Late Mary Mullane, Templeathea

The death occurred recently of Mary (Mai) Mullane of Glin Road, Templeathea. Deceased had been in failing health for some time. Mary (nee Shanahan) was a native of Glenbawn and would have lived for many years since her marriage in Templeathea. She was a very well liked person in the locality and will be very much missed by her family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. A big number of people from far and near visited the Mullane home during the weekend to pay their respects and sympathise with the family. Among those who called to the wake was Bishop Leahy, the new Bishop of Limerick. Mary’s eldest son Fr. Denis is Parish Priest of Coolcappa/Kilcolman. The Requiem Mass at 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon was concelebrated with Fr. Denis as the chief celebrant and a big number of priests from the diocese as well at other outside areas concelebrating.

Her funeral to Holy Cross cemetery was also attended by the big numbers of people from Athea parish and other parts of the county as well as from Kerry and further afield.

Sympathy is extended to her sons Fr. Denis, John, Gerard, Liam, her daughter Mary, grandchildren, her in-laws, nieces, nephews and other relatives. May her soul rest in peace.

Congratulations to Tom

Congratulations to my fellow Leader correspondent Tom Aherne, Carrigkerry who was one of forty writers who was included in the original writing third anthology of writers in Ireland’s Own. Well done to Tom who has won many awards previously in Ireland’s Own, Old Moore’s Almanac and other journals and publications in recent years.

Trip to Blarney

The annual outing to Blarney Woollen Mills with a visit to Cork City (optional) from Newcastle West and district will take place on Tuesday, 22nd October. A coach will depart the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 9.45 am serving The Square, Dromcollogher at 10am. Immediate booking of seats is advised as these are limited. Contact Pat Dalton 069-62306. All are welcome.

Athea GAA Club Draw

Athea GAA Monthly Club draw took place at Brown Joe’s bar on Saturday evening of last week. The club extended thanks to all those who supported the draw again this year. The following are the winners of this month’s draw. €500-Kathleen Cotter, Cratloe West. €250-George O’Connor, Lower Athea. €150 each to Mollie, Ella and Hazel Aherne, Garrygloss, South Clash, Athea. Aine Reidy, Athea, Henry Moran,m Toureen Donnell, Athea and Denis O’Donoghue, Keale, Athea.

Athea Coiste na nÓg

Athea Under 14 team won the County Shield Final Championship when they defeated Ballybricken/Bohermore in the final which was played in Mick Neville Park on Saturday evening of last week. Athea Panel: Timothy Tierney, Jack Vaughan, Shane Ambrose, Mark McAuliffe, Micheál Dalton, Cillian Liston, Daniel McEldowney, Sean Ryan, Micheál Ambrose, Shane Dalton, Alan Kelly, Liam McAuliffe, Andy Aherne, Brian Sheahan, John Sexton, Joseph Dalton, Cathal O’Brien, Jack Gleeson, David Sheehan, David O’Sullivan, Jack O’Connor, David O’Connor, Jamie O’Mahony.

Referendum Return

The results of the recent referendum concerning the abolition of the Seanad must have been a severe set-back for the Government, considering the fact that sixty percent of the population either boycotted or ignored it. It also must have been very disappointing for the Taoiseach whose pet project it had been during the past year. The forty percent who even bothered to vote also threw out the proposal by a comfortable majority. Whether or not the Government will learn a lesson from the result remains to be seen. This Government has been very much in favour of the dilution of local democracy, considering the way in which the local town councils were demolished and also by the fact passed by legislation of the abortion issue rather than facing the people in a proper referendum. Now that the Seanad issue has been decided by the people there are very few who would want a repeat referendum which is already being proposed by some Government Ministers who are talking about reforming the Seanad, which has already been decided for once and for all. It has also been reported that many people were disappointed by Sinn Fein’s decision to support the Government proposal in the referendum. It was certainly surprising that an emerging and radical party such as Sinn Fein would support the Government in its efforts to do away with the democratic structures.

So it is hoped that the Government will think twice about any future proposals, which are aimed at the dilution of either local or national democracy. In England, for instance, when some of us worked there, local parish councils were in evidence all over the country and there were also rural district councils in which every voter had their input. We heard no evidence that these councils have been abolished since our own time living there. Our own Government might well take an example from Britain that interference with local democracy is not the way to go forward.

Labour Party Candidate

Stephen Goulding of Carrigkerry has been selected recently as the Labour Party candidate for Newcastle West area in the forthcoming local election.

21st Birthday

Congratulations to Margaret O’Mahony, Coole West, Athea who celebrated her 21st birthday on Tuesday night Oct. 1st at Horan’s Night Club, Tralee. Margaret is daughter of Paddy and Joan. We wish her every success in the future.

Late Patsy Byrne

The unexpected death occurred of Patsy Byrne who was a native of Duagh and who operated a very successful construction business in England for many years. He was also very much into racing circles and two of his horses were winners at the recent races in Listowel. He was known for his kindness and helped a lot of charitable organisations. His death is also deeply regretted throughout West Limerick with whom he was very much associated. May his soul rest in peace.

Pat I. Mulvihill

Pat I. Mulvihill recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Pat I has been a member of local organisations such as Civil Defence and the Community First Responders and also has been a member of the F.C.A. for many years. Congratulations to Pat I and best wishes for the future.