Congratulations are sent this week to Shane O’Sullivan, (son of Margaret and Johnny) of Knocknagorna who celebrated his 30th birthday with a great party at the Top of the Town over the past weekend with family, relations and friends.

Congratulations are also extended to Carla Sheehy of Hillside Drive, daughter of Margaret and Dick, along with Christine Mullane, daughter of Mary and Dinjoe,  Lower Athea, both who graduated recently from Tralee I.T. with degrees in nursing. Well done to them both.

Come along to the children’s home baking workshop on Saturday next November 23rd. It’s for 8 year olds and upwards and is open to both boys and girls. Now with Christmas on the doorstep, our young people might like to join in the preparations. Details from Anne on 086-3090948.

This Friday night sees a great “Youth Nite” organised for all the over 16s at St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale. It starts at 8pm and there will be loads of fun and games and finger food. It would be nice to have some of our young people joining in the night, along with all those from Abbeyfeale, Templeglantine, Mountcollins and Tournafulla. All over 16s welcome.

Sincere sympathy goes to the family and relatives of the late Kit Shine, who went to her eternal reward last week and was well into her nineties. ‘May she rest in peace’.

Johnny Collins, who departed our shores many years ago for England, died suddenly last week also. Preparations are being made in London for his funeral and hopefully he will be brought home for burial. It’s so good to see that friends help out when someone like Johnny dies. He loved getting the parish newsletters with all the Athea news-that I posted to him. Unfortunately he didn’t get to open the last lot I sent him last week. He always enquired for friends and everyone in Athea when he wrote a letter and  Seanie Hanrahan and Billy Collins were frequent visitors to him.

He worked for the Hayes family in Templeathea and Tom Barrett years ago, all who have fond memories of him. ‘May the light of heaven be his’. Hopefully he will be buried on his native soil.

Between 1951 and 1961 400,000 left our shores and emigrated. Looking back in future decades will the figures be the same or more for 2010 to 2015?