By Kathleen Mullane

Well it was a great day on Saturday afternoon last when parents and their children gathered in Páirc na nGael for the annual Community Games. Luckily it was a very pleasant day and the games went off without a drop of rain! It was great also to see both boys and girls partaking in all the events. Well done to all those who helped in any way to organize and run off the games. Best of luck to the winners who now go forward to the County Finals in the near future.

Congrats to Kevin Murphy of Dirreen (son of Noreen and Denis) who celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday night last at the Top of the Town. A brilliant night was enjoyed by family, relatives and friends alike.

Incidentally the very best of luck to all the students who are heading off to Canada, the USA and further afield in the next few days to work for the summer months and the best of luck also to all the secondary students who will be starting their Junior & Leaving Cert exams next week.

Things are “gearing up” for the “Fun/Adventure Run” which is being held on June 7th and organized by the local GAA Club. Many are taking to the roads getting fit for the event which, if last year’s event is anything to go by, should be a great success. If anyone wishes to help out please contact Kevin O’Keeffe on 087-7636568.

Well Athea was in a state of shock last week when news filtered through of the sudden death of Marion White (nee O’Connor) of Gortnagross. Marion was much loved by so many, she did so much volunteer work, organizing the annual Fashion Show to send people to Lourdes and going to Somalia and various other places doing volunteer nursing work. Huge crowds came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s Funeral Parlour on Sunday evening. Concelebrated Mass on Monday had 15 priests in attendance. Burial took place afterwards in Holy Cross. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

The death occurred suddenly also last week of Denis Quaid of Dirreen. Denis was very well known in the ‘racing circuit’ and will no doubt be very sadly missed by all the racing enthusiasts. Denis will be laid to rest on today Wednesday.  Go ndeana Dia trócaire le na h-anam.