by Kathleen Mullane
“What a Day”
Well no one could anticipated “what a day” it would turn out to be on Sunday last, when the teachers and staff had organised a Fun Walk/Run in memory of the late Maura Dalton who had worked with them in Tarbert Comprehensive School. From mid-day, men, women, children, students, babies even dogs started to gather and register at the hall, all donating to the worthy cause. The atmosphere was electric to say the least as hundreds started to converge around the hall area in brilliant sunshine, thankfully. The runners “limbered up” set their watches to time themselves, the hundreds gathered behind them for the off. Athea Community First Responders were on hand in case of necessity – the FAS workers kept an eye on the traffic, the countdown was on and off everyone headed on the 5K Slí na Sláinte route out the Glin road and over by Fairy St Cross and Templeathea where there was a water station for drinks. Everyone chatted en route and there was great camaraderie, many took part, not only from Athea but all the surrounding parishes and beyond. As we approached the end of our journey everyone applauded as the 5 k was done. It was into the hall then where there were tables laid out with all kinds of cakes, buns, drinks and a fridge full of ice-cream which was very welcome especially by the children, all having been kindly donated. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful fund raiser in memory of a “great lady” who no doubt would have been so proud of the huge crowd that had come out to support on the day and everyone spoke of wanting to make it an annual event. The money raised was almost €4,000 which will go to the Oncology Units in Tralee and Limerick Hospitals. Well done to each and every person who had anything at all to do with the fund-raiser – it was a marvellous success. And as Councillor John Sheahan said at the end of it all to quote “YOU CAN’T BEAT ATHEA” – very sound words! Here’s to next time around!
Congratulations to Sarah Griffen and Martin Chawke who were married on Saturday last here in Athea. A great day was enjoyed by all at the Devon Inn. Best wishes all around.
Well done to the U-11 Boys Basketball team who tonight beat Regionals of Limerick and will now represent Limerick in the Munster Final of the Community Games. Also the school teams, both boys and girls, who are also doing extremely well. The girls are now in the County Final and the U-13 boys are 3rd in Division 1 in Limerick Schools and runners up in U-13 Community Games.
Sympathy to Marie O’Connor of Upper Athea on the death of her brother Dan Moran of Ballingarry formerly of Toureen. R.I.P.