By Kathleen Mullane

‘Out & About’ 

Athea was saddened during the past week when news filtered through of the sudden and tragic death of Joe Brouder, son of Mary and Connie of Templeathea. Many came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Friday evening. Burial followed Requiem Mass to Templeathea cemetery on Saturday. Sincere sympathy is extended to his parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Well, the Leaving and Junior Cert exams start on today, Wednesday and I’m sure those sitting the exams were finding it quite difficult to study over the past few days with the heat and humidity etc. However, they are wished all the very best as they take on the challenge of the exams and no doubt if the work is put in they will be grand.

What a lovely celebration recently at Saturday evening Mass when the 1st Communion Class crowned Our Lady with a lovely garland and they brought fresh flowers to place at her feet. The choir sang beautifully on the night and many spoke about Margaret Carroll’s rendition of ‘Our Lady of Knock’ being “touching”. Well done to Fr. Bowen for his organization of the procession.

Well isn’t everyone in brilliant form these days! Doesn’t the good weather bring out ‘the best’ in everyone – though some were complaining some days that it was too hot! It’s just that we pale skinned Irish are not used to the high temperatures. But doesn’t the good weather make everything so much easier for everyone from the farmers doing the silage and the silage machinery operators to those who cut turf (actually it’s almost dry already – not like last year)! And of course us housewives – everything in the house has nearly been washed and hung out and just bring it in bone dry. Hopefully the good spell will stay with us for a while yet – it will indeed be a great tonic for both young and old before the winter comes.

Dog lovers will be glad to hear that the biggest Dog Show in the area takes place on this Sunday, June 12th in Abbeyfeale Town Park. This will be a great day out for all families and it is a fundraiser for the park. It starts at 2pm and there will be judging in 12 classes with ‘guess the name of the puppy’ and lots more fun events. So, if it’s a fine day – the Town Park is the place to be next Sunday and of course bring your ‘pooch’ along.