By Kathleen Mullane

‘Congrats’ 

Yet again another week of ‘new babies’ and other congratulations! Firstly, congrats and good wishes are extended to Elaine and Rob Collins of Knocknagorna on the birth of their first baby, a little girl they are calling Eimear. Congrats also to the proud grandparents Noreen and Matt Tierney of Templeathea and Kathleen and Paddy Collins in Knocknagorna.

A first baby also for Andrea Greaney and Jeremiah Healy, a little boy they are naming Finn. Best wishes also to the first time grandparents Ita and Tommy Greaney, Templeathea and Mary and Teady Healy in Abbeyfeale.

Birthday wishes go to Noreen Brouder of Templeathea who celebrated her 60th birthday along with family and friends recently at the Top of the Town. A great night was enjoyed by all.

Thanks are extended by the organizers of the Coffee Morning last week, to all those who came along and supported the very worthy cause in aid of Milford Hospice.

Well, the Listowel Races are over for yet another year and thankfully the races were able to go ahead every day even though the ground was “testing” at times after all the rain. Wednesday saw big crowds attending for the Kerry National. And of course Friday, being Ladies Day, saw a massive crowd there and the sun even shone out! There was every colour under the sun – hats of unbelievable shapes and sizes – and of course young ladies “wobbling” over and back with the ‘highest’ of heels – but isn’t it all a bit of fun. Now once the races are over it’s settling down properly for all the students – the nights are drawing in – but you know what, we are alive and well!

Don’t forget “World Gratitude Day” on this Thursday, September 21st – so if you need to say ‘Thank You’ to anyone – this is the day to do it – a word of ‘thanks’ means a lot.

Well done to the Athea Ladies Intermediate team who, despite not winning against St. Bridgids in the final in Bruff on Saturday last, put on a good display, despite missing 3 of their key players and Maedbh Nash suffering from concussion, it wasn’t easy for them.

What a lovely mass on Wednesday last for the Athea National School children to start their year. The singing was beautiful – well done to all.

Thought for the Week:- ‘Just because you made a mistake, doesn’t mean that you are a mistake’.