By Kathleen Mullane

Congrats to Seán and Siobhán Liston on the birth of their son Kieran who they recently christened. Congrats also to the proud grandparents Kay & John Liston of Upper Athea.

Our sacristan Carol O’Connor will have her collection on 2nd/3rd February. Carol does an amount of work in and around the church, at all masses, funerals, weddings, flowers for the altar, church notices, anniversaries etc. So please show her your appreciation.

The best of luck to Gerry Griffin who has now officially retired from the Garda Force. Members of the Gardaí, relatives and friends wished him well at the Listowel Arms, then at White’s and Collins’ here in Athea and also in Knockdown. He is wished well for his retirement.

Sincere congrats to Carla Sheehy (daughter of Margaret and Dick, Hillside Drive) who has recently become engaged to Eoin Moroney of Tournafulla. Best wishes to them both on this very happy occasion.

Yoga starts again this week from 7–8.30pm with Linda Mumbray. It’s a great way of de-stressing, getting fitter and meeting up with friends. And at just €5 a session it’s brilliant value for money.

Well for those of you who may not read the GAA section in the Newsletter or Observer – the club is seeking volunteers for the forthcoming S.D.C. (singers, dancers and chancers). Some good helpful men, women and youths have already had a few sessions with choreographer, Cassie, which takes place on Tuesday/Wednesday nights at the Top of the Town. The show will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at the Devon Inn and should be a fantastic night. It’s a fundraiser to reduce the debt of over €45,000 on the new pitch, lights and walking track. So if you can get a few people together or even if you want to do a “Solo Act” mime, sing, dance or whatever, please come along or contact Paul Curry, Pat O’Sullivan or Derek Byrne who will help you. This is a “Community effort” so please help. Parents, footballers, soccer players, students, mothers & others, ladies teams – the club needs you along with the clergy, TUS workers etc.

This year’s First Communion Day is on Saturday, May 11th and the girls and boys are busy preparing for their special day with their ‘Do this in memory’ programme.

The roads are very dangerous these mornings and evenings, it’s so dark – it’s imperative that Hi-Vis jackets are worn. A hint by a youth recently said it would be a goo

d idea for a bundle of Hi-Vis jackets to be left in pubs so that those going for a drink and walking home could take a Hi-Vis jacket from the pub.