Athea Wrenboy Group performing on stage for Fleadh by the Feale on Friday night last

Sharon’s Grave in  Listowel

Athea Drama Group presents the highly acclaimed Sharon’s Grave by John B Keane during Listowel Writers Week on Thursday May 29th at St John’s Theatreat 8pm. This deeply lyrical folk play, set on an Atlantic headland at the mercy of wind and rain, tells the tale of Trassie Conlee’s fight to protect both herself and her brother Neelus from the menace of her ruthless cousin ‘Deezie’ Conlee, one of Keane’s most extraordinary theatrical creations. The devious and menacing paraplegic ‘Deezie’ has locked her sights on inheriting a farm at all costs, leading to tragedy. Booking online via St Johns Theatre Website, or by phone on 068 22566

This is a chance for anyone who missed this production, generally regarded as one of Athea Drama Groups finest performances, in Athea earlier this year. It is also a big honour for the group to be part of Writers Week in Listowel.

Rosary Rally

There will be a Public Rosary Rally on Saturday May 10th. at 4pm in the front car park of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Athea. This is one of over 570 such Rosary Rallies across the country. Everybody welcome to join in.

Mass Times Change

There will be a change in Mass times in Athea from this week on.

Mass will be at 7.30pm on Saturday nights instead of Sunday and will stay at that time until the return of old time in October next.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

There was a tragic accident in Cork over the weekend when a young girl, driving a racing car, was killed after crashing into a barrier on a racing circuit. The loss of such a young life is bad enough but the fact that it was preventable makes it worse.  On what planet is it ok for a girl of 13 to drive a high powered racing car? I believe that thay are allowed to compete from the age of 12.  Children, and that is all she was, should not be allowed near the wheel of a car, never mind a modified one, until they are old enough to get proper driving lessons and hold a licence. There is a fascination with speed and speed events and I am guilty myself. At one time in my life, while living in England, I had a powerful motor bike and belonged to a club. We used to race each other and I thought it was wonderful until one day I had my eyes opened. A friend of mine had borrowed the bike, which had a sidecar attached, to race in the South of England and when he brought it back I didn’t properly adjust the steering damper which has to be tighter for the side car. As I was whizzing along the motorway, the bike started to shudder and I knew I was going to lose control so I guided it onto the grassy bank at the side of the road. I got thrown off  and luckily fell on my side and rolled and rolled. I had good protective equipment and that saved me.  I came to a stop eventually but for a while I just couldn’t breathe. I was lying, like a goldfish, with my mouth open and the pain in my lungs was terrible. Eventually I coughed and spluttered and started to look for injuries. Somebody was watching over me that day because, though covered in bruises, I had no broken bones. The bike was  a mess with the clock stopped at 128 miles an hour. Had I come off on the motorway I would definitely not be able to tell the story today. I realised just how lucky I was and, to this day, I have never again sat on a motorbike. Motor and bike racing are big business but I think the cost in human suffering is too high. Too many young men, there aren’t  that many females involved, have been killed in the sport they love. We had bike races in Athea a few years ago and many of those who took part in the races here have died on different circuits. The thrill is great but the price is too high. Many sports are dangerous. Steeplechase jockeys are used to breaking different bones in their bodies from falls.  These injuries will come against them in later life. Likewise boxers take their life in their hands every time they enter the ring. One punch in the right place can mean a lot of brain damage and the same can be said of other contact sports such as rugby.  I know people love these sports and I must admit to being one of them myself but I wouldn’t like to see any child of mine taking any of them up professionally.  Under no circumstances should a young person of 13 be allowed to take part in such a dangerous sport as motor racing. The powers that be should have a long look at it and legislate accordingly before we have more tragedies.  Adults, at least, are mature enough to make up their own minds but I remember when I was 13 and I dread to think what decisions I would have made had I been given the chance.

I heard something the other day that, though it did not surprise me, brought home to me how much we are changing in this country. The last remaining pub in Bruree has closed its doors. This means that there is now no place to have a drink in the village. I  remember a time when every second door in the place led into a bar but it is now going the way most of our villages will go in the future. It is a big change in culture and there are a few reasons.  In the old days there were dance halls and cinemas which were crowded every weekend. Then the dancing lounge took over and people flocked to the lounge bars  to socialise at weekends. Many of these pubs were in rural areas and, because  drink driving laws were lax, people drove their cars, had their few drinks and drove home. The first limit imposed was a maximum of three pints. This was loosely interpreted and as long as a person appeared relatively sober, they weren’t breathalysed. Towns and villages were crowded at weekends. If you weren’t in early you did not get a parking space near your chosen establishment. It also coincided with a boom in the economy so there was  bit of spare money to go around.  Gradually the limit on drink was reduced  until now, when you just can’t have any drink at all and get behind the wheel. This is only right because times have changed and there are a lot more cars on the road moving at greater speed. This spelt the end for the rural pubs and some of the urban ones. Covid also played a big part. During lockdown people got used to buying in supermarkets and off-licences and having their drinks at home. They got out of the habit of going to the pub and when they realised how much they were saving it really made their minds up. The price of drink over the counter is too dear and when you add babysitting fees and the cost of taxis, it puts  a night out to the pub out of the question for most pockets. A change in times indeed but we are also losing something that was good for our self esteem. It was great to get dressed up and go out to meet the neighbours. God be with the days.

Church Notices

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

Mass Intentions Sat 10^th May 7.30pm

Tim Tierney. Mary White. Mary & Mossie Browne. Nelie, Denny & Mick Mullane.  Ellen Moran (Toureendonnell)  & all deceased members of the Moran family.

All masses are streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/athea

All Ireland Rosary Rally- Rosary will take place next Saturday May 10^th at St. Bartholomew’s church Athea at 4pm. Our weekend mass will change to Saturday evening at 7.30pm starting this coming weekend May 10^th.

Trocaire; Thank you for supporting Trocaire this year, boxes can be dropped into the church during any 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

by Tom Aherne

JOAN SHEAHAN: The death has taken place of Joan Sheahan Ardvone, Ardagh, peacefully on Thursday April 24, at her home. Predeceased by her parents, Bill and Kate, her brother Mike, and sister Bridie. Reposing was held at St. Molua’s Church Ardagh, on Sunday, April 27, from 5pm to 7pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated  by Fr Raphael Okanumeh at 11am on Monday morning  and family members participated during the ceremony. Fr Raphael and a family member paid lovely tributes to a colourful lady who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was aged 77 years and a former employee of Aughinish Alumini.

Symbols brought to the Altar, of importance to Joan’s life included a photo of Padre Pio, rosary beads, phone, Observer, teddy bear etc. They showed her great faith, keeping in touch with family members and current affairs.Burial  took place afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery. Sympathy to brother Jack, sisters Carmel, Dympna, and Patricia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, her dear friends Bridie and Peig, kind neighbours, relatives, and wide circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

RICHARD PURCELL: The death has taken place of Richard (Dick) Purcell, Kilcolman, Ardagh, peacefully on Saturday April 26, in the exceptional care of St. John’s Hospital, Limerick. Predeceased by his late wife Marie and brother Seán. Reposing  was held at Madigan’s Funeral Home Shanagolden, on Monday April 28, from 6pm followed by  removal to Kilcolman Church. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon  by Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane and Fr Pat Crean Lynch, family members and friends participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts, during the ceremony.  Fr Tim recalled Dick’s long life during his homily which  focused on his family, faith and friends.

Dick a native of Newcastle West was born on July 4, 1936. His early working life was spent at Crowley’s Drapery Newcastle West. He married Maria Reidy and moved to Kilcolman in 1966, helping her with the shop and Post Office work. They raised their three sons there and provided  a great service to the local community. Nestled between church and school it was the meeting place for the youth and rarely would one pass without seeing a few outside the shop. Dick also kept cattle and enjoyed the wheeling and dealing. He enjoyed a spot of fishing in Tarbert and Carrigaholt and trips to the seaside. He also loved card playing especially in Monagea and Ballyhahill Halls. His faith meant a lot to him, and he was a regular mass attendee while able. Fr Tim in recent years brought Holy Communion to him on Friday nights after Kilcolman Mass which he looked forward to and appreciated.  The family thanked carer and friend Joan Copse for her wonderful care and support to Dick over the years. His son John deserves great credit also for looking after both his parents down the years.

Dick was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. Sympathy to sons, John, Colman and Francis, daughter in law Denise, grandfather of Ruth and Fiona, brother to Tom and Carmel. Deeply regretted by his brother-in-law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, great and kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. May his gentle soul rest in Peace.

PATRICK GUINA: The death has taken place of Patrick (Paddy) Guina) The Cross, Ardagh, peacefully  surrounded by his loving family in the exceptional care of Killeline Care Centre, on Saturday April 26. Pre-deceased by his parents, Patrick and Ita, his wife Mary, and son Jim. Reposing  was held at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Monday April 28, from 6pm – 8pm. The Requiem Mass  was celebrated by Fr Frank O’Dea on Tuesday morning at 11.30am and family members participated during the ceremony. Symbols representing Paddy’s life were taken to the Altar before mass commenced. They included a model truck to mark over 40 years working for Hogan’s Concrete. A sod of turf as he loved the bog and spent many happy days there. A CD to show his love of traditional music. His glasses and a newspaper as reading was a daily hobby of his. A family photo  to show his love for all.

Paddy was 83 years old and a native of Rooskagh and he attended Ballyloughane National School. He met his wife Mary at the Olympic Ballroom Newcastle West, and they were blessed with five in family. The loss of his son Jim aged 21 and wife Mary at a young age were difficult to overcome. Paddy was quiet spoken and a man of action whose main hobby was time spent in the bog. His granddaughter  Mickella  sang Caledonia in tribute and a CD of George Langan singing The Foot of Rooskagh Hill was played as his coffin departed the church. Paddy was laid to rest afterwards in Churchtown Cemetery, Newcastle West. Sympathy to his sons Mike, John and Joe, daughter Ita (Dineen), son-in-law Tadhg, daughters-in-law Miriam, Sharon and Liz,  9 grandchildren James, Sarah, Anna, Mickella, Kevin, Darren, Rachel, Leah and Robbie, brothers-in-law John and James, nephew Niko, cousins, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

LIAM STEELE: The death has taken place of Liam Steele, Ree

asta, Ardagh,  peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday April 26. Reposing was held at St Molua’s Church on Tuesday April 29, from 5pm to 7pm. The Requiem Mass  was celebrated by Canon Tony Mullins (brother -in-law) assisted by Fr Tom Mangan, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane, Fr Frank O’Dea and Fr Raphael Okanumeh on Wednesday morning at 11.30am. Family members assisted during the ceremony and Mairead delivered a lovely tribute in the Eulogy.  Liam a native of Rathkeale was born in 1941 and an electrician by trade. Married to Mary for 56 years and father of Mairead, Grace and Michael. It was through The New Glenside Band that I got to know of Liam who played the guitar and sang  the popular songs of the time. Mary was a singer in the band, and it was mainly Country and Western, 60s music and polka sets  they played  at  the local cabaret venues.  Former band members Tom O ‘Donoghue and Ann Marie Noonan plus Michael and Fiona Collins supplied the hymns and music, at the Mass.

Liam enjoyed the simple pleasures in life through his family, work, garden, Manchester United supporter, daily crosswords and music. Liam always included a medley of Johnny Cash numbers in the playlist. Beautiful Isle of Somewhere  was sung as a final tribute before  Liam’s coffin departed the church. Liam was laid to rest  afterwards in  the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy to  his wife Mary, daughters Mairead and Grace, son Michael, son-in-law Mark, daughter-in-law Becky, grandchildren  William, Adam, Joseph and Holly, brothers Jim and Tom, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.  May he rest in Peace.

PLAYGROUND FUNRAISER: Carrigkerry Playground Committee would like to thanks  everyone who attended the walk on Easter Monday, it was great to see all the support. They also launched the ‘Buy A Brick’ fundraiser on the day. Sales got off to a great start so thanks to all who purchased. If you’d like to have a brick with your name/family name or in memory of someone special to then please follow the link below to purchase or alternatively contact a member of the committee. It’s a one-off fee of €50 to have your brick added to the wall.  A big thanks also to Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry who very kindly raffled an Easter hamper giving the proceeds to the playground fund. A total of €305 was raised. The committee members include Pat King, Leanne Greaney,  Maggie O Connor, Grainne Mc Coy, Lorraine Hannafin O’Sullivan, Aine O’Connor, Teresa Hayes, Helen King, Emer O’Connor.  https://carrigkerryplaygroundgarden.clubforce.com/…/mem…

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  April 28.The numbers drawn were 13,18,19,28,and  there was no  winner of the €6,600 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Mac and Modh c/o Neary’s, Dick Condon c/o Catherine Noonan, Hazel O’Donnell, Newcastle West, Sam King, Carrigkerry, Linda Daly Ardagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €6,700. 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 Mary Hayes from Shanagolden, who won €300, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday May 2. 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.

NEW FIELD: St Kieran’s GAA Club held their first match in their new field in Ardagh village on Friday May 2. Chairman David Woulfe welcomed the good crowd present on a lovely sunny evening  to view the impressive field, scoreboard, walkway, footpaths car park, road entrance etc. Canon Tony Mullins blessed the field and Seamus Mc Namara Chairman of the Limerick GAA Board congratulated all involved in the work done to date. Emma Daly sang Amhran na bhfiann and the first match commenced at 7.30pm. St Kieran’s defeated Na Piarsaigh by 1-17 to 1-15 in Round 5 of the City West Intermediate Hurling League. TEAM: Cillian Ambrose 0-2, Shay Greaney, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Mossie Shine, Eoin Mc Enery 1-0, Brendan Mc Carthy, Fionn Gleeson, Eoghan Sheehan, Cathal Mc Enery 0-2, Jack O’Sullivan 0-7, Ian Mackessy 0-3, Conor Woulfe 0-1, Derry O’Connor, Cillian Meade, Cathal O’Connor. Subs Sean Ryan 0-1, Cormac Mann, Michael Murphy, Jack Ben Harnett, Aaron Heffernan 0-1.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Róisín Ambrose (0-1) from the Old Mill club was on the  Limerick team that lost to Clare by 1-4 to 0-6 in round 1 of the Munster Senior B Football Championship at Clarecastle on Sunday April 27.

SOCCER NEWS: Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1 (Mike Cremin) at home to Askeaton/Kilcornan in Division 3 of the Desmond League on Sunday April 27. Creeves Celtic and Carrig Celtic had no fixtures. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Ballylanders away by 2-1 in the Munster FA Women’s Junior Cup quarter final  with goals from Mia Forrestal and Danielle Donovan.

CHURCH DATES: The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday May 7, at 10am and in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry at 12 noon. The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday May 10, at 11am. The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday May 17, at 11am. The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday May 24, at 12.30pm and in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa at 10.30am. The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Tuesday May 20, at 10am

by Kathleen Mullane

BEAUTIFUL   IRELAND

Well I’m sure everyone will agree with me that when we get the fabulous weather that we have been experiencing over the past while that there’s no place like our own country for scenery ,music ,peace and tranquility ,lovely beaches ,great food and  a whole lot more .It gives everyone a PEP in their STEP, and puts a smile on all of our faces .So get out and avail of it even if you have to do Gardening etc ,its vital for us here in our usual climate of Dampness and minimal sunshine to get as much Vitamin D from the Sun when its out ,as we are always lacking in this very important Vitamin with many having to take  tablet form to get their Vitamin D — so enjoy and hopefully it will last for another good while .

Sincere Congrats are extended to Mary and Billy O’Connor of Gortnagross on becoming first time Grandparents recently their daughter Katie and husband Daniel O’Sullivan having been blessed with their new baby a little boy they are naming Liam  which is making his granddad Super Proud having been called  after him congrats all around.

This Saturday at 4 pm an outdoor Rosary will take place in our Church grounds  in conjunction with the All Ireland Rosary Rally. As many as possible are invited to come along and be part of this All Ireland event .

From this weekend onwards Mass will revert to 7.30 on Saturday evenings instead of Sunday  for the Summer months to give everyone a choice between Sundays and Saturday evenings . Sunday mornings will again commence with the change to Old Time or around that time so spread the word please.

This week sees the Conclave starting on Wednesday to appoint a new Pope . There will be 133 Cardinals from 70 different Countries  voting  so hopefully the Successor to the Late Pope Francis will be as humble and kind as he was with a very open mind — a real down to earth man of the People.

Don’t forget, if anyone is looking for Books to read especially over the Summer Holidays you can take them for free from the Bookstand in the kitchen at the Memorial Hall. There are a variety of books available for both Men and Women readers and if you want to give in a book you have read you can do that too . A handy way people find is to put their initials if they want on the inside of the book they have read as sometimes one forgets which have already been read

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Appreciate people who Correct You ,because without them

you might have been repeating mistakes for a long time.