Well despite the big change in the temperatures over the weekend, a great crowd of children along with their parents came along to Pairc na nGael on Sunday last to take part in, and cheer on those taking part in the various races. In tee shirts and bare-footed the children didn’t seem to find the cold, not like us adults. Well done to all who participated, losers as well as winners – and congrats to all those who put in the work and organised the entire event, along with all those who helped out on the day.

This Sunday sees a ‘Fair’ taking part in Athea. Presumably there will be the usual animals for sale and no doubt some stalls selling their wares. Hopefully the weather stays dry!

The ‘Hope Foundation’ is holding a Used Clothes Collection on this Friday 9th May, near the bottle banks from 11am – 1pm. All dry clothes will be welcome. The foundation work with the Street Children in Calcutta, India.

Sincere Congrats and good wishes go to Aine and Diarmuid O’Riordan (Pharmacy) who were blessed with their new baby girl they are naming Caoilainn, a little sister for Aoibhinn and the twins. We also congratulate the proud grand-parents Hannah-Mai and Jim Collins – The Nurseries, Upper Athea.

Congrats also to Sandra O’Carroll, Park, daughter of Lillian & Brendan, and Mike Doody, Abbeyfeale, son of Helen and Jim, on the birth of their first baby, a little girl called Emily Marie.

The ‘Couch to 5k’ Walking/Jogging group who take to the roads on Tuesday and Thursday nights will now start at 8pm from the hall for the summer months, gather there the normal 7.30pm. As always everyone is welcome to come along, no matter what their fitness levels. No doubt all will be fit for the much looked forward to GAA 5k in June, which will be a fund-raiser for the club and a great day with other fund-raising activities on the day.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Ahern family of Coole on the death of their mother Bridget (Birdie) over the weekend. She reposed at Kelly’s Funeral Parlour on Saturday evening. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Sunday. ‘May she rest in peace’

Sincere Congrats and good wishes go this week to Brian McKenna of Upper Athea (son of Mary & Billy) who was married on Friday last to Karen Browne of Abbeyfeale. A great time was enjoyed by everyone at The Woodlands Hotel in Adare.

Thought for the week – “If you want a better world, get busy in your own little corner”