‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day’

Well here’s wishing everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day on Monday next. It’s a day when everyone around the world claims to have “a drop or two” of Irish blood in their body. Incidentally I was reading the other day that Ronan Keating, I think it was, was trying to get thousands of signatures to take to English politicians in order that St. Patrick’s Day be made a public holiday in England also-even several popular buildings and tourist attractions all over the world have been illuminated with green lights or painted green – so we should indeed be proud of our national saint. In days gone by every little girl had their hair tied up in green ribbons on the day – boys and girls all wore St. Patrick’s Day badges and of course the older family members wore some item of green clothing and of course a bunch of shamrock on their coats or jackets. A lot of these customs have gone by the wayside – however, the St. Patrick’s Day parades are always looked forward to not only in Ireland but all over the world, so head to Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West or Listowel and enjoy the atmosphere. And of course the big parade from Dublin will be televised so enjoy and hopefully the lovely weather we’re having at the moment will continue.

A reminder that the “couch to 5k” will be starting back on Tuesday and Thursday nights from next week March 18th and 20th at 7pm from the hall. All adults are welcome to come along and join in the sessions which are free. It’s amazing how quickly everyone’s fitness will improve – starting off slowly and gaining momentum as the weeks go on, so you are looking forward to it and with the Easter Saturday Ballybunion marathon fast approaching and the June Athea GAA 5k fundraiser no doubt there will be a surge to get fit and ready.

Sympathy is extended to the relatives and friends of the late Tom Fitzgerald who was laid to rest last week. ‘May he rest in peace’

Sympathy also to the relatives and family of Alice Barrett of Glenastar who died over the weekend. ‘Rest in peace’.

We also have in our thoughts and prayers those who are awaiting news of their loved ones who are missing in that awful Malaysian plane tragedy.