By Kathleen Mullane

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Well this Sunday morning sees Fr. Brendan Duggan our priest here in Athea, for the past 6 years, say his final mass at 11 am. It being Easter Sunday makes it all the more special. It is with great sadness his congregation and the many friends he has made during his time here bid him farewell as he takes up his new position with his community and his own religious community in Rockwell College Co Tipperary.

WHO WAS FR. BRENDAN

He was the man that had the foresight to have a Webcam installed in our church during the start of Covid, which enabled everyone at home and throughout the world, to join in each mass, wedding and funeral for those who couldn’t make it home at this difficult time.

He was the priest who on his daily walk ,always took his bag along and picked up the rubbish on our roads.

He was the priest who on his journeys brought back slips from plants and rose bushes etc, and replanted them at the back of the church.

He gave confidence to our youth by encouraging them to read at mass.

He was the priest who organised the fund – raising concerts in our church, to raise money to send our Youth as helpers to LOURDES.

Fr. Brendan loved sport and travelled to many a match to support the players, he was a LOYAL Limerick supporter.

He encouraged parishioners to take on church tasks, again having the foresight that priests would be scarce and Lay People would be having to help out. 

He was a confidante and friend to both the young and Elderly. He engaged with all ages. He had a lovely altar put up in Holy Cross where masses were said for all the deceased on many occasions.

He brought the pews at the front of the altar back to life, which were admired by many visitors.

All we can say at this point is a huge THANK YOU for all you have done while here in ATHEA. We say—AU REVOIR – or GOODBYE and hopefully you will have Happy Memories of your time spent here in our little parish in West Limerick. Until We Meet Again God be with you.

Congrats and good wishes are extended to Denis Casey, son of Peggy and Bill, who celebrated his 50th very special Birthday during the past week along with family and friends from England and Galway. Everyone had a great celebration . 

This Friday sees the Big Clean Up all over Limerick. We here in Athea, as always, are asked to get out and about and clean up all are roads. In all fairness parishioners are good and clean up a lot during the year. But this is the BIG ONE.

Congratulations to James Hayes, son of Gerard & Wanna and Grandson of Patsy & James Hayes who won 2 Gold Medals in Lixnaw in Taekwondo with Newcastle West Club