By Kathleen Mullane

Those who took up the collection recently for The Friends of St. Ita’s – thank sincerely everyone who, as always, gave so willingly. A total of €768.00 was collected. Fergus Scanlon, organiser, thanks all who helped with the collection.

The wedding took place on Saturday last here in Athea Church of Aisling McAuliffe (daughter of Denise and John, Lower Athea) to David Brosnan (son of Micheál and the late Eileen, Upper Athea). Fr. Brendan Duggan performed the nuptial ceremony. The bride was assisted by her sisters Lisa and Shauna and Helena Musgrave and the groom by his brothers Thomas, John and Michael. The ring bear was Sean Óg Leahy, the pageboys Jamie and Gearóid Brosnan and the flowergirls Aoife Hayes and Saoirse Brosnan. A great day was enjoyed by family and friends at The Devon Inn Hotel. Congrats to the newly weds and best wishes for the future.

This Saturday night has the annual special Remembrance Mass for all those who have died since November 2017 to the present day. This is a very touching ceremony for all families who have lost a loved one and we remember them all with fondness.

Last Saturday night the children had their “Harvest time” mass and they all brought all kinds of fruit, vegetables, pumpkins even Fr. Duggan’s breakfast porridge. It was lovely and reminded everyone that we are so lucky to have good food and to respect the soil and be grateful.

Well, the “Fair of the Village” is fast approaching and Saturday, November 10th is the day when people will gather here in the village, chat about fairs gone by, check all the various animals for sale as well as the nick-knacks, clothes, stalls and a whole lot more. All that is hoped for is a nice, dry day and even if it’s wet, put on the wellies and coats and no doubt you will enjoy the buzz etc. A great day for parents and kids alike.

A reminder that there is another supply of the Celebration GAA DVD’s available now at Collins’ Shop. A great present for Christmas for those both at home and abroad.

“Thought for the week”-

‘On looking back we ponder on the things that we have done

And we sometimes wonder how the race is run

For life’s a game of pitch and toss we can’t win all the way.

Don’t count the cost, if you have lost

You’ll win another day’.