By Kathleen Mullane

Well we all hoped that Nan Hurley would make it to the wonderful “100th” birthday, but unfortunately she passed to her eternal reward just a few days short of her “Big Occasion”, in the care of the staff at Beechwood Nursing Home in NewcastleWest. Up to recently Nan was able to sing a song, recite a poem and was in full voice and a great lover of doing crosswords etc. Many  came to pay their last respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Tuesday evening last. Requiem mass on Wednesday was concelebrated by Fr. Duggan and Fr. Denis Mullane. Burial followed at Holy Cross where Nan was laid to rest to the tones of “The Rose of Tralee” – she was indeed a “Rose” in her own right – a lover of nature. Sincere sympathy is extended to her son Denis, daughters Anne and Mary, relatives and many friends. ‘Go ndeana Dia Trócaire le na h’anam’.

This Saturday, February 23rd sees a bike collection at the Tralee Rugby Club from 11-5pm. If you have any old bikes you no longer use (not tricycles) they would be very welcome. They will be sent to Africa and used by the kids to cycle to school – indeed a great thought.

Well Athea Drama Group must be complimented on their wonderful production yet again – their “26th” can you believe it – they have been producing great plays since 1992 and in those years have given to so many deserving charities. Also they have enabled many organisations in Athea to raise funds in the hall kitchen by selling teas/coffees etc during the play intervals. And on behalf of the Lourdes Volunteer and Invalid Fund I would like to thank them for giving us the kitchen on this final night of their drama. It will help defray the costs of sending some of the Athea invalids and youth volunteers Maedbh O’Donovan, Templeathea and Aidan Curry, Dirreen to Lourdes in June on the Limerick pilgrimage. Fr. Duggan has invited Emily Clarke to come and perform at the fund-raising concert in the church at the end of March. Emily is a wonderful singer and her voice can be heard on her C.D. which is played at Mass on Saturday evenings, we look forward!

Tickets are now on sale at Collins’ for the GAA fundraiser in less than 2 weeks time, March 2nd at the Devon Inn. The launch night was last Friday at the Top of the Town and excitement is mounting! Buy your tickets early as there will be huge demand.

The death has occurred of Maud O’Connell (nee Ahern) Cork and late of Parkanna, Athea, sister of Betty Murphy, Gortnagross & Ted Ahern, Upper Athea and the late Tom Ahern. Sincere sympathy is extended to her family, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.