By Kathleen Mullane

“Remembering Benny” 

A special memorial/funeral mass for the late Benny Collins (son of Mary Ellen & Denis) of Churchtown, Athea, will be celebrated here in St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea on Saturday, Sept 26^th at 2pm.  Benny died tragically in Wales a few weeks ago, and it is fitting to be remembered in his home town so fondly. A true gentleman, husband, father, son and brother, sportsman and a friend to many. ‘May the light of heaven be his.’

Sincere sympathy is extended to Josie Liston and the Liston family of Coole Athea on the sudden death of Josie’s daughter Mary Anne (Ryan) Many paid their last respects to the family of Thompsons funeral parlour in Thomas St in Limerick on Saturday evening last, burial took place one Sunday after requiem  mass. ‘May she rest in peace’.

The wedding took place recently of Myra O’Sullivan, daughter of Mary & Johnny, Glasha, Athea to John Sheeran of Abbeyfeale, here in Athea parish church. Fr. James Costello was the chief celebrant of the nuptial mass. The reception was held at the Devon Inn, Templeglantine where a very enjoyable day was had by family, relatives and friends. Congrats to the newlyweds on their happy occasion.

A reminder that on this Thursday morning Sept 17^th, the annual coffee morning in aid of Milford Hospice will take place in the memorial hall from about 9.30am or so until the afternoon. As always you are asked to come along to give whatever donation you can (every little helps), have a cup of tea/coffee, cake and a chat, and above all you will be supporting this very great cause.

Well done and congratulations to all those who received their Junior Cert results last week. All did extremely well. Here’s to their future!

What a terrible night last Friday night was with the rainfall that fell being the worst in a very long time, and the fire brigades having to be called out to pump out many homes. The river Gale here in Athea overflowed its banks – water has no mercy, but thankfully no one got hurt, and hopefully not too many homes were flooded.

Unfortunately the much looked forward to the Listowel Races had to be cancelled on today (Monday) and tomorrow due to the very wet conditions of the course. Hopefully the rest of the week will improve as cancellation of the races would have a devastating effect on all the businesses, restaurants, bars and much more.