by Kathleen Mullane

‘Bits and Bobs’

Congratulations and good wishes go to Maura and Gerard Ahern of ‘Rathronan’, Athea who were blessed with their new baby boy ‘Shane’ last week, a little brother for Nicole. We also congratulate the very proud grandparents Joan and Donal Carroll of Dirreen and Breda and Seamus Ahern of Hillside Drive.

Congratulations also to the newly engaged couple Christopher O’Mahony (son of Nora and Seanie) of Markievicz Park who recently became engaged to Martina Sweeney of Tarmons, Moyvane.

Hopefully this Thursday evening, June 21^st will be a nice dry day for the Athea CCE open-air evening of music, song and dance at Markievicz Park starting at 8pm with a barbeque. There should be great ‘craic’- so on the longest day of the year come along and enjoy!

Already Athea has improved its look since the ‘Tidy Towns’ came into being again. The walled area near the ball alley has been planted and gravelled – the hanging baskets over the bridge really look lovely – some house fronts into the village have been painted – rubbish has been picked up – so if everyone lends a ‘helping hand’, pulls a weed or two, the look of Athea should really impress the judges when they come to check us out!

Your support for the Athea NS Fun Day this Wednesday, June 20th would be really appreciated from 11am – 2pm it should be a great fund raising day.

Following our hall meeting last week it was great to see that the kitchen is now almost completely renovated with new sinks, new fridge, food preparation area and a new cooker, in all perfect for anyone who would like to hold a party in the hall for a very reasonable rate.

It’s been decided that the fund-raising climb will take place hopefully on the 1^st Sunday in September to accommodate those who may be on holidays in July and August. Many had been asking to make it an Annual event such was the enjoyment the ‘90’ climbers had last year, especially the children. The fitness this year no doubt will be a huge improvement so many have now taken to the roads cycling, walking and running!

Congratulations incidentally to Canon Kelly – the lucky winner of €250 in the recent Mick Mackey Draw, the only Athea winner – God is on his side.

Those who travelled to the closing ceremony of the Eucharistic Congress in Croke Park on Sunday last really found it overwhelming, with so many clergy, young people and different creeds and nationalities all together in one venue.

Thanks is extended to everyone who supported the recent fundraising Quiz at the Top of the Town in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Fund. A total of €320 was raised.

If anybody has children’s clothes (boys & girls) for ages 7-11 that they would be willing to donate to the Chernobyl Children’s Fund please contact Kathleen Mullane who will make contact with Ann Flavin.

Thought for the week – “To change and “to change for the  better” are two different things”.