By Kathleen Mullane

‘What a Sporting Weekend’

Well, it indeed was a wonderful weekend here in Athea! From the moment the U-14 Warwickshire team arrived in Athea on Thursday evening until they left on Sunday evening there was “a great buzz” around the village. The boys and their mentors stayed in various Athea team member’s homes for the weekend. A great crowd watched the game at Páirc na nGael here in Athea on Saturday morning. It was wonderful to see the new pitch “in all its glory” with new goalposts, this was the 1st game being played on it and what a sight it was! After the game everyone was treated to refreshments in the Clubhouse, well done to all the helpers.

After the game in Kanturk almost 50 clubs held their parade that evening in Newcastle West. What a sight that was with all the boys decked in their club colours. Back to the hall then where Coleen and Matt yet again put on a wonderful spread. Once again great help from mothers and everyone. Paul Curry, Chairman, thanked Warwickshire and everyone who organized and helped in any way to make the weekend a huge success. Pat O’Sullivan, manager, was presented with a token of appreciation and Jacqueline O’Connor with a bouquet of flowers for her massive input into the Féile. Warwickshire said “Athea had been so kind to them all and the friendships they had made between the young team members and mentors would indeed be lasting. Athea have been formally invited to England when it suits the Athea Club.

John Hunt was quiz-master Saturday night and all the boys enjoyed the quiz immensely. Unfortunately having reached the quarter final Warwickshire were beaten on Sunday by Currow in Knocknagree.

The goodbyes were said after the Ireland game, watched at the Top of the Town. In all it was just a wonderful weekend of sport, friendship, helping out and so much more. Even Teady Hunt, in his 80s, opened his home to the 4 Warwickshire mentors and rumour has it that he’s going into the B&B business – being a dab hand at cooking them full Irish breakfasts!.

The Athea Club cannot be complimented enough for the organization etc that went into the Féile. Well done to all. I really think that Athea GAA should be given our parish’s full support and as many families as possible to buy a ticket for the forthcoming 500 Club Draw. And if you haven’t yet gone up to see the pitch and running track, do so – they need all support to lower the new field debt.

Now this weekend Athea has the “Parish Festival” to look forward to. Don’t forget the 5k run/walk on Sunday – registration starts at 11.45 am in the hall. We wish all the girls going forward for the Festival Queen all the very best. The Fancy Dress is on Sunday at 12 o’clock and the Céilí from 4-7 pm in the hall.