By Kathleen Mullane

‘Congrats’

A few congratulations and good wishes are in order this week. Firstly we send “double” congrats to Áine and Michael Reidy on the birth of their twin baby girls last week who they are naming Megan and Hannah, adorable little sisters for Liam Óg. Paudie and Margaret Reidy, Upper Athea, are proud grandparents yet again.

Another celebration “on the double” was that of Betty O’Connor, Upper Athea, who celebrated her ‘80th’birthday, along with her daughter Lily Somers who celebrated her ‘40th’. Both held the double celebration on Saturday night last at the Top of the Town. A great night was enjoyed by all.

Congrats also to Timmy Hanrahan, Clash, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday last in the Devon Inn with family and friends.

Are you all ready and up for a great “Fun” Day on this Sunday? You can walk, run, jog, skip or whatever and of course the fittest will be well up for the “Adventure Run” which should be great fun. Registration is from 11.45 to 12.45 and start time is 1pm at the GAA pitch. There are prizes for the 1st man, woman and child home. Come along and support the Club.

The wedding ceremony took place on Saturday last of Helena Collins (daughter of Mary Ellen and Denis) of Templeathea to Arthur Mooney of Kilkenny, here in Athea Parish Church. Fr. Paddy Bowen was the celebrant of the Nuptial Mass. The bride was assisted by her sister Caitríona and sister-in-law Vanessa Cullinan. The best man was William Coyne and the groomsman was Ciarán Crinnigan. The flower girls were Sadie and Lucy Cullinan and the pageboys Harry and Denis Patrick Collins and Donnacadh, Micheál and Eoin Óg Coleman. A great day was enjoyed by everyone at the Woodlands Hotel in Adare. Congrats and best wishes to the newly weds as they honeymoon in Sicily.

Well last week Athea was shocked by the two sudden deaths of Marion White and Denis Quaid. Again this past weekend another two of our parishioners were laid to rest. Firstly on Thursday last our very good friend, Mick McCoy of Gortnagross passed away at Tralee General hospital surrounded by his family. Many came to pay their last respects at the family home on Saturday evening last. Mick drove for many years for Limerick County Council and in recent years drove our buses, from which he will be sadly missed. He was laid to rest in Holy Cross on Sunday. Sincere sympathy to his wife Nora, his son Jim, relatives and many friends. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Also over the weekend the death occurred of Bridie Histon of Markievicz Park having been ill for some time. Bridie was predeceased by her husband Billy some years ago. Bridie was a great lady for walking and being out and about until she had to go into a nursing home in Newcastle West where she passed away. On Saturday evening Bridie reposed at Finucane’s Funeral Parlour. Requiem Mass on Sunday was followed by burial in Holy Cross. Sincere sympathy to her brother Paudie, sisters Joan, Nora and Mary, daughters Virginia and Veronica, sons Kerry and Mattie, relations and friends. ‘May she rest in peace.