By Kathleen Mullane

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Firstly to wish each and everyone the happiest of NEW YEARS for 2022. It’s been a difficult year for so many but we have to look forward now to a better year and try and put Covid behind us in as far as possible.

On a happier note a few congratulations are in order since Christmas. Heartiest best wishes and congrats to the following, Katie O’Connor daughter of Teresa and Tom got a great surprise during the festive season when Paul Stryker popped the all important question, and we wish them all the best on their engagement.

Wedding bells were in order for Raymond Barrett of Templeathea, son of Mary and Denis, who married Siobhan Hannafin of Carrigkerry over Christmas.

Also Shauna McAuliffe daughter of Denise and John, Lower Athea,  tied the knot with Kevin O’Connor of Abbeyfeale and held their reception at The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny.

We wish all the happy couples all the best for the future.

Sadness then for some during Christmas when the death took place in England of Mike Hayes formerly of Dirreen, Athea. Mike was a great footballer and a member of the gallant Athea team who won the Co Final in 1968 against Treaty Sarsfields. Funeral arrangements will be at a later date. Sympathy to his wife Helen and his family and a large circle of friends.

The death also took place last week of Mike Haley of Mooncoine, Kilkenny. He had spent many years working in the USA where he had a large circle of friends, as he also did here in Athea. Sympathy is extended to his son Mikey, daughters Susie and Siobhan and also Brownie. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

The ceremonies over Christmas were as always very well attended with 3 masses on Christmas Eve  and 2 on Christmas Day.Well done to the choir who added to the atmosphere and to Siobhan and Teresa who did untold preparations with the altar looking beautiful and indeed to all those who helped in any way to make the Christmas ceremonies so meaningful. And lets not forget Fr. Duggan who had many masses to say over Christmas.

A very big thank you from Athea Vincent de Paul to Tommy Moran and Sheila on their very generous donation to our conference over the Christmas. It will be put to very good use helping needy families etc.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK-:

Obstacles are what appear when you take your eyes off your DREAMS.