By Kathleen Mullane

It was a terrible shock to all who knew the family of Liam Finucane of Clounleharde, Ballyhahill, when news filtered through of his untimely death, at the young age of 27, following a road accident on Friday last. I’m told he was a gifted welder and a lovely young man. Sincere sympathy is extended to his grief stricken parents Haulie and Breda, sister Rachel, extended family and a large circle of friends. He will be laid to rest this week. ‘May his soul rest in peace’.

Athea St. Vincent de Paul wish to sympathise with the family of the late Mary Collins, who passed away recently. Mary had been a member of the St. Vincent de Paul for many, many years and had been involved in many projects, including the Athea Voluntary Housing. Her input into the organisation will not go unnoticed for a long time to come, for which they are very grateful. ‘May the light of Heaven be hers’.

Congrats to Karen Greaney, Templeathea (daughter of Ita and Tommy) who celebrated her 30th birthday recently, along with her family. Best wishes to Karen on her special day.

Well for those of you who couldn’t make mass on Saturday night last due to the icy roads – you can still include Carol, our Sacristan’s collection envelope next week in the basket collection. Saturday was a day of snow, hail, sleet and thunder but thankfully the roads didn’t stay icy for too long. I think it’s imperative when we have bad weather conditions, that everyone should make sure that they have their mobile phone on them at all times. A sad story I heard over the weekend of a farmer who went out to check a cow at night fell and broke his leg and died of exposure. A lesson for all of us to be learned.

Well the countdown is on to “2 big Athea productions”. This week sees the start of the Athea Drama Group’s production of “The Lonesome West” starting in the hall for 6 nights commencing on Thursday next. Booking is essential and no doubt it will be a great night out – we wish them well.

Tickets are also on sale for the S.D.C. – Athea GAA fundraiser at the Devon Inn on March 3rd. They are €20 each and can be got at Paul Collins’ Shop or by ringing me on 087-1233361. You are advised to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

Thought for the week:-

“It is easy enough to be pleasant, when life flows by like a song.

But the man worthwhile is the one who will smile –

When everything goes dead wrong”