By Kathleen Mullane

‘Out & About’

Congrats and well done to all the boys and girls of 5th & 6th class in Athea NS who, on Friday last, were confirmed here in Athea Church by Bishop Brendan Leahy. Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Bowen, Fr. O’Shea (brother of Sean, Templeathea), and wasn’t it great to see Canon Kelly on the altar for the ceremony. The choir from the school was exceptional, indeed a lot of work and organization from the teachers and pupils went into the mass. Well done to all and of course to the parents and wasn’t it a lovely, fine day for the occasion.

Hopefully Saturday 21st May will be as good for the First Holy Communion Class.

You are asked if you still have Trócaire boxes to please hand them in to the Church as soon as possible so that a final count can be made.

As we all know the Ring of Kerry Cycle has been gaining momentum since its start some years ago. Last year saw 11,000 participants taking part with 1¾ million being raised for many deserving charities. Denny Mulvihill will do the 180k cycle for the 26th time this year all in aid of Áras Mhuire in Listowel. The race takes place on July 2nd.

Congrats to Mary Leahy, Moyvane who won this week’s Athea Utd draw of €5,100, the numbers were 11, 20, 22, 30.. Only a few weeks ago the big winners were Chris & Teddy O’Connor.

It’s great to see the track that’s around the GAA pitch being used by people of all ages for both walking & running. It’s so safe being off the road and no traffic. Indeed another great convenience for young and old to get fit and keep fit!

Sympathy is extended to the Sheehy family on the death in England of Paddy (formerly of Templeathea). ‘May he rest in peace’.

This Tuesday, April 26th marks the 30th anniversary of the terrible Chernobyl disaster which took place in 1986, and had such atrocious effects on men, women & above all children and even to this present day the people of Belarus and surrounding areas are feeling the outcome of the disaster. As we all are aware Adi Roche & Ali Hewson (Bono’s wife) have done untold work in helping the children of Chernobyl and on ‘Nationwide’ tonight, it was all brought home to us again, when images of children abandoned in orphanages, some with severe birth defects and abnormalities following the disaster were on our screens. Ireland, even during the recession, has welcomed many children to spend holidays with welcoming families thus enabling them to have fresh air which will extend their lives hopefully. Also Ireland has sent carpenters, plumbers, builders and much more to help build modern buildings for abandoned children. Well done Ireland!