By Kathleen Mullane

Well “the Fair of the Village” is over for yet another year and what started off slowly on Saturday morning last gained momentum and good crowds attending throughout the day. There was a mixture of hens, geese, ducks, horses, ponies etc., combined with the various smells of chips and burgers from the wagons that all are part of the day. In all a great day that was enjoyed by moms, dads and all the kiddies. The Athea Ladies footballers were also out in force doing their usual fund-raiser and they thank all who supported them.

Great to see one of our own “Tom Moran” of Toureen being named Business Person of the Year, held recently in the City West Hotel in Dublin. We wish him well as he recovers (and he’s doing well), having had a hard past 2 years after his stroke. Tom has also been a great sponsor for Limerick GAA for many years and Limerick’s All Ireland win was “the icing on the cake” for him. Well done Tom.

Great to see Mary Twomey (O’Sullivan) Park, Athea, being named Limerick Carer of the Year 2018, having been nominated by Dr. Kieran Murphy and so deservedly. We wish her all the best for the All Ireland Carer of the Year.

The annual remembrance mass for all those in the parish who passed away during the year, was held on Saturday night last and was as always a very touching but lovely ceremony. A scroll remains on the altar with the names of those who died. Also the remembrance tree where you can place the names of your loved ones who will be remembered this month.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the McAuliffe family of Toureen on the death suddenly of Sean last week. Many came to Kelly’s funeral parlour to pay their last respects on Tuesday evening. Burial followed requiem mass on Wednesday to Holy Cross cemetery. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Sympathy also goes to the family of young Jamie McCoy of Abbeyfeale, whose death was a shock to his family, relatives and friends last week. Huge crowds attended Harnett’s funeral home in Abbeyfeale on Thursday night. Burial followed requiem mass in Abbeyfeale, to Holy Cross cemetery here in Athea where he was laid to rest alongside his grandfather Mick McCoy. May his young soul find eternal peace.

Rosary for those buried in Templeathea cemetery will be at approximately 11.30 am on Sunday next.

Thought for the Week:

“Too many overvalue what they are not – and undervalue what they are”.