A Weekend to Remember 

The Con Colbert Memorial weekend was a great success and a source of pride for all Athea people. From the football matches at Páirc na nGael to the concert in the Memorial Hall by the wonderful Black Bank Folk, the talk by Jamie Kelly in the school, the unveiling of the bust and the session at the Top of the Town, all were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. It was a pleasure to see so many of the extended Colbert family who travelled from far and near for the weekend. Great credit is due to all those who helped in any way to make the occasion so special.

A huge thank you to the people and the businesses of Athea parish who, through their generous donations, are helping to fund the magnificent bust of Con Colbert by sculptor Jarlath Daly.

Should any of our Athea exiles wish to make a donation towards the cost it would be very much appreciated.

Cheques can be made payable to Athea Community Council Ltd and posted to the secretary Domhnall de Barra, Athea Community Council Ltd., Con Colbert Street, Athea, Co. Limerick

Members of the extended Colbert family pictured at the bust.

Paul Curry reading the proclamation at the unveiling on Sunday last

Con Colbert’s, grand nephew, also named Con Colbert, unveiling the bust on Sunday last.

Domhnall de Barra with, seated, Con Colbert, John O’Connell, Timmy Woulfe, Paul Curry, Fr. Brendan Duggan and Fiona Dore Buckley

Members of the army parading to the Con Colbert Hall

Nan Hurley and Mary Collins.

Fr. Brendan Duggan blessing the bust

Members of Athea Community Council who commissioned the bust, Domhnall de Barra, Damien Ahern, Lillian O’Carroll, Mary T. Mulvihill, Seamus Ahern and Theresa Mullane with public representatives Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Michael Collins MCC, Niall Collins T.D., Con Colbert, John Sheahan MCC and Seamus Browne MCC. Also in picture Nan Hurley

By Kathleen Mullane

Great Weekend

Well, the Con Colbert Commemoration Weekend was a great success! On Saturday the football blitz at Páirc na nGael attracted huge numbers from both Athea & Castlemahon. The lovely, dry, sunny day was a real added bonus. The games were exciting for all the young players and the over 35s was a real fun game. All the children were treated to drinks and treats and the adults had teas & coffees and of course burgers from Jack Quaid and Noreen were thoroughly enjoyed. All agreed the pitch was a credit to the Athea GAA.

The Colbert Memorial Hall was the venue for the Irish trad concert on Saturday night. ‘Black Bank Folk’ were outstanding to say the least, such talented musicians. They even sang a song written by the late Dan Keane that they had put their own music to called “The Green Fields Around Athea”.

Sunday saw the unveiling of the beautiful bronze sculpture of Con Colbert near the Memorial Hall. This was preceded by a very interesting talk by Jamie Kelly of Clash, a big crowd attended at the school. The unveiling was lovely – the army members were present, as were dignitaries, parishioners, relatives of Con Colbert etc. The bust was blessed by our new Curate, Fr. Brendan Duggan.

In all it was a really nice weekend. Envelopes have been distributed to all households and as many as possible who would like to make whatever contribution they can, they will help to fund the sculpture which hopefully will remain safely intact for many years.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Bridie Twomey, Upper Athea and Geraldine Aherne, Templeathea on the recent sudden death of their sister Mary Ita McFadden. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

The recent coffee morning held at the hall in aid of Milford Hospice realized the grand sum of €1,105. Thanks is extended once again to the organizers, those who made all the lovely cakes/buns etc, they were really enjoyed.

This weekend before all masses a Church-gate collection in aid of Epilepsy Ireland will be taken up. Your support for the cause would be greatly appreciated.

All card-game lovers, don’t forget the progressive ‘41 drive’ which starts on this Monday, October 3rd at Brown Joe’s at 9pm. The play will be 2x3s. A great way of using the brain to keep Alzheimers at bay. All money raise will go to the GAA to help offset their debt – please support.

Thought for the week:  “A child should be healthy enough to get dirty and dirty enough to be healthy!”

Jim Prendeville, Treasurer of Killeaney AFC presents Jim  Lynch and family with his cheque of €26,200 which he won last week in the Killeaney Lotto. 

By Peg Prendeville

There was great excitement in the Knockdown Arms last Sunday night when Jim Lynch was presented with his cheque for €26,200 from the Killeaney Lotto win. A sing-song ensued to celebrate the success. The Lotto now stands at €3,100 which is still a lovely sum to win so keep supporting please.

Ta has been busy lately replacing the floor of the decking outside the pub and decorating it with plants.

Ballyhahill National School is organising a clothing collection this week. If you have any unwanted clean clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen, curtains etc. (of any quality), please drop then to the school (9:15am – 3:00pm) before this Friday 30th Sept. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Ballyhahill PRE-SCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOLS is now up & running. Four places remain in pre school and also reduced rates for After Schools which is also offered to children from all schools. Contact Sharon on 087 4587601.

Well done to both Athea and Glin on getting improved marks in the recent Tidy Towns competition. Both villages are looking great. In Ballyhahill the new Development committee is putting a plan together to promote pride in the village and hopefully people will become involved and help out when and where they can. It is important for all communities to work together and take pride in their achievements.