By Kathleen Mullane
“Thanks to one and All”
Well, who would have thought that Sunday last would have attracted such a great crowd to the Craft Fair and Sale of Work at the Hall! This fundraiser was the brainchild of Caroline O’Connell, (secretary of our hall committee) who put an amount of work into organising the event along with some dedicated helpers. All the tables were set up and ready to go at 12 noon. The variety and range of crafts etc for sale was unbelievable – from cheeses from Ballyhahill, our own craft group (who incidentally meet up on Wednesdays) who had amazing things made, a great choice of cakes, buns etc, candles, Christmas floral displays and a whole lot more. It was brilliant to see the transition year pupils of Tarbert Comprehensive school, all selling their different wares that they had made themselves as part of their Enterprise/Business section of their year. Teresa O’Halloran was as good as Marty Whelan as she spun the wheel for the sale of work which had some great prizes, very generously sponsored by the people of Athea, Abbeyfeale, Listowel, etc. Of course the highlight of the day for the children was ‘Santa’ in his lovely grotto, put together again by great “helping hands”. In all a brilliant, fun-filled day and an amazing atmosphere with the Athea choir singing Christmas Carols.
Well done to everyone who made the day possible, especially Caroline and each and every person who gave of their time and energy to help out. When everything is finalised we will give you an account of what was made on the day for “your hall”.
Congrats to Anna Scanlon, daughter of Margaret and Tim, who celebrated her 30th birthday along with family and friends recently here in Athea. Everyone enjoyed a great night.
Best wishes are also extended to Yvonne O’Brien, daughter of Joan and Tom, Templeathea, who has become engaged to Christopher Kelly also Templeathea, son of Sue and Kevin. The newly engaged couple reside in England. Congrats to them both.
Santa is making his annual visit on his sleigh to Athea (in aid of the Friends of St. Ita’s) weather permitting. He will be in Athea on Thursday, December 4th from 6.30pm. He will collect your Santa letters and take them back to the North Pole.
Fr. Jerry Roche’s anniversary Mass, having been celebrated last Sunday (along with his two good friends Tommy Barrett and Johnny Collins) had the committee of Fr. Jerry’s bronze bust memorial meet at the Top of the Town. It was decided on the day to forward the money, that was left over after erecting the bust, to a nun who runs an orphanage and was a friend of Fr. Jerry’s and who will put the money to extremely good use – at the time of writing I don’t have her name.