By Kathleen Mullane

Congrats and good wishes are extended to Joe Hurley (formerly of Athea) and now a retired sergeant along with his wife Eileen. He celebrated his “90th” birthday on Thursday night last along with a gathering of his relatives and old Athea friends here in Collins’ Bar. A great night of ‘fun’ and ‘reminiscing’ was enjoyed by all. Here’s to the next many years of good health to Joe.

A lovely commemoration ceremony took place outside Collins’ Shop/Bar on Sunday morning last after mass in memory of “a gifted stone-mason” Dan Hanrahan, whose 1st Anniversary mass was celebrated also on that morning. Athea village and beyond has been enhanced by Dan’s superb work. Leo Finucane made the plaque which was erected by Athea Community Council. Domhnall de Barra said a few words about Dan and his talent. Fr. Duggan blessed the plaque afterwards. It’s nice to see that Dan’s memory will live on in Athea for years to come. I myself can look out every day at my stone wall that he built, and be grateful for such workmanship! May he rest in peace.

Congrats to Conor Mullane of Knocknagorna who, last Friday night, was awarded his West Board Hall of Fame Award at Rathkeale House Hotel. Representatives from Athea GAA also attended. Well done Conor.

Sincere sympathy to Mary Hunt of Coole, her husband Seán and family on the recent death of Mary’s father John McCarthy of Kilflynn. He was laid to rest following Requiem Mass on Saturday in Kilflynn. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Well the “excitement is mounting now” for the S.D.C. (singers, dancers & chancers) fundraising night at The Devon Inn Hotel on next Saturday, March 2nd. Tickets are on sale at Collins’ Shop for €20 and you are advised to purchase quickly as they will go like “hot buns”. Ads are all collected for which the club are extremely grateful to all who gave. Acts are doing their final practise session. In all it should be a great “Community Night”. And what better way to support the club and having a facility of pitch, walking/running track and gym for everyone.

The date has been set for the fundraising concert for the Youth Volunteers and invalids from Athea on the Limerick pilgrimage to Lourdes in June. It will be held here in the church on Sunday evening March 31st at 7pm. Emily Clarke along with some of the brilliant Limerick musicians will perform at the concert, along with Athea talent. It should be a great evening of music, song and dance and your support would be great. We now have 3 youth volunteers Maedbh Donovan, Aidan Curry and Eoin Sheahan and we will have invalids also from the parish.

Well there was “a little bit of heaven” on Saturday last as we all enjoyed the lovely sunshine. I went to Ballybunion with some of my family and grandkids and walked the cliff walk. To look out towards ‘The Virgin Rock’ – ‘The Nun’s Beach” and over to Clare, it was heavenly. And of course we had to tell the story of the 9 daughters hole!!