Huge well done to Athea / Glin Community Games u16 team who won Gold at the Limerick Regional Blitz recently

Well done to the u13 Athea/ Glin Community Games team who won Silver in the Limerick Blitz on Saturday.

Lucky Numbers Draw

The weekly lottery run by Athea Community Council Ltd. has reached a massive jackpot of €25,000. This is the biggest it has ever been since the draw started. The council are grateful to all those who buy the tickets every week and those who sell on a regular basis.

The proceeds from the draw fund the activities of the council and  made it possible to do all the stonework, townland signs, footpaths, footbridge, and general maintenance including Con Colbert Community Hall, the Church and Cemeteries. It also enalbed the purchase of the offices at Con Colbert Street which are now going to be renovated and turned into a great amenity for the community. This will take a lot of money so we look forward to continuing support after the jackpot is won. The aim of the council is to improve Athea as much as possible because we realise that, in the changing climate we have at the moment, Ii we don’t help ourselves, nobody will. Tickets are available at Collins’ Shop, White’s and Batt’s pubs, Community Council Office and many local sellers. You can also get a month, six months and yearly tickets by contacting Domhnall de Barra at 087 6758762

Just a note about the filling out of the tickets. Please ensure that the seller’s name and the date are included on the left hand side because a ticket without this information is not valid. It would be a pity if somebody had the winning numbers but could not get the prize because the sellers name or date wasn’t filled in. Once again, thanks to everyone for your support.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I met a man while I was walking on the greenway in Abbeyfeale the other day. He saluted me and  then I recognised Connie Herbert from Knocknaboul. Conie is at home for a couple of weeks at the moment and we had a good chat about a lot of things. After we parted I got to thinking about what he did for Athea.  He bought an old pub and turned it into a fine establishment with a function room and a fast food outlet to boot. He employed a great chef and business boomed. The food was very good and if you wanted to eat there on Sunday you had to book well in advance to get a table. Anniversaries, birthday parties, weddings, baptisms, confirmation and communions etc.  were all catered for.  He brought the best of bands and was instrumental in bringing the bike races to the village, a real economy booster for the area during the years it was held. He was also very generous in his sponsorship of local clubs and organisations and gave much needed  employment. He made his premises available to us for the Fleadhs we held and of course his B&B brought people to the area as well. Connie was very unlucky that the financial crash came when it did and the business went under. It was a huge loss to the community because, now, there is no place to have a function in the village and people have to travel outside the parish for celebrations. They say you never miss the water ‘till the well runs dry. Connie is now semi-retired, just picking and choosing what he wants to do. He worked really hard all his life and deserves to enjoy the rest of his time. Athea should be grateful to him for what he gave us. I wish him every success in whatever he undertakes in the future.

It is not often I agree with Donald Trump and I thought I never would but I think he has a point when he tries to get American companies to go back to manufacturing their goods in their own country and paying taxes there. It would, of course hit us badly here but how would we feel if Irish companies were setting up in an island where they paid practically no tax and giving nothing back to the economy.  It is not so long ago since we were in trouble with our European partners because we were offering tax rates of 12½%  instead of 19. We even went to court trying not to take money from Apple to “look good” but we all know that what we had here was a tax haven. The 12½%    got reduced to practically nothing and the country prospered through the employment created. Now we are in danger of losing all that because Trump is going to do whatever is necessary to achieve his aims. I wouldn’t panic straight away though because I can’t see a mass exodus of American companies all at once. This may take a long time and I have no doubt that, even now, there are people working on ways to get around it. We should never be depending on these revenues for day to day spending but it was a nice windfall all the same.

What is more worrying on the Trump side is his obsession with taking over Greenland, one way or another, as he said, which mean use of force if necessary.  This is a return to the old colonial days when powerful nations invaded defenceless countries, took all their wealth and left them in turmoil. Look at what they did to Africa and India to name but two. England was a major player, as we well know here, creating an empire “for king and country”.  They took what they wanted because they were strong enough to do so. Trump is saying “we are too strong for you so give us what we want or we will just take it”. This must never be allowed to happen again. Small nations should never be left defenceless and, until Trump’s return to power, the USA, in conjunction with its European partners guaranteed assistance to western countries against aggression. Now America seems to want to divorce from Europe which is a very sad thing and very dangerous for the future. Russia and China must be dancing jigs with glee watching this development. Greenland has a right to self-determination if they want it but, in the meantime, they have the protection of Denmark who will not back down in the face of American aggression.  As I said, we know all about small nations being invaded by a stronger nation. England oppressed us for 800 years and left us with many scars. They tried to get rid of our religion and language and I suppose, in the end they succeeded with the language, if not the religion. Unfortunately they also left us with place names that mean absolutely nothing. The word “Athea” means nothing while the Irish version “Áth an tSléible” means the ford of the mountains. You might say there are no mountains in Athea and you would be right but locally, hilly, boggy land was always describe as “mountain”.  I suppose they couldn’t get the pronunciation of the Irish words so they got something near it. A few years ago, the late Dan Keane wrote a book called “Around Athea” in which he went through all the local names and gave the Irish versions and the meanings. It is a great book to have and it might be worth reprinting a few more of them.

Church Notices

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

Masses this week- Tuesday morning 9.30am & Friday evening 7pm and Sunday 11am.

Intentions: Sunday 7^th April: Nora O’Connell. Margaret Geoghegan. Tim Enright. Billy & Kathleen Casey. Michael Scanlon Snr., Michael Scanlon Jnr., Dolores Chandra & her son Sharath. Gerald Griffin and all deceased members of the Griffin family.

Eucharistic Adoration and the Devine Mercy Chaplet every Tuesday morning after mass.

To book a Mass intention contact the sacristy after mass or contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

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

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.

ALONE are seeking volunteers in the ATHEA area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please contact Caroline on 086-4040910.

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

Athea Community Council

Lucky Numbers Draw 07/04/’25

No’s Drawn: 8,  9,  14,  15.  No Winner

Lucky Dips

Conor Mullane Jnr.,            Knocknagorna

Maggie Collins,                 Lower Rd.

Kathleen Griffin,                Athea

Josie O’Connor, Carrigkerry

Sellers Prize:  Francie Flavin & D. De Barra

Next Draw:  14/04/’25 Venue:  Brown Joe’s

Jackpot €25,100

by Tom Aherne

A FAREWELL MESSAGE TO CANON CURTIN: As you step into this chapter of retirement, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication and service to our Pastoral Unit. Your unwavering commitment, both in times of joy and in times of challenge, has been a steady source of guidance, strength, and support to us all. Through your leadership, friendship, and kindness, you’ve not only helped us grow spiritually but also created a sense of unity and love within our community. Your presence will surely be missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those you’ve touched. As you embark on this new journey, we wish you, all the very best—may your retirement bring you peace, fulfilment, and many blessings. Thank you for everything, Canon Tim, and may you continue to feel the warmth of the friendships you’ve built here for many years to come. With heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for the future, Entire Shannon West Pastoral Unit. Taken from their newsletter.

ELLEN LEAMEY: The death has occurred of Ellen (Nellie ) Leamey (nee Aherne) of Ballymore, Askeaton and formerly of Coolybrown, Ardagh on Monday March 24. Predeceased by her husband Michael (Haulie). Reposing at Kieran  Madigan’s Funeral Home Askeaton on Tuesday  from 5-30 to 6.30pm. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday March 26, at 11am followed by burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  Sympathy to her nieces, nephews, in-laws, close relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

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.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday March 24.The numbers drawn were 9,13,14,18, and  there was no  winner of the €6,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each: Catherine Hayes, Knockfinisk, Carrigkerry, Mike Liston, Glenastar,  K Mc Carthy, Tom Mackessy, Coolanoran, Chloe Kennedy, Kilcolman. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €6,200. 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 Eileen Flanagan from Foynes, who won €280  in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 28. 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.

CLUB DRAW: The first Limerick Club GAA Draw was held on Saturday March 29, and announced on the sports show on Limerick Live 95fm. The St Kieran’s club had no winner. Next draw last Saturday in April and the exclusive star prize is a € 500 voucher for Gleeson’s Sports Shop.

PARADE AWARD: Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association who were awarded a prize for their display at the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Rathkeale.

GAELIC GAMES: Saint Kieran’s defeated Knockaderry by 1-22 to 1-13 in Round 1 of the City/West Intermediate Hurling League played at Coolcappa on Saturday March 22. TEAM: Cillian Ambrose 0-2, Shay Greaney, Aaron Heffernan, Mossy Shine,  Sean Long, Brendan Mc Carthy, Fionn Gleeson 0-1,  Cathal Mc Enery, Ian Mackessy, Conor Mc Mahon, Sean Ryan 0-2, Conor Woulfe 0-4, Cillian Meade 0-3, Michael Murphy, Jack O’Sullivan 1-10. Subs Cathal O’Connor, Cormac Mann, Michael Long,

Saint Kieran’s lost to Croagh/Kilfinny by 2-27 to 2-5 in Round 1 of the West Junior B Hurling League played at Croagh on Sunday March 23. TEAM: Jack O’Sullivan, James Woulfe,  Mikey Breen, Brian Sheehan, Sean Long, Edward Fitzgerald, William Steele,  Mikey Long. Con Enright, Sean Hughes, Cathal  O’Connor, Oisin Commane, Derry O’Connor, Dan Duggan, Shane Murphy.

Congratulations to Anthony Mullins who was a member of the Kerry Group Cork who defeated Aughinish Alumina by 2-17 to 3-13 in the All Ireland Inter firm Junior Hurling Final played in Charleville on Tuesday March 25. Cathal Mc Enery was a member of the Aughinish Alumina team.

Gavin Thompson was a member of the Limerick minor hurling team defeated by Cork  2-25 to 0-21 in round 1 of the Munster Championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Friday March 28.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Róisín Ambrose and Sophie Hennessy  from the Old Mill ladies club were members of the Limerick team  who lost to Louth by 2-7 to 0-10 in Division 3 of the National Football League played at Newcastle West on Sunday  March 23.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic defeated Saint Ita’s 5-3 at home in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday March 23. James O’Connor 2, Eoin Mc Enery 2 and Jack O’Sullivan scored their goals. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine/Mountcollins B 4-0 at home in Division 3 with goals from Mike Cremin, Pedro Tavers, Mike Sullivan, Conor Finucane. Carrig Celtic had no match. In the Desmond Youths Division 2 Shield Final Kilcolman Rovers lost 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 (Conor Mc Mahon) draw  after extra time. It was played at Mick Hanley Park on Friday March 21. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine 1-0 with Mae Kennelly on target. In Division 1 of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic defeated Dromore United 2-1 away with Marian O’Sullivan and Orla Barry scoring their goals.

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 is the St Kieran’s dog which progressed from round 1 last Saturday night. Razldazl Edward  the Old Mill Ladies Football dog did not progress.  Admission is € 10 for adults, and free entry to children with a paying adult.

GLENVILLE HOUSE:  The following are the Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh opening hours for 2025: Tuesday April 1, to Saturday May 31, Tuesday June 3, to Tuesday June 10. And Heritage Week  Saturday August 16 to Sunday August 24, inclusive, Tuesday to Saturday from 9-30am to 1-30pm. Admission € 5, Students €3, children and old age pensioners are free.  The house is located a mile from Ardagh on the Kilcolman road and is well worth a visit.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present ” Small Things Like These” in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday April 4, at 8.00pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

MASS CHANGES: The changeover of Masses in the Shannon West Pastoral Unit takes place on the weekend of April 5/6. The new mass times will be Saturday April 5, Kilcolman Vigil Mass at 7.30pm and Sunday April 6, Loughill Mass at 9.30am.

CAR BOOT SALE: A fundraising car boot sale will be held at Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday April 6, from 9am to 1pm. To book a seller’s spot (€12) phone 069-69584. Admission adults €2 and children are free.

TEA DANCE: Social dancing returns to Monagea Hall on Sunday April 6,from 3-6pm. Music by Billy O’Brien, tea and refreshments served and all are welcome.

ATHEA CÉILÍ:  A Céilí will be held in the Con Colbert Memorial Hall Athea  on Sunday April 6,from 3-6pm. Music by Taylor’s Cross Band . Refreshments will be served. It is a fundraiser for the hall and all support will be appreciated.

MENTAL HEALTH TALK: John Lonergan  the former governor of Mountjoy  Prison will present a talk ”How to be Happy and Content” at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Thursday April 10 at 7.30pm. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

DAY OF REFLECTION:- Fr. Duhig is holding a Day of Reflection in preparation for Easter in the Community Centre in Monagea on Saturday, April 12. Hopefully, this will help people to prepare spiritually for Holy Week. The day will begin at 11.00am and end at 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch and there will be a small charge of €10.

PARKINSONS FUNDRAISER: Mary Ita O’Connor Milford has organised a 5km fun run/walk in aid of Parkinson’s Association Ireland. It will take place in the Demesne Newcastle West at 11am on Sunday April 13. Registration on the day from 9.30am in the Community Centre Newcastle West. Cost adults €15,children €5,family €30.

KNOCKFIERNA WALK: The Knockfierna climbers are climbing Knockfierna in aid of the Brothers of Charity on Sunday April 13, at 2.30pm. People are asked to bring a snack  for a cup of tea in the Rambling House afterwards. All are welcome.

by Kathleen Mullane

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY

Firstly, can I start by wishing all the mothers and indeed grandmothers a very happy belated Mother’s Day. I should have done so last week, but as time flies by so quickly, I completely forgot with the change of the clocks, etc. Anyway, I hope all of you had a lovely time and were spoiled by your families, husbands, children, and grandkids. As Fr. Dan Lane said on Sunday last at Mass when he read a lovely poem by Helen Steiner Rice: “Mothers are a treasure and cannot be replaced.”

Well, today being April 1st, don’t forget it’s FOOLS’ DAY—so beware and don’t let yourself get fooled. I often wonder: how did Fools’ Day start in the first place, or who thought up the idea of the day? In years gone by, it was great fun as everyone tried to trick and make a fool out of someone, whereas nowadays not so much, as everyone is on alert to the day. I remember my father playing all kinds of tricks on customers and people when he had “Top of the Town.” From swapping people’s donkeys—after a fellow had maybe a pint too many—and discovering the next morning when he woke up that he had a donkey that wasn’t his! What laughs and innocent fun in those days.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Nora Matthews and her family on the recent death of Johnny, her husband, and father to Anne-Marie, Deirdre, Catherine, Michael, and Paul. John was a great bartender, quizmaster, and was well known far and wide. Many came to Lyons Funeral Parlour on Sunday evening to offer sympathy to the family. Requiem Mass on Monday was followed by cremation. May he rest in peace.

Kathleen Atkins of Knockfinisk, Athea, passed away at a young age also this week. She is survived by her husband David, young sons Dylan and Jamie, Aunt Catherine Goulding, and her mother-in-law Marie. This Tuesday evening, Kathleen will repose at Reidy’s Funeral Parlour in Newcastle West, and Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday at 12 o’clock. Our sincere sympathy to Kathleen’s family, relatives, and many friends. May the light of Heaven be hers.

Fergus Scanlon, on behalf of the Friends of St. Ita’s, wishes to inform us of their collection on the 19th and 20th of April in Abbeyfeale. So if you are passing any of the collection points, you might give a little something, as we all know they do tremendous work.

Recently, Domhnall wrote about people’s accents and the different accents we hear nowadays. What bugs me is singers singing with an American twang when they’re from Ireland!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do not tell everyone your plans. Instead,

show them your results.