By Kathleen Mullane
Happy Christmas
Firstly, I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every reader of the Athea Parish Newsletter, along with my fellow correspondents and of course Lillian and Domhnall a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year.
Congrats incidentally to Domhnall & Lillian on yet another great production of the Athea Parish Journal – indeed a great read for the Christmas period, and especially as a gift for our emigrants.
Sincere congrats go to Kate Hunt (daughter of Pat and Tova) and granddaughter of Teady, Coole, who recently was a silver medalist in the U-23 singles representing Bath University in the British Rowing Championship. Well done Kate.
Congrats to Gráinne & Conor Brouder of Templeathea on the birth of their new baby girl Éabha, a little sister for Séodín & Conchúir. Congrats also to the proud grandparents Noreen & Gene Brouder and Mike & Bridie Twomey.
Sympathy is extended to Teresa Flavin & Joe Dalton on the death of their sister’s grandson Dylan McConnell in Tramore at the weekend. Dylan was just 14 years old and had been ill for the past few years. ‘May he rest in peace’.
Sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Denihan, Gortnagross, who passed away at St. Catherine’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West at the weekend. She reposed at St. Catherine’s on Sunday evening and removal took place after to Athea Church. Burial took place after requiem mass on Monday to Templeathea cemetery. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.
This Thursday 21st is Grandparent’s Day at Athea N.S. Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon in the church followed by the official opening of the Autistic playground. There will be teas/coffee etc afterwards. This is always a lovely day for the grandparents.
Well, Athea was “the hive of activity” on Friday morning last when Anne Marie Horgan N.T. brought along some of the children from the school, helped by Mary O’Connor S.N.A., to sing Christmas Carols near Colleen’s cake stall. They were much enjoyed by everyone and even a verse of a song made up about Colleen’s cakes – all were treated to mulled wine & buns etc. by Colleen and Matt – Athea was really in the spirit of Christmas!
After Christmas, Sunday morning mass will be at the earlier time of 10.30am and daily morning mass at 9.15am to enable both Fr. Duggan & Fr. Mullins to cover for each other when needed.
Congrats to Catherine Tierney (daughter of Margaret and Ted) Templeathea, who celebrated her 21st birthday on Saturday night last, with a party attended by family, relatives and friends at Collins’ Bar, Athea. All had a great night.
The wedding took place on Saturday last of Catherine Hayes (daughter of Denis and the late Noreen) of Templeathea, to Joseph Walsh. The nuptial ceremony was performed by Fr. Tony Mullins here in Athea Church. We congratulate the newlyweds and wish them all the vey best for the future. A great day was enjoyed by everyone who attended
The AGM of Athea Credit Union will take place on this Friday night at 7pm in their Athea office. All members are invited to attend.
We remember with fondness those who have passed away this year in our parish and we welcome a brand New Year, which hopefully will be a happy and peaceful one for all.. “Happy New Year”