By Kathleen Mullane

Firstly can I wish each and every one a very Happy New Year both at home and readers of our parish newsletter away from home. The newsletter is back with a bang for 2021.

Well Christmas Masses went off without a hitch and everyone who had applied for tickets got to go to their choice of Mass. So well done to all who helped out in any way at all to the smooth running of the Christmas ceremonies. Those who watched on the webcam from overseas and elsewhere complimented the beautiful altar, tree, crib, singing and Fr. Duggan’s Christmas words. Athea can be a proud community.

Fergus Scanlon, on behalf of the Friends of St Ita’s, wishes to thank everyone who bought the CD Le Cheile, the proceeds of which goes to St Ita’s, having no collections this year. Thanks is also extended to Paul Collins, shop, Knockdown Arms and Buckley’s,  Templeglantine for selling the CD. There are just a few left at 10 Euro.

Sympathy is extended to Kay Timmes and family of Gortnagross on the death of John her husband last week. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Saturday to Templeathea Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

The death also took place of Nora O’Connell recently. Requiem Mass was at Donoughmore Church and Nora was brought  to Templeathea Cemetery for burial. May the light of heaven be hers.

Well thankfully 2020 is over and it’s a year that wont be forgotten by all.

It was the year we ate Banana Bread till it came out our ears.

It was the year that workers realised they could do their work without leaving home.

It was the year children painted pictures on windows, in celebration of our brave frontline workers and only saw their grandparents through panes of glass, with no kiss or cuddle.

It was the year students remember as the year THAT WAS STOLEN  the year that DID’NT COUNT.

It was the year that many businesses closed their doors and had hopes dashed.

It was the year that families lost loved ones and hearts were broken.

However we will remember it also as the year that everyone looked out for each other. The year that Ireland was the best in the whole world for donating to charities. We learned to check on neighbours, to shop local and support our own business people. To take A STEP BACK and realise the important things in life are FAMILY AND FRIENDS. So if we have learned that much it really wasn’t a very bad year. 

STAY SAFE – WE HAVE TO CONQUER THIS VIRUS – IT  CAN’T WIN, SO WE MUST DO WHAT WE ARE TOLD.