By Kathleen Mullane

“A Great Place”

Well someone who was around Athea at Christmas and checking out our little village “observing” everything was more than impressed by all our facilities – so much so that they couldn’t stop talking about all we’ve got here. Firstly they couldn’t believe our Christmas Eve celebration in the church, both the ceremony and carol singing. They were amazed at what they called “the corner shops” and deli – namely Rose’s and Collins’ -to quote about Jerry’s butchers – “we were even able to get “Stir Fry”. When they didn’t want to cook they said they had a choice of 2 Take-Aways. They were able to go to the chemist for their necessities and a doctor if  needed. Even Kathleen’s hairdresser and a beautician were there to improve their looks! A garage if their car needed looking at and what a brilliant sports complex, soccer and GAA pitch – even walking running track! And a printers if one needed any photocopying /printing done. In all this particular visitor was more than impressed by what we had here in our small village – not to mention our post office where they were able to post their cards etc. and no less than 3 outlets in Athea where they could get their ‘Lotto tickets’. In all one of many visitors to Athea, no doubt, who were well pleased with that we had.

Everyone is looking forward to the forthcoming productions (and with half of January already gone) it’s only 2 weeks away  or so until the “Lip Sync” fundraiser takes place at The Devon Inn. And as far as I can gather the tickets are almost ‘sold out’ already – thankfully there will be a DVD on sale afterwards so that everyone who is unable to get a ticket can watch.

Then we have the Athea Drama production of “Anyone could rob a bank” – which will be shown over 6 nights starting on February 9th. So it’s a busy February and everyone is looking forward to all the shows and before we know it ‘St. Patrick’s Day’ will be upon us, and the winter gone yet again!

On Sunday next,  January 22nd Trish Phillips Aherne will be having the 11am mass here in Athea as a ‘Basketball’ remembering team Athea Club member’s mass.

Congratulations to Tony O’Sullivan, Hillside Drive, son of Sandra and Noel, who graduated from Birmingham City University with a B.SC in Adult Nursing.

I see Foynes & District Search and Rescue are looking for volunteer members aged over 18 years for their unit. Men and women can apply and training will be given. Members help out other rescue units tool and if any of you were watching the Late Late Show on Friday night and all those RNLI volunteers going our in all kinds of desperate weather and conditions looking for missing people, overturned boats etc. – they really are ‘wonderful people’. So if you have any spare time go to the Rescue Unit on Wednesday nights 7-8pm.