John and Pat Hunt met up with cousins Maria and Tesha Fitzgerald at Athea Races on Sunday

County Council  Improvements to  Abbeyfeale Road

Following representations by Cllr John Sheahan, he is pleased to inform the community in Athea that drainage works will commence on the Abbeyfeale road starting at the junction of Colbert Street towards the speed limit in the next week or so. These works are necessary before an overlay of macadam takes place. The overlay will be done in two stages half this year and the remainder next year.

Athea UTD. A.G.M.

AGM of Athea United; will take place at the Clubhouse,  V94ESR3, on
Friday 11th July at 8.00pm.

Fundraiser for  Athea Playground

Newcastle West Cycling Club present the Dual County North Kerry & West Limerick 50km & 90km Cycle challenge.
All proceeds go to the development of the playground in Athea.
In conjunction with the Cycle, a 5km family fun walk or run around the ring in Athea will also take place. With bucket collections to raise funds for the playground.
Best dressed runner competition on the day!
Date: 16th August 2025
Cycle Times: 9am- 90km 9.10am 50km. €30 ENTRY fee.
Walk time: 10am.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

One good thing about driving is the fact that I always have the radio on and I get to hear things that I otherwise might have missed. The other day I was on my way to play golf in Beaufort and I heard an interview with a very interesting lady who was talking about the Brehon laws. I had heard of them before but did not have any great knowledge about them  so I was fascinated by her contribution and decided to look into them with a little more depth. Brehon law was the ancient legal system in Ireland, first documented in the 7th century, and was very progressive even by today’s standards. The laws were not written and were given to the people by the Brehons or Druids who learned them from their forefathers. It was the local communities that decided how to interpret the laws and there was a very common sense approach to this. Women had equal rights to men and everybody had a standing or rank in the community. The punishment for wrongdoing was decided on “the punishment fits the crime “ basis. Even very serious crimes like murder did not carry the death penalty. The person who committed such a crime lost their social standing and had to compensate the family for the loss they had suffered. They may have to spend the rest of their lives working for that family but nobody was executed. If somebody refused to co-operate  and all avenues were exhausted they were put in a boat without oars or food and pushed out beyond the tide. It was then left to nature to decide if the person was washed ashore in another place or was carried out to sea never to be heard of again. They had a very interesting custom when it came to marriage. A couple who wanted to make a home together could do a trial period of one year. If at the end of that period they decided they did not want to continue they could go their own way  and all property was divided equally between them. Doesn’t it make perfect sense?  When we are young we are more likely to be in lust than in love and may have no idea of what living with  somebody for a long period is like. I often think of the people in the early part of the last century who had matches made for them, especially among the farming community. Two people would arrive at the altar, probably both virgins, without any knowledge of each other whatsoever. They just had to accept it and , though many of theses arrangements worked out ok, I’m sure there were many who were miserable for the rest of their lives. Things have improved a lot today as couples may know choose to live together for a few years before tying the knot. This makes sense to me. Divorce was also allowed under the Brehon laws. All goods and property were equally divided and there were no solicitors involved. There were several grounds for divorce and once they were met there was no problem. Of course there was no money at the time so every thing was paid for in goods. A good farm was valued at 24 cows while  one with poorer land would only fetch only 12 cows. Here are some of the stranger Brehon laws.

Musicians / Artists

• The harpist is the only musician who is of noble standing. Flute players, trumpeters and timpanists as well as jugglers, conjurers, and equestrians who stand on the back of horses at fairs, have no status of their own in the community, only that of the noble chieftain to whom they are attached.

The poet who overcharges for a poem shall be stripped of half his rank in society

Relationships

February first is the day on which husband and wife may decide to walk away from the marriage.

• If a man takes a woman off on a horse, into the woods or onto a sea-going ship, and if members of the woman’s tribe are present, they must object within 24 hours or they may not demand payment of the fine.
• The husband-to-be shall pay a bride price of land, cattle, horses, gold, or silver to the father of the bride. Husband and wife retain individual rights to all land, flocks, and household goods each brings to the marriage.
• A husband who through listlessness does not go to his wife in her bed must pay a fine.
• If a pregnant woman craves a morsel of food and her husband withholds it through stinginess or neglect he must pay a fine.
• If a woman makes an assignation with a man to come to her in a bed or behind a bush, the man is not considered guilty even if she screams. If she has not agreed to a meeting, however, he is guilty as soon as she screams.
• When you become old your family must provide you with one oatcake a day plus a container of sour milk. They must bathe you every 20th night and wash your head every Saturday. Seventeen sticks of firewood is the allotment for keeping you warm.

Random

• Whoever comes to your door you must feed him and care for him with no questions asked.
• It is illegal to give somebody food that has been found with a dead mouse or weasel.
• A layman may drink six pints of ale with his dinner but a monk may drink only three pints. This is so he will not be intoxicated when prayer-time arrives.

These laws were removed when the British invaded and the advent of Christianity also frowned on some of the practices.  We still use the British legal system today and I wonder if we are any better off?

Church Notices

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

Mass Intentions: Friday July 11^th 3pm, Funeral Mass for John O’Connor (New York and late of Markievicz Park). 7pm, Billy, Bridie & Kerry Histon. Saturday July 12^th 7.30pm, Patsy & Josie O’Sullivan (Toureendonnell). The Fitzgerald family (Park Upper), Mossie & Hannie Fitzgerald and their sons Sean & Paddy and aunt Maureen Moore.

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

Graveyard Masses: Holy Cross on Tuesday evening July 8^th at 7pm and Templeathea on Tuesday evening July 22^nd at 7pm.

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

Athea Community Council Lucky Numbers Draw 07/07/’25 

No’s Drawn: 3,  7,  21,  30.  No Winner

Lucky Dips

Ned White,                          Athea

Mike Hussey & Sarah Stack, Ballyduff

Karina & Mike Buckley,   Athea

Richard Collins,    Lower Road

Sellers Prize:  Agatha Barrett & D. De Barra

Next Draw:  14/07/’25  Venue:  White’s

Jackpot €26,400

Maggie Collins from Athea who was hoping to sell her pony at the Listowel July fair on Thursday with the help of her father Tom and uncle Timmy.Photo Moss Joe Browne.

by Tom Aherne

GORETTI TRANT: The death has taken place of Goretti Trant (Née Mulcahy) Monemohill, Ballyhahill, and formerly of Meenoline, Templeglantine,  peacefully at home on Thursday June 26, with her family by her side. Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Sarah and sister Mary Ita. Reposing was held  at St Colman’s Church Kilcolman, from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday June 29. The  Requiem Mass  was celebrated on Monday  morning at 11.30am by Fr Denis Mullane and family members participated in the ceremony enriched by the traditional music and hymns. Before Mass commenced symbols associated with her life were taken to the Altar included a Fleadh programme showing her great interest in traditional music and the  work she did as a member of the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch. Items showing her love for reading from her IPod and phone. A Blood Pressure Monitor as she spent 32 years nursing in St Ita’s Hospital in Newcastle West. A cup  as she enjoyed tea  sitting around the kitchen table and having chats with her family. A picture of her four grandchildren who she enjoyed so much.

Fr Denis in his Homily traced her path through life. She was the third youngest of 10 children. After leaving school she moved to Birkenhead England and trained as a nurse.   She returned to Limerick and at a dance in Abbeyfeale she met her future husband Denis in 1979. They were married on  August  30, 1983. They set up home and worked side by side and they were blessed with their four children. Gretta  showed kindness and good humour in her care of the sick as they neared the end of their life and was a highly valued nurse at St Ita’s.

Her children led by Kieran delivered a reflection giving an insight into their mother’s great contribution and involvement in their pastimes, music, dancing, sports etc. The role she played in Comhaltas organising  teachers and classes for Ardagh/Carrigkerry members. Attending Fleadh Cheoil and enjoying especially the Céilí Band Competitions.  The mileage she put up in her Toyota Corolla, Playing Camogie in her young days, her great interest in music and its culture, embracing the technology era and finally her love for her native place in Templeglantine. The Parting Glass was sung in a final tribute as her coffin departed the church for her home place of rest.

Burial took place afterwards in Reilig na Trionóide Templeglantine. Sympathy to husband Denis, sons Kieran and Pádraig, daughters Íde and Mairead, daughters-in-law Monica and Sinead, son-in-law Simon, grandchildren, Robyn, Lily, Cora and Dáithí. Brothers Tadhg, Michael, Joe and Patsy. Sisters Joan, Eileen, Bernie and Ann, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, all her other relatives and large circle of friends and neighbours. May she rest In Peace.

ELIZABETH GUINEY: The death has occurred of Elizabeth Guiney (née Donovan), 4, Allaghaun View, Tournafulla, and formerly of Glenastar, Ardagh,  peacefully, in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff at St. Catherine’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West, on Saturday, June 28, with her family by her side. Predeceased by her infant daughter Debbie. Reposing  was held at St. Patrick’s Church Tournafulla on Monday,  June 30,from 6pm until 8pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 11am, followed by interment in the adjoining St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Sympathy to her husband Patrick, sons George, Paddy, Michael and Timmy, daughters Mary and Doreen, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Veronica and Nora, grandchildren Becky, Eileen, Maisy, Avril and Mia, brother Paddy,(Glenastar Ardagh) sister Ellen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, all her other relatives, neighbours and friends. May Elizabeth rest in Peace

FUNDRAISER: Creeves Celtic FC are organising a fundraiser for baby Ronan, son of Leah and Darragh who are both members of the club. His medical condition means surgery in Manchester later in the year. The Go Fund Me has been set up to help ease the financial pressure they are under, covering travel to specialist hospitals, time off work and accommodation costs. All donations will be greatly appreciated by the club.

PARISH CLERK’S COLLECTION: The Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish clerk’s collection will be taken up  in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday July 12, and in St Molua’s Church  Ardagh on Sunday July 13. We are very lucky to have such dedicated people in charge of both churches. Please be generous with your donations.

RETIREMENT: Kathleen Hayes, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry retired from her position as secretary at Scoil Mhuire Agus Íde Newcastle West at the end of the school term in June. She gave 47 years of dedicated service to her educational role which began at St Catherine’s Convent, before the amalgamation with St Itas to form  Scoil Mhuire Agus Ide. Wishing Kathleen all the best in the next chapter of her life.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  June 30.The numbers drawn were 8,10,23,28, and  there was no  winner of the €7,500 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Micheál Ambrose Dunganville, Shane Liston Glenastar, Siobhan Collins, Michael Liston Glenastar, Phyllis Galvin Ardagh.  Next week’s  Jackpot will be €7,600. 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 Jim Langan from Rathkeale, who won €225, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday July 4. 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 Limerick GAA Club draw  for June took place on Saturday July 5 and was announced on the Limerick Live 95 Sports Show. The St Kieran’s Club had no winner.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s lost to Father Casey’s by 3-16 to 1-16 in the West Junior A Football Championship Final played in Athea on Sunday June 29. TEAM: Donie Nolan, Mike Upton, Shane Lynch, Shay Greaney,  Cathal Mc Enery, Anthony Mullins, Mikey Kelly, Conor Mc Mahon, Seamus Mangan, Jack O’Sullivan,  Jack Ben Harnett, Darragh Mc Mahon,  Ray Cahill, Oisin Ryan, Anthony Molyneaux. Subs Ben Cussen, Cathal O’Connor, Darragh Breen, Dan Duggan, John Doyle. Limerick masters football team have qualified for the knockout stages of the competition after the group stages. John Doyle and  Anthony Molyneaux from the St Kieran’s Club are playing members.

FLAG FLOOR: The weekly music and set dancing session, at the Flag Floor Glensharrold, Carrigkerry   continues on Tuesday’s from  9pm to 11.30pm, for the summer months. To date four nights have been held with a break on July 8, for the Willie Clancy Week. Good crowds have attended and enjoyed the mix of sets, 2 hands, Siege of Ennis, waltz, songs and stories. Music by Donie Nolan and friends, teas and lovely treats are served,  and all are welcome for a good night’s entertainment. The Eircode is V94DVW9

SEISIUN 25: The Summer Seisiún Show at the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine  commenced on Thursday July 3. A night of music, story, song and dance is presented by members of the Templeglantine Comhaltas branch.

WILLIE CLANCY WEEK: The Willie Clancy Summer School  is held each July in Milltown Malbay in West Clare. For one week the town and surrounding area plays host to thousands of musicians, singers and dancers from all parts of the world. From early until late an overflow of people  throng the workshops, pubs, halls and spill out onto the streets for outdoor entertainment. Many people take their yearly holidays to coincide with the festival and stay in local accommodation. The festival  attracts a large following from Limerick interested in traditional music song and dance. Willie was a musician who  played the Uileann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle. He is buried in the local Ballard  cemetery and  his statue  can be seen on the main street.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE: Bishop Brendan Leahy will lead a Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday, July 12. The  Coach will leave Newcastle West car park at 8.15am. Cost €25. To book contact Trish at the Parish Office NCW on 069-61816.

CEMETERY MASS DATES: Mass will be celebrated  at Kilcolman Cemetery on Sunday July 13, at 2pm, at Reilig Mhuire Cemetery  at 3pm, at Loughill Cemetery on Sunday July 20, at 2pm,at Kilbradern Cemetery on Sunday July 27, at 2pm.

HERITAGE EVENTS: St Kieran’s Heritage Association are taking a day trip on Saturday July 19, to Dublin to visit the Glasnevin  Cemetery and Collins Barracks. Contact 086-8060480 for the day’s itinerary and costs.

by Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT

Well, another step forward in the right direction—as yet again, another premises in the village is getting a facelift! Isn’t it wonderful to see Pa Mullane’s near the bridge looking so much better and brighter? I’m told it’s going to be power-washed and painted shortly. Every little improvement makes such a difference.

With the hanging baskets now in full bloom, Athea is looking vibrant. The Tidy Towns Committee deserves every bit of help they can get!

Can you believe this? It was on the news the other day that, as of July 1st, we are now closer to 2050 than to 2000. I wouldn’t want to be thinking too much about that—it’s only dates for our younger members of society, not us older citizens!

A good crowd attended the Annual Horse and Pony Races on Sunday last, and thankfully the weather held dry for the duration. The prizegiving took place in Carrigkerry—well done to all the jockeys, winning horses, and their owners on the day!

We hear and see on the news the devastation wildfires have caused in Greece, and this week in Texas, a river rose by eight metres in an hour and a half—flooding a Catholic summer camp and sweeping away many young girls, some still missing. Then there are the heatwaves in Spain, Portugal, and so many holiday destinations in Europe.

And yet, we constantly complain about our Irish weather.

A group of Americans visiting here the other day said they love the Irish weather—no shovelling feet of snow in winter, and no extreme summer heat that forces you indoors with air-conditioning running day and night. So maybe we should stop complaining about our temperate climate with no extremes!

Listowel has been designated a Dementia-Inclusive Town as part of a campaign to increase awareness and improve supports for people living with the condition. The initiative is part of a national campaign called Dementia: Understand Together, promoted by the HSE. The number of people with dementia is expected to more than double to 150,000 by 2045. This will be a great centre in Listowel to help families and carers.

Thought for the Week

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”