by Kathleen Mullane

‘Congratulations’ 

Sincere congratulations to Tricia and Stephen Ambrose of Gortnagross, Athea who were blessed with their new baby, Nathan, last week, a little brother for Stephanie and Tony. We also congratulate the proud grandparents Teresa and Tony O’Halloran and Birdie Ambrose, Dirreen.

Congratulations are also sent to Sarah Murray (daughter of Mary and the late John Murray) who was married last week to Neilus Brouder (son of Mary and the late Joe) in Lanzarotte. Family members and relatives travelled over for the happy occasion. A great time was enjoyed by all.

The wedding also took place recently of Susan Broderick (daughter of Moss and Anne) to Paraic Harnett of Monagea. Everyone had a great day at The Devon Inn Hotel. Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Happy 21^st Birthday wishes got to Christina Mullane of Lower Athea (daughter of Mary and Dinjoe) who celebrated her birthday over the Christmas period.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Anna Joy (nee Scanlon of Knocknagorna and Ballaugh , Abbeyfeale) on the tragic death of her husband James following an accident last week in Ballaugh and to her daughter and son also. Many paid their final respects at Harnett’s Funeral Parlour on Sunday evening. ’May he rest in peace’.

Well all the children are back to school today and the word “ORGANISATION” is the main word on every mother’s mouth after the Christmas holidays. When ‘Breakfast’ ended up as’ Lunch’ and ‘Lunch ‘as ‘Dinner’ time! But isn’t that what holidays are all about. And thankfully this Christmas holidays had no ice, snow or bad roads and hopefully we will escape it this year, unlike last year.

Everyone is glad to have the Christmas decorations taken down and put away and the ‘dust gone’- everything looks quite bare at the moment. However I’ve noticed that daffodils are starting to “peep up” and everything coming to life now that Spring is approaching and what a lovely time of the year it is. Already one can see ‘a stretch in the evenings’ and the long dark winter evenings will soon be a thing of the past again. Why are we always wishing our lives away and each year we are notching up the years – but not to worry “age is only a number” – so get out there enjoy the approach of Spring, go for a walk on Slí na Sláinte or indeed many of the lovely walks along the old railway lines which are ideal – traffic free, and enjoy life.

Athea Ladies Football Club will be hold their annual Church gate collection before all Masses this weekend. Your support, as usual, would be much appreciated.

Great news – Anne O’Keeffe has been transferred to Limerick and is progressing daily TG. We must not forget the power of prayer.