By Kathleen Mullane

Well done to the Athea U10 soccer team who were gallant winners of the Shield on Sunday last at the Knockdown Family Fun Day. There was great excitement all around not only from the players but all the parents couldn’t contain their excitement either! The shield was presented to the captain Fergal Pierse amid great scenes. Well done to all. They beat Glin 4-1. On this Friday night June 27th the annual ‘Awards Night’ takes place at the Top of the Town, organised by Athea Utd. If last year is anything to go by it should be a great night with our young players doing some great ‘disco moves on the dance floor.

Also on this Friday night the Benefit Dance in aid of Martina Tierney (sister of Sandra O’Sullivan) who has MS will be held at the Devon Inn. Tickets have been on sale all along at €5, you can also buy on the night. There’s loads of spot prizes and music is by Donie & Maura. Please support this worthy cause.

 Athea was “buzzing” again on Saturday last when up to 150 cyclists had a ‘water stop’ here in the village. They were with the Askeaton touring club all cycling for a worthy cause, donned out in the blue/red and white. Well done to each and every one of them for doing this quite arduous cycle over the 2 days.

Congrats and well done to all the participants from Athea who took part in the Community Games on Saturday and Sunday last in Mungret. They all gave it their best shot and it’s “participating” that counts not winning.

 Just a few days left now to purchase a ticket for the 2014 Athea GAA Club development draw. There is a special prize of €1,000 for fully paid up members. Tickets are just €80 or €10 x 8 draws. A total of €11,800 will be paid out in prizes. Pitch improvements are on the agenda for later on this year. Your support would be gratefully received.

Can you believe “the longest day of the year” has passed and gone already! With the beautiful spell of glorious weather we are having at the moment, the month of June seems to have flown by, with it hardly getting dark at all. The birds are singing at 4.30am each morning and how lovely it is to listen to the “Dawn Chorus” -except however when it is interrupted with flocks of crows and magpies fighting! However, the hot weather has everyone in good form and everyone has a ‘spring’ in their step – rumour has it we may be getting more hot weather form “The Azores”