by Pat Brosnan

€90,000 Funding for Towns and Villages

 Community groups in the County are set to benefit from a €90,000 fund under the Public Area Enhancement Scheme. The scheme which has a national fund of €30 million is designed to support work by Tidy Towns and Community groups in local areas and can be used for the clean-up of parks and recreational areas or even the cleaning and making safe of derelict buildings. A total of 17 projects have been earmarked for funding in Askeaton, here in Athea, Ballingarry, Ballyhahill, Ballysteen, Carrigkerry, Croagh, Foynes, Glin, Kilcornan, Kilmallock, Loughill, Monagea, Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Shanagolden.

Charity Cycle for Butterfly Club

A charity cycle to raise money for the Butterfly Club will take place over the weekend of June 21st – 22nd. The Askeaton touring club, formerly known as (The Wyeth Touring Club) is organizing the event, now in its 25th year. At the launch on Monday night in the Rathkeale House Hotel, Chairperson Mike Flynn reported a record number of cyclists signed up for the cycle which will travel through West Limerick to Rathkeale, Ardagh, Carrigkerry, Athea, Listowel, Abbeyfeale before finishing up for the evening in the Charleville Park Hotel.

The next morning it leaves again to travel back to Askeaton. The Butterfly Club is also making a worthwhile milestone, celebrating ten years since it opened its doors as a Social Club providing leisure activities in a safe, fun filled environment for children and young adults with special needs while providing respite for parents. The club is 100% voluntary run with volunteers giving four hours once a month to their designated group. Places are still available on either of the days. Contact [email protected] if cycling or to help with collecting. Contact the Butterfly Club by texting 086 2120023 or on Facebook.

Wishing our own Michael Flynn, Templeathea (Chairman) every success on such a worthy cause and especially the effort, time and hard work put in by everyone involved. Continued success and here’s to the next 25 years.

Confirmation

Congratulations to all the children of the parish who were confirmed last Wednesday. There was great excitement around with the visit from our Bishop, Brendan Leahy. Many thanks to the teachers, priests and especially to the parents for making it a very special day for the children.

Students Sitting Exams

Best wishes to all the students from the parish who begin their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams next week. We will pray and be thinking of you all. Good luck to everybody.

Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimers Society of Ireland hold a social club for people with dementia and their carers in a supported environment, which takes place in Croagh on a monthly basis. Further details to follow. Please phone Mary if you would like to attend 061 313456 or for further information.

Hurling – Limerick v Tipperary

Limerick take on Tipperary in Thurles on Sunday next. It’s going to be a tough game but if Limerick get their heads right on Sunday they have a very good chance of winning the game – good luck to all the team.

End of Season Céilí

On Thursday night, May 29th there will be an end of season set dancing céilí in Monagea Parish Hall at 9pm. Proceeds from the night will go to St. Gabriel’s School in Limerick, so all support will be greatly appreciated.

Arra Friends

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 4th at 4.30pm at the Desmond Complex. This is a party day and will be the last meeting until September, so don’t forget to bring along your dancing shoes and make sure this is an enjoyable occasion.

Aquarobics will now be on Mondays at Killeline Leisure Centre at 11am.

The 3 day trip to Youghal will be on Sunday June 1st. Those who have already booked their seats please confirm with deposit to Breda by June 4th. Coach collection from and return to Newcastle West in addition to days out while in Youghal. All are welcome including non-members of our club.