Athea National School Team who beat Courtney Boy’s School on Friday

Fair Day

Saturday Nov. 4th is only days away and we hope the weather is good for the annual Fair Day in Athea. There will be plenty of animals, fowl and all types of goods and clothing on display in the stalls and street. A great day out for all the family.

Bodhran Competition

The annual Bodhrán competition will be held at Batt’s Bar on Sunday, Oct. 29th starting at 7pm. There are fout competitions:  Open, confined, Ladies and Junior so wipe the cobwebs off your bodhrans and start practising for the weekend.

Athea Gun Club

Long Tail Competition

Wed. Nov. 1st at 7pm sharp

Batt’s Bar

It’s the time of year to check all guns and make sure they are in perfect working order before  going fowling.

Athea Vintage Club & Road Run

Only 10 Days Left to Grab your Tickets!

Athea Vintage Club are continuing to raise funds for two worthy charities. This year on September 3rd. we held a fantastic Vintage & Modern Road Run for Sophie Mulligan in aid of Ronald McDonald House and Mid-West Branch of Parkinson Association. Sophie was born with Pierre Robin Sequence

which caused Sophie to have breathing difficulties. She has remained in Crumlin Hospital since August 2022. Sophie is from Dirreen, Athea and her parents Melissa Dalton & Alan Mulligan have remained with her in Dublin and have become long term residents of Ronald McDonald House who

have provided untold support to the family.

Both these causes provide huge support to families when they need it most. Our event on September 3rd was hugely successful with huge crowds attending on the day to support the event, along with almost 250 vehicles. It was an amazing day in the parish, and we cannot thank people enough for the

support. We are still receiving donations and hope to have a presentation night when Sophie will be home in Athea.

Our online raffle is continuing until November 3 rd with two amazing prizes!!!! Firstly, Aaron Gillane, Limerick Hurling All Star, has donated signed shorts & socks which he presented to Melissa Dalton – Sophie Mulligans Mother. This is a beautiful piece of Limerick Hurling History displayed in a frame, it would be an amazing addition to any home or business. Aaron kindly gave his time to attend our event on September 3rd and once again Athea welcomed him with huge enthusiasm. It was further enhanced when Roisin Ambrose, Limerick Ladies Football Captain, was also in attendance.

Athea Hairstyles have donated a beautiful hamper consisting of hair tools and products. This is a fabulous prize just in time for Christmas. We thank Kathleen & Shannon for their very kind donation.

If you would like to get your hands on tickets then please go to: www.idonate.ie/raffle/AtheaVintageClub or scan the QR code.

Tickets are €10 with discounts for multiple tickets purchased.

Please help us to support these wonderful charities. This is our final push to raise vital funds for two charities that continue to be integral to families.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I have been very lucky in my life to have had the opportunity to live in or visit many countries in the world. Some of this was through necessity when work was very scarce in Ireland, especially during the many recessions we had in the second half of the last century. Emigration was normal for anyone born in the middle of the ‘90s and there was hardly a house in the parish that was not affected by it. Thankfully, things have changed and even though people still emigrate, they choose to do so to gain experience or a better pay scale in their chosen profession. Most of my visits to foreign parts were, however, through music. I was part of the Comhaltas concert groups that began in the early ‘70s touring Ireland, England and North America. It was a fantastic experience, especially going to America and meeting people who had emigrated from Ireland many years before. They really appreciated the old tunes, songs and dances that brought back memories of their own youthful days at home. In those days they also had a far better standard of living in America than we had though I think we have caught up with them since then.  I made many friends on those trips because we didn’t use hotels or guest houses, we stayed in people’s homes. I spent many an hour talking  to our hosts about all sorts of things and often forgot about the time as the night slipped away. It was the same story in England where again we experienced that great hospitality that comes so naturally to Irish people. I have great memories of those days.  My playing took me to many strange places but I think that North Korea was probably the one that stands out in my memory. You might ask; what were you doing playing Irish music in North Korea?.  Well, this was in the ‘80s and Thomás MacGiolla’s Working Mens Party had a bit of clout in the government at the time. They were associated with socialist and communist groups and countries all over the world and they persuaded the Dept. of Foreign Affairs to send a concert group to the Spring Festival in North Korea. This festival attracted groups from communist countries all over the world like The Soviet union, China and parts of South America. I was president of Comhaltas at the time so I was asked to do the dual role of leading the group and also playing. We had no idea what North Korea was like but it was an adventure and we left Dublin Airport in great form. We had a stop over in  Moscow and we should have been confined to the airport because we had no visas to enter the country, however, the officials took us in a bus to St. Peter’s Square, a place surrounded by majestic buildings with beautiful domes. We were fascinated and some of the group decided to mark the occasion by playing a few tunes and dancing a few steps for the many tourists who were there. It didn’t go well because the police came and broke it up. The dancers had been performing in front of Lenin’s tomb and this was considered and insult. It took me all my time to talk my way out of it especially since the police didn’t understand any English and  I didn’t have any Russian.  Luckily, a prominent official appeared who had perfect English and when he heard we were  headed for North Korea he allowed us to get back on the bus with a warning not to leave the airport again before our outbound flight. On the following morning I looked out of my hotel window and saw two lads playing hurling on a lawn. It turned they were from Clare and worked in the duty free at the airport which was part of the Shannon set up.

Our arrival in Pyongyang eventually happened and there was a welcoming party and a bus waiting for us. I. however, was led away to a chauffeur driven, top of the range, Mercedes and taken to the penthouse suite in the hotel. I’m sure they thought that I was actually the president of Ireland! We were all in the same hotel and they had a bar laid on for us. There was a TV crew from RTE travelling with us, covering the event and we all had a great time because the drinks were so cheap. A bottle of whiskey was €2 and a bottle of champagne was only €5.  They also had an assortment of local drinks that only cost about 40 cent a bottle. The food was very good but we soon realised that this was not the norm in the country. Despite the greyness of the city and the look of poverty on the people, the theatres we played in were huge and the best equipped I have ever seen. They could seat thousands of people and the stage facilities were second to none. During rehearsals for the first show there was an orchestra on stage and, as they finished, the curtains closed. No more than 30 seconds later they  opened again and there was choir of 250 members ready to perform. I couldn’t understand how they got the orchestra with all the instruments  off so quickly until I was shown the setup. To the right of the stage was a space the same size. The choir were ready to go on this side. The section with the orchestra went down like a lift and moved sideways while the one with the choir moved right above them to take their place. Back stage there was  a choice of 57 different backdrops. They didn’t spare the pennies when it came to culture. Young people who showed musical talent or other artistic abilities were sent to special schools to be trained by professionals. We were taken on a tour of these and I was really impressed by their professionalism. We were not allowed to wander outside the official routes but that didn’t stop a couple of our members who did so in secret and saw how poor the ordinary people really were.  The Festival had several competitions and we actually won an award for a piece we did on tin whistles called “The Mason’s Apron”.  Anyway, I eventually had to leave my penthouse suite and get used to not being treated like royalty anymore but I was glad to be coming home to a land where ordinary people matter. Through music, I have had many opportunities I would never have otherwise so I would encourage any young person who wants to do so to take part in music classes. They are available all over the country and there is a very good one here in Athea. Who knows, it might be your turn to represent your country on foreign stages.

Church Notices

Ide Naofe Pastoral Area (Athea, Abbey Feale, 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).

Priest on duty Sun Oct 29 th Rev. T. Mullins 087-2600414.

Death: We offer our deepest sympathies to the families of Mary Wallace, Coole West, and Loretta Barrett Celbridge Co Kildare and late of Lower Athea. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

Baptism Information: Next baptism date is Saturday October 28th at 3.30pm and on the fourth Sunday of the month thereafter at 12noon. Contact parish administration for details.

Next baptism course on Tues Nov. 14th 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]

Weekday Masses on Tuesday morning at 9.30am & Thursday evening at 7pm.

Eucharistic Adoration and Devine Mercy Chaplet on Tuesday morning after mass.

Mass Intentions Saturday Oct 28th 7.30pm – Josie & Patie Mulvihill and their daughter Mary McFerran and grand-daughter Tara Barrett. Jimmy Danny O’Connor. Jack & Mary Sheehy and their son Mick (Clash).

Our weekend mass will change to Sunday mornings commencing November 5th .

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

by Tom Aherne

GUARDS  100 ANNIVERSARY:  Friday October 20, was a memorable day in the history of famed  Ardagh village as the 100 anniversary of the Garda Siochana arrival was marked jointly by St Kieran’s Development Association and members of the Gardai past and present. A large crowd was present to witness the proceedings as they unfolded  for the march from the Ardagh Railway Station to the site of the former Garda Barracks at Ardvone a short distance from Reerasta fort where the Ardagh Chalice was discovered in September 1868. The 15 member Garda Band plus 2 mounted Gardai and the  6 Ceremonial Gardai led off the march  from the Greenway car park followed by past members of the Gardai, Ardagh school teachers/ pupils, heritage members  and members of the general public.

First  stop was outside St Molua’s church to honour the 175th anniversary of the presentation to William Smith O’Brien and the Young Irelander’s by the French of the Irish Tricolour, the Green White and  Orange.  Fr Michael Noonan blessed the site and Chief Superintendent Derek Smart then  laid a wreath there and raised the Tricolour from half-mast. The  Garda Band followed by  playing Reveille, Solo drum, Last Post and Amhran na bhFiann. The marching group continued through Ardagh village as householders came out to watch and traffic was stopped as they made their way through the lights at the top cross junction to their destination. The present  house owners Paddy and Kathleen Daly welcomed all at the door of their bungalow which replaced the demolished 2 Story Barracks that was divided in two to house a Garda  and family. The weather was a blessing  being dry calm and mild  for the outdoor events which commenced at 1.10pm and concluded at the hall for refreshments, medal presentations, viewing memorabilia  etc over one hour later.

PAT HARTNETT: The death has taken place of Patricia (Pat) Hartnett (Nee Noonan) of Creeves Cross and formerly of Roche’s Road Rathkeale, peacefully in Abbott Close Care Centre on Thursday October 12. Predeceased by her baby son John, mother Maura,  father Mick,  and brother John. Reposing was held  at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Sunday October 15, from 6pm to 8pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday afternoon at 2.30pm, followed by burial in the adjacent cemetery. Sympathy to her husband Eddie, son Aidan, daughters Michelle and Siobhan, sisters Marie and Ann, grandchildren Cora, Cian, Cai, Éabha, and Saoirse, daughter -in-law Anna, son -in-law Seán, Michelle’s partner Ger, nephews, nieces, relative and friends. May she rest in Peace.

WEDDING WISHES: Congratulations to Brendan and Joan Duggan School Road Ardagh who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Wishing both good health and happiness into the future.

WEST CHAMPIONS: Congratulations to St Kieran’s who won the West Junior B Football Championship at Killeedy’s GAA Grounds at Raheenagh on Saturday October 21. They defeated the holders Knockaderry by 2-8 to 0-6 after a competitive game played in good conditions. A great start scoring 2-2 in the opening 10 minutes was the winning of the game for St Kieran’s. Brian Crowley with a point from a free opened the scoring. Tom Mc Mahon finished a sweeping movement  to the net after 8 minutes. Before Knockaderry could recover corner forward Darragh Mc Mahon added a point, and he scored a cracking goal  to put his side 8 points ahead.  It was an even game from then on as the teams retired at the break with St Kieran’s leading by 2-4 to 0-4 at half time.

They shaded the second half outscoring their opponents by four points to two despite having a player in the sin bin for 10 minutes. The team contained a mix of youth and experience who blended in well  to take the honours. Johnny Walsh on behalf of the West Limerick GAA Board presented the Dr, Jim Mc Carthy Perpetual Memorial Cup afterwards  to winning captain James O’Connor. TEAM Raymond Noonan, Shay Greaney, Cillian Heffernan, Ian Mackessy, Shane Fitzgerald, Daniel Geraghty, Michael Murphy, James O’Connor, Lorcan Murphy, Cathal Mc Enery, Jack Ben Hartnett 0-1, Fionn Gleeson, Darragh Mc Mahon 1-1, Brian Crowley 0-6, Tom Mc Mahon 1-0. SUBS Conor Woulfe, Ray Cahill,  Jack Mulqueen, Mike Flynn, Brian O’Neill. PANEL Dan Duggan, Eamon Ambrose, Padraig Trant, Cormac Murphy, John O’Connor, Darragh O’Connor, Aonghus Gannon, Patrick Ambrose, Darragh Breen, Jamie O’Brien,  Con Enright, Conor Kelly, Eoin Burke. John Doyle (unavailable due to a bereavement). MANAGEMENT Patrick Windle, Noel Broderick, Mikey Greaney, Nicky Kelly, James Windle.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic drew 0-0 with Breska Rovers away in the Desmond Premier League Cup Group A, round 2 on Sunday October 15. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Breska Rovers B 4-2 away in Division 3 of the Desmond League. Mike O’Sullivan, Darragh Mc Mahon, Sergi Moara, and Cathal O’Connor scored their goals. Carrig Celtic had no fixture. In the Desmond ladies Premier league Kilcolman Rovers defeated Janesboro 2-1 away with goals from Dora Bury and Marie Balfe. In Division 1 of the League Cup Group B Creeves Celtic drew 0-0 with Breska Rovers B and advanced to the semi-final on penalties.

CAMOGIE NEWS: Newcastle West defeated Killeedy by 0-17 to 1-5 in the County Senior Camogie Final at Ballyagran on Sunday October 15. Congratulations to all the local players on the team and panel on their win and best wishes for the Munster championship.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday October 16. The numbers drawn were 5,7,12,26, and  there was  no  winner of the € 15,000 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each:  Mary Curley Ardagh, Mickey Breen Shanagolden, Margaret Wilmott c/o Moloney’s, Marie O’Connor Commons, Ardagh, Joan Ahern Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be € 15,100. 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. NOTE  For the month of October  an extra  lucky dip of €100 will be added to the five lucky dips drawn each week to mark the 30th  anniversary of its formation. This week’s winner was DTG c/o Greaney’s.  On November 6, the first lucky dip winner will receive a € 500 holiday voucher. Both organizations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Mags Bridgeman Knockaderry, who won € 230, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday October 20.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.

CLOTHES COLLECTION: Kilcolman N.S., will hold a clothes collection on Friday October 27. Bags of clothes, shoes, belts, bags, bed linen(no duvets or pillows), can be dropped to the school  shelter any time  before this date. Thanks for your continued support.

HALLOWEEN DISCO: Coolcappa Parents Association  are holding  a Children’s Halloween Disco and Fancy Dress at Coolcappa Community Centre on Friday October 27 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Admission € 5 per child and € 10 per family. All children from ages 12 and under are welcome to attend. Parental supervision please. Refreshments shop  open and prizes for the best  costume and best dancers will be awarded. It is a fundraiser for Coolcappa School.

CLUB DRAW: The  Limerick GAA Club draw will be held on Saturday October 28,  and announced on the Sports Show on Limerick Live 95. The entry fee  is € 10 per month or € 30 for the remaining three draws  and € 21,000 will be given out in prize money each month, with a first prize of € 10,000. The star prize for October will be a €500 fuel voucher. 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.

WINTER TIME: Readers are reminded that winter time comes in on Sunday October 29, at 2am. Clocks to be put back one hour beforehand. Enjoy the extra hour in bed.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in An Riocht Clubhouse Castleisland  on Sunday October 29, from 3-6pm. Music by Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band, tea served, and admission is € 10. The Céilí is part of the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival weekend. It is an ideal venue for the dancers from Kerry, Cork and Limerick and a great atmosphere is always present for the set dancing.

GAA FUNDRAISERS: St Kieran’s club scrap metal collection concludes over the Bank holiday weekend October 28-30. People who want to dispose of unwanted scrap metal are asked to contact Chairman David Woulfe on 086-2205572, to arrange collection. This is the final weekend of the collection and the club thanks all for their support to date. As part of the Oskar’s. a fundraising clothes collection will be held  by the cast of the Bridesmaids on Saturday/Sunday November 4/5. They can be dropped off at Ardagh Community field and at Coolcappa GAA grounds. The proceeds will go towards the new field development at Ardagh.

OLD MILL LADIES:   The Old Mill club are still accepting a range of used clothes in their orange bin located beside their clubhouse. The annual bucket collection  around Newcastle West will be held on Saturday October 28. All support will be greatly appreciated. Their club AGM has been fixed for Tuesday November 28 at the Clubhouse and all are welcome.

KNOCKFIERNA NIGHT: The annual Halloween bonfire night at Knockfierna will be lit on Tuesday October 31 at 5.30pm. This will be followed by music story and song in the Knockfierna Rambling House, and all are welcome.

RAMBLING HOUSE: A rambling house will be held at Ballysteen Hall on Saturday November 4, at 8pm sharp. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend. The Eircode is V94322C, and all are welcome.

BOOK LAUNCH: Keeping the Dream Alive is the title of a new book that tells the story of Limerick’s 1973 All Ireland Hurling win, 50 years on. Work has been ongoing all year by authors James Lundon, Liam O’Brien and Niall Deegan, with input from many more writers. It contains over 500 pages of material and rare photographs recalling all the Limerick matches and events of 1973. The profits from the book will be shared between two local deserving charities, Limerick Society of St Vincent de Paul and The Children’s Ark University Hospital Limerick. The launch will take place at the Woodlands House Hotel Adare on Sunday November 5, from 6.30pm. It promises to be a great night with members of the 1973 team in attendance plus many more guest personalities. The book costs € 30 and will be available to purchase on the night.

NOONAN LIGHTS FUNDRAISER: A fundraising  Charity dance in aid of Noonan’s Christmas Lights will be held at the Woodlands House Hotel Adare on Sunday November 5, from 9pm to 11.30pm. Music by the Michael Collins Band and a raffle will be held for numerous spot prizes. The doors open at 8.30pm and admission is €10. This is the first fundraiser for this year’s Christmas Lights display and all support will be greatly appreciated.

C.L.G. Áth an tSléibhe 

by Damien Ahern

Athea Ladies Minor Team

Split the Bucket

Congratulations to Margaret Ahern who was this week’s Split the Bucket winner, going home with €501 which was the largest pot to date.  The next draw will take place on Monday November 6th.  Envelopes can be purchased at Dick Whites, Collins Shop, O’ Riordan’s Pharmacy, Athea Credit Union, Bingo at Con Colbert Hall on Friday nights, Chinese Takeaway, and during events at Pairc na nGael. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

Club Draw

Draw 3 of our Club Development Draw 2023 took place on Monday October 23rd. Last month’s winner of €1000 Jamie Collins picked the winning numbers. Thady Woulfe won first prize of €1000, Thomas and Rita Collins won second prize €100, Donal Cotter took home third prize €100 and Kieran Murphy won fourth prize – €100.

U15 Gerald Griffins Glin Athea

The Gerald Griffins Glin Athea U15 boys team had a good win in the Championship semi final V Ballylanders on October 21st. The team now progress to the county final. Date to be confirmed.

Ladies Junior Football Final

The anticipate junior final v Groody Gaels was postponed this weekend due to the sad passing of Mary Wallace RIP.  The club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to all the Wallace and O’ Connor families at this time.

West Larkin shield team

Well done to Shauna Collins, who will represent Athea NS in the divisional school team. We wish Shauna and her teammates the best of luck in their preparation.

Annual fundraising Raffle

Our annual fundraising fair day raffle takes place 4th November  on fair day. Tickets are currently on sale.

Thanks to our local sponsors

1st Prize Load of Timber  – Sponsored by Dick White’s & Batt’s Bar, Athea

2nd Prize €150 oil Voucher – Sponsored by Mc Elligott’s Oil

3rd Prize 4 Bags of Coal – Sponsored by Collins XL Athea

Tickets €2 each – Book of 3 €5.

Clothes collection 

Our next clothes collection will take place Monday 6th November . Bags of clothes can be dropped into the club house or left in the public toilet over the next two weeks for this.

We will accept the following

women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, handbags, belts, all paired shoes, curtains, bed linen, towels and blankets.

Duvets / pillows / blankets

Áth an tSléibhe – Coiste na nÓg –24ú Deireadh Fómhair 2023 

Torthaí 

Results:

Athea School Boys Football:

Athea played Courtney Boys School Newcastlewest on Friday last in Raheenagh in the Division 2 semifinal with Athea winning on a score line of 4:09 to 1:02. Athea had excellent performances from Se Ahern in the forwards scoring 1:01, Cathal Fitzgerald in midfield and Oisin McCarthy in defence. Athea Panel: Eoin Ahern, Tiarnan Fitzgerald, Kane Brouder, Oisin McCarthy, Tadhg Hunt, Nathan Ambrose, Jack Leahy, Cathal Fitzgerald, Aaron Hunt, John Ahern, Se Ahern, Patrick Hayes, Shane Ahern, Colton Brouder, Noah Nash, Kieran Sheehan, James Kelly, Aaron McCabe. Sarsfield Schools Team: Congratulations to Jack Leahy and Tadhg Hunt for making the West Limerick Schools Football team following two rounds of competitive trails. Best of luck