By Kathleen Mullane

The Curry family who won the teenage section of the Fancy Dress at the festival on Sunday last

‘A Great Weekend’

Well, the Athea Parish Festival got off to a “flying start” on Friday night last with the parade of the wrenboys up through the street. They played some great music on the festival stage and Robert Kelly’s dancers were a joy to watch from ‘sean nós to modern’. The barman’s race that followed, everyone agreed, was great fun with Paul Collins’ team, comprising of Paul, David Aherne and Roger Ryan, narrowly beating Batt’s who were Joe O’Connor, Tim O’Riordan and Jamsie O’Connor. Top of the Town came in 3rd place. John Joe Tierney was referee for the occasion and Denise O’Riordan presented the trophy to the winners.

Saturday saw the U-10s have a soccer tournament at ‘The Vales’ again very enjoyable with Killeaney winning the cup at the end and thanks to Carol O’Connor and Denise O’Riordan for the lovely sandwiches and tea after.

Saturday night had the festival dance taking part at the Top of the Town. Again a great night coupled with the fact that Roger Ryan was celebrating his 50th birthday on the night – congrats to Roger.

On to Sunday  and the ‘Fancy Dress’. Well done to all those who took the time to get dressed and took part – no doubt helped by their parents. Judging was done by Teresa O’Halloran, Ellen Quille and Hannah Mai Collins. The Curry family depicting “The Texas Rose of Tralee” won the teenage section and lots of medals and trophies went to many other children. Of course Minnie and Micky Mouse (alias Ray Brouder and Denis Greaney) stole the show for the little ones. Again lovely tea and treats in the hall for all.

Sunday afternoon had John Joe’s céilí attracting a big crowd, again well done John Joe.

On to Monday and the Tug O’ War near the hall where a huge crowd gathered. It was a great laugh, “slipping and sliding” and everyone cheering their own team on. Well done to the ladies who took part.

On to the “slow-bike” race after, the adult section being won by Ray Enright and Dara Walsh of Blaine the kids section.

This week has a basketball tournament and a huge ‘Going Strong’ Summer party on Wednesday with over 100 attending. The Pub Quiz is at the top of the Town on Friday night and a Trad Night at Sean Batt’s on Thursday night.

Great “Drama” at the Hall on Saturday and Sunday night.

Sunday sees the much looked forward to ‘5k’ road race – walk from the Hall. Registration is from 12.30, €10 per individual or €20 per family. There will be music, teas/coffee and eats afterwards. It promises to be a great day.

The GAA Tournament takes place also on Sunday, time to be confirmed. A barbecue will finish the Festival on Sunday night at Paul Collins’. In all a busy week.

The sponsors and all the business people from Athea and the surrounding areas have to be thanked for their generosity without whom this festival couldn’t have gone ahead – coupled with the very hard-working committee who made it all possible. Hopefully it will be an annual event – it brings “fun, togetherness, atmosphere and business” to our small village – well done to all. Posters are in and around the village for activities taking place.

Well, another lovely event took place at The Blessed Well on Friday evening last for the 100th celebration of the well in Templeathea. Fr. Bowen and Canon Kelly concelebrated the Mass and a good crowd attended, the choir sang beautifully also. Well done to those who cleaned the well and prepared the seating for the Mass. In all a lovely ceremony.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Brosnan family of Knocknagorna on the quite sudden death of Jack over the weekend. Many came to pay their respects at Kelly’s Funeral Home on Saturday night. Requiem Mass followed on Sunday with burial afterwards in Holy Cross. Jack worked for years in England and had come home to Ireland in recent times. “May the light of heaven be his”.

Athea Parish Festival Tug of War winning team on Monday evening