“Congratulations to All”

 Firstly we send heartiest congratulations to Nora Hassett, Lower Athea, who recently celebrated her 80^th Birthday along with her family having a meal out. Here’s to the next ‘10’years of good health to her.

On Saturday night last it was the turn of Lorraine Higgins, Glenagragra, who celebrated her 30^th Birthday at the Knockdown Arms with family, relatives and friends. All enjoyed a great night.

Also on Saturday night Kelly-Anne Reidy had a surprise party at Brown Joe’s here in Athea to celebrate her 30^th also everyone enjoying the night. 

Jessica Ahern, Gortnagross celebrated her 21^st also over the weekend. Jessica, as we all know, is gifted with the Athea Choir and had a huge input into “Walking on Sunshine” – the grand fund-raising concert. Wishing all “The Birthday Girls” all the very best.

Incidentally the DVD’S of the Concert are now available from John Scanlon on 087-7620855.

Sincere congratulations go to Ciara Murphy, Upper Athea (daughter of Val and Dr. Kieran) who recently became engaged to Alan Horan of Cork. Here’s to their future happiness. 

Congratulations and well done to Gillian Liston, Knocknagorna (daughter of Haulie and Catherine) who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Degree (Hon) from Sligo IT. Gillian now works in Tommy Moran’s – “Red Cow Inn” in Dublin.  She is wished well.

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Well Sunday last saw both a ‘sad’ and ‘joyous’ occasion for Athea parish and especially for the Roche family, relatives and many friends. On the occasion of Fr Gerry’s 2^nd Anniversary a great crowd attended the Mass in his memory here in Athea Church. A total of 15 priests graced the Altar led by Fr Tom Deegan, Fr Gerry’s long time friend, from The Kiltegan Missionaries, as well as priests from Kerry, Limerick and other Diocese.  Mike Woulfe (another great friend of Gerry’s and formerly of Athea – Chairman of our Fr Gerry’s Fund-raising Committee) spoke of Fr Gerry’s great work in Kenya, his love of music, the craic and so much more. Joe Stapleton along with Fr Gerry’s niece Erin Stack sang beautifully as did Donal de Barra with his rendition of “Barr na Sráide” – Gerry’s favourite song. His sister Hannah Sheehy thanked everyone after Mass and said “Gerry would be humbled” to see so many people gathered together in his memory.  Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Jimmy Denihan performed the unveiling ceremony of the bronze-bust commissioned by Alan Ryan Hall of Valentia Island and it was blessed.  Fr Gerry’s 1968 Senior County Championship GAA medal has been incorporated into the pedestal. Photos were taken all around.

Then it was down to the Hall for teas and eats.  And on behalf of the committee can I thank all who helped with the serving, making of sandwiches, cakes, buns etc – ye were great. Thanks to John Scanlon for hanging Gerry’s pictures in the Hall. To Tom O’Keeffe, Ned Mahony, Brian and Johnny Scanlon,  FAS and all who helped with the preparation of the area in the Church Grounds and to Fr Bowen for allowing the bust there. To Mary, Catherine and Cornelia Brouder for their touching documentary on Fr Gerry’s Life it has to be seen to be believed “A TRUE SAINT – A MARTYR”.