By Kathleen Mullane

“Many Congrats” 

Sincere congrats and good wishes go to the following parishioners this week. Firstly, Donna O’Sullivan and her husband Pa, Gortnagross, who were blessed with their new son they have named Paddy. A new baby to go with their new home and a little brother for big brother Louis and twin sisters Millie and Alice.

Leah Geoghegan celebrated her 21st birthday at the Top of the Town last week along with her mother and father, Eibhlís and Leo,  her family, relatives and many friends. A great night was had by everyone. Leah has headed off to America to work for the Summer

Heartiest congrats also to Denis Collins, son of Mary Ellen and Denis, who had a surprise 40th sprung on him on Friday night at Collins’ Bar here in Athea. Everyone had a very enjoyable time.

This Saturday night, June 4th, sees a very “fun night” in store at the Top of the Town when a Donkey Derby will be held to raise funds for the forthcoming Féile. John Hunt will be M.C. for the night. Donkeys are now on sale for €20 or there is an option for a few people to join together if they wish.. Please support the night; it should be brilliant craic

The A.G.M. of the Colbert Community Hall took place in the hall kitchen on Thursday night last.  A good crowd attended on the night. The minutes of the last A.G.M. were read by secretary Caroline O’Connell. John Redmond gave the chairman’s address and Michael Dooley of Dooley and Co. Auditors, Newcastle West, read the financial report. Over the past few years a lot of work has been done to the hall. A new kitchen with supplies has been put in, new lights were put up in the sports hall, new blinds were fitted to the windows and a water harvester was put outside.  Recently the toilets all had new wash-hand basins, toilets, new tiles and were all newly painted, indeed giving the hall a new face-look. We are grateful for everyone’s help in getting rid of the debt over the years, however fundraising etc must be ongoing as the halls have to be kept in tip top shape. Parties can be catered for and all sporting groups are welcome. Those elected and re-elected at the A.G.M. are as follows:

Chairman:            John Redmond

Directors:              John Redmond, Helen Twomey and Trish Phillips (Ahern)

Secretary:             Caroline O’Connell

Treasurer:             Helen O’Connor

Committee members include all of the above and Damien Ahern, John Scanlon, Sharon Reidy, Mary O’Keeffe (Kelly), Essie Kelly, Margaret Scanlon and Kathleen Mullane.