By Kathleen Mullane
“Happy New Year”
Firstly can I wish all readers of our Parish Newsletter a very Happy, Holy & Healthy New Year and all the very best for 2020.
Yet again another Christmas is over and the decorations are being taken down over the past few days. And as we put them away for another year – we always wonder who will be around when they are pulled out next Christmas.
On St. Stephen’s Day Ted White reposed at Kelly’s funeral parlour. Many came to pay their final respects. Burial followed requiem mass on Friday to Holy Cross. Sincere sympathy goes to his wife Mary, daughter Tara and extended family. ‘May he rest in peace’.
Sympathy is extended to Seán Wall of Galeside, Athea on the death last week of his father John Wall of Shanagolden. He reposed at Ferris’ funeral parlour on Thursday, January 2nd with burial on Friday in Kilbrathern cemetery. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.
The death also took place last week of Fr. Jim Hannon, brother of Jeanelle Griffin of Templeathea. Many paid their final respects at O’Reilly’s funeral home in Newmarket, Co. Cork on Friday, January 3rd. Requiem Mass on Saturday was followed by burial in his beloved Ballybunion. We offer sincere sympathy to Jeanelle, Jerry and the Griffin family. ‘Go ndeana Dia trócaire le na hanam.
The death also took place recently of Julia Mullane of Tarmons, Tarbert. Her remains were brought to Holy Cross here in Athea for burial. Sympathy to her relatives and many friends. ‘May she rest in peace.
Christmas Eve masses, as always, were very well attended and the extra children’s/family mass at 6pm had the school choir. The 8pm mass had the adult choir, all adding a Christmas atmosphere.
The wrenboys it seemed kept to the towns and villages – it was the first time that we didn’t have a batch – hopefully the tradition isn’t dying.
The Soccer Charity game at The Vales on St. Stephen’s Day had a great crowd with the money raised going this year to the Athea Going Strong.
“Athea Lights Up” walking initiative in association with ‘Athea GAA’ – ‘Operation Transformation and ‘Get Ireland Walking’ will start on this Thursday night, January 9th for 8 weeks. The venue is Athea GAA pitch from 7-8pm. Dress appropriately and bring high-vis jackets if you have one. Admission is free and open to the entire parish and beyond. Young and old come along, all welcome.
Congratulations to Aoife O’Connor, daughter of Mary and Tom, Clash, Athea who got engaged over the Christmas to John Fitzgerald of Tralee.