By Kathleen Mullane
Congrats and well done yet again to ‘Athea Tidy Towns’ committee, who, as well as going up 7 points in this year’s competition, did so brilliantly last week in the “Going for Gold” competition in the Strand Hotel, Limerick. The volunteers put in many hours of work throughout the year planting, weeding, watering and so much more – it’s a real credit to them. But I think our young people and schoolchildren even should get involved, it’s great training. I know a lot of us help with the “Big Clean-up” on Good Friday and we are constantly picking up other people’s rubbish around our own houses and roads. And God bless Fr. Duggan, he brings his bag every morning when he does his daily walk around the ring and fills it nearly every morning. And now with our post office closed, we have to put in an extra effort to keep “ATHEA ALIVE”. We must not be “disheartened” we have to be strong and all do our bit. It’s great to see so many houses getting a face-lift this year in the village – a few unoccupied premises now – and you would be surprised what “a coat of paint” can do. And don’t forget the Tidy Towns collection on 27th/28th, please give your continued support so that we can all be proud of our little village and surrounds.
D.V.Ds of the GAA Celebration Social are on sale at Collins’ Shop – a lovely keepsake at €15 each and a free booklet. More have come in as they were sold out last week.
Congrats to Maura Keane (Gleeson) of Cratloe who celebrated her 60th birthday recently in Listowel along with friends. All had a very enjoyable night.
Next week’s church gate collection is in aid of “The Friends of St. Ita’s”. We all know the great care given to patients there, so your support as always would be very much appreciated.
The “Athea Horse & Pony” race organisers wish to thank sincerely all the sponsors who recently helped to make the races happen – well done to all.
Well as I said our post-office has shut its doors after many years – “a sign of the times no doubt”. The Athea community wish Helen Browne all the very best in her retirement after 10 years of dedicated work, along with Margaret Quille who helped out.
Brown Joe’s are holding a Coffee Morning on Thursdays from 9-12 mid-day for any of the parents etc who might like to meet up after the school run etc. All are welcome for a chat and a cuppa!
It was great to see such a nice crowd gathered for the Blessing of the animals on Saturday last. I found this note in my letterbox this week entitled “OVERHEARD CONVERSATION”
Question: Mike, have you an animal for the blessing on Saturday?
Answer: Yes – I have a stray cat.
Question: Why are you getting him blessed?
Answer: I would be hoping and praying that he would go away!
Actually anyone wanting lovely kittens (white mostly) I have just 3 left ready for good homes.