By Kathleen Mullane

 WELCOME SPRING

Here we are at the beginning of February, a new month, the start of Spring, we are alive and have a lot to be thankful for. There is a bit of a stretch in the evenings despite a lot of rain. However having just spoken to my daughter Marielle in America she tells me they have 2 foot of snow today and can’t move outside, so the rain isn’t too bad after all.

Well another bit of Good News this week to get away from Covid news. We extend our sincere congrats to Donal O’Sullivan, our chemist at O’Riordan’s Pharmacy here in Athea, who hadn’t prescriptions on his mind last week and who would blame him. He got engaged to Rebecca Sheehy of Milford so he didn’t have far to travel from Knockaderry to meet his fiancée. We wish them all the very best for their future happiness.

I’m sure everyone was so glad to hear from fellow correspondent Peg Prendeville that her husband Jim has been transferred to St Ita’s Rehab in Newcastlewest. We wish him continued good recovery.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Tom Ahern of Gortnagross and his family, on the recent death in Braintree, Essex of his brother Denis. Sympathy also to Denis’ wife and family in England. May he rest in peace.

The death took place last week at a young age, and having been ill for some time, of John Paul McGrath of Moyvane. Hundreds of parishioners and friends lined the street and approaching roads to the church to support his family and fiancée Erin Stack. He was held in very High Esteem by everyone in his home town and beyond. Sympathy is extended to his family relatives, many friends and of course his wife to be Erin. May the light of heaven be his.

Thought for this week: 

Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much. This applies to so many aspects of our lives. Whether it be doing what we are told during Covid. Whether it be we all helping out to keep our lovely little town and parish clean and tidy. Whether it us all being there in our own way to give help together to those who need it.