By Kathleen Mullane

“Many Congratulations”

It was a busy week with weddings this past week and other ‘happy events’ also. On Friday last Kevin O’Keeffe of Rathronan, Athea (son of Anne & Tom) was married to Fiona Dee of Ballylongford in St. Michael’s Church in Ballylongford. The bridesmaids were Suzanne McDonald, Siobhán Dee, Julie-Anne Ahern and Katie Heaphy. The bestman was Kevin’s brother Gary and the groomsmen were his good friends Martin Chawke, Jamie Collins & Diarmuid O’Connor. The flower girls were Anna Flynn & Dee McDonald. A great day was enjoyed by family and friends at the Devon Inn Hotel. Congrats to the newlyweds and best wishes for their future happiness.

We also congratulate Helen Sheehan (daughter of Anne & Timmy) Hillside Drive who was married on Saturday last here in Athea Church to Sean Wall. The bride was assisted by her sister TRicie and also Noelle Tedford, Tricia O’Connor and Margaret Sweeney-Ahern. The best men were Pa Histon, David Murphy, Sonny Sheehan and Kieran Copse. Their little twin girls Leah & Leona were the flower girls. The reception was held at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine where everyone had a lovely day.

Congrats and good wishes are extended to Tim O’Keeffe and his wife Claire who were blessed with their new baby boy recently who they are naming Sean Timothy, a little brother for Kevin. Congrats also to Peg O’Keeffe in Coole, a proud grandmother once again.

Congrats in advance to Thady Hunt of Coole West who will be celebrating his “80th” birthday on Sunday next, July 12th and in the near future will be celebrating the event in Portugal along with his 4 daught4ers, 3 sons and all the grandchildren – should be “a ball”!

Well what can one say about the ‘Athea Children’s Drama Group’ Summer production which Teresa O’Halloran staged at the hall on Saturday & Sunday evening last – only it was absolutely brilliant. From the ‘tiniest tot’ upwards, they all played their individual parts so well and had parents, friends and all onlookers in the hall in stitches and enthralled. No doubt starting them young on the stage is a huge bonus, giving them confidence, making friends and much more. Well done to all concerned – many are wondering would it be staged again?

Sincere sympathy to the Barrett family of Lower Athea on the recent death of John Joe over the weekend. Many paid their respects at Finucane’s Funeral Parlour on Friday evening. John Joe was a true gentleman who did great work in the Credit Union for many years. Sincere sympathy to his wife Kitty, sons, daughters and relatives. May he rest in peace.