By Kathleen Mullane

Out & About

Firstly, I’m sure everyone in the parish will join me in wishing Fr. Brendan Duggan our P.P. a very happy “70th” birthday which he celebrated at The Listowel Arms last week, along with family members and some friends. I know he was trying to ‘keep it quiet’ but age is only a number now. We wish Fr. Brendan all the very best of health and happiness. And he informed us of good news at the weekend masses that a piece of ground is in the process of being purchased at the upper side of the church which will give parking space for about 40 more vehicles which will help with congestion and crowded parking.

Also the concert which is being organized by Donal de Barra on 19th March to raise funds to send volunteers to Lourdes and also some invalids, should be a great night. It will take place in the church at 7pm and will include musicians, singers, dancers etc. there will be a raffle on the night to raise further funds and spot prizes will be welcome.

A great day of basketball went on at the hall on Sunday last where the Community Games finals were taking place. The U16 boys were beaten by Regional but came out winning silver medals. The U13 boys won bronze medals and the U13 girls did extremely well winning gold and now go on to the Munster finals in April in U.L. We wish them well.

Our U14 footballers had their first game on the new pitch on Sunday last. Unfortunately they were beaten by St. Kieran’s – however there will be many more games and hours of training for improvement in the coming months. The senior team had a challenge game on Saturday against Monagea and had a winning scoreline of 3-10 to 3-6 with Sean Ryan scoring 3-2 of the final score. Well done.

Well on Sunday night the Athea Drama Group put on an extra night for St. John’s Children’s Cancer Ward in Crumlin in memory of the late Ella Ahern. The hall was packed to capacity on the night with Donal de Barra and the Comhaltas group entertaining everyone before the play from 7-9pm. As usual the Drama Group once again put on an excellent production. A total of €4,000 was raised on the night, indeed a great sum. Ella’s mom, Therese, thanked everyone for their help at this difficult time. No doubt Ella’s memory will live on in everyone’s hearts. Thanks is also extended to all who contributed to sending volunteers and invalids to Lourdes in June by buying teas/coffees, cakes etc in the kitchen on the night. We are all very proud to be part of the ‘Athea Community’ where there is always something going on! We are not happy, as they say, “to rest on our Laurels”.

Thought for the Week: “Kindness is for all times – in all situations – not just when it suits you.”