By Kathleen Mullane

I thought I would include these few lines of poetry I came across recently considering we had such a beautiful day today Monday, and we may not have so many more we live in Hope.

THE LAST WARM EVENINGS

In gardens all across the land

And busy urban parks in town

We want to catch those last few rays

Before the setting sun goes down.

We know the nights are drawing in

And autumn chills are on their way,

But we so relish warming sun

And want to stretch each sunny day.

The sun is dipping, burning red,

And long dark shadows start to grow,

As air grows cool upon our skin,

We know that it is time to go.

Despite the wet day that befell us on Saturday last there was a great crowd and  a large amount of stalls, on every place available on the street for the annual Athea Fair. Wellies were the order of the day and no one minded getting wet. Both young and old enjoyed the atmosphere and the Haggling between sellers and buyers.

It was very sad to hear of the passing of Kerry Histon, son of the late Billy and Bridie, formerly of Markievicz Park, Athea and Templeglantine and at such a young age. His funeral cortège made its way on Saturday after requiem mass in Templeglantine to Holy Cross Cemetery here in Athea for burial. A very large crowd lined the route to pay their last respects. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Geraldine,brother Mattie, sisters Veronica and Virginia  and a large circle of relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

The Rememberance Mass on Saturday night last ,for all those who had passed away in the past 12 months, was a really touching ceremony as always as the names of all those present who had loved ones buried especially during Covid were called out. The choir were exceptional and all those otherwise involved in making it so special must be thanked. Names can be placed on the Rememberance Tree near the altar during November.

Nationwide tonight showed the immense amount of work done by volunteers all over Ireland for the Tidy Towns. We here in Athea are so lucky to have a great group of volunteers. But as I’ve said before we should all be doing our bit, it’s our DUTY. And its best to get kids starting young to help pull a few weeds, pick up rubbish and in general make our little village a place to be extremely proud of.

 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK—

Alone we can do so little – TOGETHER we can do so much.