By Kathleen Mullane

Congrats and well done to Shannon Brady of Upper Athea, who recently won the N.F. Fighter of the Year Award at the Charity Ball held at The Listowel Arms Hotel recently. The event was organized by Shannon in aid of the N.F. Association of Ireland – the Irish Charity set up to help those affected by N.F. – a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow in nerves in the body. Danny Brady, Shannon’s brother, also got an award for being a great support to Shannon and their family. A great night was enjoyed by all.

Don’t forget the Going Strong Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 6th at the Top of the Town. This is always a great day with Christmas dinner, dancing and loads of spot-prizes. All are welcome, so get your names in this week

Congrats and well done to the U14 boys basketball team who, on Friday night last, had a great win in Farranfore. And they completed their ‘winning streak’ on Sunday last by beating Castleisland ‘A’ team. They are going from strength to strength.

The death took place during the week of Kieran Sheehy of Templeathea and Cabinteely, Dublin. Kieran passed away, after his illness, at Milford Hospice. Many came to pay their final respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Wednesday evening last.  Concelebrated Requiem Mass was on Thursday and burial took place to Holy Cross Cemetery afterwards. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Hannah, his daughters, relatives and many friends. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

At our recent hall meeting the installation of the new hall windows was one of the main points of discussion. They will be put in shortly and it’s great to see these improvements being made. Recent visitors to the hall were so impressed with the sports-hall, the front hall and everything else about it, so we should be extremely grateful to have this great facility in our midst.

Well I’ve heard is all now – can you believe it was suggested on the news during the week and in the papers, that grandparents aren’t going to be allowed, in the near future, to “Hug” their grandchildren. The reason being it may have an affect on them in later years! What a load of – I’ll put it mildly – CODSWALLOP. I could be ‘Blunter’ – but I’ll refrain – maybe the parents will be the next to be stopped. I wonder what “bright spark” came up with the idea – maybe someone who longs for a grandparent’s hug or cuddle. As long as I have breath in my body – I’ll keeping giving my grandchildren a hug!

This weekend Rose’s (at Brouder’s) Christmas Shop opens next door – and with our 2 shops it is great to be able to shop locally.