By Kathleen Mullane

‘Many Congrats’ 

Sincere congrats are extended to Helena and Arthur Mooney on the birth of their new baby girl they are naming Alice. A little sister for Nancy. Congrats are also sent to the proud grandparents here in Athea, Mary Ellen and Denis Collins of Templeathea.

Wedding bells in the Nolan household over the weekend when Marian and Willie Nolan’s daughter Áine was married to Drew Donnelly. The nuptial ceremony was performed in Adare by Fr. Peter Sexton. The bride was assisted by her two sisters Brita (Jordan) and Una (Sheehy). The bestmen were John McCarthy and Rory Moran. Family and friends had a great day of celebrations at ‘The Dunraven Arms’. Congrats and good wishes go to the newly weds.

Athea Tidy Towns wish to thank very sincerely everyone who gave so willingly and generously to their Church gate collection at the weekend. I’m sure everyone will agree they do “the utmost” to keep Athea looking superb not only in the summer but in winter too. Well done to the very hard-working and dedicated committee. And remember we must all do our bit picking up bottles and rubbish that others so carelessly throw around.

The mass for the late John Joe Quaid takes place on this Saturday, here in Athea at 12 noon, with burial of his ashes after mass in Holy Cross cemetery. ‘May he rest in peace’.

Well we weren’t long after Hurricane Ophelia when storm Brian raised it’s head. And incidentally some people felt ‘the gusts’ around here were as strong, if not stronger, than Ophelia. Hopefully they have all ‘been laid to rest now’ and that the leaves blowing around will be finished with!

Don’t forget to put together your shoe boxes before the deadline (I’m not exactly sure when it is, but I will find out). It costs very little to put a few bits and pieces together for some very deserving child and when you see their ‘smiling faces’ on television as they open their boxes it’s all very worthwhile and that’s what Christmas should be about ‘caring and sharing’.

Hopefully anyone out there who wants their photos or articles published in this year’s Parish Journal will get all the necessary into Cáirde Duchais before the weekend, as a lot of work goes into putting the journal together especially if you want to give it as a Christmas present or post it to family and friends overseas.

Thought for the week:- “When anger rises – think of the consequences”.