By Kathleen Mullane

Well, last Tuesday saw the 5th and 6th class girls and boys of Athea N.S. receiving their Confirmation from Bishop Brendan Leahy. In advance of their special day, an amount of work was done; from the Athea N.S. choir practising to the teachers doing an amount of work. And of course the Tús workers and helpers did great work in and around the church grounds with the lawns etc. looking immaculate. The day wasn’t too bad for the occasion, though cooler and damper than previous days. The ceremony itself was beautiful and concelebrated by Canon Tony Mullins, Fr. Brendan Duggan and Fr. Denis Mullane. The choir, led by Margaret Carroll and Tara Finucane, was uplifting. Bouquets of flowers were presented to the teachers and those who helped. Bishop Brendan sent a  letter complimenting the parents, the School and everyone who made it a ‘lovely, meaningful day’ for all, he also thanked Carol and Teresa for the tea and scones and Colleen for the lovely dinner. In all “a very memorable occasion for everyone”.

Well, Saturday last – which indeed was a beautiful day – saw a great group of the Tidy Towns volunteers working very hard, preparing the footpaths to put up hanging baskets on poles, which indeed will be another great improvement in our little village. The flowers have been planted on the wall overlooking the bridge and great work is being done by all. One problem still remaining as“litter bugs” are still throwing out rubbish along the approach roads to Athea. Every time I walk in, I come out with a bag or sometimes even my hat full of bottles, cans and cigarette boxes. The ‘Good Friday’ – Limerick Clean Up must not be done in vain! Please refrain from throwing rubbish about.

Yoga with Linda Mumbray starts back this week and will continue each Monday night in the hall from 7 – 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome, newcomers as well as dedicated Yoga lovers and as we all know ‘Yoga’ is excellent for ‘stress’ ‘muscles’, your mind and a lot more. Any enquiries to Linda on 087-9386369.

This Friday sees voting on the 8th Amendment. We are all advised to take this important opportunity to vote. As no doubt it will be a close result.

What is happening to our small country? – over the weekend a 14 year old girl savagely beaten to death in Lucan. Then a 24 year old girl walking home, on a bright evening abducted – an only child here for 3 years from the Philippines and her abductor now dead – hopefully she will be found alive very soon.