“Athea at its Best”

What a great weekend it has been here in Athea this past weekend. Our little village on Fridays  is “buzzing” now and quite busy – (hopefully our Post Office remains with us for many a day yet). There is a lovely atmosphere around on Friday mornings with Colleen’s stall “the hive of activity” with her freshly baked bred, buns, tarts etc. Then you have Karen with her little stall of eggs and plants etc. And of course our village is looking splendid with the hanging baskets so colourful at the moment and some of the business premises having been painted recently. The Tidy Towns people are so dedicated, they are out watering the flowers in the evenings, giving of their free time so willingly. Well done to each and every one of them.

On to Saturday night and the special ‘Graduation Mass’ for the 6th class pupils of Athea N.S. Indeed a lovely ceremony, where the pupils all had an input into the Mass. The school choir, with Margaret Carroll at the helm, really added to the celebration. The girls and boys who are spending their last few days together are wished all the very best for the future as they progress into 2nd level. Congrats to their teachers also who have helped them to this stage.

Next to Sunday and what a glorious day it was for the much looked forward to 5k and Adventure Run – fundraisers for Athea GAA. The atmosphere at the pitch during registration was great, everyone helping out, bottles of water were a Godsend. Men, women and children gathered for “The Off” at 2 o’clock and away we went. Up the hill down by Fairy ST. And the Church Cross and thanks to all those who gave us water at the various water stations en route, so badly needed on the day! A big crowd had gathered at the ball alley to watch those in the Adventure Race go down the slippery slope and into the river, it was hilarious. And by the way, Alan Mulvihill I will ‘get you’ for drowning me with a full bucket of water at the alley urged on by one of my own family! Everyone found the last part from the graveyard back up to the pitch in the searing heat so very hard. But everyone made it in the end amid clapping and cheers all around. The prize-giving at Collins’ and the barbecue afterwards ended what was a hugely successful day. Well done to the organisers and all those who helped out on the day. Here’s to next time around.

The following are the winners of the various races. Congrats and well done to them all and indeed to al who took part

5K Race

Men’s                                                     Women’s

1^st John Barrett 22.23               1^st Elaine O’ Keeffe 23.17

2^nd Timmy Reidy 24.18            2^nd Deirdre Mullane 25.47

3^rd Bill McAuliffe 24.40           3^rd Tina Mulvihill Collins 26.47

1^st Grandfather Prize: Jerry Brouder

U16:  Joint 1^st Daire O’ Shea & Dermot Pierse.

Adventure Race

Men’s                                                     Women’s

1^st Donal Leahy 27.01       1^stCatriona Ambrose Lenihan 28.37

2^nd Michael Reidy 27.19   2^nd Denise O’ Riordan 34..52

1^st Father Prize: Michael Reidy.

Congrats are extended to Michelle and Declan Carroll on the birth of their 2nd boy they are naming Dominic. The proud grandparents Anne and Ned Carroll of Templeathea are also congratulated.

Sympathy is extended to Chrissie Mulvihill of Upper Atea and her family on the death of her son Jack over the weekend. A large crowd attended the removal of his remains from Lyon’s Funeral Parlour on Monday eve3ning. May he rest in peace.

Joanne O’Riordan’s life story “No Limbs, No Limits” is ‘a must’ to watch this Thursday night on RTE 1.