by Kathleeen Mullane

Well, as I put pen to paper this Sunday night and the sun is going down over Ballybunion direction, I’m sure everyone would agree that, if the weather continued as it has been  over the past number of days, Ireland would be one of the best places in the world to live in; no extremes of heat or cold, no tornados, no volcanoes, no earthquakes, no tsunami. We hope it continues for another few weeks anyway.

We wish all the very best to all the girls and boys who will be sitting their Leaving and Junior cert exams starting this Wednesday. No doubt the parents will be as anxious as the students.

Congrats and good wishes are extended to Padraig Palsh of Lower Athea, son of Sheile and Pat, who has celebrated his 21st birthday along with family and friends over the weekend.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Paudie Mulvihill of Glasha, Joan Manaher of Galeside Athea and Norrie Horgan of Upper Athea on the death during the week of their sister Mrs. Mary O’Donoghue of Duagh. May she rest in peace.

The Athea Tidy Towns volunteers were out in force early again on Saturday morning last. From watering flowers to cleaning signposts and a whole lot more, the village and its surrounds are really looking well. The area on top of the bridge has been replanted and is looking very colourful, also some of the house fronts in the village have been painted and this has further enhanced the look of Athea. Hopefully the points will go up after judging day and I suppose if everyone did their bit, pick up bottles, cans etc., it all helps.

With the recent spate of break-ins both in Athea and the surrounding towns and areas, it’s most important that everyone keeps their eyes open at all times with regard to noticing and taking registration numbers of cars that may be in unusual places or with occupants that are moving around the locality. It’s up to everyone to “keep an eye out” and watch out for neighbours who may be on their own or worried. We are living in a very strange world and with three murders over two weeks recently maybe we should be bringing in self defence to our schools and areas. Also I think it’s most important that young adults be taught “basic life skills” such as First Aid, CPR and life-saving skills when they are able to swim. With these skills maybe lives can be saved.

Congrats to Claire Horgan and Darragh Fitzgerald who were blessed with their first baby, a little boy they are calling Mason.  Congrats to Eileen and John Horgan the 1st time proud grandparents and Norrie Horgan, great grandmother.

Congrats are sent across the miles to Saudi Arabia to Lorraine and Paddy Horgan who have had their 3rd baby, a little girl they are calling Alexandria, a little sister for Cillian and Zara. Congrats to Joan and Tom O’Brien, the happy grandparents and John Horgan in Rathronan.