By Kathleen Mullane

Back to School

Well can you believe it – it’s that time of the year again – where have the summer holidays gone? But at least this year we definitely can’t complain, it really was a “Summer to Remember”. Now for the parents and students it’s back to ‘organisation’ – homework – school runs, early bedtimes, early risings and the biggest issue I’m sure of all, will be the regulating of mobile phones – Xboxes etc, which some households I know are going to make sure that all mobiles are left in a central place e.g. the kitchen each night. After all that – just to wish all the young children who are starting off a happy few years ahead in National School, and to secondary and college students, all the very best for the new school year

On Saturday evening, September 8th there will be a ‘special graduation ceremony’ for the altar servers – both girls and boys who are now moving on  to secondary school and being replaced by the next younger group of girls and boys. No doubt they are thanked for their input and help into our church and are wished well for the future.

A good crowd attended the meeting in the hall on Thursday night last with regard to the forthcoming proposal of the closure of our post office. Domhnall de Barra chaired the meeting which was attended by some of our local Councillors and T.Ds  – namely Francis Foley, John Sheahan, Niall Collins, Liam Galvin and Tom Neville all who spoke and gave their commitment to the retaining, hopefully, of our post office. Helen Browne, who is retiring, is wished all the best – however there are 2 suitable premises, it is hoped, that would be in a position to retain the P.O. A further meeting between an appointed committee was held on Friday night and no doubt they will bring the case to the appropriate people. So fingers crossed! The main thing that came out of the meeting was that we all should be using the post office a lot more than having it for social welfare and pension payments. For example by paying TV and dog licences, property tax, stamps (postage, TV and savings stamps) electricity bills and a lot more.

The post office was a meeting place for people who may not get into Athea that much and also with the closure of our P.O. It would have an awful effect on our little village – thankfully at least we have a shop – many villages can’t even give a gallon of milk or bread to their community – all their shops being closed down – We Live in Hope

The wedding took place recently of Eddie Barrett  (son of Mary and Denis, Templeathea) to Mary Anne Leahy of Listowel. The nuptial ceremony took place at ‘The Killarney Oaks Hotel’. Denis had his brother Raymond as best man and the junior groomsman was Daniel Barrett. The maid of honour, Siobhán Deady, was a long-time friend of the bride, the junior bridesmaid was Aimee Barrett, pageboy was Dean Barrett and the flower girls Chloe Barrett and Kayleigh Finucane. A great day was enjoyed by all.