By Kathleen Mullane

Sincere congrats and good wishes go to Sarah and Neilus Brouder of Templeathea on the birth of their second child, a little girl they are naming Madeline, a little sister for their son Conor. The proud grandmothers are sent good wishes also – Mary Brouder in Coole and Mary Murray of Gortnagross. Wishing mother and baby all the very best.

It was birthday time for Áine O’Sullivan of Lower Athea (daughter of Anne Marie and Connie) who celebrated her 21st birthday on Saturday night last at Collins’ Bar here in Athea along with her family, a great night was enjoyed by everyone with music and dancing till late.

Well the past week saw Mossy Higgins of Glasha being laid to rest in Templeathea and Ned O’Keeffe being buried in Holy Cross (as I had mentioned them in last week’s corner) May they both rest in peace.

Then Stephen Casey also passed away towards the end of the past week. Many came to pay their last respects on Friday evening at Kelly’s funeral parlour. Stephen was well known all over the area, transporting animals to the mart for many farmers. Stephen’s requiem mass was followed by burial in Holy Cross cemetery. Sincere sympathy goes to his sister Joan and brother Billy, relations and many friends. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Well I went to the opening, Thursday night, of the Athea Drama Group’s 25th production – namely “Pretend Sick”. A packed hall for the 1st night and no doubt 3 more nights to go this week. It was thoroughly enjoyable and “a laugh a minute” – which is what everyone needs, as the saying goes “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. There is too much sadness and worry in the world and not to talk of stress. So go along, enjoy and support the drama group on this great production for which they have put in many long hours of practice. Well done.

What a beautiful 1st anniversary mass on Saturday evening last for little Ella Ahern of Garrygloss who passed away last year at such a young age. The Athea N.S. choir led by Anne-Marie Horgan (teacher) and Margaret Carroll really made it a very special and touching ceremony and little Emma Scanlon’s solo performance had everyone including Fr. Duggan in awe. Michael Ahern (Ella’s dad) is doing a parachute jump in March to raise money for the “Bumbleance” (the ambulance that brings sick children to and from the children’s hospitals in Dublin). You are please asked to support this and there are sponsorship cards in the shops etc. Well done to Michael for taking on this challenge.

Save the 8th:- on Saturday, March 10th there will be a huge Rally in Dublin and a march against Abortion. Everyone is invited to this Rally on the 8th Amendment which is so important.

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