‘Great Parish Get-Together’
On Sunday evening last a great crowd gathered at the Hall around 7.30pm for the first Parochial get-together. It was organised by Fr. Bowen PP and the Parochial Committee in appreciation for the work done by the readers, altar-servers, Eucharistic ministers, basket collectors, choir, cleaners, helpers, cluster group and anyone that lends a hand in the parish. Mike Hayes and Pat and Bernie Higgins greeted everyone as they dished out hot punch on arrival to everyone – alcoholic and non-alcoholic I may add! Everyone chatted amongst themselves initially before we were seated at the lovely laid out tables. Canon John O’Shea of Abbeyfeale said a lovely few words and urged all present to keep helping out our Clergy and doing Parish work as there may come a day in the near future when our parish may not have any clergy and we may have to carry on ourselves . It was great to see Canon Kelly present and Fr. Bowen thanked him for his continued help on a daily basis. Mary Daly and Nan Hurley were presented with bouquets of flowers in appreciation for their help as was Anne Molyneaux, Canon Kelly’s housekeeper. Colleen Reidy and Matt Tierney along with their helpers provided a most beautiful buffet – second to none I may add followed by tea and apple tart with cream. All agreed it was a great lay-out and thankfully the hall and kitchen are now available for such get-togethers and functions. Athea Wren Boys were the first to perform and their music and song were a joy. John Joe Tierney provided the music on the night and the floor was full at all times. Ciara Hunt enthralled everyone dancing a reel. There were some great songs from Betty Murphy, Sean Barrett, Teresa O’Halloran Bernie Higgins with her rendition of’ ‘The Old Transit Van’ and Fr Bowen topped it off with “I met her in the Garden where the Praties Grow”. In all a great night was enjoyed by everyone which finished with “Auld Lang Syne”. Hopefully these get-togethers will be more frequent – indeed most enjoyable. Well done to all the organisers.
Congratulations are sent to Anne and Keith McCarthy on the Birth of their new baby girl Laoise, a little sister for Ava. Congratulations also to the proud grandparents Julie and Gerard O’Connor of Gortnagross and Margaret O’Connor, Lower Athea, the very proud great-grandmother.
Congratulations also to Anne-Marie and Maurice Horgan on the birth of their first baby Nancy Maria, the proud grandparents are also sent good wishes.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Seanie O’Connor on the death of his brother Michael in Charleville. His remains were brought to Holy Cross here in Athea for burial on Saturday last. ‘May he rest in peace’.
Best of luck to the Athea United Jnr B’s who play in Clounreask in the League Cup Final on Friday 19th April 7.30pm.
The Walking/Jogging Group (which incidentally has attracted great crowds since it began last week) will continue each Tuesday and Thursday night from the hall. A slight change however is due to the big numbers and fitness levels of some participants, Denise has decided to start at 7.30pm sharp for the beginners – 8.15 pm sharp for the intermediates (or faster legs) don’t let the weather put you off come along, enjoy the craic and get fit.