By Kathleen Mullane

Well sitting out this very nice Sunday afternoon putting my few lines together for  our parish newsletter which hopefully everyone realises is now on sale again in all the local shops and keeps everyone in touch with what’s going on in the parish of Athea and surrounding parishes. Parishioners are urged to buy it as it’s costly to print and it would be such a pity if it had to be withdrawn because of lack of sales. So please support the great work that Domhnall and Lillian do at Cairde  Duchais.

Tomorrow  will be the first  day back at school for some students though some of them have returned last week. We wish them well it’s going to be an unusual  time to say the least for both students and teachers, the main thing however is if they follow instructions and keep safe. They say ventilation and keeping windows open is one of the main things to do during this virus.

Sincere sympathy  is extended to Margaret Stackpoole of Gortnagross on the recent death of her  mother Maura Maunsell at the great age of 91. A native of Clash East, Tralee, Co. Kerry. May she rest in peace.

Thanks to all who gave so generously  to the friends of St. Ita’s recently. Fergus Scanlon in Newcastlewest extends his sincere gratitude.

Carol, our sacristan, who did tremendous work in the church over the past 4 years, has retired from her job. She wishes to thank everyone for their kindness, friendship and generosity over the years. No doubt she will be sadly missed. I’m sure all our parishioners will join with me and wish her all the best for the future.

Well done to the Athea minors who, on Friday night, had a fantastic win over Caherconlish in Limerick winning 4-13 to.1-2. Indeed a great game.

Also to the Athea Ladies who  today beat Ahane with a huge score of 7.27. Football in the parish is coming on in leaps and bounds in the past while and it’s great to see full panels of players at training every night. The pitch is looking great and what with having the gym up there too we have a lot to be proud of with our sporting facilities here in our little village  football – soccer – hurling –  basketball – yoga. And didn’t Athea look so well on the repeat of Nationwide during the week. Well done to everyone.

Another great win for Athea  Junior A team in Ballyhahill on Sunday evening, when they beat Newcastlewest B team 1-16 to 0-12  they really are on a winning streak and hopefully it will continue.

Sincere sympathy to Catherine Moran – Toureen, Athea on the death of her brother John in Limerick last week. May he rest in peace.