Congratulations to Mary Ellen and Dennis Collins of Templeathea who once again have become proud grandparents, their daughter Catriona and her husband Eoin Coleman of Cork having been blessed with their second little boy who they are calling Michael, a new brother for Donnacadh. Congratulations to the proud parents also.

Good wishes and the very best of luck is sent to Yvonne Chawke of Gortnagross (daughter of Marian and Dick) who on Friday last was married here in Athea to John Egleston of Abbeyfeale (son of Anne and Buddy) . A great day was enjoyed by everyone at The Malton in Killarney.

Don’t forget to support the Athea Tidy Towns in their effort to receive grant money from the ‘Coca-Cola’ thank you fund having been short listed to the last 45 with some great prizes.  Don’t just read about it, log on now and vote – the more votes the better chance Athea has  and that’s the least we may do  seeing as they have done untold work recently, so please get behind them and vote.

It was unfortunate that the Vintage Rally had to be cancelled last weekend, but hopefully, weather permitting, it will go ahead this Sunday, which would be a great day out for all families.

Sympathy is extended to the Broderick family of Keale on the death of their mother Mary over the weekend. Many paid their last respects at Kelly’s Funeral Parlour.

Sympathy also to Noreen Brouder of Templeathea on the sudden death of her sister Marie Kelliher. She reposed at Harnett’s Funeral Home in Abbeyfeale. ‘May they rest in peace’.

Well a week down already on “The Tomathon” and things are looking great. The last account from Mike Hayes and €70,000 had been reached, well on the way to the €100,000 target. By this Wednesday evening they will have reached Monasterevin, tired legs, blisters but a sheer determination to carry on.  Friendships have been made, the word “Recession” and “Bad Weather” not mentioned. Spirits are high and what a day this Friday will be when “The Red Cow” will be in sight, if you know of anyone near there be sure and tell them, it should be unreal.  Many have joined in en-route, some only initially intending to “walk a day”, but you get hooked, there’s something very special in taking part. It can be emotional especially for those who have lost someone through suicide but the money raised will help many.