By Kathleen Mullane

“Clocks go Back”

Congrats and well done to Jacqueline O’Connor who, on Saturday night last along with her dancing partner Danny Neville (Limerick Senior footballer) were the gallant winners of “Strictly Come Dancing”. There was great excitement around midnight at the Race Track in Limerick when the winner was announced. We congratulate Jacqueline who dedicated many tireless hours practicing for the competition, all in aid of Coiste na nÓg. Well done to her supporters also.

We must also congratulate the U16s footballers who were victorious also on Friday night last in the Shield Co. Final against Ahane in Rathkeale. Well done boys and to the Athea minors who on Sunday morning lined out against Ballylanders in Ballyagran in the final of the 13 a side championship which, incidentally, resulted in a draw. At the time of writing I don’t have the replay date. Best of luck to them.

Well done also to the U13s boys basketball team who had a good win over St. Brendan’s, Tralee on Sunday last here in the hall.

And of course the GAA pitch is coming on very well and the dry weather was a great boost while it was being done. As someone recently said “what great sporting facilities” we have here in Athea, especially for our youth and as we all know if our young people are involved in any sport it keeps them off the streets and getting into trouble.

Athea Tidy Towns will be holding their annual Church gate collection this weekend. The group have done tremendous work over the past few years and deserve to be well supported. Last Saturday great work was done again removing the ivy from the old Church here in Templeathea cemetery. Jim O’Sullivan and the FAS workers must be thanked for taking away the tons of ivy that was taken down by those who helped out. This Saturday 24th there won’t be any ivy removed but again on Saturday week 31st anyone with an hour or two to spare is asked to go along from 10-1pm to help out.

Fergus Scanlon, on behalf of ‘The Friends of St. Ita’s’, thanks all who gave to the collection last weekend which came to €640.57. Thanks to all who helped out at the Church gate.

A very important monument unveiling of Con Colbert will take place on this Saturday, October 24th at 4pm at the Con Colbert Hall. The monument will be unveiled by Con’s great niece Aida Colbert Lennon and his great grandniece Grainne Buckley will play the harp. All are welcome.

Sympathy is extended to Hannah Scanlon of Dirreen on the death at the weekend of her sister Mary Nelligan in Abbeyfeale. “May she rest in peace”

Congrats and best wishes to Lisa O’Connor, Upper Athea , daughter of Mag and Mike, who got engaged recently to Eamon O’Callaghan of Rockchapel.

Don’t forget to put your clocks back this Saturday night – an hour extra in bed but “those dark evenings” not many look forward to.