By Kathleen Mullane

Many Congrats 

Sincere congrats and good wishes are extended to Fiona & Kevin O’Keeffe of Rathronan, Athea, who were blessed with their first baby, a little girl they are calling Emma, over the weekend. Anne & Tom O’Keeffe, proud grandparents in Upper Athea are also sent good wishes. And no doubt the staff and pupils of both Athea N.S. (where Fiona works) and Tarbert Comprehensive (where Kevin teaches) extend their good wishes also.

Well it was a very exciting birthday for Betty Murphy of Gortnagross last week as she celebrated her “80th” birthday – indeed a great milestone in one’s life. Mass was said by Fr. Duggan at the hall and afterwards family, relatives and friends enjoyed a lovely party. Many congrats to Betty on this joyous occasion and here’s to many more years of health and happiness to her.

Thanks to all who supported the church gate collection last weekend in aid of St. Vincent’s, Lisnagry to help those with special needs. Despite the awful weather a total of €370 was collected.

Well today being ‘Valentine’s Day’ we wish everyone a ‘Love’ filled day. No doubt their will be flowers, chocolates and all kinds of goodies being given to loved ones – the only thing is the day coincides with ‘Ash Wednesday’ but sure make the best of it

A big discussion last week whether or not to switch between “old time” (winter-time) and summer-time. There was ‘for’ and ‘against’, but by the looks of things ‘winter time’ will be a thing of the past, which would be great especially for those who detest the long, dark nights.

Well the much ‘looked forward’ to “Pretend Sick” starts this Thursday night and continues for a further 6 nights. The drama group have put in endless hours of practice, learning lines, dedication, giving up their time – so now it all ‘has come to fruition’. We wish them well and if any of the past productions are anything to go by, it should be a great show full of laughs and much more.

The death took place over the weekend of Mossie Higgins of Glasha, Athea. Mossy was a true gentleman and was one of the first to arrive at mass every weekend. At the time of writing no funeral arrangements had been made. Sincere sympathy to his immediate family, relations and friends. ‘May he rest in peace’.

The death has also taken place of Ned O’Keeffe, Gortnagross, Athea. Ned had been in the care of St. Catherine’s Nursing Home in NewcastleWest for the past while. I have no arrangements. We offer sympathy to his wife Mary and family and his relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace.

Thought for Valentines Week:- “Love means never having to say your are sorry”