By Kathleen Mullane

“What a Community”

Several times over the weekend I heard the very familiar line being uttered “what a great parish community there is in Athea”, and once again this was very true over the past weekend. The fundraising dance on Saturday night last for brave little Ella Ahern of Garrygloss attracted hundreds of people who all rallied around Terese and Mike to lend their support, it was indeed heart-warming. We wish Ella all the best on her road to recovery, as do the entire Athea parish and beyond.

Yet again a great crowd gathered at O’Riordan’s Pharmacy on Saturday afternoon last to join Diarmuid and Áine and their family and staff to celebrate their “10 years in Business” here in Athea. There was a great atmosphere and everyone enjoyed the cakes, buns, sweets, drinks etc and of course the face-painting for the kids. Congrats to them and continued good luck in their pharmacy. 

On Sunday last another great gathering at the hall where the annual Christmas Fair took place. There were many tables selling their various goods and lovely hand-crafted articles. Yet again a nice Christmas atmosphere. The winner of the large hamper on the door tickets was Nellie Flavin of Hillside Drive and a second hamper was won by Helen Collins. Well done to the organizers and all who came along to support our hall

Sincere congrats go to Eleanor and Tomás Mullane who were blessed with their twins over the weekend. A little girl they are calling Maia and the little boy is being called Tom. We also send congrats to the very proud grandparents Mary and Conor Mullane of Knocknagorna and to Catherine and Patsy Stackpoole of Tullyleague, Glin.

Congrats also to Mary O’Mahony and John Heffernan of Galeside who were also blessed with their little girl Abbie, a little sister for Jamie and Callum recently. Congrats to Nora and Seanie Mahony, the proud grandparents.

Well done to the U14 boys basketball team who had an exciting game on Sunday last here in the hall, beating St. Anne’s of Farranfore 29-26.

A very nice ceremony took place at the hall on Thursday last when two members of the Irish Army from Limerick Barracks visited Athea and presented the Flag and Irish Proclamation to Athea N.S. There was singing, dancing, poetry, questions and answers, photos and a great crowd including all the pupils, teachers, parents, grandparents and friends. Indeed a really nice get-together.