By Kathleen Mullane

Well, Saturday last, though quite cold, remained fairly dry for the duration of the Fair Day here in the village. It was an early start for those erecting their stalls on the side of the street, selling clothes, bags, tools and knick-knacks, along with the variety of animals – horses, ponies, hens, ducks, geese and rabbits. People browsed along with their families, kids all exited and the older members of the community discussing “Fair Days” of years gone by. In all it was a memorable day and took everyone back   “a step in time”.

The mass on Saturday night was the annual Remembrance Mass for all those who died in the parish from 2018 to November ‘19. Also those were remembered who had connections with our parish. A candle was lit for each deceased person and the choir made it all the more special with their touching songs.

Dermot Pierse (student) spoke at Saturday night’s mass about his forthcoming trip to Kolkata at Easter and outlined his volunteering duties. He has to raise over €2,000 so envelopes can be given in next weekend with the donations you may wish to give, which will be gratefully received and put to good use. The trip is part of the Hope Foundation programme.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Jim Geaney and family of Toureen on the death over the weekend of Jim’s brother David (Davy) at UHK. Many paid their final respects at O’Shea’s funeral home in Killarney on Sunday evening. Burial followed requiem mass on Monday in Aghadoe cemetery. ‘May he rest in peace’.

Sympathy also to Mary and Pat Leahy of Moyvane on the sudden death of their daughter Nora O’Donoghue in Perth, Australia. Also to the extended Quinn family and relatives of Mary in Athea. ‘May the light of heaven be hers’.

One last call for photos and articles for this year’s Parish Journal. If it’s to be in time for Christmas posting, everything must be in before the weekend! So all clubs and parishioners gather up “the bits and pieces” and help out with Domhnall and Lillian’s task of putting it together promptly.

Congrats and well done to Trish and the Athea Vixens U/14s and U/16s basketball teams who both were victorious over their Kerry opponents here in the hall in Athea on Sunday last –  and isn’t it great to see the youth involved in sport.

Thought for the week:-

“If you haven’t any charity in your heart – you have the worst kind of heart trouble”.