By Kathleen Mullane

‘Major Clean Up’

Well what a great day it was for “the clean up” on Friday last when a huge number of volunteers across the city and county were involved in “Team Clean Up” sponsored by J.P. McManus and co-ordinate by Limerick City & County Council. Athea were no exception and the Tidy Towns committee spearheaded Athea’s clean up. Volunteers took different stretches of road which was great. I couldn’t believe it myself that one could collect so many bottles, cans, paper and rubbish of all descriptions in short stretches of road. The one problem is that already the volunteers have noted that rubbish is being thrown out again. We would ask everyone to please refrain from this and if you do happen to see rubbish thrown around, after people being so careless, you might pick it up – a carrier bag is always handy to bring along with you if you are walking. It was brilliant to see some children out too doing their bit and realising that it’s a good thing to help the community. “Please try and keep Athea now really Tidy!

Well many attended the lovely Easter ceremonies here in the Church over the Easter week – the highlight being the Easter Saturday night Vigil Mass and lighting of the Paschal Candle in the Church grounds. There were many visiting families for the Easter holidays and thankfully this week we’re experiencing temperatures warmer than some “hotspots” of Europe. The sunshine puts a “spring” in everyone’s step!

Congrats to Shane Mulvihill (son of Mary T. and Denny) who celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday night last at the Top of the Town along with family and friends. Everyone had a great night.

Sympathy is extended to our Parish Priest Fr. Paddy Bowen on the death of his sister Mary Kelly, in Ballingarry during the Easter period. “May she rest in peace”.

As always a big crowd attended the open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the hall on Good Friday night. Pius Collins introduced the speakers who gave us their life history and problems and Dr. Murphy and Canon Kelly spoke a few words, complimenting them for their courage and openness. Well done to those who also prepared and served up the teas and beautiful food afterwards. And we remember the AA Serenity Prayer

“Grant us the courage to accept the things we cannot change –

The courage to change the things we can,

 and the wisdom to know the difference”