By Kathleen Mullane

The death has taken place over the weekend of Seanie (Sean) Quinn of Templeathea. Sean was well known and much loved by all, as he wore his ‘distinctive’ western cowboy hat during his life. Many came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Saturday evening. Burial took place on Sunday following requiem mass. Sincere sympathy is extended to his family, relatives and many friends. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Well, what an enjoyable night at the hall on Saturday when ‘Athea Vixens Basketball’ Club had their fundraiser. Lizzy Lyons “cooked up a storm” – from her healthy “baked cheesecake” to her  “fat-free” wagon-wheels and tasty lamb meat-balls and her couscous. (Incidentally, she will be on TV3 next Sunday morning and will open her outlet in Ballybunion, near Super-Valu, this Wednesday – we wish her continued success). And of course her helper and M.C. on the night John Sheahan, Councillor, added great ‘humour’ to the event and was flabbergasted by the unusual fruits and grains – no doubt John has taken on some “great tips” and will be of huge help to his wife Mary in the future! Even though there was a ‘tongue-tied’ moment when the word ‘Scone – Cutter’ was mentioned. (I’ll leave the rest to your imagination). Well done to all the organisers and to those who displayed their goods for the tastings. Trish Ahern and her co-helpers were presented with bouquets of flowers by the young basketball players. Athea has one of the best clubs in the area, a fact Trish can be proud of.

Many took part in the ‘Darkness into Light’ walk on an early Saturday morning in aid of Pieta House and suicide prevention in the surrounding areas of Listowel and Newcastle West. Indeed a great thing to do to help the cause.

Linda Mumbray is back with her ‘Yoga’ classes (following knee surgery) on this Monday 21st May starting at 7pm – 8.30pm. All are welcome, indeed a great way of relaxing, de-stressing and getting those muscles supple! Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t done Yoga before – come and get a taste of it.

The weather in this country dictates all our lives to an extent especially the farming community – who at this stage are nearly 4 weeks behind in their work due to the wet weather. Even the past few nights and early mornings have been quite frosty. In May everything seems “to amplify” – as in the evenings are hopefully going to get warmer and longer, the swallows will arrive, the cuckoo is singing, the landscape is waking up with new life. We live in hope for long, hot, sunny days to come.