by Kathleen Mullane

‘Bits and Bobs’

Congratulations and good wishes are sent to Leanne Higgins, daughter of Bernie and Pat, Glenagragra, who has recently become engaged to Jason Clifford, Ballyclough, Mallow, Co. Cork. A great engagement party was enjoyed by the happy couple along with their families and friends at Pat Whelan’s, Newcastle West.

Happy 60th Birthday wishes are extended to Mike McCoy, formerly of Templeathea and Manchester, who celebrated his 60th birthday along with family and relatives at The Top of The Town, Athea over the weekend.

Well done to Cathal O’Brien, Templeathea, son of Liz and Turlough, who reached the All-Ireland Finals of the Community Games in Athlone recently cycling on grass. He put in a great effort and did himself, his family and Athea proud.

Well, it’s back to school this week for all the National School kids and the secondary’s are already back. No doubt the weather will improve now once they have all gone back, after a very mixed summer – if you would like to call it “A Summer”! It’s back to organisation, early mornings and all that goes with it. No doubt, parents will be glad to have some routine again in their busy lives – and indeed some children are glad to be getting back to meet all their friends again – wishing them all a happy and successful year ahead.

The Committee of Fr Gerry Roche’s memorial travelled to Caherciveen and on to Valentia Island on Saturday last to view the Bust of Fr Gerry that sculptor Alan Ryan-Hall was in the progress of sculpting. Previous to our visit some family members had also visited. We all thought it was a highly impressive piece of work and really was so’ Life-Like’. It is hoped that work will be finished on the bust and that it will be erected in the Athea Church Grounds in time for his anniversary around Christmas time. Fr Gerry’s niece Ann Cunningham incidentally was on the radio this past week on a few occasions following the trial in Kenya of Fr Gerry’s murderers. She stated “that the family were glad to have justice finally” but that Fr Gerry was in favour of justice by peaceful means. Again everyone was very impressed with Anne’s radio interviews and she came across so forgivingly on behalf of the family – well don Anne it wasn’t an easy task to do considering the circumstances, but, no doubt, Fr Gerry gave her strength.

Sympathy is extended to the wife, family, sisters and brother of Mick Barrett who was laid to rest over the week end in Churchtown Cemetery, Newcastle West. Mick was a former member of “The Western Star” Céilí Band – in their “heyday”. ‘May he rest in peace’.