By Kathleen Mullane

“The Countdown is On” 

Well, as I put pen to paper this Monday night which, can you believe, is the 1st December and considering what a glorious sunny day we had yesterday (Sunday), it’s nearly impossible to comprehend that Christmas is on our doorstep. You can be “very organised”, “not organised at all” or middle of the road and take everything in one’s stride. I always have great intentions however not doing too bad this year –  the overseas Christmas cards posted, the cakes made, the shoebox sent to some little girl and the few Euro posted to Concern, Trócaire, Milford Hospice and of course the “Lifeboat” rescue people who do tremendous work in all kinds of weather saving people’s lives and of course the 11 grandchildren will have to be seen to yet! Thankfully it only comes once a year.

Well Santa will be arriving here in Athea on Thursday 4th December from 6.30pm. He will be collecting all the Santa letters –  bring along your camera – all donations for the Friends of St. Ita’s will be gratefully accepted in the bucket collection

Sincere congrats are extended to Martin Dalton (son of Maureen and Paddy of Dirreen) who was recently married to Gemma Wallace (daughter  of Jimmy and Eileen of Ballyguiltenane, Glin). The wedding ceremony took place in Glin Church and everyone had a great day at Ballygarry Hotel in Tralee at the reception afterwards. Best wishes to the newly weds.

Megan Carroll, daughter of Margaret and Tommy, celebrated her 18th birthday at the weekend along with family and friends. A great night was enjoyed by everyone.

Last Friday night saw the A.G.M. Of Athea Credit Union taking place. As always there was a full house. The main messages that came out of the meeting were that “your money is safe”. The Athea Credit Union is doing well and that they are in a position to give out loans which helps the Credit Union to be successful. Congrats on the appointment of Liz O’Sullivan as chairperson, we wish her well and Timmy Woulfe as manager. Well done to the staff also who do great work making it as successful as it is.

Athea G.A.A. had their A.G.M. On Saturday night at the clubhouse. Again another full house. Jacqueline O’Connor, Maireád O’Donovan and Paul Curry gave detailed reports on their respective posts namely secretary, treasurer and chairman. The club has done great work in the past year and were blessed to have Tús worker Martin Dalton helping out. The club has a debt of approx. €30,000 which they hope, with help, to reduce in the near future. They need help to fundraise to help with team management and sell draw tickets – please anyone with spare time? Thanks for the tea, buns etc which all enjoyed afterwards.