By Kathleen Mullane

Well hope all you great Mothers had a lovely Mother’s Day on Sunday and were spoiled no end and deservedly so. As the song goes ‘A Mothers Love is a Blessing’ Hopefully next year we will be rid of this Covid and be able to meet up with our families and grandkids.

Next I want to wish everyone both at home and abroad a very Happy St Patricks’ Day on Wednesday. Little did we think this time last year when all the parades were cancelled that we would again be in the same position with none this year either. However Let us not despair we will have parades again and all that goes with being IRISH  on this great day.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Josie and Mike O‘Donovan of Ballyvoughan, Ardagh and their family and many relations here in Athea and beyond, on the passing of their beloved daughter Orla at such a young age during the past week. Requiem mass celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, with Fr Denis Mullane in attendance also, was very touching in Kilcoleman Church. Burial followed in Ardagh cemetery. May Orla’s bright spirit be a beacon of light in her home in heaven.

The death has also taken place of Kathleen (Kitty) McCarthy of Kilflynn who is deeply regretted by her family and relatives. Sympathy is extended to all of them and to her daughter Mary and Sean Hunt and grandkids here in Athea. She was laid to rest in Kilflynn following requiem mass in St Marys Church. May she rest in peace.

Last Saturday was a day of Hail, Sleet, Thunder and Lightning typical March weather, however things are looking up and the temperatures are on the rise for this week thankfully. The poor daffodils have got an awful thrashing in recent days, but summer time is on The Horizon as is Easter and vaccinations are going ahead despite some delays so we are Going Forward and long may we remain so.

It was lovely to hear the special wishes of those away from home especially for their mothers at the masses here in Athea on MOTHER’S DAY. Again more good wishes will be exchanged at the masses for St Patrick’s Day so listen in if you can.

Thought for the week-:

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.