By Kathleen Mullane

‘Bits & Bobs’

Sincere congrats and good wishes go this week to Mark Griffin (son of Joan & Dan) who was married recently to Siobhán Mahony of Lixnaw. The Nuptial ceremony was performed by Fr., Mossie Brick. The bridesmaids were Danielle Griffin, Denise Lynch, Aileen McEllhiney, Louise Shanahan & Stephanie Corkery. The best men were Raymond Griffin, Jonathan Sweeney, Timmy Mahony, Johnny Flavin & Joe Griffin. The pageboys were Aidan Mahony & Darragh McEllhiney and the flower girls were Katelyn Mahony & Abigail McEllhiney. A great day was enjoyed by everyone at The Devon Inn. The newlyweds are honeymooning in Lanzarote.

There are still a few seats left on the bus travelling on the annual Athea parish pilgrimage to Knock. It leaves the Memorial Hall at 7.30am on Thursday morning. Bookings can be made with Rose at Brouder’s Shop immediately.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Jim Geaney and his family of Toureendonnell on the death  of his sister Noreen O’Connor (of Athea and formerly of Brosna). She was laid to rest on Thursday in Brosna. Sympathy to the extended Geaney family also. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

As I write these few lines on this Monday night, you would presume it was more like a “November” night as one looks out the window. But don’t despair yet – it’s meant to be a nice Bank holiday weekend and this will be great for our “Athea Parish Festival” which kicks off this Thursday afternoon with the Senior Citizens Tea Party which is free. It’s going to be a great weekend with so much going on. The “programme of events” has been distributed to parishioners at this stage and there’s something for everyone from a basketball tournament on Friday to “The Real McCoy” on Saturday & Sunday night and of course “a must” for the kids on Sunday – the Fancy Dress parade at 12 noon followed by the 5k road race at 2pm. There are football and soccer tournaments, tug-o-war, go kart racing and an open air Disco to conclude on Monday evening at 9.30pm with DJ Jer. Some great reasons to stay in Athea for the Bank holiday weekend! All that’s needed now is a bit of sun.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Rose McAuliffe and her family on the death of her mother Maureen Brosnan over the weekend. She was laid to rest in Currow.

‘Go ndeana Dia trócaire le na hanam’