By Kathleen Mullane

‘Out & About’

Sincere congrats to Katie Collins of Knocknagorna, daughter of Kathleen and Paddy) who has recently become engaged to Neilus O’Connor, son of Birdie and Paddy of Kilbaha). Wishing them all the best for the future.

Well done to the U-14 boys basketball team who, on last Tuesday night, played a brilliant game here in Athea against a renowned Castleisland  side. The opposition were running away with the game up until almost the final quarter, but Athea came back with so much enthusiasm and fire and they won 45 to 37 baskets at the whistle. Well done to them all – the girls were victorious also on the same evening in Ballybunion. Some of the club will travel to Barcelona during the Easter break and we wish them well.

Well, the Athea Drama’s production of “The Hen Night Epiphany” has been playing to packet audiences which have been growing since its first showing last week. And if you haven’t got the opportunity to see it yet – it will be on again this Sunday night with the proceeds going to two charities, the Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fundraiser for the Burns Unit in Saint James’, Dublin and the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ in Crumlin, both very worthy causes.

Well done to Jack Hunt, son of Pat and Tova who reside in Germany and grandson of Teady Hunt of Coole West, who recently played his first game for the German National U-16 rugby team against The Netherlands. He scored the team’s first try in their 58 to 10 win. Well done Jack!

Don’t forget the Bingo Fundraiser for Gaelscoil Ó Doghair in Newcastle West on Wednesday, March 23rd at the school – Kathleen Shanahan, principal, from Lower Athea welcomes all bingo players to come along for a great night. If anyone wishes to travel they can ring me 087-1233361 as we will be providing transport on the night.

Next weekend’s collection in the Church envelope collection is for Emigrants. I’m sure we’ve all known or heard of Emigrants, who at some time in their lives have fallen on hard times. So your support for the cause is welcome.

Well Lent is flying by and before we know – it will be Easter and with St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon Easter is very close behind this year. Where has the time gone since Christmas?

Thought for the week

“We are rich or poor according to what we are, not according to what we have”