By Kathleen Mullane

Sincere congrats and good wishes are extended to Denis Collins of Templeathea who recently celebrated his 80th birthday along with his family at their home. A lovely time was enjoyed.

Best wishes are sent also to Tina Byrne of Gortnagross who celebrated her 50th birthday recently and was whisked off to England by her husband Derek for the celebration.

Sympathy is extended to the relatives and many friends of Jim Dalton of Coole who passed away last week. Jim was a member of the farming community and was in his nineties. Many paid their respects at Kelly’s funeral parlour on Tuesday evening last. Burial followed requiem mass on Wednesday to Holy Cross cemetery. ‘May he rest in peace’.

Sympathy is also extended to Derek Curtin, School Road, Athea whose father Bertie went to his eternal reward last week. Many paid their respects to the family in Charleville. He also had reached a great age in his late 90’s. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Athea Ladies football club wishes to thank all who gave so willingly to their church gate collection last weekend. It was much appreciated by the club.

Isn’t it great to see the walking track at the GAA pitch being used so much since the start of ‘Operation Transformation’ and “Athea Lights Up” walking initiative in association with Athea GAA. Morning – noon and night now the track is busy. The big night is Thursday night from 7pm to 8pm when men, women and children come along and now also on Saturday mornings at 9am. You are welcome to join the group.

Well the bright ‘frosty’ yet ‘sunny’ weather took many to Ballybunion over the weekend including myself and my grandchildren and if you haven’t yet done the ‘Cliff Walk’  – do so – the scenery is breathtaking as you move around at the back of the convent and look down on to the Nun’s Beach. And of course I had to relate the story of “The 9 daughters Hole” where supposedly the King threw his 9 daughters in when he was mad that he had no son – not sure if there’s any truth in that story!

Now that all political parties are out canvassing before the forthcoming General Election we remember the saying –

“Leadership is practised not so much in words as in attitude and in actions and we are here on Earth to do good for others. What the others are here for we do not know”!