By Kathleen Mullane

 ATHEA VINTAGE RALLY

Well once again it was a great day for ATHEA on Sunday last when the annual Vintage Rally was back again after Covid. The Rally donates to many deserving charities which is indeed wonderful.

From early in the morning tractors of all shapes and sizes were converging on Athea in preparation for the Rally. Next to the footbridge one was met by an Array of shiny colourful motorbikes admired by many. There was a great BUZZ around our little village with the street full of all ages, men, women and children as well as many visitors. The weather of course was a real added bonus and thankfully the rain didn’t appear.

The church car park was packed to capacity as kids of all ages from tiny-tots upwards, arrived with their little tractors, cars, bikes etc all ready for THE OFF. And to much applause from parents and onlookers alike off they headed on their own little Rally down the street where they were awarded with treats at the end kindly sponsored by Paul Collins and Helen -Batt’s Bar.

Minnie and Mickey Mouse were out and about too much to the delight of the kids. The Fire-Engine also was a great attraction for them. The creamery yard had the Vintage tractors gleaming and on display for all to see. Of course the magnificent new tractors were getting bigger by the year. In all it was a great day that brought families and people together from all areas. As someone remarked to me and I quote – There is always something going on in ATHEA, ITS A VIBRANT PLACE. isn’t that wonderful to hear. And I hear that our Motor-Bike Races are returning in August next and no doubt there will be other things to look forward to in the meantime. Well done to all the organisers .

The death has taken place in Birmingham of Denis Connell, son of the late Christy and Margaret Connell. Denis was a great visitor to Athea in his younger days and loved his time spent here with his relations, uncles and cousins. He will be laid to rest in Birmingham this Tuesday. Sincere sympathy is extended to his family and friends and to John O’Connell and family, Gortnagross and Mary Teresa Hurley, Lower Athea and his uncle Joe Hurley in Waterford. May he rest in peace.

There are only a few tickets left for the forthcoming GAA DRAW which has some great prizes. And with the Winter evenings moving in we must all be conscious of the great asset our Walking Track has been with its floodlights and tarmac surface and further improvements in the pipeline. Every Euro is a help to pay off the debt so thanks to all who so far have bought the 50 EURO TICKET thereby helping to improve the track and area more.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:-

Good things when short are twice as good.