By Kathleen Mullane

‘Bit’s & Bobs’ 

As I sit down to write my few lines on this very windy and blustery Monday evening the renowned fashion designer ‘Don O’Neill’ from Ballyheigue is on Nationwide. He has dressed famous people like Oprah Winfrey among others but says his heart will always be in Kerry. I suppose we don’t realise it, but having such beautiful beaches near us like Ballybunion, Beale, Banna, Ballyheigue, Castlegregory and many more we are spoilt for choice! A comment Don made was “you are allowed dump on the beaches you visit”. To clarify he meant you are allowed “dump your worries” as you walk along the sand and the tide will take those worries away out to sea as it ebbs and flows, indeed a true statement! I suppose we should avail more of our beautiful beaches, not only in summer, but at other times too and take to walking our great beaches – great for mind and body no doubt.

This Thursday sees the much looked forward to Fashion Show, organised by Athea Tidy Towns, taking place here in the hall. The proceeds of the night, including the raffle, will all go towards improving the look of our village in the coming months and if last year was anything to go by and the way everyone who passed through Athea commented on how beautiful it looked – no doubt this year will be no exception. The Tidy Towns volunteers do tremendous work and can’t be praised enough. So come along Thursday night and enjoy a fun-filled  night, at the same time you will be ‘helping to make Athea “a great little village”.

Well, “The Real McCoy” broke all records over the 8 nights here in the hall! It proved that a good play and comedy with such brilliant actors really brings in the crowds. We compliment everyone who was involved in the drama, it’s going from strength to strength – I wonder what’s in store for next year. Last Sunday night played to another packed house with €1,250 being donated by the drama to St. Vincent de Paul and €1,250 to Community Alert. Well done. Just heard from Damien Ahern that another final night will be on next Sunday night.

Well done to the Athea U-17s basketball team who on Saturday last won their game against Lixnaw and on Sunday beat Killarney. The U-12s also did very well-and despite losing to Lixnaw on Saturday they beat Tralee on Sunday

It seems March is “coming in like a lion” – hope as the saying goes “it will go out like a lamb”