Easter 1916 Commemoration

Speaking at last Saturday’s Easter Rising Commemoration in Athea Martin Ferris TD reminded those present not alone of the ideals of the 1916 Rebellion but also of the more recent struggle to achieve political status epitomised by the hunger strikers led by Bobby Sands in 1981. After various agreements, particularly the Good Friday Agreement, all the avenues are now opened for political advancement. These agreements received the overwhelming democratic support of the people on this island.

There is now a fully accountable policing service and those who killed Ronan Kerr of the PSNI should face the fact that they killed an Irish nationalist. The dissident groupings are, in fact, attacking the peace process.

Pointing to the election of 14 Sinn Féin Dáil deputies and the increased support in the North, Martin Ferris said that Sinn Féin will work night and day to see the ideals in the Easter Rising Proclamation come to fruition.

The Proclamation was read by Katherine Inchmore and the singing of Amhrán na bhFiann was led by Coireall Mac Curtáin.

Table Quiz & Barbecue

 

A Table Quiz & Barbecue in aid of Nano Nagle Special Needs School will be held at the Top of the Town on Friday, April 29th at 9.30 p.m.

Great spot prizes on the night. Please support this worthy cause.

 

“Mock Wedding”

Friends of St. Ita’s

Fundraiser

Donie’s Bar is the place top be on Sunday next, May 1st. at 7.30pm. For the “Mock Wedding” fund-raiser in aid of “Friends of St. Ita’s”. Please support this worthy cause. Tickets available from sellers for just €5

 

Street Stepping for Women!!

This programme aims to encourage women to become more physically active in a supportive and social environment. The programme empowers women to choose between walking, jogging or running using the Slí Na Sláinte Routes. The group will meet in Athea at the Con Colbert Memorial Hall every Thursday @ 7pm (under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult).  Participants can get individual programme support from the County Limerick Sports Partnership. For more information contact Elaine on 061 49 6463.

Athea Parent & Toddler Group

The Athea Parent & Toddler group are in the Memorial Hall, Athea, every Tuesday and Friday from 11.30 to 1.30. We are also open during the school holidays.

For more information contact me Caroline on 085-7073948.

Con Colbert Community Hall

SCRAP FUNDRAISER

We are asking you to go through your garages, sheds, houses, fields etc. If you have any bits of metal, iron, aluminium, old machinery, bicycle frames, cars, radiators, pots, pans, whatever you no longer need, we will gather it up, the money raised will go towards paying off the hall loan.

Your scrap metal can be collected or dropped off to a central location.

If you would like to help out ring either

Caroline O’Connell on 087 6643307 or

Kathleen Mullane on  087 1233361

for more information.

We will also take old car batteries

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If you are planning a party this is an excellent opportunity to combine your fun day (family day) with the opportunity to do a little fundraising for your local Community Hall and Sports Complex.

Niall King of Shanagolden Bouncing Castles has kindly agreed to make a donation for every bouncing castle and marquee that is booked through the hall committee.

We would also like to make you aware that the hall is available to rent for a small fee of €50 for functions such as children’s parties (which can cater for indoor bouncing castles so you can beat the weather) and other family occasions. Contact 087-1525597

A Tribute to the late

Mike Enright

By Polly the Poet

 

On my favourite station

The one that tops the rest

I’m sure you know by now

It is in Limerick’s West

Every day I tune in

It’s where my heart belongs

Lots of chat and friendliness

And the best of lovely songs

 

I looked forward every day

And Sunday night I’d rush

To hear my friend Mike Enright

With his voice so warm and plush

“Now there” he would whisper

So charming, bright and jolly

“The next song I will play

Is for my  friend, dear Polly”

 

He’d love to get a text from me

We’d have a laugh and joke

His loving wife dear Margaret

She was blessed with this kind bloke

He’d play whatever song I’d like

From Mike Denver to Joe Dolan

He’d always send good wishes to

My other friend Mike Nolan

 

One day while I sat at home

I am sad to say

I got a call to tell me

That poor Mike had passed away

My eyes filled up with tears

Then I sat down and cried

Now in my heart forever more

There’ll always be a void

 

On Sunday night we’d hear him

With his accent so unique

When he’d present his country show

‘twas nice to hear him speak

High above in Heaven

There’s a star that’s shining bright

Goodbye and God rest you my friend

Dearest Mike Enright.

WEST LIMERICK

RESOURCES

 

GLIN TOURISM LTI

Expressions of interest are sought from individuals interested in taking part in a new Certificate in Tourism which will offered by Glin Development Association in association with the FAS Local Training Initiative (LTI).  To be based in St Paul’s Heritage Centre, Glin, the free course offers FETAC level 5 accreditation and is open to those aged 16-35 years who have less than leaving certificate or did not go to college.  Some places may be available to those outside these criteria.  Contact Dearbhla on 068 32444 or Adrienne on 069 66296.

CERTIFICATE IN RADIO PRODUCTION:

Expressions of interest are sought from those interested in taking part in a 35 week FETAC level 5 training programme in Abbeyfeale. Consisting of eight modules including Communications, Radio Programme Production, Sound Engineering & Production, Media Analysis, Work Experience, Skills for Journalism, Business Administration and Event Production, the programme will offer practical experience within a radio environment along with additional support for those experiencing difficulties accessing the labour market or other education programmes.  Funded by FAS, 80% of participants must be 16-35 years, have less than Leaving Certificate or not have gone to college. A full FAS training allowance may be available to eligible participants.  Contact Dearbhla on 068 32444 (Mon–Thurs) or Adrienne on 069 66296.

TOURNAFULLA PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP:

A new Parent & Toddler group is now running one morning per week in Tournafulla hall. Funding by WLR, the FREE six week programme will look at 1) Running a Parent and Toddler Group, 2) Understanding Children’s Behaviour, 3) Importance of Play, 4) Imaginative Play, 5) Creative Play and Open ended Materials, 6) Block Play. Grandparents also welcome. Contact Dearbhla (Mon – Thurs) on 068 32444.

ARA NA FEILE ACTIVE RETIREMENT:

The next group meeting will take place in the West Limerick Resources Office, The Square, Abbeyfeale at 2:30pm on Wednesday April 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucky Numbers Draw 23/ 04/ ‘11

9, 11, 21, 27.

No Winner

Lucky Dips

€50      J.J. O’Sullivan, Kilmorna

€30      Sineád McCarthy, Kilcornan

€20      Johnny Matthews, Athea

Claire, Daniel & Grace

Hannah Culhane, Glin

Johnny Cotter, Top of the Town

Sellers Prizes: Dan Griffin     Lal Browne

Next Draw: 30/04/’11 Jackpot: € 6,900

 

 

 

by Pat Brosnan

Spring Weddings

The marriage took place at St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry of Niall Kelly, son of Christy and Mary, Lyreacrompane, Co. Kerry and Jennifer Quinn daughter of John and Gretta, Glenbawn. The ceremony with Nuptial Mass on April 15^th was performed by Fr Gerard O’Leary P.P. Loughill/Ballyhahill. Bridesmaids were Edel Quinn, Tina Magner, and Sheila Collins. Liam Kirby was best man and the groomsmen were Danny Kelly and Patsy Kelly. The flower girl was Katelynn Bourke and the page boy was Joshua Feury. The reception was held in the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine where an enjoyable time was had by all the guests. Congratulations and best wishes to Niall and Jennifer who will now reside in their new home in Kilkishen, Co. Clare.

 

The marriage took place recently in St Carthage’s Church, Brosna of Michael Shine, son of Dan and Mary, Kilconlea Upper, Abbeyfeale and Bridie Doyle, daughter of Joe and Ellen, Brosna. The ceremony with Nuptial Mass was performed by Fr Anthony O’Sullivan assisted by Fr Tim Curtin. Denis Shine was best man and the groomsmen were Seamus White and Michael Scanlon. The bridesmaids were Ellen Scanlon, Lisa Shine and Sheila Scanlon. The flower girl was Laura O’Connor and the page boy was Eoin Doyle. The reception was held in Ballyseedy Castle Hotel near Tralee where all the guests had an enjoyable time. Congratulations and best wishes to Michael and Bridie who will now reside in their home in Coole East, Athea.

 

Death of Ellen Scanlon

The death occurred on Monday April 18^th at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, of Ellen (Ellie) Scanlon (nee Windle) of Knocknagorna, Athea. Deceased who was in her late eighties had been in failing health for some time and had spent some months in different hospitals in both Dublin and Limerick, including St. Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West  where she was well cared for more recently. Ellie was a highly respected and well liked member of the local community and will be very much missed, not alone by her immediate family but also by extended family, relatives, friends and neighbours. She was originally a native of Carrigkerry before she married Bobby Scanlon and came to live in Knocknagorna. Bobby and herself raised a lovely family of 2 girls and 4 boys who all played a part in local activities in social and sporting circles including tops of the parish and other competitions. The Scanlon boys were also prominent Gaelic footballers; Henry captained the Athea team that won the County Junior Championship some years ago after 2 draws and a second replay against Drom/Broadford. Ellie was a kind generous person and anybody who visited the Scanlon home would never leave without being treated to the tea and a tasty meal, whether they were children or adults. Ellie was a particularly good friend with our own late Mary as they were both from Carrigkerry and their families were friendly before either came to live in Knocknagorna. Ellie and her sister Maggie Moore often referred to our Mary as Gracie Mai, a name by which she was known when she lived in Carrigkerry. We will all miss Ellie Scanlon, as it was a home that was lovely to visit and where Bobby, herself and the family treated visitors with courtesy, kindness and hospitality. The removal from her home to St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea was attended by many from near and far who called to pay their respects. Her Requiem Mass on Monday afternoon and her funeral afterwards to the local cemetery were also well attended. Sympathy is extended to her sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, sister, her in-laws, nephew, nieces and other relatives. ‘May her soul rest in peace’.

 

Republican Commemoration

The Annual Republican Commemoration took place on Saturday afternoon in Athea when a parade led by a colourful party and attended by many prominent Republicans from Kerry and Limerick set out from the Colbert Memorial Hall to Patrick “Doc” Dalton’s grave in Holy Cross Cemetery where the Easter 1916 Proclamation was read by Caitlin Ni Irishmor. Coireál MacCurtán presided at the graveside and a wreath was laid on “Doc’s” grave. The oration was delivered by Martin Ferris T.D. who declared that the main objective of the Republican movement was the big achievement of a United Ireland. The big attendance then proceeded to Templeathea Cemetery to the grave of Paddy Dalton who was murdered in Gortaglanna in 1921 by British Forces. A wreath was also laid on the grave of John Mulvihill, a local Republican from Lower Athea and Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim who died back in the 70’s. The wreath was laid by John’s wife Mary who attends the commemoration each year in Athea.

 

AA Meeting

A good attendance was present at the Colbert Memorial Hall on Friday night for the Annual Open Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. The four speakers were from Kerry and they gave a very detailed rundown on their problems with alcohol addiction and the effort which was required to come to terms with it and finally to overcome it and stay sober. There is no doubt that the members of AA and Al Anon are very brave people and it takes an awful lot of courage to come out on a stage before a large audience and relate some of the harrowing personal stories that are associated with alcoholism. Such people are an inspiration to all of us and deserve our respect. Canon Patrick Kelly and Dr Kieran Murphy also spoke at the meeting

 

Nursing Home Concert

Ceol Luimnigh Traditional Group will hold a concert for the residents and staff of Cahermoyle Nursing home, Ardagh on this Friday evening April 29^th starting at 7pm. The concert will as usual be sponsored by Newcastle West Red Cross branch. All the Ceol Luimnigh members in Athea and other areas of West Limerick are requested to assemble at the reception area of the Nursing Home at 6.45pm.