By Kathleen Mullane

Costa Del Kerry

Thankfully we had a beautiful weekend after all the previous weeks of rain and wind. All roads led to Ballybunion and Beale and other beaches which were thronged to capacity especially on Sunday. I walked along the quieter area near the Cashen in Ballybunion, the water was cold and a lovely breeze there. But it actually was the breeze that left me with two scalded insteps after being in the salty water. A lesson learned -always put on sunscreen whether in or out of the water daily at this time of year. We are told to put it on even in winter to prevent skin damage.

The death took place last week of Paddy Enright of Templeathea quiet suddenly in the Regional Hospital. Paddy was known far and wide and his funeral was testament to his popularity. THE KID, as he was affectionately known by many. A great supporter of all things GAA. He was a FRED ASTAIRE on the dance floor and was never refused a dance I’m sure. Many lined the route as his remains passed by Templeathea and flags flew and GAA  members formed a guard of honour outside the pitch to bid him farewell. Requiem mass was followed by burial to Holy Cross. May he brighten the heavens above as he did on this earth while here.

COVID has had a severe impact on fundraising as we all know. The Friends of St Ita’s are holding a Five K WALK/RUN over next week, this is virtual and you can indeed be part of it at any time or day in the next few days. Recently ST ITA’S have got TEN new beds, WI-FI for the residents ELEVEN new nurses and a CONSULTANT which is a huge benefit to the hospital. If you would like to donate however small it would be so welcome .You can do so by giving to Peggy Casey or myself in the next two weeks. I know many do FIVE K daily so it would be a great help to give a little. They also have spent huge money lately on exercise equipment to speed up recovery of patients.

I have been asked to advise those who place their condolences on R.I.P. that it would be a great asset if people would just include their AREA with their message. This would be most beneficial to those reading the messages for their loved one in recognising who was sending the condolence.

James Nolan was cremated in London last week with a lovely mass celebrated in St Aloysius Church attended by his many friends and family. His remains were taken from the church to the strains of LIMERICK YOU’RE MY LADY. May he rest in peace.

Thought for the week:- Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Bobby Hayes,  Templeathea meets up with Diarmuid O’Connor, Upper Athea, when they cross each other’s paths through work in Perth, Australia. It’s a small world!!!!