By Kathleen Mullane
Well its’ been a busy week here in Athea since the last week’s newsletter. On Wednesday night last a huge crowd thronged the Memorial Hall for the annual Athea Tidy Towns Fashion Show and what a great night it was, as usual. Well done to the organisers who put so much effort into the show and of course the models both men, women and children were brilliant including Fr. Duggan who “strutted his stuff”. A huge amount of spot-prizes were given out for the raffle and “the best dressed lady” on the night went to Noreen Long sponsored by O’Riordan’s Pharmacy. In all a great night was enjoyed by all.
The Good Friday – Limerick Clean-up had men, women and kids out on the roads gathering up the rubbish, which was collected by the Tidy Towns people that day. Well done to everyone who helped. It’s made a great difference to all the approach roads and byroads into Athea. However the very next morning I picked up 2 cans and more papers that had yet been thrown out again. It’s a pity that these people can’t be “named and shamed” – it might stop them from destroying our roads.
Congrats to Conor Mulvihill and his partner Jane Wrenn who have been blessed with their new baby girl Meabh Mia, a little sister for Saoirse and Dáithí. Congrats also to the proud grandparents Mary T. and Denny Mulvihill, Colbert St.
Well the Easter ceremonies were lovely and well attended on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The Easter Vigil Mass at 9pm on Saturday night had the paschal fire burning and the altar was adorned with beautiful flowers – thanks to our local florists.
The open AA meeting at the hall on Good Friday night was, as always, very well attended and well done to the speakers and organisers who do so much good work and thanks to those in the kitchen who gave us all lovely tea etc after.
On Tuesday, May 7th there will be a special Memorial Mass for the late John Hunt of Chicago and formerly of Athea who passed away recently at a great age. John, as we know, travelled home to see Limerick win the All-Ireland hurling final last year and featured on the ‘Late Late Show’. He will be remembered fondly here in Athea and beyond by his many friends. Mass will be at 7pm.
Enjoy the glorious weather for the rest of the Easter holidays. It’s been so glorious up to now and Ballybunion etc thronged. It was also a great day on Saturday last for Rás na Mumhan that passed by and finished here in Athea. The sight of the pack of bikes and all the different colours “was a sight to behold”. Well done to all who took part.
Well don’t forget to join ‘Split the Bucket’ for the next draw coming up this weekend. Put your €2 in the envelopes provided with your name and number and who knows you may be lucky like our 1st winner Bibi Gleeson who won €100. Buckets are in the pubs, hairdressers, Collins’ etc and the money raised will go towards sending our volunteers and invalids to Lourdes in a few weeks time.