By Kathleen Mullane

“Duck Mania”

Well this past week had the start of the ‘Lip-Sync’ GAA fund-raiser! Thanks is extended to those who took part in the Quiz at the Knockdown Arms on Friday night, every Euro collected is going to be a great help to pay off the field debt. There was “Duck Mania” at the bridge on Sunday after mass when a total of ‘367’ducks took to the water (incidentally they were plastic – someone had asked me how did they get and sort out that many – they thought they were real ducks!) . There was cheering and excitement as the ‘Zombies’ group took to the river in waders to start them off! After all the stages the eventual winner of the grand hamper was Gerard Collins of Knocknagorna, indeed a great fun event.

A great crowd also attended the darts at Brown Joe’s– this was for the “Burlesque Boys” on Friday night – again well done to all the dart players.

Well “The Singing Priests’ brought the ‘house’ or the ‘pub’ down at Gerard White’s on Sunday evening. The ‘Druids of ‘La-la-land” namely Canon Tony Mullins & friends, Fr. Duggan, Lal Browne, Paul Curry and John Sheahan’s fundraiser attracted a massive crowd. There was a great sing-song and some lovely spot prizes were won by many. Isn’t it great to see the clergy and parishioners joining together in song and fun.

*Last reminder, if you need a drive to or from Lip Sync please inform me or Rose at Brouder’s a.s.a.p. to avoid confusion. €5 each way.

A good crowd attended the AGM of the GAA on Saturday night at the Clubhouse. Jacqueline O’Connor read the detailed minutes and secretary’s report of 2015. Máireád O’Donovan gave a run down on the financial situation of the club. On October 19th the balance sheet read just over €72,000 owed on the new pitch and with the Lip-Sync this weekend it should come down a nice bit. Paul Curry, chairman  thanked everyone for their help especially Jacqueline and Máireád, ticket sellers and all those involved in any way. The following are the officers elected : Chairman: Paul Curry – actually happy birthday Paul – two more years to the “big one”. Vice-chairman: Kevin O’Keeffe, Secretary: Pat Sullivan, Asst sec: Jacqueline O’Connor. Treasurer: Máireád O’Donovan, Asst treasurer: Roger Ryan, Interim PRO: Kathleen Mullane. Scór Officer: John Joe Tierney. Committee members: Neddy Hunt, Conor Hunt, Jamesy O’Connor, Declan Dalton, Mike O’Connor,. County Board delegates: David O’Connor & Sean Ahern.. West Board delegates: Pat Sullivan & David O’Connor. Timmy Woulfe praised the club for the tremendous work done on the pitch and the walking/running track which is so safe for all. He also complimented the amount of parents who now get involved in the matches and club. If you still want to become a member you can pay your €20 to the club or €10 for OAP’s. There was tea/coffee, sandwiches and cakes for everyone and well done to those who organized the refreshments. Best of luck to Jacqueline O’Connor who takes the new role of Limerick Football Development Officer and Liaison Officer for Co. Minor U/17’s and U/15’s.

Sincere sympathy is extended to many this week who have lost a loved one. Firstly to Turlough O’Brien of Templeathea whose mother Kathleen passed away recently in Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Jim O’Connor, Gortnagross and Michael O’Connor, Templeathea, had their uncle Michael brought home from Manchester to be buried in Shanagolden over the weekend, he was a native of Moing, Shanagolden.

Doctor Kieran Murphy here in Athea lost his father P.J. last week. He died in Skibbereen, Co. Cork where he was the District Medical Officer and was the great age of 92 years.

Patricia Dillon of Listowel and formerly of Dalton Tce. Athea died unexpectedly last week. Sympathy to Pa & Margaret Walsh and family.

Doris Horgan of Rathronan, Athea was buried in Holy Cross on Saturday, having battled with cancer for some time. Sympathy to her husband John and her children and extended family.

John Wallace of Coole West whose mother Maureen of Ballinlough, Kilteely recently passed away. Sympathy to John, Mary and family.

To all of the above sincere sympathy and ’May the light of heaven’ be with all the deceased.