By Kathleen Mullane

Open-air mass was celebrated on Wednesday evening last by Fr. Duggan at the Mass-rock up at Tony Constello’s and what a beautiful evening it was for the occasion, coupled with the gorgeous views. There wasn’t a big crowd, but those that made the effort to attend really appreciated the surroundings and the peacefulness. And would you believe we had over 20 cows in attendance and a bull, who stood enthralled and were part of the ceremony standing around the altar. Thanks to all who helped to set up the altar and the chairs etc.

Well Athea has once again taken the great initiative and “come up trumps” with the forthcoming fund-raiser in aid of the Ronald McDonald House. Red and white bunting are “flying high” in many locations –  we have a red and white painted house in the village and a van in the school yard – all making the place look amazing! It will be a great weekend starting with the Coffee Morning on Friday, October 4th and the great fun-run on Sunday 6th. We don’t realise the huge benefit the Ronald McDonald House is to families who have sick children – so tell everyone, friends and relatives from all over the county and beyond to come along and support this great cause. And bring along the kids too there will be loads for them to get involved in.

Congrats to John Paul O’Riordan, son of Willie and Joan, Dirreen, who celebrated his 40th birthday in Listowel during the races.

A great crowd came along to the annual Coffee Morning last Thursday in aid of Milford Hospice. Of course the cakes, buns etc made by the dedicated volunteers went down a treat. If you still want to donate you can do so.

Sympathy is extended to Gerard and Anne Denihan, Lower Athea, on the recent death of Anne’s son Maurice (Mossie) Crowley, late of Kilbreedy East, Kilmallock. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

The past week saw our roads so busy with the last of the turf being brought home from the bogs and the farmers availing of the glorious weather to get work done. And doesn’t ‘the sun’ give everyone a great lift! The ‘blackberry picking’ is nearly at an end and I must say I find it strange that more people don’t go out and pick them and they still go into the supermarkets to buy them?? It’s a “very therapeutic exercise” and the children love it and what better for you than a handful on a bowl of porridge or cereal in the morning! Better to get the kids out and off the mobiles and I-pads also to enjoy the “little things” in life.

Thought for the week:-

Happiness loves to see people at work. It loves sweat, weariness, self-sacrifice. Happiness is not found in palaces, but lurking in fields, factories and hovering over littered desks.