By Kathleen Mullane

‘Awareness Week’

Well, this past week has been ‘Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week’ and we have been very much made aware of it these last few days with Siobhan Barrett of Lower Dirreen speaking so very well about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning having lost her sister Miriam through it. She has spoken out on Radio Kerry last Friday and on TV3 am today in the hope that we all will put carbon monoxide alarms into our homes. And considering they are available at a very reasonable price it’s imperative that every household has one or two at least in their home. We congratulate Siobhán on having the courage to enlighten everyone on the dangers, which must not have been easy for her at this difficult time – well done Siobhán by speaking out, you will no doubt have saved lives.

This weekend Sat. 3rd & Sun. 4th the church gate collection in aid of Epilepsy will be taken up. You are asked to support this very worthy cause.

Well ‘Team Hope’ are starting to organize the annual Christmas shoebox appeal at the moment. It was ‘heart-warming’ to see the children opening up their shoeboxes on TV the other day, the delight on their faces and the excitement was unreal. It gives everyone the ‘real urge’ to start putting their bits and pieces aside to get ready their shoeboxes. And indeed it’s great training for young kids and indeed teenagers to think of others not as well off as themselves. They are happy with anything and not looking for the most up to date phone, computer, Xbox or whatever!

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Bridget O’Connor of Markievicz Park (or Biddie as everyone knew her), on her sudden death last week. Biddie was predeceased by her husband Mike a few years ago. Many came to pay their last respects at Finucane’s Funeral Home on Saturday evening. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Sunday to Holy Cross. Sincere sympathy to her daughters, sons, relatives and many friends. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’

Well, Saturday last saw our church thronged to capacity with an overflow of many outside the church also for the memorial mass for the late Benny Collins. Fr. Bowen concelebrated with Fr. Denis Mullane and Margaret Carroll with her lovely music and song added to the memorial mass. The whole of Athea community and beyond along with friends, co-workers and rugby friends from Wales were there to support Benny’s wife Melanie, his son Harry and the Collins family. There wasn’t a dry eye in the congregation.