukraine between them in what will be called a “peace deal”.  Trump does not care about ordinary people, he just looks at the deal and how much he can make out of it. Look at what he did to the American economy with his tariffs. Ordinary people are feeling the effects, especially those with retirement pensions who see their money disappearing before their very eyes. He was forced to back track on some of the tariffs because the bond markets got spooked and he also had to take off some of the tariffs on Chinese goods because America needs them to keep going. He thought that by threatening the world they would all come looking for deals or, as put it, “kissing his ass”.  There was no great rush and I think he has lost any leverage he had.  There is something bothering me about all this. Where is the American government? Surely they have a duty to the people of America to protect their interests. How can one man have so much power to wield?  USA is supposed to be a democracy and prided itself on being the leader of the free world but what I see is a dictator doing exactly what he wants with no respect for government or judiciary. This trade war is far from over and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a recession as a result of it. Is that going to make America great again.?  I don’t think so. In a trade war everybody loses. Trade between countries should be fair and equitable. Trump condemns Europe because they will not allow American beef and other such products to be sold here. The problem is that we have standards and American beef that has had hormone treatment does not come up to those standards. The same applies to food from any other country and rightly so because the protection of the consumer is paramount. The fact is we all need each other and co-operation is the key. There is no need for strong arm or bullyboy tactics. At the end of the day people will have to sit around the table and make a deal. There will be give and take on both sides but that is the art of politics. The sad part is that the President of the greatest country in the world hasn’t a clue about politics and has surrounded himself with colleagues who know just about as much as himself. They are chosen for their unquestioning loyalty to him and there is no fear of any of them calling halt. Each day brings a new revelation that shows how far America has strayed from the great nation it once was. They may think they are smarter and better than all the rest of us but they are showing by their actions just how stupid they really are. It is time for decent Americans, Republican and Democrat, to stand up and be counted. You can’t surrender you country to a bunch of businessmen who just want to make themselves and their cronies richer. If people knew last year what they know now, I don’t think Donald Trump would be in the White House now. Time to pray I think.

This is Holy Week and it brings back memories of long ago when the vast majority of people in them parish were Roman Catholics and observed the laws of the Church. This was he last week of the Lenten Fast which was going on for seven weeks since Ash Wednesday. Fasting and abstinence were obligatory and were fairly strict. Eating was limited to one meal a day and two collations.  In the small meals you couldn’t have more than a certain weight of bread. I forget exactly how much it was but it was meagre and I remember my mother weighing it on an ouncel.  Every Friday was a day when no meat could be eaten and this was also strictly observed.  When this week came,  the last of the fasting was in sight and people were excited by the fact that they could once again eat enough!. We also gave up something for lent like sweets, drink, sugar etc. and we couldn’t wait to taste them again. This didn’t always work out. One year I gave up sugar and I couldn’t wait for Lent to be over so that I could put a couple of spoons in my tea again. Come Easter Sunday morning  and I duly stirred two flowing spoons of sugar into my cup of tea. I took a mouthful and almost threw it out again. It tasted awful and I  never put sugar in my tea ever since. I suppose you could say it was a blessing in disguise.

Things have changed quite a lot since then but Easter still remains the biggest festival in the catholic calendar so enjoy it everyone.

Surviving members of the Athea Set Dancers who won the All-Ireland Scor title at the MNational Stadium back in the 1970s
Front Row: Eileen Barry, Nancy Woulfe and Gretta Enright
Back Row: Timmy Woulfe, Joe Murphy and Domhnall de Barra who provided the music on the night.
The other members of the set were Patie Enright, Timmy O’Keeffe and Margaret Cotter who have all gone to their eternal reward.
Photo by Bridie Murphy

CHURCH NOTICES

Priests: Fr. Tom Mangan 087-2348226, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Dan Lane 087 2621911.

Easter Ceremony Arrangements: Wednesday April 16^th– Mass of Chrism – St John’s Cathedral.

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lords Supper 7.30pm, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 9pm- 12am.

Good Friday: Celebration of the Lords Passion 3 pm, followed by Veneration of the Cross.

Holy Saturday: Solemn Celebration of the Easter Vigil 8pm.

Easter Sunday: Dawn Mass, Holy Cross Graveyard 5.30am, St. Bartholomew’s Church Mass 11am.

All masses are streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/athea (except dawn mass)

Baptisms take place on the fourth weekend of the month. Parents who wish to baptise their child in the next few months should contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

Parish Administration: Tues-Fri 11am-1pm. call Siobhan on 087-3331459, outside of these hours text or email [email protected]     Facebook:  Athea Parish Church Community

Chrism Mass 2025 – St. John’s Cathedral, Limerick on Wednesday, 16^th April at 7.00 pm.

Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament in Athea Church on Holy Thursday night 9pm-12am

Easter Dawn Mass at Holy Cross graveyard on Easter Sunday morning at 5.30am.

Parish Administration: Tues-Fri 11am-1pm. call Siobhan on 087-3331459, outside of these hours text or email [email protected]     Facebook:  Athea Parish Church Community

Tom Collins from Athea and Timmy Collins from Abbeyfeale at Listowel on Thursday with donkey owner Pat O Shea .
Photo Moss Joe Browne.

Athea Community Council  Lucky Numbers Draw

14/04/’25  No’s Drawn: 2,  5,  23, 28 No Winner

Lucky Dips

M & R.,            Carrigkerry

G, B. & N. Collins,          Knocknagorna

Paddy Frank,                    Carrigkerry

B. & A. Ambrose,            Lr. Dirreen

Sellers Prize:  E. Fitzgerald & Collins’

Next Draw:  21/04/’25  Venue:  Batt’s Bar

Jackpot €25,200

Duck & Swan

Scenes from the Duck & Swan night at Batt’s Bar on Saturday night last. It was also the occasion of Jerry Brouder’s 70th birthday. A great night was had by all with musicians and friends coming from far and near. Athea branch of Comhaltas would like to extend congratulations and good wishes to Jerry who has been the back bone of the movement over many, many years. He has also been very active in the Gun and fFshing clubs and organises the Duck & Swan nights to feed the ducks on the river.

by Tom Aherne

MARY MC CARTHY: The death has occurred of Mary Mc Carthy (nee Kennedy) Templeogue, Dublin 6W and formerly Kilcolman, at Tallagh Hospital on Friday March 28.  Predeceased by her  husband James, sister Philomena. Her remains lay in repose at Massy Brothers Funeral Home Templeogue on Tuesday April 1. The Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Jude the Apostle Church  Templeogue on Wednesday, followed by burial in Kilmacalogue Cemetery. Sympathy to children Fergal, Suzanne, Hugh, grandchildren Sean, Laura, Mikel, sister Peg, brother John, and extended family members and friends. May she rest in Peace.

EASTER CEREMONIES: The Holy Week Ceremonies for Ardagh/ Carrigkerry parish are, Holy Thursday April 17, Mass  of the Lords Supper in Ardagh at 7.30pm, Eucharistic Ministers are invited to renew their commitment. A meeting with all the Eucharistic  Ministers and Readers of the Word will be held afterwards. Good Friday, April 18,Passion of the Lord in Carrigkerry at 3pm, and in Ardagh at 7.30pm. Saturday April 19, Easter Vigil in Ardagh at 9pm. Easter Sunday April 20, Mass of the Lords Resurrection in Carrigkerry at 10.30am. Parishioners are asked to hand in their Trocaire contributions at  the Easter week ceremonies.

The Holy Week Ceremonies for Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish are Holy Thursday Kilcolman Mass at 7.30pm, followed by Adoration for one hour. Good Friday Passion at Kilcolman at 4pm, Stations of the Cross at Coolcappa at 7.30pm. Saturday March 30, Easter Vigil in Coolcappa at 8pm. Easter Sunday Mass in Kilcolman at 11am.

MASS TIMES CHANGE: Ardagh/Carrigkerry Mass times will change from the weekend of April 26/27. Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturdays at 6.30pm. Mass will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sundays at 10.30am.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The proceeds from Copse’s Christmas Lights 2024, €9,045 were recently  presented to members of the Children’s ARK Unit at UHL Limerick and Milford Hospice Limerick. Each organisation received a cheque for €4,522.50. Joan and Timmy would like to thank each and everyone who called to see the lights and donated. A massive thank you to all the businesspeople who sponsored them again and everyone who supported the lights last year.

AWARD WINNER: Congratulations to Robert Kelly Glenville, Ardagh, who recently received the Stephani  Walsh Memorial Golden Paw award for delivering module four training and the promotion of future  championship dog show judges in Ireland. Robert is the secretary of the Cocker Spaniel Club of Ireland and the IKC annual awards were held in Kildare.

CAMINO WALK: Joe Dowling from Ballinabearna, Old Mill is participating in the Camino Charity Walk again this year. It is a 300km walk from April 10-28, in Portugal during Easter. All monies raised will go to the designated charity this year which is ”Vision Ireland” formerly known as NCBI.  Joe is seeking sponsorship for his walk and can be contacted  by phone on 087-6335440 or by email [email protected]. All donations big or small are welcome for this very important charity event.

CUCKOO CALL: The Cuckoo has arrived in our locality and has been heard calling since Monday April 7, about a week earlier than in previous years. The fine dry and sunny spell of weather may have been the reason for the earlier arrival from abroad. The elder generation always looked forward to the arrival as it marked the end of the long winter, and the promise of better weather ahead.  When they heard the first call, they would bless themselves thanking the Lord that they had survived another year. The bird likes rural and remote areas, where it can remain unobserved by humans as it goes about its business. Its distinctive call is mainly the only means of  knowing its whereabouts.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  April 7.The numbers drawn were 4,16,18,19. and  there was no  winner of the €6,300 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each M +P c/o of Josie, Glensharrold, Thomas Mullins, Commons Ardagh, James Woulfe, Rathgonan Ardagh, Mary Lee, Ardagh, Chuck Lee, Ardagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €6,400. People can play online using club force on the club’s Facebook page, with 6pm on Monday evening the deadline. The tickets are also on sale at the usual outlets, and all support will be appreciated.  Both organisations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Lenny Moloney from Rathkeale, who won €305 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday April 11. The tickets cost €2, or 3 for €5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry,  and from the radio station.  All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s drew with Feohanagh in round 2 of the City/West Intermediate Hurling League at Coolcappa on Saturday April 5. It ended Feohanagh 1-10 to St Kieran’s 0-13.

St Kieran’s drew with Drom/Broadford in the West Junior B Hurling League at Dromcollogher on Sunday April 6. It ended Drom/Broadford 0-18 to St Kieran’s 2-12.

St Kieran’s defeated Rathkeale by 2-21 to 1-13 in round 3 of the West Senior Football League at Rathkeale on Monday April 7.

St Kieran’s drew with Granagh/Ballingarry in round 2 of the County Junior A Football League at Coolcappa on Tuesday April 8. It ended Granagh/Ballingarry 2-16 to St Kieran’s 3-13.

St Kieran’s lost to Knockaderry by 1-19 to 1-12 in round 1 of group 1 of the West Junior B Hurling League at Coolcappa on Wednesday April 9.

St Kieran’s defeated Kildimo/Pallaskenry by 2-21 to 0-5 in round 4 of the West Senior Football League at Coolcappa on Saturday April 12.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 (Seamus Mangan)away to Broadford United in the quarter final of the Desmond Cup on Saturday April 5. Carrig Celtic and Kilcolman Rovers had no fixtures.

GREYHOUNDS: The annual Con and Anne Kirby Memorial (Celebrating 12 years) greyhound stake sponsored by JP and Noreen Mc Manus continues at Limerick Greyhound Stadium  each Saturday-to-Saturday April 19. All the Limerick GAA Clubs were allocated a greyhound, and prizes will be awarded to  the final six in the final as in previous years. Ballymac Lucia was the St Kieran’s dog which failed to progress from  the quarter finals last Saturday night. Admission is € 10 for adults, and free entry to children with a paying adult.

ARDAGH BINGO: The Ardagh Community Centre Fundraising Bingo  takes place this Wednesday April 16, at 8pm sharp. There is €2,000 in prize money with lots of spot prizes on the night. All support will be greatly appreciated.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  A rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday April 16, at 8.00pm and teas served.  All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend for a great night’s enjoyment.

ITAS NIGHT: Ita’s rambling house will be held in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday  April 18, at 8pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend  for a great night’s enjoyment.

TROCAIRE APPEAL: As we  progress through Lent and approach Easter, we are reminded of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world.  Trócaire boxes are available in the local church porches, if people missed out on collecting them at the start of Lent. We are asked to put some money into them, if possible, to help family’s this year  in Guatemala, which  has been badly affected by climate change, which is pushing families further into poverty. Relentless storms and droughts are destroying  their crops, livelihoods and their children’s chance of an  education. Llma and Julio and their children Miriam, Julio, Debora and Gloria are the featured family this year. The boxes can be returned to the churches on  Easter weekend and all support will be greatly appreciated.

CLEAN UP: The annual Limerick clean up will be held on Good Friday April 18. Community groups can sign up online for the event at www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie The countryside is full of discarded rubbish and a disgrace for visitors or tourists to see. Our local villages will have organised clean ups.

Carrigkerry Walk 

Walk in aid of Carrigkerry Playground takes place on Easter Monday April 21st at 2pm from the Community Centre. It will be the Glensharrold loop back to the Community Centre for refreshments. The committee are also running a buy a brick fundraiser for the Playground wall. €50 per brick for individual /family members names. They can be bought before the walk on Monday or through the link on the Carrigkerry Playground Facebook page. All support to help finance the remaining debt will be greatly appreciated.

by Kathleen Mullane

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

An Easter Blessing For You     May God Bless you at Easter and keep you all year through, May God give you all the Faith it takes to make your dreams come true . May his Love and Wisdom always Help to guide you on your way. May his Light shine down upon you now to Bless your Easter Day.    Hopefully you all will have a lovely Easter and that the

weather will hold up and that we will get more of the Sunshine that we had experienced last week, especially for all the kids who are on Holidays but sure make the most of it whatever the weather and enjoy the Easter eggs and for the parents who gave up maybe sweets or biscuits for the past 6 weeks  enjoy the indulgence.   On this Saturday from 10am —4pm at Abbeyfeale Mart there will be a collection of Electrical appliances for Recycling .So if you have any old T Vs ,Kettles ,Microwaves or indeed anything with a plug take them along free of charge to be Recycled.        And of course don’t forget the yearly Good -Friday CLEAN UP which many take part in every year and which is indeed great for our own Parish and Athea Tidy Towns as they also do a great Job in trying to keep Athea looking well year around .Its also good for our young people to note that throwing ones rubbish around is NOT ON.

Congrats are extended to Jerry Brouder of Templeathea  who celebrated his 70th birthday at the weekend at Batts Bar along with family and friends . Good Wishes are also sent to Dawn Quaid of Dirreen who also celebrated her special 30th Birthday at Brown Joes at the weekend, everyone having a great time for both Birthday   people.   Sincere sympathy is extended to Maurice O Connor of Dirreen and his family on the passing of his brother John of Lucan in Dublin who went to his eternal reward last week at The Maria Goretti Home  in Kilmallock .May he rest in peace .

Cards are available at the   church doors with all the information about the Easter Ceremonies which will be going ahead this week so it will be good to take one or maybe give one to a friend or neighbour who may not be able to get to mass and maybe watches the Masses on the Webcam .

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you did not do  than the ones you Did.