Can you believe it we are into August already and even the nights are getting that bit darker earlier. I’m afraid the Irish have “given up” on Summer 2012, with it being the wettest one in many years. However, let’s not get too down and out about it. We have a few things coming up that as many as possible should get involved in.

If you wish you can go to Knock on August 12th on the annual Athea Parish Pilgrimage or on the other hand you might fancy climbing Croagh Patrick on the same day. Then on September 2nd, just before the kids return to school, you can head off to Killarney and climb “Mangerton Mountain” as a fundraiser for the Athea Community Hall.

On Sept 11th at 9am you can head off from the hall with MikeHayes and Tom Moran for the “Tomathon” in aid of suicide awareness and self-harm prevention on behalf of Pieta House. They will walk from Athea to Dublin (250km). Many already have volunteered to set out with them and do a few miles to encourage them along.

Then we have the Vintage Rally on Sunday, September 16th which should be a great day-which takes us up to the Listowel Races and the All-Ireland. So it’s not all bad– then soon after it  will be Christmas again – then another New Year and we will wait in anticipation for another Summer 2013 whatever it may bring. Why do we always wish away our lives!

Sincere sympathy to the O’Connor family of Markievicz Park on the death of Mike. He was a true gentleman who went out of his way to help others and did great work for the Community Council and selling tickets for our hall. He will be sadly missed. A great worker and home provider. R.I.P.