Kathleen Mullane

“Many Congrats”

Sincere congrats and good wishes are extended to Nora & John O’Connell of Gortnagross, Athea who, at the great ages of 88 and 89 years respectively, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary along with their children Shane, Joan and Marie and their grandchildren at their home recently. Indeed a lovely occasion for them and their family.

Heartiest good wishes and congrats are sent to Jackie Collins (daughter of Hannah Mai and Jim of Upper Athea) who last weekend married Thomas Begley from Mountcollins. Fr. Sean Sheehy, cousin of the bride, presided over the nuptial ceremony in Knockanure Church. The happy couple came home from Melbourne for the event, taking in Christmas too. The matron of honour was Michelle Collins, Donna, Carol and Áine, all sisters of the bride, were bridesmaids along with her friend Maireád. The best man was Con Begley and the groomsmen were Timmy, John, Larry and Eric. A great day was enjoyed by everyone at The Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine. The newly weds will reside in Melbourne.

Athea Coiste na nÓg will hold their annual Christmas Table Quiz at the Top of the Town on Monday, January 28th. This is always a great night of fun and spot prizes galore – so please support the quiz as they need the fundraising.

Also on New Year’s Day the Coiste will be holding a “Winter Wellie Walk” starting at the hall at 12 noon. You must have wellies! The walk will take about 2 hours and entails walking through forests, streams, ring fort etc and with being 240 meters above sea level if it’s a clear day walkers will be able to view Clare, Limerick and the River Shannon with the wind turbines being within touching distance – so “on with those wellies” and after the Christmas eating it will be a great day’s outing and at the same time you will be helping Athea Coiste na nÓg.

Congrats once again to Donal and Lillian who have produced a lovely journal full of interesting articles, photos and life stories. Indeed a lovely keepsake and a gift for those living away from home this Christmas.

This Friday, December 18th sees Athea N.S. hosting a very special “Grandparents Day”. All grandparents are invited to attend the school on the day which will be preceded by Mass in the church (check the time, I’m not sure if it’s 11 or 11.30 am.