Eimer Hunt, Aoibhín O’Riordan, Kayla Sheehy and Erin O’Rourke who
participated in the Limerick U13 player development programme

Comhaltas Classes

Traditional music and singing classes for new and returning students will commence in the near future. There is a registration night this Thursday night, August 31st, from 7.30pm to 8.30 pm. The local branch have some instruments that may be borrowed.

Athea Vintage Club

The Annual vintage run takes place this Sunday, September 2nd. starting with the Junior Run at 12 noon. There will also be a trad session at Batt’s Bar in the afternoon. A great day out for all the family

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

How time flies!   It seems like only yesterday that the schools were closing for the summer holidays looking forward to a break and maybe enjoy a bit of sunshine. Well, as they say; good luck with that. It has been a miserable couple of months, weatherwise, with little or no sunshine and plenty of water falling from a dismal sky. It can be very depressing, if you let it get to you but at least we don’t have to deal with extreme flooding and forest fires like they have in other countries. Now the schools are open and that heralds the fall of the year. Christmas shops are opening already even before Halloween but, apart from that, there is little to look forward to except more bad weather with much lower temperatures. Time was when September was a month to look forward to. The hurling and football finals were on the first and third weekends and of course we had the Listowel races which was a major event for people from this neck of the woods. “Going to the races” was taken for granted even by people who had no interest at all in the sport but were happy to do a bit of window shopping or take the children to the Market Yard for the amusements and there was always a bit of craic to be had in the pubs. The Wrenboy Competition on the Friday night drew huge crowds to the square and there bwas great rivalry between the batches. September was also the time when the harvest bwas over and farmers took their holidays in Ballybunion. John B. Keane wrote a funny play about the custom called “The Buds of Ballybunion”.  It was one of the earlier plays put on stage by Athea Drama Group under the direction of the late Oliver McGrath R.I.P . Now the all-Ireland Finals are over well before September and Listowel Races no longer have the same attraction. The farmers don’t go to Ballybunion like they used to either so September has little to offer us anymore. There is always the chance of an “Indian Summer” but it would be too little too late.

The leaving cert results are causing a bit of controversy due to the fact that the marks have bee inflated by about 8% to keep them in line with last year. I think it was the wrong thing to do because there is no end to it. Will next years results get an artificial boost in line with this year’s and every other year after that?  There has to be a better way of dealing with it. The whole system should be overhauled. Why should one exam decide what college you go to or what career path you want to follow?  To do medicine you need very high points which means you have to be really proficient in subjects like languages, geography, history, maths and others that have no bearing whatsoever on a person’s suitability to be a good doctor o vet. It is also unfair to students who might not be feeling 100% at the time of the exam or who fall foul of an examiner who is having an off day while correcting the papers. There has to be a better way of assessing  students abilities on an ongoing basis and not put all the eggs in the leaving cert basket . Our young students deserve a chance to achieve their true potential in a fairer way.

There was an interesting article on the TV the other night concerning farming and how to reduce the application of artificial fertiliser to boost grass growth. As we know, artificial fertiliser is being used in modern times replacing the old farmyard manure and it gives very good grass yields. This is done on the advice of Teagasc who wanted farmers to get the best yields from the land. Unfortunately the harmful side effects are increasing our carbon footprint. Hard to blame farmers who were also encouraged to remove ditches and hedgerows and get rid of all plants other than grass in the pastures. Teagasc carried out an experiment on two pastures of the same size, one with the normal grass driven by fertiliser and the other with just a quarter of the amount but also with a variety of wild plants and herbs that grow naturally in the countryside. They put the same amount of cattle into each pasture and they found out at the end of the experiment that the cattle who ate the wild plants and herbs, as well as the grass, were much heavier than those who had grass alone. Obviously the milk from these cattle would also be far richer and more beneficial. In years gone by farmers always had a Kerry cow or two running with the herd. They always grazed along the headlands and ate plants off the ditches. Their milk was creamier and was given to babies just as goats milk is advised today. It is a win, win situation for farmers who will have far less expense  and healthier animals giving more profit and also helping to fight climate change.  This is the way it used to be done in days gone by so it’s a case of  “back to the future”.

The Blessed Well, over at the old graveyard, is in great shape thanks to the great efforts of the Browne sisters, Kathleen Mullane and Patsie Hayes. They did a fantastic job of cleaning and painting the statues and surrounds in preparation for the dedication celebrations. They deserve great praise and gratitude for giving of their time and talents. Community spirit is alive and well in Athea.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked many favours, this time I ask you for this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.

E.C.

Church Notices

Ide Naofe Pastoral Area   (Athea, Abbeyfeale, Mountcollins, Templeglantine and Tournafulla).

Canon Tony Mullins 087 2600414, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Denis Mullane 087 2621911 and Fr Dan Lane 087 2533030 (retired). Sunday duty – Rev. Fr. D Casey 087- 2272791

Weekday masses on Tuesday morning at 9.30am and Friday evening at 7pm.

Eucharistic Adoration & The Devine Mercy Chaplet on Tuesday morning after mass.

House Calls: Each month Fr Tony, Fr Willie or Fr Lane visit the sick and the housebound in our parish … if you would like to add your name to the list or the name of a family member, please contact parish admin at the number below or any one of the priests directly.

Baptisms on the 4^th Saturday of the month at 2.30pm – next date Saturday Sept 23^rd .

Next baptism course on Tues Sept 12^th at 8pm, contact Theresa for further details 087-1513565.

Parish Administration: Tues-Fri 11am-1pm. call Siobhan on 087-3331459, outside these hours text or email [email protected]

Intentions (All masses are streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/athea)

Congrats to Shannon Gaels/Athea’s Jamie O’Mahony who was part of the winning Limerick County under 15 football squad who won the football shield final against Wicklow in Monaleen
recently

by Tom Aherne

MARY EGAN: The death has taken place of Mary Egan (nee Costello) late of Coolcappa peacefully at UHL on Monday August 21. The funeral Cortege arrived at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Thursday August 24, for 12 noon Mass.  A private Cremation took place afterwards.  Sympathy to her husband Chris,  son Shane,  daughter Natalie,  son in law Brendan, daughter in law Bridget, grandchildren,  sisters, brothers,  nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends. May she rest in Peace.

TOM DOWNES: The death has occurred of Tom Downes, Alan Park., Shannon, Clare and formerly of Ballyine, Old Mill, peacefully, in University Hospital Limerick on Sunday August 20. Predeceased by his wife Helen, brother Mike and sister Dorothy. Reposing  took place in Mc Mahon’s Funeral Home, Shannon, on Tuesday August 22) from 6pm to 7.30pm followed by removal to Mary Immaculate Church. Funeral Mass  was celebrated on Wednesday at 1pm followed by burial afterwards in Illaunmanagh Cemetery. Sympathy to  sons Michael and Alan and their partners Diane and Norman, grandchildren Darragh, Katie and Allie, sister Florence, Joan, Kathleen, Mary and Ann, brother Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

MEMORIAL MASS: A Memorial Mass for John Flavin, Addlestone, Surrey , England and late of Clounleharde, Ballyhahill will be celebrated in the Church of the Visitation, Ballyhahill on Friday September 1 at 7.30pm. Sympathy to his sister Helen, and Peter Fitzsimons and family Barnigue, and other relatives around the locality. John was laid to rest in Chertsey, Shephardon. May he rest in Peace.

MUSIC SPEAKS: Nursing Home week  was held from Monday August 21 to Sunday August 27. It is the annual celebration of nursing home care in Ireland with a series of events and activities. To mark the week, over 100 residents and staff from 30 nursing homes across Ireland  were recorded singing, and playing  in the Music Speaks broadcast, showcasing their talents.  Limerick residents are well represented  with Noel Smith from Glensharrold  singing ”Never Grow Old” and 100-year-old Peig Ryan from Murroe playing her polka on the concertina. NHE.ie will access the broadcast on Youtube.

FLAG FLOOR: A mighty night of music song dance and storytelling was held at the Flag Floor Rambling House on Tuesday August 22. A large crowd attended including guests from the Kilfinane area who participated in the recent Hup Na Houra Seisiun nights at the old chapel rooms. They gave a display of set dancing and the brush dance. Maureen and Chris Culleton from Ballyfin Laois made a first visit. Maureen is a set dancing workshop teacher, and she performed the old style dance The Priest in his Boots to great applause. She had  her own rambling house sessions before Covid struck and is a great promoter of dancing all her life.

The local young set dancers performed the West Limerick Polka set and recitations were delivered by Ita Mc Quinn, and Ger O’Connell. Songs came from Con Fitzgerald, Nuala Quinn and Maureen Culleton and musicians included Donie Nolan, Mike O’Sullivan, Anita Bennis, Con Herbert, Charlie Reynolds, Liam Flanagan. The session continues each Tuesday from 9pm to 11.30pm,  Teas are served, admission is € 5, and all are welcome.

PRIMARY CARE CENTRE: The recently completed Primary Care Centre at Station Road, Gortboy,  Newcastle West is open for a few services and adding more as it is moving close to official opening. Shannon  Doc the out of hours service has moved from Bishop Street Newcastle West and is now based there. The phone number is 0818 123500 and the Eircode is V42RD7G.

PLANNING PERMISSION: St Kieran’s GAA Club are applying to Limerick City and County Council  for planning permission for A, construction  of a GAA clubhouse with changing rooms, and ancillary services,  wastewater treatment,  system and percolation area, B, revised car parking layout to that granted  under 22/228 at Cross and Ministerland Ardagh.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s were defeated by Father Casey’s by 1-14 to 1-9 in Round  4 of Group 1 of the County Senior Football  Championship played at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Thursday August 24. They trailed by 1-7 to 1-4 at half time after playing with the wind. They are now out of the championship and play Claughaun in Round 5 needing a result to avoid being drawn into the relegation playoffs. TEAM Craig Mac Innes, Aaron Heffernan, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Johnny Mc Carthy, Mike Shanahan, Brendan Mc Carthy, Sean Ryan, Liam Kennedy 0-2, Michael Long, Alan Daly 0-5, Darragh Treacy 0-1, Noel Callanan 0-1, Seamus Mangan, Dylan Moloney 1-0 Adam Lacy. Subs  Kevin Meade, Anthony Molyneaux, Eoin Mc Enery.  St Kieran’s defeated Glin by 2-12 to 0-3 in the West Junior B Football Championship at Rathkeale on Friday August 25.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Congratulations to Linda Lodge, the former Old Mill player who lined out in goals for Michael Cusack’s Sydney who defeated Clan Na Gael by 3-7 to 2-3 in the final of the New South Wales Senior Ladies Championship Final. It was their fourth title in a row and Linda has been very involved in their successes. In round 1 of the Limerick County Ladies Championship Old Mill lost to Monagea by 0-15 to 1-11 at Old Mill on Sunday August 20. They play Feohanagh/Castlemahon in Round 2 at Coolyroe on Tuesday August 29.

CLUB DRAW: The monthly Limerick GAA Club draw was held on Saturday August 26, and announced on the Sports Show on Limerick Live 95. The St Kieran’s club had two winner this month. Congratulations to Kenneth Greaney  who won € 500 and Thos Keane/Noel Fitzgerald who won         € 300. People can still join for the remaining  five draws by contacting the club promoters.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday August 21. The numbers drawn were 6,12,24,26,and  there was  no  winner of the € 14,200 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each: Geraldine Woulfe Ardagh, Geraldine Madigan Kilcolman, Mikey Kelly Kilcolman, Pat Flynn Limerick, Diarmuid Mc Sweeney Ballydoorlis, Kilcolman. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be € 14,300. People can play online using club force on the club’s Facebook page, with 6pm on Monday evening the deadline. The tickets are also on sale at the usual outlets, and all support will be appreciated.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Brian Nash, Newcastle West, who won € 290 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday August 25.The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

GALBALLY WALK: The annual walk to Darby’s Bed in Galbally will be held on Saturday September 2, with registration at 10-30am. A second shady lane walk to Castlecreagh on the same day offers the opportunity to enjoy more spectacular views and is suitable for all comers. Registration at Canon Hennessy Community Centre in Galbally village at 10.30am and there is no charge. All participants are encouraged to contribute to a bucket collection which will go towards the purchase of a new Defibrillator for the Hill Walking Radio Group. All will be entered to a free raffle and tea and refreshments will be served afterwards. Participants in both walks are advised to wear sturdy footwear with weather appropriate clothing. More details from 086 0888145.

SACRISTANS COLLECTION: Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish sacristan’s collection will be taken up on Saturday September 2 at the 7.30pm Mass in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Please indicate which church sacristan your donation is for on the envelope which is included in your box of envelopes. Both Kathleen and Mary provide a great service and deserve the parishes support.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in the hall Milford (P56 PN28) on Saturday September 2, from 9pm.(earlier start time this year). It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Ui Bhriain Céilí Band  and tea  and treats served. Admission is € 10.

CEMETERY MASS:  Mass will be celebrated  in Clonagh old graveyard  Reens,  on Sunday September 3 at 2pm.

DANCING CLASSES: The Mc Cormack Kelly school of Irish Dancing will have an enrolment night on Friday September 8, in the community centre Ardagh at 7pm, for step dancing and sean nos dancing. All ages and abilities are welcome. For enquiries text Robert on 087 1343745.

OSKAR FUNDRAISERS: A number of fundraising events will be held by the St Kieran’s GAA Club in the run up to the Oskar night in the Devon Inn on Saturday November 11. A family fun day will be held in Coolcappa GAA grounds on Sunday September 10, with all the groups holding an event. The Field cast members will be holding a kids back to school Disco on Friday September 8, in Coolcappa Community Hall, plus a sponsored walk along the Ardagh Greenway on Sunday September 17. The Peaky Blinders members will be holding a pig race in Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday September 23.

C.L.G. Áth an tSléibhe 

by Damien Ahern

Athea U-14 Ladies team who are through to the knockout stages

U-7boys and girls hurling team that played against
Monagea

Split the Bucket
Congratulations to Kathleen Griffin who was this week’s Split the Bucket winner, going home with €391.00, the largest pot to date! The next draw will take place on Monday September 11th. Envelopes can be purchased at Brown Joes, Dick Whites, Collins Shop, O’ Riordan’s Pharmacy, Batts , Athea Credit Union, Bingo at Con Colbert Hall on Friday nights, Moloney’s Daybreak, Carrigkerry, and during events at Pairc na nGael. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.
Club Development Draw
Thanks to everyone who has purchased tickets for the 2023 Club Development Draw. The first draw will take place within the next two weeks, watch this space for updates. The first prize this year is €1,000. Best of luck to everyone

Athea Junior Men’s

Round 4 V Newcastle West
In Ballyhahill 25/08/23
It was a disappointing evening in Ballyhahill when we needed a good result. Newcastle West started strong with the first score. We responded very well however with Jack O’Connor and Kevin Murphy combining to set Sean Ryan up. Sean scored from a very tight angle, and it looked like we could have a great game on the cards. Micheal Dalton and Martin Chawke in particular performing well at the back. Newcastle West would retake and then stretch the lead however, leaving it at four points to one after twenty minutes. We made a couple of changes and two points from Mark Reidy had us just two points behind at half time. 0-05 to 0-03. An early goal in the second half seemed to take the wind out of our sales after a good finish to the first half. Newcastle West stretching the lead to 1-08 to 0-03 before we would get our next scores through Kevin Murphy and then Jonathan Fitzgerald. Mark Reidy again got on the scoresheet before
Newcastle West pulled away eventually winning the game on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-06. This confirmed that we are now in a relegation battle. Our next game is against Cappagh where Seamus and the team will be hoping to turn the tide. Numbers and attitude to training has been excellent so hopefully they will get the support needed at the next two games.
Team: Colin Brouder, Michael Dalton, Martin Chawke, Tommy Quaid, David O’Connor, Alan Kelly, Eoin O’Shea, Michael Tierney, T.J Hunt, Darren Murphy, Kevin Murphy, Jack O’Connor, Denis Greaney, Andrew O’Riordan and Sean Ryan. Subs used: Mark Reidy, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Gerard Ahern and Eoin Sheehan.

U13 Girls PDP

Well done to our club girls Eimear Hunt, Aoibhin O’ Riordan, Kayla Sheehy and Erin O’ Rourke who participated in the Limerick U13 Player development programme over the last 10 weeks. This accumulated in the festival of football on Saturday where they played teams from Cork and Clare in Banteer .

The girls had a wonderful experience, made new friends and it was great to see them wear the green of Limerick.  Many thanks also to Mary Hunt and Stephen O’ Rourke who were part of the management team.

U14 Girls

Well done to our U14s after a fine display against Drom / Broadford on Monday night, coming away with a well earned win. We now wait and see who they play in the knockout stages. Well done to all the girls and management.

Upcoming Athea Ladies Fixtures

Tuesday 29th August   Junior Championship Round 2

Athea V Groody Gaels in Athea  at 7.15

Sunday 3rd September  Junior Championship Round 3

Athea V Gerald Griffins in Ballyhahill at 11 am

Wednesday 30th August U8’s V Fr Casey’s  in Athea at 6.30

Thursday 31st August

U16 Semi Final V Mungret   In Mungret  At 7

Áth an tSléibhe – Coiste na nÓg –29ú Lúnasa 2023Torthaí 

Results: 

U11 Boys & Girls Football:

Our U11 footballers travel to Glin this Tuesday evening August 29th to play Shannon Gaels at 6:45 in the next round of the go-games league.

U13 Boys Football: 

Athea 2:13 v Monagea 3:05

We played our Division 3A championship playoff against Monagea on Thursday last in Athea to establish who finished 1st & 2nd in the group. We played with the wind in the first half and scored directly from the throw-in with an excellent point from Tom Mullane however we struggled to take advantage of the wind and Monagea who were very strong around the middle were the better team in the first half leading 1:03 to 0:04 at half time. Against the wind in the second half Athea started to get a foothold in the game and kicked some great points from Aaron Hunt, Shane Ahern and Aaron Broderick. Monagea to their credit kept the pressure on and Athea never led by more than a goal. A late goal by Monagea and an even later pointed free from Mark Collins meant the sides were level at the end of normal time, Athea 1:09 to Monagea 3:03. Extra time was played and Athea were lucky to get an all important goal from Tom Mullane in the first period of extra time which allowed Athea to see out the win after what was an exciting game between two very evenly matched teams. Final score Athea 2:13 to Monagea 3:05. Both teams now progress to the County Semi Final where Monaleen and Oola await with fixtures to be confirmed.

U7 Boys & Girls Hurling: 

We had 14 boys and girls take part in a blitz Saturday morning in Monagea. It was fantastic performance and great to see skills we have been practicing at training coming to the fore. Keep up the good work.

U13 Boys Hurling: 

Athea 2:7 v Knockainey 2:8

Knockainey travelled to Athea Sunday morning in a play off to determine who we play in the semi-final. It took extra time to decide this brilliant game of hurling and unfortunately Athea lost by the smallest of margins. It was great to see such support for this fantastic team who have given hundred percent in every match. We have now reached the semi final of the Shield and play Claughaun @ 7pm Thursday 31 st August in Athea.

Panel: Eoin Ahern, Tadhg Hunt, Kane Brouder, Nathan Ambrose, Cathal Fitzgerald, Paddy O’Connor, Daniel Hunt, Mark Collins, Jayden Kiely, Se Ahern, Jamie Brosnan, Tony Ambrose, Shane Ahern, Jack Leahy , Liam Og Reidy, Tom Mullane, Edward Kelly. Next match is at home to Claughaun on Thursday 31st August @ 7 pm

Cluichí Coiste na seachtaine seo:

This week’s Coiste fixtures:

Tuesday 29th August U11 Boys & Girls Football – Shannon Gaels V Athea @ 6.45pm

Thursday 31st August U13 Boys Hurling – Athea V Claughaun @ 7pm