By Kathleen Mullane

‘Congrats all Around’ 

Firstly, we would like to congratulate Paul Collins, here in Athea, who, on Friday last, was married to Audrey Galvin of Finuge in Irremore Church. The ceremony was performed by Fr. Mossie Brick. A great day was enjoyed by everyone at The Malton Hotel in Killarney. Best wishes to the newly weds on this happy occasion.

A new baby has arrived in the parish in Templeathea – a first baby for Sarah and Neilus Brouder, a little boy they are naming Conor. The proud grannies must also be congratulated, Mary Murray of Gortnagross and Mary Brouder of Coole West.

Well congrats in abundance have to be extended to the Tidy Towns committee who, on Monday afternoon, opened ‘Sliabh na Sióge’ – or ‘Fairy Mountain” at the back of the Memorial Hall in the wooded area and what a great crowd of children along with their parents gathered for the grand opening. Henry Moran introduced the proceedings, Pat Higgins had the kids ‘enthralled’ as he related the story to them about how the fairies have come to live here in Athea. Lal Browne cut the tape and committee members all lent a hand with guiding the crowd up the Fairy Mountain to where Rookie, Cróga, Ciaróg, Lú, Fiachra, Sun & Shine, Nóinín, Croí, Paige and Lucey now live in their tiny little tree houses with lovely painted small doors. At the top the special Cróga – Worry Tree is deemed to take all your worries away, if you lay your hand on it. And last but not least the special post-box up near the Giant’s Footprints where you can post letters to the fairies. Indeed “a truly magical day for all”. The flag-hoisting ceremony followed which was also lovely with the Athea GAA flag, the Limerick flag, the Irish flag, Athea Utd Soccer flag, Munster flag and Basketball and Tidy Towns flags all sponsored generously and for all to see. Again congrats and well done to everyone.

Congrats to Joe Aherne, Glenagower, who recently completed the 50k J.F.K. Challenge in Sneem. Well done Joe, a fit many by all standards!

We remember in our prayers Joanne McMahon, daughter of Bernie Ambrose (nee Stack, Athea) who was so tragically injured on Friday last at a Confirmation get together. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Sympathy is extended to Mary, Danny and Nora Lynch on the death of their mother Sheila over the weekend.. Sheila was in her nineties and in her younger days ran ‘Lynch’s’ pub along with her husband Mick. ‘May the light of heaven be hers.

Best of luck to all those doing their Leaving and Junior Cert exams this week.