by Kathleen Mullane

“It’s Back Again”

Congratulations to Richard, Emmett, Maria and Amy White, who were the very lucky winners of the Community Council Draw on Saturday night last, the Jackpot was €9,400 on the night – their Dad Gerard was also the lucky seller of the ticket. Well done to all.

Well, its back again with a Bang – the most popular show ever to hit this side of the country – “WALKING ON SUNSHINE” which had to close its doors recently such was the volume of people that wanted to see it. Well some have already been to see it twice and that says it all! Well, for those of you who haven’t yet got to see it, it’s being shown again on this Sunday night 13^th and on the following Sunday night 20^th at the earlier time of 7.30. Already the show has fund-raised about €6,000 off the Hall debt and this is tremendous. Thanks to everyone’s support, the debt has come down dramatically in the last 9 months. So tell your friends, family, neighbours and especially our young adults who really seem to be enjoying it and this is great to see. There is something in it for everyone and all agreed it has given us a “”lift” in these dreary times.

Another “lift” that was given to Athea over the weekend was “The Fair of the Village, and what crowds it attracted from early morning! Of course the lovely dry weather had a lot to do with it too. There was an abundance of stalls of all descriptions selling everything “from a needle to an anchor”  there was a great atmosphere in and around Athea, a lot of “haggling”, everyone chatting many not having met each other since the last ‘Fair Day’. In all a most enjoyable day for everyone.

A great ‘Fashion Show’ also took place on Friday night last at The Gables for the 2012 festivals. Well done to the local models and the organisers, a lot of hard work went into it. I’m just thinking, for a small village we have a lot going on throughout the year and this has been commented on by many who live in far bigger towns than ours and have a lot less going on.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Moran family of Toureendonnell on the death last week of Cathy. Many paid their last respects at the family home on Wednesday and burial followed concelebrated Requiem Mass on Thursday to Knockanure cemetery. ‘May she rest in peace’

A meeting will be held at 8pm in the school this Thursday night with regard to the Community Games. If there isn’t enough parents in attendance the games will be cancelled for the Athea children and this would be a pity, seeing as they did so well last year. You are asked to please stand behind your children.

Congratulations to Martin Kelleher of Collins Park, Abbeyfeale who won the load of timber 1^st Prize in the Ladies football draw at the Fair of the Village. 2^nd Prize of a Pony was won by Francie Flavin. Thanks to all who supported the clothes collection last weekend and to everyone who helped with the fund-raising draw.