Group from Athea and surrounding areas pictured at Áras An Úachtarán on a recent day trip

Athea Parish Festival

Plans are well afoot for the parish festival which takes place from Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 24th. Events include a Traditional open air concert, a barman’s race, soccer tournament, Céilí, barbecue, tug-of-war, indoor soccer and basketball tournaments, pub quiz, GAA tournament, short plays presented by Athea Drama Group and a 5k fun run plus music sessions in the pubs. It is great to see a festival being resurrected again in the village and let’s hope the weather will be good and that all the events will be well supported.

Glasha Lake

Athea Fishing Club Outing

A great day was had by all our Juvenile Anglers at Glasha Lake last Saturday, July 19th.  In all 34 magnificent trout were caught, measured and released to fight another day.

This competition was run off in glorious sunshine with a slight cool breeze to keep the fish in a hungry mood. Our big thanks to Pat Higgins in allowing us to fish the lake and going out of his way in netting and measuring each catch. Also very noticeable in Glasha lake was the sound and chirping of moorhens, known to many as water hens, among the reeds. These lovely creatures were to be found in abundance all along our lovely river Gale until the dreaded mink put a stop to their tracks many years ago. Also thanks to our senior anglers who came along and helped make this a great day and occasion for our juniors. Thanks to Paudie Mulvihill for transporting them to and from the fishing grounds. Winners were as follows:

Billy Histon Shield U16: 1st.-Sean Sheehan. 2nd.-Josh Tebbs. 3rd.-Nicole Fitzgerald.

Tossie Carroll Cup U12: 1st. Leigh Ann Mulvihill. 2nd.-Conor Fitzgerald. 3rd.-Shauna Sweeney.

Paddy Drury Cup U10: 1st.-Leah Wall. 2nd.-Leona Wall. 3rd.-Adel O’Sullivan.

By Kathleen Mullane

Birthday wishes are extended to the following – firstly, William Mullane (son of John and Hannah, Templeathea) celebrated his 18th birthday last week with a great party at his home attended by all his friends. A great night was enjoyed by all.

On Saturday night last week it was the turn of Maura Ahern, Rathronan (daughter of  Joan and Donal) who celebrated her 30th birthday along with family and friends in Listowel. Congrats to the “birthday celebrants”

Congratulations go to Laura Missorici and Thomas Brosnan of Upper Uthea who have just become engaged. Wishing them every happiness.

At the time of writing I’ve just heard that Larry McAuliffe of Lower Athea has passed away at a great age surrounded by his family to whom we offer our sympathy. May he rest in peace.

Those who took up the collection at the weekend in aid of the Samaritans wish to thank sincerely all who gave so willingly. A total of €542.65 was collected. The Samaritans provide confidential and non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair. They are available 24 hours a day on freephone 116123.

Another “biting” incident in the Dublin/Meath match on Sunday last. It’s a pity they didn’t have our own Jacqueline O’Connor in charge –  they wouldn’t be allowed to play without their “gum shields” – and rightly so!

Great to see that we may have someone to teach Sean Nós dancing in the hall soon.  A great workout too so, pick up the phone –  hopefully there will be enough interest. It’s great to see so many younger kids taking it up too – call or text 087 9042477.

Well, the “programme of events” is out for the Athea Parish Festival which takes place from Friday 15th –  Sunday August 24th. It opens with a Comhaltas concert and a barman’s race which should be interesting!  Saturday sees a soccer tournament and there will be music in the bars at the weekends. A Ceili takes place on Sunday 16th from  3 – 6pm with a barbecue that night. A tug-of-war, indoor soccer and basketball tournaments, pub quiz, G.A.A. Tournament, drama and a 5ak road race should make the festival a great 10 days. We look forward in anticipation.

By Peg Prendeville

I want to wish a very Happy 80^th birthday to Mary Brouder, Knocknaclugga, who will reach the magic number on this Thursday July 24^th. Congratulations too and best wishes to her niece Catherine Brouder, Ballinabearna who will be getting married to Michael Fitzpatrick on next Friday in Ardagh.

Best of luck to Jim O’Brien and his family who made his debut in the market in Glin last Friday selling his home-made cheeses. There was a great article in the Farmer’s Journal last week on this enterprising family. Jim has been working on this project for a few years; he converted an old shed in a modern sparkling clean cheesemaking facility and now Hazel Cottage Farm cheese will be on sale in all local shops and beyond. It comes in many flavours and is delicious. Try it. 

Anto Collins is the new chairman of Killeaney AFC. He was elected at the recent AGM. Mike Cummane continues as Secretary and Jim Prendeville and Cathal Cummane were elected Treasurers.

Fr O’Leary had two christenings last Sunday where he welcomed both into the parish and community – Jack Wallace in Loughill Church and Ríain Daly in Ballyhahill Church.

There is another local wedding coming up. Wishing a happy future to Michael Flaherty, Ballyguiltenane and Anne Marie McEvoy, Moyvane who will be getting married on this Friday in Moyvane.

It is with shock that I hear of the sudden death of Dick Boyce of Loughill on last Monday. Dick was a teacher in Tarbert Comp until he retired some while ago and he and his wife run the very successful Boyce Gardens in South Cappa. Sincere sympathies to all his family.