by Kathleen Mullane

‘Out and About’

As the saying goes “A wet and windy May fills the barns with corn and hay”. Well if this is true we may just about put up with the weather we’ve been experiencing all along. When the farmers suffer “everyone suffers”. Silage and turf cutting are at a standstill and now with the longest day of the year only weeks away one wonders if this is going to be another one of those wet summers. However let us not despair – we think rain and wind makes the end of the world – but today young Donal Walsh of Blennerville, at just 16 years old, passed away after struggling with cancer for the past 4 years. He gave a heart rending interview on the Saturday night show recently with Brendan O’Connor and everyone that saw it was moved to tears.  There was he “struggling to stay alive” for as long as he could and around him were those who couldn’t face life and died by suicide. He has left behind him “a legacy” an inspiring young man who is a role model for youth, who wanted to leave something behind him, and hopefully make young people and indeed not so young people think twice before taking their lives

We congratulate all those who did the 5k run/walk for “Darkness into Light” in aid of Pieta House who help people and give us an awareness on Suicide. Carol O’Connor, Helen Twomey and Kathleen Broderick from Athea started at 4am along with thousands all over the country. Well done to all.

The Staff and pupils of the Nano Nagle Special Needs School in Listowel wish to thank all those who supported their recent bag-packing weekend in Super-Valu in Abbeyfeale. Thanks is also extended to those who helped with the bag packing and those who donated to the cause. A total of €1,515 was raised.

Hoping next Saturday will be a nice day for all the girls and boys of 2nd class who will be receiving their 1st Holy Communion. It’s a very special day for them all.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Marie and Pat Buckley of Lower Athea on the death of Lar over the weekend. Lar was a ‘good laugh’ always ready for a bit of craic and banter, a real jolly person. No doubt he will be sadly missed. ’May the light of heaven be his’.

Thought for the week – “Two bad things for your heart – running up stairs and running down people’.