By Kathleen Mullane

Thanks is extended by West Limerick 102fm to all those who both volunteered for the church gate collection recently and also to everyone who gave so willingly to the collection which amounted to €418.35. The support enables the station to broadcast 7 days a week – 18 hours a day. Well done.

The annual trip to Knock by the Athea parishioners on Thursday last went very well and all enjoyed the day thoroughly, with the weather adding to the enjoyment of the day.

Our sacristan Carol, who does a great job in the church each day from weddings to funerals to christenings, arranging the flowers and altar and a lot more, will have her sacristan’s collection this coming weekend Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th. Envelopes are available at the 3 church doors or you can use your own. Please give your support.

Congrats to Jenny Byrne-Eiswert (daughter of Bertha and the late John of Templeathea) who, while home on holidays from Maryland USA, had a surprise “40th” birthday sprung on her by family, relatives and friends at the Top of the Town on Sunday evening last. All had a great night. Best wishes to Jenny.

It was also a 40th birthday for Alan Mulvihill (son of Maureen and Pat I of Hillside Drive) Alan celebrated his special birthday along with all his friends, relations and family at the Top of the Town on Saturday night last.

Congrats to well know local musician Eamon O’Riordan (son of Mary and Ned of Clash, Athea) who, on Friday last was married to Eva Drew (daughter of Bríd and Michael of Bridgetown, Co. Clare). Groomsmen were Dan Brouder, Brian Mooney and Hugh Healy. The bridesmaids were all cousins of the bride. The reception was held in The Falls Hoter in Ennistymon and the newlyweds are honeymooning in Spain. Best wishes for the future to Eva and Eamon.

Well the Athea Tidy Towns volunteers have been working ‘extra hard’ over the past number of weeks, all in preparation for the forthcoming visit of “Nationwide”. This is a huge boost for Athea and as far as possible we should all do our own bit. Whether you see a weed appearing if you are out walking, or rubbish thrown out on the approach roads or maybe even to “dead head” some of the flowers that are planted, all helps!

Thought for the week :-

“Age only matters if you are cheese, or wine or whiskey”.