By Kathleen Mullane

‘Out & About’

 Sincere congrats go this week to Moira O’Riordan (daughter of Joan and Willie, Upper Dirreen) who, on Friday last, was married to Ian Sheehy of Kilcornan here in Athea Church. The bride was assisted by her sister Anne-Marie and by Maireád Kennelly, Aileen Harrison and Kelly-Anne Sheehy. The best men were Hugh and Michael Sheehy, Michael O’Neill and Anthony Fitzgerald. The flower girls were Emily O’Riordan and Emily Kelly and the pageboy was Noah Sheehy. Fr. Finnerty performed the Nuptial Ceremony. Everyone had a great day at The Devon Inn Hotel and the newly-weds are honeymooning in Italy.

We also congratulate the Athea Intermediate football team who, on Saturday last, won the 1st round of the championship in Foynes against Glin on a score of 2-8 to 0-8. Well done to the players and Pat Higgins their trainer.

Last week we were writing about our lovely weather, however, as I write these few lines this Monday night, there has been hail, rain, thunder, frost and ice this morning and everyone is finding it so cold in comparison to last week. But as the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers”. However, if the weather is all we have to complain about we’re not too badly off considering the terrible earthquake that has struck Nepal – with thousands wiped out (4,000 already) and hundreds still missing and the snow avalanche on Everest – thankfully we here in Ireland don’t experience extremes of weather and long may it stay so.

Don’t forget to get out the Holy water this Thursday – “May Eve”. I’m not sure if the custom is still in operation but in years gone by the farmers blessed their cattle etc. and other animals to keep away the evil spirits and piseogs etc. that might call on May eve!

A final call by Fr. Bowen for any Trócaire boxes that you may have forgotten to bring into the church or if you like you can put your donation in any envelope and mark it Trócaire.

A big day for the boys and girls of Athea N.S. who will be receiving their 1st Holy Communion on Saturday, May 16th. The ceremony takes place at 11am. And there are 26 in all receiving the sacrament. We wish them the best for their big day, for which they’ve been well prepared by teachers, clergy and parents alike.