By Kathleen Mullane

The death took place over the past week of Nora Barrett of Rooska, Athea. Nora was in her nineties and up until recent years enjoyed nothing but a good dance, loving her music. Many came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Friday evening last, Nora being a kind and gentle soul. Requiem mass on Saturday was followed by burial to Holy Cross Cemetery. Sincere sympathy to her family, relatives and a large circle of friends. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

Well the sun well and truly shone out for the First Communion class on Saturday morning last here in Athea. It was a lovely ceremony and all the boys and girls looked beautiful. Thankfully it stayed dry for the photos. We wish them all the best as they journey on to another stage in their lives.

Congrats and best wishes are extended to Billy Collins of Knocknagorna who celebrated his “90th” birthday with a great party and get-together attended by his relations and close friends at Moore’s Bar in Carrigkerry on Saturday night last. A great night was had by everyone. Here’s to good health and many more years enjoyment of life Billy!

Thanks is extended by John Hunt and his helpers, to all those who attended the coffee morning at the hall on Thursday last. It was a fund-raiser to help send invalids to Lourdes in June. An account has been opened at the Credit Union, so if anyone would like to contribute they are welcome to do so.

Confirmation takes place here in Athea for the boys and girls of 5th and 6th class on Tuesday, May 15th at 1.30pm. Bishop Brendan Leahy will be in Abbeyfeale in the morning to confirm the pupils there.

Don’t forget on Saturday, May 12th Athea Vixen’s Basketball Club are holding a fund-raiser for the club here in the hall. The doors are open at 7pm with Lizzie Lyons of “Lizzie’s Little Kitchen” (in Listowel and Ballybunion) holding a cookery demonstration. Lizzie is often to be seen on T.V.3 on Ireland A.M. There will be tastings galore, a lovely door prize and some great raffle prizes. So if you haven’t yet got a ticket – hurry up as they will go like “hot buns”. They are €15 each and can be got from Trish Aherne or any of the basketball club members.

Well, Saturday last was “D-Day” for calling to the blessed well here in Templeathea. The last Saturday of April. Years ago people came from far and wide even on their bikes to pray at the well for a special intention. The custom is still being kept – but maybe not as many visit on the day. However I’m sure any day a visit can be made!