By Kathleen Mullane

Well I think Fr. Tony Mullins put it “in a nutshell” on Sunday morning last at mass here in Athea, when he was describing the S.D.C. GAA fundraiser the night before at The Devon Inn, in which himself and Fr. Duggan took part – alias “Men in Black”. He said, and I quote, “Live Shows, whether it be drama, a concert or whatever, are so good for bringing ‘a smile’ on everyone’s face. And in this age of technology with stress and so much more – laughter is the best medicine! A show like the Singers-Dancers and Chancers brings an entire community together and despite Athea being a not too big a community – everyone is so good to support fundraisers and help out in any way possible. It was brilliant to see our youth taking part also and afterwards going to thank the M.C. on the night – Timmy O’Donoghue who, incidentally, did a fantastic job. As the saying goes “Manners Cost Nothing”. The variety of acts on the night was tremendous from “The Men in Black” – Fr. Tony and Fr. Brendan to “The Young Offenders” to “Loose Springsteen (alias Kevin O’Keeffe, who I’m sure his students really enjoyed!). Then there was Pat O’Sullivan and Julie Finucane in “Double Trouble”. “Women with Attitude” (WWA were outstanding) Mrs. Brown’s Boys had everyone in stitches. As for ‘Teenage Kicks’ their dancing would have taken them to Riverdance any day. “The Full Monty” ended the show and what can I say, they could take the West End by storm. Hopefully Teresa O’Halloran (one of the judges) slept alright after being brought into their midst. Breeda Breen and Neilus Stackpoole along with Teresa did a great job. John Hunt kept a tally on the voting also. I could name so many people who got involved and put so much into making the night the huge success that it was – you know who you are. Paul Curry, chairman, thanked everyone and said the club will now be in a better position to further enhance Páirc na nGael.

Next week we look forward in anticipation to the next concert and fundraiser here in our church on March 31st to raise funds to send our youth volunteers and invalids to Lourdes, loads of talent again.

Congrats to the proud grandparents Joan and Tom O’Brien and Susan and Kevin Kelly all of Templeathea whose daughter Yvonne and son Christopher respectively have been blessed with their 1st baby, a little boy they are naming Hugh. Best wishes to the happy parents also.

Lent is with us this Wednesday so blessed ashes will be given out at 9.15am mass and evening mass on the day. The pans will be out for the pancakes on Tuesday no doubt. The question is “do we give up something – or indeed take on something”?