By Kathleen Mullane

Well, hopefully most of the St. Patrick’s Day Parades will go ahead as planned this year and that the majority of them won’t be affected by the Corona Virus. In days gone by – as children we all waited in anticipation to await the display of colourful badges that would go on sale. We would race with our few shillings and pence to buy one before they would be all gone. Bunches of shamrock were posted to families in England and overseas, sometimes being fairly withered when it got to it’s destination – nevertheless it was “a great memory” of Ireland and home. Everyone wore something Green – with the girls hair tied up in ribbons. Now there’s flashing lights, hats – beards – green beer and a lot more. On St. Patrick’s Day everyone claims to have “A Drop Of Irish Blood in Them”.

These days – Morning, noon and night its the “Corona Virus”. However what’s not mentioned is that 1 child dies every 30 seconds from Malaria in Africa and these are U/5 children. It’s terrifying – imagine 3,000 a day and not a word about it! The health experts here on the Late Late Show have warned everyone to calm down and not to panic – or jobs will be lost. Take it from the experts!

Next Saturday morning, March 14th at 11am there will be a mass of Anointing and Healing here in the church, this is a very special mass.

Keep the date Sunday, April 5th in your diary. The “Grand Concert” takes place here in our church, starting at 6.30pm. Emily Clarke of renowned singing fame will head the show – Maura and Donie will lend their talents and of course Mike Guina – who had everyone on their feet last year – will be on his trumpet. There will be singing and dancing in abundance and some great raffle prizes on the night. By supporting our fund-raising concert you are helping to send our youth helpers and invalids from the parish to Lourdes in June on the Limerick Pilgrimage. Tell your friends as it promises to be a great night.

The Athea Tidy Towns Volunteers were busy on Saturday morning last planting near the River Walk on the Glin Road. No doubt when the weather improves, they will be able to continue their great work. The Good Friday “Limerick Clean Up” is on the horizon and we will all be out cleaning up our roads, which have been strewn with bottles, cans and rubbish since Christmas. We all have to do our bit and pick up other’s mess!