This photo was taken in 1926 in Athea N.S.. Does anyone know any of the pupils? Photo sumbitted by Joan O'Connor, Upper Athea

Athea Coiste na nÓg

Athea Coiste na nÓg will hold their A.G.M. next Sunday evening 22nd of January at 7:30pm in the Clubhouse at Páirc na nGael. All are welcome to attend.

Thank You

A big thank you to all who gave spot prizes etc. for the Christmas Bingo session. Happy New Year to all from Agatha and all in the Bingo Club.

January Céilí

Athea monthly  Comhaltas Céilí will be held at The Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale on Friday January 20th.  Music by Stríolán Ceilí Band

Traditional Music Classes

Classes continue at the Hall (kitchen) on Tuesday nights beginning at 6.45pm For further information call Domhnall de Barra on  087 675 8762

Notes From West Limerick Resources 

SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS:

The Newcastle West Family and Community Hub will host a public talk for parents of children grieving as a result of death or separation on Monday January 30^th from 7.30-9pm.  Lead by Psychotherapist/Play Therapist Tina O’Brien, this information evening will cover a range of areas including what children experience when they lose someone, age appropriate ways to talk to a child, activities for children that help them with their grief and things to look out for that may indicated your child needs extra help.  The talk will be followed by a question and answer session and an opportunity to sign up to two additional workshops which will further explore topics such as bereavement and parental separation. All sessions are free of charge and open to West Limerick residents.  Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.  To book a place contact Theresa on 069 79113 or email [email protected].  All are welcome.

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER MID-WEST SUPPORT GROUP:

The Attention Deficit Disorder Mid-West Support Group will host a workshop on ADD/ADHD and co-existing conditions in St. Ita’s Hall Abbeyfeale on January 25, 2012 for parents of children attending Secondary School. Running from 11am to 12.30pm, including tea break, it is open to parents/Carers/Teachers who can explore and gain a better understanding of the symptoms and its effects on school and home life. ADHD is a behavioral disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Contact: Clare on 068 32444 or Mary on 087 9382883.

RAINBOWS PEER SUPPORT

PROGRAMME:

The Rainbows Peer Support Programme for children grieving loss or separation has a number of places available for the following age group: 6 – 10 years. This programme is planned to begin this month in Abbeyfeale.

Please note this programme is run by trained volunteers but is not a counseling or therapy service.  Contact Dearbhla or Mary on 068 32444. Application forms available in West Limerick Resources, The Square Abbeyfeale.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir/Madam,

As a recent visitor to your lovely village I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the wonderful work you have done since I last was there in the mid-seventies. I understand your Community Council is responsible for the improvements and they deserve great credit. The footbridge over the river, whilst providing safe crossing for pedestrians, is also very pleasing to the eye and blends in with the wonderful scene along the river bank where the memorial to Pat Sweeney brings a touch of the orient to Athea. The stone walls and trees give the place a very traditional, homely feel and, nestling in the valley as it does, Athea gives the impression of a relaxed environment, near to all facilities but just enough off the beaten track. You should treasure it and protect it.

I have just a couple of complaints which could be easily rectified. Firstly I could not help noticing the amount of chewing gum on the pavements. This is not unique to Athea but in a small village you have a far greater chance of controlling it than in a large town or city. Maybe you could start in the school with talks on keeping your own place clean and free from chewing gum.

Secondly I was amazed at the bad parking habits of your motorists. Cars are parked on pavements all over the village. Maybe I wouldn’t notice so much if I did not have a friend in a wheelchair who found it impossible to use the pavement and had to go onto the busy street to make her way to the Post Office. It must also be difficult for mothers with prams and buggies. If motorists could just think about leaving enough room between their cars and the wall the problem would be solved. I’m sure they will when they give the matter some thought.

Enough complaining!; I wish you all well and hope it will not be as long again before my next visit. I hope to stay a little longer next time and enjoy another beautiful pint in Sean MacGearailt’s old world, traditional pub.

God Bless,

L. Timoney

Jersey.