By Kathleen Mullane

‘Bits & Bobs’ 

Well, isn’t everyone enjoying the lovely, good weather we are experiencing at the moment. Some days have been as warm as any days we had during the summer. However, we hear of torrential rain approaching this weekend – enjoy what’s left of the sun!

Sincere congrats and every good wish is extended to Amina Parkes who celebrated her retirement from Dr. Kieran Murphy’s practice at the Top of the Town on Saturday night last. Family, relatives and friends all had a lovely night. We wish Amina (as I’m sure do all the patients she has put through her hands overt the years as a nurse) a very happy and deserving retirement.

On Wednesday next October 19th Gaelscoil Ó Doghair in Newcastle West will be holding their special fundraising Bingo Night. Kathleen Shanahan, Lower Athea (Principal) welcomes all bingo players on the night and hopefully there may be an ‘Athea’ win or two.

The Staff and students of Tarbert Comprehensive were devastated by the death of Tom Stack, a Leaving Cert student, from Moyvane last week. He will be laid to rest this week. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Don’t forget to keep February 4th free in your diary – this is the date when a major fund-raiser by Athea GAA will take place at The Devon Inn namely the “Lip Sync Battle”. By all accounts it’s going to be an amazing night with some great entertainment and surprising men and women taking part from both inside and outside the parish! Anybody wishing to help out and be and “Elvis” or “One Direction” or any other superstar contact any of the committee. Everyone is asked to get behind this major event to try and further reduce the cost of our fabulous GAA pitch and running track etc.

On Thursday, October 20th Athea National School will be holding their annual sponsored walk in aid of the school. This summer a huge amount of work was done at the school costing €35,000. Parents and the Athea community have been very helpful in the past by supporting the school for which they are very grateful. Your support for the Sponsored Walk would be greatly appreciated. Students have sponsorship cards and you are asked to help out and anyone that’s free is invited to join in the walk.

Thought for the week:

“Solitude is painful when one is young, but delightful when one is more mature”