Holy Communion and Confirmation

God’s blessings and best wishes to the children of Athea National School who will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Saturday next and those who will be confirmed on May 21st. Hope you all have a very special day.

Recent Wedding

The wedding took place recently of Brian McKenna, Upper Athea (son of Mary and Billy) and Karen Browne, Abbeyfeale (daughter of Margaret and Georgie). The ceremony took place in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale. Mass was celebrated by Fr. John O’Shea and Fr. Joe Foley, followed by reception in The Woodlands Hotel, Adare. The bridesmaids were Georgina Browne, Norma Browne, Kerrie McAuliffe and Maura Ahern. Groomsmen were Billy McKenna, Eoghan Nash, Michael Reidy and Paul McKenna. Flower girls were Shauna O’Riordan and Hannah O’Callaghan. Pageboys were Jack O’Riordan and Ryan McKenna. A great day was had by all. Wishing the newly married couple many years of happiness and good health.

New Arrivals

Congratulations and best wishes to Áine and Diarmuid O’Riordan (pharmacy) with their new baby girl, they are naming Caoileann, a baby sister for Aoibhinn and the twins. Congratulations also to the proud grandparents Hannai Mai and Jim Collins, The Nurseries, Upper Athea and Susan and Jerry O’Riordan.

Also many congratulations to Sandra O’Carroll, Park, Athea, daughter of Lillian and Brendan, and Mike Doody, son of Helen and Jim, Abbeyfeale, on the birth of their first baby, a girl called Emily Marie.

Evelyn and Liam Moloney have been blessed with a baby girl named Eva Louise, a sister for Liam and Kate. Congratulations also to the proud grandmother Eileen Ahern of Parkanna.

Sympathy

The recent death occurred of Bridget (Birdie) Ahern, nee White, of Coole East, Athea. Beloved wife of the late Patsy and loving mother of the late Kate. Sympathy is extended to her sons, daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Also sincere sympathy to Nancy Woulfe and Bridie Sorohan on the death of their sister Ita Leahy, Knockbrack, Abbeyfeale. May she rest in peace.

Happy Hearts

The Irish Heart Foundation is seeking volunteers from Limerick ahead of its 25th annual “Happy Hearts Appeal” from May 15th –17th. A target of 500,000 has been set for this year’s appeal to help raise funds to deliver a national CPR Campaign. Last year over ninety people survived Cardiac arrest outside of hospital because they received CPR from a bystander and the charity hopes this number will continue to grow following a national CPR awareness campaign.

Trad Time

Trad Time, an initiative that promotes the teaching and understanding of traditional Irish music, song and dance in primary schools around the country, will hold a concert in the Lime Tree Theatre on Saturday, May 17th. The concert will provide the best of Irish entertainment with more than 25 schools from Limerick City and County taking part. Some of the finest musicians who are employed by Trad Time will also perform on the night as well as many outstanding soloists. All proceeds on the night will go to St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West and St. Camillus’ Hospital, Limerick.

Equipment Belonging to Glin Health Centre

If anybody has equipment to return to Glin Health Centre, wheelchairs, zimmer frames, commodes, chairs etc. will they please contact Glin Health Centre at 068-34305.

20th Fleadh By The Feale

Another huge success, the Fleadh by the Feale which took place over the May bank holiday weekend. Hundreds of musicians descended on the town of Abbeyfeale to mark the 20th anniversary of the event that just keeps getting bigger and better. The atmosphere in the town was incredible and every event on the programme was successful. Among the highlights of the extensive programme was the concert on Sunday night with box player Sharon Shannon, the All Ireland bone playing championships and the popular busking competition. However it was the lively music sessions in the bars and outdoor entertainment that appeared to be outstanding over the weekend. Organizers of the 20th Fleadh by the Feale thanked everyone who came to support the event, the musicians and those who travelled to take part. It finished on Monday night with a fireworks display to mark the 20th anniversary of the event.