By Kathleen Mullane

Well just as we listen to the up date news this Monday evening, its terrible to see that Ireland as a country has now gone from the least Covid numbers to the most in the world. It’s such a great pity and we were doing so well. It just means that we all have to make an extra effort in the coming weeks to try to conquer this deadly virus. We just can’t let it win. It’s when it comes to one’s own area that it really hits home.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Fr. Brendan Duggan here in Athea on the death unexpectedly of his sister Celia Gleeson of O’Connell’s Ave and Gleeson’s Shoe Shop, William St., Limerick. Requiem mass was celebrated at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday with burial after at Dromkeen cemetery. Sympathy to her husband Michael her family, relatives and a large circle of friends. May the light of heaven be hers.

We also offer condolences to Tina Leahy, The Nurseries,  Athea on the recent passing of her mother Breda Enright of Duxtown, Rathkeale, who had been in the care of Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastlewest. Requien mass was celebrated at St Mary’s church followed by burial. May she rest in peace.

Athea Vincent De Paul wishes to thank sincerely Tom Moran,  The Red Cow, Dublin and formerly Knocknagorna, Athea for his extremely generous donation to the society in recent days. We are truly grateful, also to those kind people for their dollars from the USA. And of course to all you good people who kindly gave to our collection before Christmas. It will, as always, be put to very good use. Bless you all.

We Irish are a truly GIVING COUNTRY and only last week a huge truck went to Croatia following their awful earthquake there with food donations, nappies and clothes for those many who were left with no roof over their heads. Well done again.

Knockanure Community Hall are doing meals on wheels, indeed a great asset for the elderly and those finding it difficult to maybe get out. If you need meals delivered you can contact Paul Cosgrave on 087 9378663 who will facilitate you.

If you haven’t heard of FOREST BATHING  I  hadn’t either. It’s when we go walking in a forest, a road, indeed anywhere and look at nature around us. Nature is an incredible stress buster and in these days of Covid we are urged to get out in hail, rain or snow and enjoy our lovely numerous ATHEA WALKS, you will feel a whole lot better in both mind and body.