‘Super-storm Darwin’

A couple of weeks ago we had “Storm Brigid” -but nothing would have prepared us for Wednesday last when we experienced the worst storm ever, indeed it was more like a hurricane! More than 260,000 customers were without power and nearly 3,000 people worked around the clock to try and restore power. Indeed as I write some have not yet got back power. Now we all realise and appreciate our heat, light and water having been without it last week. However, thankfully everyone came out of it alive and any damage done can be repaired, though at the time it was a most terrifying experience, especially for the elderly and those living alone. We hope the worst is now over and that we won’t get a ‘Storm Patrick’ in March.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Mary O’Riordan of Feohanagh (daughter of the late Nora and Jackie Mullane, Dirreen) whose husband Ted was laid to rest over the weekend, having been ill for some time. May he rest in peace.

Sympathy also goes to the O’Mahony family of Coole West on the sudden death of Jim over the weekend. To his wife Mary, sons James and Tommy, daughters Jane and Margaret, sisters, brothers and extended family and friends. Rest in peace.

Sympathy also to Noreen Brouder of Templeathea on the death of her brother Johnny Stack in Abbeyfeale last week. Rest in Peace.

Best wishes are sent to Canon Kelly who is recuperating in St. Catherines in Newcastle West at present.

Congratulations to Sandra and Richard Fitzgerald of Upper Athea on the recent birth of their new baby boy Tiernan, a little brother for Cathal.

Athea Ladies football club had to reschedule their registration night due to the storm. It will now be on Wednesday next 26th from 7-8pm in the Clubhouse. All players to register and new players are especially welcome. The Ladies Club wish all the best to their teammate Mary Ita Casey who gets married to Ger Collins  this weekend.

Congratulations to Thomas Sexton who is really making a name for himself in the golfing circles and has now been made Junior Captain in the Newcastle West Golf Club.

Well the wind over the past few weeks has left empty cans, bottles and rubbish exposed on the ditches all over the place. Having gone to the graveyard today to straighten the pots etc on the graves and walking home after I collected a full bag of cans and plastic bottles for recycling that initially had been hidden in bushes. It’s up to everyone to keep our village tidy, so even if you’re not part of the Tidy Towns group just try and lend a helping hand around your own area and pick up any rubbish etc that you come across.