I came across this story recently and I suppose it could apply to all of us in this ‘busy world’ – where nobody has much time for the very important things and people in life.

“This Lawyer lived 130 miles from her elderly father. They had not seen each other in a few months. The father phones her and asks “When are you coming to see me”” the daughter proceeded to tell him about the demands on her time – her court schedule, meetings and so on – everything that prevented her from visiting her father . So the father says “I’ve been wondering about this for some time now – when I die did you intend to come to my funeral? the daughter was really upset and mad with this question and responds “Dad” I can’t believe you’d ask that, of course I’d come to your funeral . the Father replies ‘Good’ – let’s make a deal – forget the funeral I need you more now than I will then – Visit now love OK!” Indeed food for thought.

A sincere thanks by Trish Phillips Aherne on behalf of Athea Vixens Basketball Club who are going from strength to strength for everyone’s generosity in supporting their Church Gate Collection last weekend. It was unfortunate  that on Saturday last they were so unlucky in the Munster Finals of the Community Games having been beaten by the narrowest of margins. However for a small parish like Athea to have got this far against the bigger, stronger clubs was no mean feat. Here’s to next season. 

Anyone wishing to support The Friends of St Ita’s Barn Dance in Newcastle West on July 19^th can purchase tickets at €25 from Fergus on 087 7538133. There will also be a bar extension on the night. The new project is costing 1.5m and is starting in August and will be built from voluntary funding. A total of 3.4m has been raised so far for improvements to St Ita’s.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Vaughan family of Dirreen on the death over the weekend of Seamus, who had reached the great age of 92 years and raised a very large family and ran a little shop in Dirreen as well as a mobile shop over the years. A huge crowd attended the removal of his remains from Finucane’s Funeral parlour on Monday evening last. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Tuesday to Holy Cross Cemetery. ‘May he rest in peace’.