By Kathleen Mullane

 “Heatwave Lucifer”

Well “Heatwave Lucifer” has hit the Balkan states and parts of Europe with temperatures hitting over 42° in places. People are being warned in these countries not to go out it’s so dangerous. We here thankfully don’t have to worry about “excruitiating heat” –  whatever abut the rain!.

Sympathy is extended to Henry Moran and his family on the death in London, at a young age, of his niece Margaret Moran. Her remains are being brought home to Athea for burial on this Wednesday having reposed at Danny Lyons’ on this Tuesday evening 8th. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

Congrats and well done to Joe Aherne and his group of walkers who passed through Athea on Saturday last on the final walk for Crumlin Children’s Hospital. It was a lovely sight to see them all walking – dogs, buggies and blue T-shirts for such a great cause. Listowel was the finishing point. I’m sure if you still want to support the cause it would be most welcome.

I loved Peg Prendeville’s poem in last week’s newsletter “Grandchildren Sleeping Over”. She said it just as it is and I could completely identify with her words and thoughts. I thing Peg should really put her poems in book form – a gifted poet!

Congrats and good wishes go to Máireád White (daughter of Margaret and Ned) of Coole, Athea, who, on Saturday last was married here in Athea to David Moriarty. Canon John O’Shea was the celebrant of the nuptial ceremony. The chief bridesmaid was Elena Harnett, assisted by Rose King, Liz Gleeson and Laura O’Connor. The best man was Keith Moriarty and Paul Doherty and Sean Buck were groomsmen. Flower girls were Amy O’Connor and Amelia Gleeson. A great day was enjoyed by everyone at The Devon Inn Hotel. Wishing them all the best.

Happy 18th birthday to Kate Redmond of Lower Athea (daughter of Pauline and John) who recently celebrated her 18th birthday. Best wishes to her.

Congrats to Jamie Hayes of Templeathea (son of Patsy and James) and his new wife Cherie who were married recently in Australia and who are presently on holidays here. They had a lovely celebration attended by relatives at their home on Sunday last which everyone enjoyed thoroughly. Wishing them all the very best and a safe journey back to Australia. Also Jamie’s brother Bobby was home from Oz to join in the celebrations.

Thought for the week: – “The value of life lies not in the length of days but in the use we make of them”