“Storm Brigid”

Well hopefully everyone is in one piece following Storm Brigid over the weekend. Saturday brought treacherous high winds, coupled with continuous rain which resulted in so many areas, including Limerick, Ballylongford, Clare etc, being flooded. So many business people had their premises wrecked, the elderly were lucky to have good neighbours to ferry them through the water in small boats and even horses and carts. Volunteers worked around the clock to organise food to be carried to those who were housebound. More bad weather is forecast for this week and the message is to keep an eye out for those living alone and the elderly. In New York my daughter tells me that the NY Governor has declared “a state of emergency”, they on the other hand have feet of snow – schools are closed, they can’t get out of their houses – so I suppose we aren’t too bad after all!

Congratulations and good wishes are extended to Kitty Normyle of Knockdown who had a surprise 80th birthday sprung on her by her family on Saturday night last at the Knockdown Arms. A great night was enjoyed by everyone.

Forget sell-out concerts with Garth Brooks – Athea Drama Group had its own packed out hall again this weekend with their now highly popular “Stop it Nurse”. Apologies are extended to all who had to be turned away at the weekend due to the huge numbers attending. You are advised to come early to secure a seat. It has been decided to put on the play for a further 2 nights this coming Saturday and Sunday, February 8th and 9th. Proceeds on the Sunday night will go to the Chernobyl Children’s fund. Having gone to see the play for the second time last week, one realised how many good things are going for Athea. I met a stranger in the ladies toilets who was highly impressed, not only with the Drama Group but the roasting hot water in the ladies sinks coupled with the lovely teas and cakes served on the night by the Athea Ladies footballers – there were three great things – the Hall, the Drama Group and the Ladies Footballers that Athea can be proud of!

Then you have the Tidy Towns who are already preparing for a busy season ahead. Now the path up to the graveyard and the Giants Garden has been tarred, again another improvement to our village.

Registration night for under-age players of Athea Ladies Football Club is Wednesday February 12th from 6.30 to 7.30pm at the Clubhouse. All welcome.