By Kathleen Mullane
Can I start by wishing all readers of the Athea Parish Newsletter a very peaceful and happy and above all a very healthy 2015. Yet again another Christmas gone by – business was brisk in our village in the run-up to Christmas and of course Colleen & Matt with their mulled wine (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) I may add, went down very well with the samples of cakes and buns. It’s great to see such a ‘buzz’ on Friday mornings in Athea! Yet again Christmas Eve vigil Mass was beautiful with the choir really adding a touch of something ‘extra special’ to the ceremony. Fr. Bowen and Canon Kelly of course having a huge input all over Christmas with the ceremonies. Well, the decorations are almost nearly all down now and as no doubt we all say as we put them away – “hopefully we all will be here again to put them up next Christmas!.
It was an exciting start to 2015 to say the least on Sunday last in Dromcollogher when the Athea/Mountcollins Rangers took on Newcastle West/Monagea in the County Premier U-21 Championship. It was such a great sight to see such huge support for the home-side with cars stretching far and beyond the pitch. A minute’s silence was held for the late Patrick (Bawns) Mullane, prior to the start of the game – no doubt if he had been in full health he would have been at the game.
We offer the Mullane families in Knocknagorna our sympathy. ‘May he rest in peace’.
The game was level pegging at half time and it was anyone’s game. With minutes to go we were 3pts down – it was heart-stopping to say the least. Fair play as the final whistle was blown the 3pts had been scored and it was going to be a replay – which is now going to be played this Saturday in Tournafulla at 2.30. So “keep those flags flying” and give the boys your full support. Again it means a lot – last Sunday was reminiscent of years gone by when there was great support for the Athea games – so keep it up – it’s also great for our young people who see the benefit of sport. We wish the team all the best and hopefully the cup will be coming this direction.
Sympathy to Mary Ahern of Coole on the death of her sister Mrs. Joy in Abbeyfeale. ‘May she rest in peace’.
Happy events over the Christmas were many and we congratulate the following happy couples who got engaged. Sean Brouder, son of Bridie and Jerry, Templeathea, became engaged to Bríd Hayes of Ballyhahill. Áine Greaney, daughter of Margaret and Jim, Toureen, got engaged to Moss O’Connor of Carrigkerry, son of Pa and Nora. Billy McKenna, Upper Athea, son of Mary and Billy, became engaged to Sineád Geoghegan, daughter of John and Lily. Christina Murphy, daughter of Betty and Charlie, Hillside Drive, became engaged to Mike Costello.
Happy birthday wishes to Agatha Barrett who celebrated her ‘70th’ birthday, Ellen Quille who celebrated her 50th and Shauna Long, Knockdown had her 21st. Congrats all around.