Congratulations to Athea U-13s seen here celebrating winning the
Div 3 County title

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí   Éireann

The A.G.M. of the Athea branch will take place on Monday October 16th at 8pm in Batt’s Bar. All members arte asked to attend.

Music and singing classes are up and running every Thursday night and future sessions are being arranged.

Free community group classes

West Limerick Resources will be holding a free 3-night master-class series in October on community group policies, procedures, marketing, volunteer recruitment and more.

This will be taking place on the 4^th, 11^th, and 18^th of October, from 7 – 9 PM, in the Desmond complex, Newcastle West.. Spaces are limited I would ask each interested community group to nominate 2 committee members to attend.

Text Amber at 085 279 6993 with your name and group

Congratulations to Kathleen Flaherty who won Best Dressed Lady on Ladies Day at Listowel Races.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

This time of year brings to mind an era when many men from our area went to England “on the beet”.  This is going back to the last century when labour was in short supply after the 2nd world war and agents came from the sugar factories in the UK to offer jobs to men who were on the dole at the time.  Employment was very scarce in Ireland at then and taking a job for the winter was a godsend for those who were depending on the dole and a day here and there with farmers. Many of these men were married and had to leave wives and families for the length of the campaign. It must have been very lonely for them being away from loved ones and those at home looked forward to the day when their men returned. Sometimes they were finished for Christmas but, more often than not, it was well into January before they got home. The work was tough, sometimes having to lug big heavy sacks, but they were used to hard work in those days and it didn’t bother them and the pay was very good in comparison to wages at home.  Some of them went back to the same place every year and formed lasting friendships with men from other parts of the country. When they left on the train to go over there was great sadness but when they arrived back it was like a carnival with children waiting for a glimpse of their father and wives delighted to have their men home again. A few jars might be taken before they went home. It is no coincidence that there were many children born in the fall of the year in those days!  Some of those who went on the beet fished for salmon from the 1st of March onwards. Salmon were very plentiful in the Feale at the time and they were guaranteed a few catches every week.. Between that and the beet money they were able to look after their families during tough times. We now have full employment here and there is a shortage of labour in many industries. We are now depending on people coming from abroad to fill the many vacancies that exist so the wheel has come full circle.

The mayhem that occurred outside the Dáil the other day is to be condemned by any right-minded person.  The right to protest is a part of our constitution and it gives groups an opportunity  to highlight their grievances in a public manner. It is a reminder to politicians that they should act in the interest of all the people and keeps them on their toes. What happened last week had nothing to do with legitimate protest. It seemed to be a rabble who were intent on name calling and both verbal and physical abuse. There seemed to be no coherent message except for shouts like “traitors” and “Ireland for the Irish”. I have no doubt that those who originally organised the protest had the best of intentions but there are far right professional agitators who latch on to any protest to further there own ends. We see it all over the world, particularly in France when, lately, there was a lot of protest about the raising of the retirement age. Most of these protests descended into attacks on the police, burning of cars and looting of shops. This is not protest, it is thuggery and criminality. Why burn somebody’s car, somebody not even known to you or damages a premises whose owner may even be sympathetic to your cause.?  The hardcore far right are anarchists who have a very different view of things from most people and the sad thing is that they are growing all over the world. It is very obvious in America where it led to an attack on the houses of parliament. The cause is not helped by people like Donald Trump with his slogans like “America first” and his opposition to immigration. The people who say “Ireland for the Irish” should have a long think. Yes, we have full employment now but, as always happens, boom is followed by bust and there will come a time when, like a few short years ago, Irish workers may have to emigrate to make a living. When that time comes how will they feel if other countries had policies like America for Americans, Canada for Canadians, England for the English and Australia for Australians. They say what goes around, comes around but I hope there are enough people in power with the good sense to crack down on those who flagrantly break the laws of the land. It has to be handled carefully because these rioters would like nothing better than a pitched battle with the Gardaí but at the same time action has to be taken. There is too much hate in the world and we seem to have learned nothing from the likes of Hitler, Joe Stalin and others who almost destroyed the human race. This should not deter people from staging legitimate protests but they need to be careful to exclude those who will only do harm to their cause. Politicians have to make decisions that are sometimes unpalatable but may be necessary for the ongoing welfare of the economy. There is however a tendency, coming up to budget day, to do a “Santa Clause” act and be seen to give gifts to certain people and organisations. This is in spite of the fact that it goes against all professional advice and will put the future at risk but the priorities for our lawmakers is to get re-elected. That is number one, their party is number two and the country comes a poor third. That is just the way the system works but I do hope that prudence will prevail and handouts will not be given, especially to those who are well off and don’t need any assistance.

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 Oct. 1 st Rev. Fr J Keating 087-6322212

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

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

Baptisms on the 4 th Saturday of the month at 2.30pm – next date Saturday Oct 21 st 2023.

Next baptism course on Tues Oct 10 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)

Paddy Dalton, Nathan & Tony Ambrose, Martin Dalton after the County Final

by Kathleen Mullane

      OUT AND ABOUT

Thanks is extended to all those who took the time out to call in to the Hall  on Thursday morning last and donated to the annual Coffee Morning in aid of Milford Hospice and to all who sent in donations also. Well done again to the organisers  and to those who baked the lovely cakes etc. You can still donate if you were unable to make it on the day by giving it to Tom O Keeffe.

Congrats to the Athea u-13s who won the County Final at the weekend an up and coming group of young boys no doubt. Watch this space.

Congratulate to my own grandson Aidan Curry who celebrated his 21st over the weekend with family and friends.

Wasn’t it great to see Kathleen Flaherty of Kilmorna winning the Ladies Day Best Dressed at Listowel Races on Friday last. Her beautiful blue crochet 2-piece which she got crocheted for her 35 years ago  won her the fabulous prize of a trip for 2 to New York and spending money. Don O Neill, the top fashion designer from Kerry, was one of the judges on the day. Don designed for the rich and famous in New York and beyond. Some of the papers praising Kathleen for her outfit  and just being so nice and down to earth  stated the following and I quote—-

BE A KATHLEEN NOT A KARDASHIAN.

Another said describing her at her age was —-

ELEGANCE IS NOT A NUMBER

Well done to her and hopefully others will take a leaf out of her book.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Ned Enright and his family and relatives here in Athea on the passing last week of his daughter Margaret Kirrane of Old Glebe, Tuam who went to her eternal reward in Galway Hospice having been ill for sometime. May she rest in Eternal Peace.

Don’t forget the over 55s club begins this Tuesday  in the Hall  from 11.30-12.30 and includes Wellness and Self -Discipline, Chair Aerobics and Games with refreshments afterwards. For further information on this and all other keep–fit classes contact Nicole on 087-9459971.

If anyone has been watching Marty Morrissey’s Big Picture Show showing disappearing Dublin in the 1960s or so with lovely photos of life as it was then the traders in Moore St, photos of people out dancing having fun, a big change now with streets terrorised by fighting and killing

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

LIVE YOUR VALUES—Kindness, compaassion, generosity of heart, shared humanity. These Past Years haven’t been easy but by living your values the world is better for It.

by Tom Aherne

OSKAR REHEARSALS: On Wednesday September 20, the cast members of the 7 films  for the St Kieran’s GAA  Oskar’s night on Saturday November 11, commenced rehearsals at Ardagh Hall. The films are The Snapper, Veronica Guerin, Fr Ted, Calendar Girls, Peaky Blinders, The Field and the Bridesmaids. The rehearsals will be held up to Wednesday October 11and then the filming will be held at select locations. The seven groups have been fundraising in recent weeks and will continue to do so in the coming months. All the funds raised will go towards the new field development which is progressing well. On Saturday November 11, the doors open at 6.30pm in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets cost €30. The show is produced by Kevin Rowe Events, and it promises to be an amazing night. Save the date.

HERITAGE MEETING: St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting in Ardagh Hall on Thursday September 21 to put plans in place to mark the 100 anniversary of the arrival of the Gardai to Ardagh village. They arrived at the Railway Station on September 20, 2023, and served until fire destroyed the barracks on November 10,  1959. It is at an early stage in the planning and October 20/21 is the dates chosen to commemorate their arrival. It is hoped to hold a march from the Station to the original barrack building with musical accompaniment.  It is planned to mark the 175 anniversary of the Irish Tricolour along the way. The search is on for relatives of the members who served in Ardagh over the 36 years. If readers have any information the association would be delighted to receive it. It would be lovely to have some of the relatives present to participate in the proceedings. The next meeting has been provisionally fixed for Thursday October 5, at 7-30pm in Ardagh Hall.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Old Mill lost to St Ailbe’s by 4-7 to 1-8 in the quarter final of the Limerick Ladies Senior Football Championship on Sunday September 17.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic lost 3-2  after extra time, away to Newcastle West Town in round 1 of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday September 17. Donie Nolan and an own goal made up their scorers. In the Desmond Division 3 League Cup Group A Kilcolman Rovers defeated Carrig Celtic 3-2 at home with Mike O’Sullivan 2,and Cormac Murphy scoring and Eoin Liston replied for Carrig Celtic.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday September 18. The numbers drawn were 18,19,21,24 and  there was  no  winner of the € 14,600 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each: John Murphy c/o Neary’s, Breda Enright Dromrahnee Ardagh, Danny Collum Creeves, Fiona Hennessy Carrigkerry, Liam Flavin Carrigkerry. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be € 14,700. 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 Jim Long, Feenagh, who won € 270 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday September 22.The tickets cost € 2, or3 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.

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. The Bridesmaids cast will be running a number of events beginning with a Bingo Loco event in Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Friday September 29. They will hold a clothes collection in Ardagh and Coolcappa on November 4, and 5. The Calendar Girls will be holding a Table Quiz in Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Friday October 6. The Snapper group will hold a tractor run in Ardagh on Sunday October 8 with registration at 12.30pm. The cast of” Fr Ted” will hold a fundraising Irish Night in Ardagh Hall on Friday October 13, from 8 to 10pm.

CLUB DRAW: The next Limerick GAA Club draw will be held on Saturday September 30,  and announced on the Sports Show on Limerick Live 95.The entry fee  is € 10 per month or € 40 for the remaining four draws  and € 21,000 will be given out in prize money each month, with a first prize of € 10,000. The star prize for September will be an Apple iPad to the value of € 500. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

SET DANCE CLASSES:  With the loss of evening light set dancing classes have resumed in Monagea Parish Hall for the autumn and winter season. They take place on Tuesday from 8.30pm and Thursday nights from 9pm for beginners and advanced and all are welcome. They are very enjoyable nights with lots of exercise, laughs and friendships formed  in comfortable surroundings. For more information call 086-3510774. Classes by Timmy Woulfe are also being held in the Marian Hall Moyvane on Mondays at 8pm. Special attention for beginners during  the month of September. Set dancing classes resumed in Milford Hall on Wednesdays September 20, from 8pm to 9-30pm. € 6 per class and no partner needed. For further information call 087 7672084.

Set dancing classes  commenced in the hall Ballyhahill on Monday September 25, from 8pm to 9-30pm, with Fiona. All are welcome including beginners for a fun night of dance exercise and friendship. Classes will return in the first week of October in the Hall Kilfinny on Monday 2, at 9pm, in Con Colbert Hall Athea  Tuesday 3, at 9pm, in  Fr Casey’s Clubhouse Abbeyfeale Wednesday 4, at 8-30pm. Set dancing is an ideal weight bearing exercise and strengthens the bones. It is very good for the mind as concentration is needed. It is also good for social interaction and making new friends.

CLOTHES COLLECTION: Kilcolman National School will hold a fundraising clothes collection on Friday September 29. Bags of clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen, (no duvets or pillows) can be dropped to the school shelter.

NIGHT CLASSES: Desmond College Newcastle West have announced details of their Adult Education  night classes schedule for Autumn 23, which begin on Wednesday October 4, from 7-9pm. All courses run for 8 weeks, and they cost € 90 each. The 7 courses available to enter  for are Drawing and Painting for beginners and intermediate, Machine sewing for beginners (own machine required), Modern Calligraphy for beginners, Sign writing for beginners, Fun with Jewellery for beginners, Cooking and Baking for fun, Apple iPad Course (you must have your own device).  For further information please contact Desmond College at 069- 62205.

ÉIGSE MICHAEL HARTNETT: The annual Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary and Arts Festival remembering the late local poet will take place in Newcastle West from Thursday October 5, to Sunday October 8. Ger Greaney from the St Kieran’s Heritage Association will hold a Genealogy class with the Newcastle West Women’s Shed members at the Desmond Complex on Friday October 6 at 11.30am. Pat Mc Loughlin will launch his fifth novel The Unbreakable Dream at the Longcourt Hotel at 6pm on the same day. A packed programme of events is planned and available online on www.eigsemichaelhartnett.ie  or by phone on 087-9706232.

MASS CHANGE: Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish weekend Mass on Saturday’s will change from being held in St Colman’s Kilcolman to St Kyran’s Coolcappa from Saturday October 7. It will continue at 7-30 pm for the autumn/winter months.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in the hall Milford (P56 PN28) on Saturday October 7, 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 Donie Nolan Céilí Band  and tea  and treats served. Admission is € 10.