St. Brigid’s Day

Volunteers in Athea Church who are helping with the presentation of the story of St. Brigid at 11am Mass next Sunday. Missing from photo Siobhan Barrett
(Somebody had to take the photo!!)

A workshop on the making of St. Brigid’s Crosses will be held at the Church on Jan. 31st at 7.30pm. Materials will be provided and everyone is welcome to be guided by the experts who will be there to assist. Tea and coffee will also be served.

On Sunday morning, during Mass, local children will act out a short re-enactment of the life of St. Brigid.

Sincere thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible to remember and commemorate this special Saint.

Céad Míle Failte roimh gach éine

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

At last we get the true figures for the top earners in RTE and it shows how out of touch they are with what is fair or equitable. In any other organisation would some  employees be paid more than the DG.?  I doubt it but the argument can be made that they are not really employees but contractors who have agents to fight their cases. That they were paid such outlandish figures is bad enough but the fact that they tried to cover it up and basically lied to everybody, including representatives of the government who own the station on our behalf, is unforgivable. I am all in favour of people getting a good salary but you’d have to ask yourself, what did the high earners actually do to merit such sums? They are treated as celebrities just because they are handy with the gab and can put a programme together. I have a huge problem with “celebrities” anyway. Look how we treat professional footballers. Fans ape their hairstyles and what they wear and they are regularly portrayed in newspapers and glossy magazines and why? Because they are able to kick a ball about better than others. Likewise we have the adoration of singers and actors at the top of their professions. Being able to sing is a God-given talent, you either have it or you don’t, but it does not mean that we have to hang on every word singers say on the many chat shows they grace with their presence.  At the moment everybody is talking about the Oscar nominations and the Irish hopefuls. At the end of the day, who cares?   Actors get well paid because they are good at imitating others, it’s as simple as that. When was the last time we saw a brain surgeon on a chat show. Now, they are the real “celebrities” who have life-saving skills beyond any entertainer but, if you asked the average person, I doubt if they could name one. The same goes for many others in the medical profession who keep us alive day after day but we don’t rate them at all it seems. There is no comparison between what they do and what the high earners in RTE do or indeed how much they get paid. RTE is a great radio station with fantastic workers, many behind the scenes, who provide us with a variety of programming. They are the ones who will suffer in the long run if changes are not made. I suggest four steps at least. First, get rid of the agents and contracts and make everyone an employee on good but realistic wages. Second, get rid of anybody who had a hand in trying to hoodwink us all about the squandering of money. Third, replace the board of RTE who should have been on top of this controversy from the beginning and fourth, introduce a license fee that is collectable by revenue to cover, not just TV sets but all types of devises that can capture programmes.  If everyone paid a share it could be much less that what it costs at the present time. Many people stopped renewing their licence when the truth about Ryan Tubridy’s wages broke but that was not the right thing to do. If we don’t fund the station it is the ordinary workers who will suffer, not the high earners who are protected by their contracts. There is also the fact that it is the law of the land and I’m sure that we will see a lot of people prosecuted in the near future. Let us hope that decisive action is taken and we can draw a line under the whole debacle.

Next weekend is our new bank holiday celebrating St. Brigid. Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s patron saints, is a prominent figure in Irish religious history and folklore. Known as the ‘Mary of the Gael,’ her legacy is marked by her dedication to the Christian faith, her founding of several monastic communities, and her legendary miracles  Born in the mid-5th century, Brigid was the daughter of a pagan chieftain and a Christian slave. Despite her father’s status, Brigid’s early years were marked by hardship. She was known for her piety from a young age, and after converting to Christianity, she dedicated her life to serving God and the poor.  There are many stories and legends about our patron saint but much of it can be taken with a pinch of salt. This is due to the oral passing from generation to generation (no Whatsapp in those days) where some story tellers were liable to embellish the narrative for good effect. What is true is that she was  a great Saint who was revered by the people. Many forms of her name are common throughout the country. My own grandmother was called Bridge, i have an aunt and a sister called Breda and a daughter called Bríd. The name was second only to Mary in popularity and there was hardly a family in the country at one time who didn’t have one or two children named after them. It is good to see that there is going to be celebrations in the Church this weekend to commemorate St. Brigid

There were a number of miracles attributed to her as well. These are just a few

The Miracle of the Cloak

One of the most famous miracles attributed to Saint Brigid is the spreading of her cloak over a large area of land. According to the legend, when Brigid asked the King of Leinster for land to build her monastery, he mockingly suggested she could have as much land as her cloak could cover. Miraculously, her cloak expanded to cover a vast tract of land, enough to establish her monastery.

The Healing Miracles

Saint Brigid is also known for performing miraculous healings. Stories speak of her curing the blind, healing lepers, and even bringing the dead back to life. These miracles often highlight her compassion for the sick and needy.

The Miracle of the Ale

In another miracle, Brigid is said to have turned water into beer for a visiting clergyman and his companions. This story reflects both her hospitality and her divine abilities.

Kathleen is looking for your votes

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).

Weekday masses this week Tuesday & Thursday morning 9.30am and Friday evening 7pm.

Mass Intentions: Sunday Feb 4^th Patrick Enright, Hannah Enright & Nora Dillane. Doris Horgan.   Nora Quinn & John Aherne.  Pakie Higgins.

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

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

Baptisms are on the fourth Sunday of the month, contact Siobhan for further details.

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

St Brigid’s Day: Two special events to mark the Feast of St Brigid have been organised. On Wednesday Jan 31^st (Eve of St Brigid ) there will be a St Brigid’s Cross making Workshop in the Church at 7.30pm. Materials will be provided. On Sunday 4^th of February, the life of St Brigid will be told in mime and song during the 11.00am Sunday Mass. St Brigid’s Crosses will be blessed during the Mass. Mass on St. Brigid’s Day Thursday Feb 1^st at 9.30am

Candlemas Day: Friday 2^nd February – Mass at 7pm. Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day of special prayer for all in Consecrated Life. On this day known also as ‘Candlemas Day,’ we bless candles for use in the Church and at home. We welcome candles for use in the Church. Candles will be blessed at Mass on that day.

Feast of St Blaze: Saturday 3^rd of February – Priests will be available in Abbeyfeale Church from 12 noon to 12.30pm on Saturday 3^rd to give the  traditional Blessing of Throats. All are welcome. Blessing of the Throats will take place in Athea after mass on Sunday February 4^th.

FREE TALK BY SEAN RONAYNE – BOOK NOW! 

Fresh from his recent appearance on the Tommy Tiernan show, Sean Ronayne, who is an Ornithologist (a person who studies, or is an expert in birds) will visit Athea to deliver a multimedia presentation on Wednesday March 6th at Con Colbert Memorial Hall at 7pm, in collaboration with Limerick City & County Council. Sean will be discussing all things birds, whilst also playing sounds he has recorded over the years. Sean will be paying particular attention to the Hen Harrier – of which there are many residing in Athea. Mark the date in the diary, it promises to be a very insightful and engaging evening!

by Tom Aherne

KATHLEEN NUGENT: The death has taken place of Kathleen Nugent (nee Lee), Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry, on Thursday  January 18, peacefully after a short illness bravely borne surrounded by her loving family in the loving care of the staff of University Hospital Limerick. Pre-deceased by her daughter Catriona. Reposing was held at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Sunday January  21,from 5pm to 7pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West on Monday at 11.30am, followed by burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Sympathy to her husband Tim, sons Stephen, Michael and John, daughter Ann Marie, daughters-in-law Elma, Mary Ann and Jennifer, grandchildren Shauna, Katie, Patreeze, Leah, Emma, Ava, Luke, Cara and Jodie, brothers, sisters, sister-in-law Breda, nieces, nephew, relatives, neighbours and her close circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

MAJELLA FENN:  The death has taken place of Majella Fenn, Hazelville, Dromcollogher and late of Smiths Rd Charleville , Co Cork, on Friday January 19, aged 64 years, surrounded by her loving family in the excellent care of the staff at Hazelville St Joseph’s Foundation. Pre-deceased by her parents Jim and Breeda Fenn (nee McCarthy), sister Avice Foley (Dublin), brother Jim Fenn (Limerick). Majella resided in the loving care of St Joseph’s Foundation Hazelville retirement home in recent years, where her presence will be sadly missed by her friends and care team. Reposing at St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa, Ardagh, Co Limerick  on Saturday(January 20,) from 3pm to 5pm. The  Requiem Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Charleville, at 12 noon on Sunday January 21,followed by burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery. Sympathy to her family, sister Eleanor Fitzsimons and family Ballyneety, Shanagolden, brothers Dan (Cork), Tim and Frank (Dublin), uncle Monsignor Justin Mac Carthy (USA), her sisters and brothers-in-law,  nieces, nephews, grand nieces, nephews. May she rest in Peace.

TOM NESTOR: The death has taken place of Tom Nestor Riverstown, Birr, Co. Offaly, formerly of Ennis. Co. Clare and Kilquane, Coolcappa Co. Limerick. Tom passed away on Friday, December 22, suddenly but peacefully at home. Predeceased by his brothers John and Billy, sisters Kathleen, Tina and Mary. Reposing at his home  on Tuesday December 26, from 4pm to 6pm. The Funeral Mass was celebrated  on Wednesday  in St. Brendan’s Church, Birr at 11.00am.followed by Cremation Service in Shannon Crematorium at 4.00pm. Sympathy to his wife and best friend May, daughters Aileen and Sinead and son Loughlin, sons-in-law Paul and Bryan, daughter- in-law Dee, grandchildren; Luke, Kate, Jack, Ben and Ava, brothers Mike and Connie, sisters Nora and Nancy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.  May he rest in Peace.

STUDENT AWARD: Congratulations to Tommy Dillane Ardagh who received the overall student of the year  award sponsored by the Farm Apprenticeship  Board, Irish Farm Managers Association and the Master Farmers at the Graduation Ceremony of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 professional  diploma in Dairy Farm Management Course.

GREEN AND WHITE: In the winter issue of the Green and White Limerick GAA magazine Róisín Ambrose from Ardagh is pictured on the cover page. Róisín is featured inside in the question-and-answer file page.  It is a very interesting page about one of the top football and camogie players in the county. Continued success to Róisín in the future.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Iris Kennelly from the  Old Mill club scored 0-2 for Limerick in the Ladies Division 4 National Football League round 2 match played at Doon on Saturday January 20. Limerick defeated Derry by 1-8 to 0-4 and Alva Quaid, Róisín Ambrose both injured and Sophie Hennessy substitute are on the panel.

GAELIC GAMES: Congratulations to St Kieran’s players John Hayes senior and Cormac Murphy and Joey Mc Clellan Under 16s, Ben Hough Under 15, on their selection to the Limerick 2024 county  football team panels. Congratulations to Conor Donovan from St Senan’s who plays hurling with St Kieran’s on making the U15s Limerick County Football panel for 2024.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday January 22.The numbers drawn were 5,12,14, 29, and  there was  no  winner of the € 16,200 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Maurice Mc Auliffe Newcastle West, Tom Moroney Coolcappa, Maeve Enright Kilcorney Mallow, Peter Buston Coolcappa,  Noreen Ambrose Lee Dunganville. Next week’s  Jackpot will be      € 16,300. 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.  Both organisations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

RADIO APPEAL: West Limerick Community Radio 102 FM have issued an urgent appeal for financial support  to keep the station on air. They need the listeners support to clear a final outstanding payment by Wednesday January 31. They have a go fund me page set up for donations, and people can also contact the station by calling with theirs. A substantial debt arose in the early days when staff were paid, and income was not sufficient  to do so. Under the Chairmanship of Pat O’Donovan, the debt has been addressed in recent years and now can be cleared if sufficient support is forthcoming. When debt free the station can apply for grants to upgrade the studio equipment and offer the community an enhanced service into the future. All support will be greatly appreciated by all the team of volunteers who provide their time and talents free.

MINDFULNESS COURSE:  A new introduction to meditation and mindfulness course commences at the Community Centre Carrigkerry on Thursday February 1, from 7.30 to 9pm. It is a four-week course each Thursday February 1,8,22,29, and the cost is € 50. To book a place contact Siobhan on 083 1429456.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present  ”Past Lives”  in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday February 2, at 8pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

OLD MILL CLUB: The Old Mill ladies football club are holding a new members introduction day to ladies Gaelic football for primary school girls, from junior infants to sixth class at Newcastle West Community Centre on Saturday February 3, from 10am to 11am. The girls are asked to bring runners and water. Call or text (086) 8588018 or ( 087) 6684419 for more details.

FUNDRAISING QUIZ: A pub quiz in aid of Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses will be held at Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday February 3. All support will be greatly appreciated.

CAR BOOT SALE: A Car boot sale will be held at Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday February 4, from 8am to 1pm. Pre booking of stalls is essential on 069-69584. Please note that inside pitch is now € 15, and € 10 for outside pitch.

RAFFLE RESCHEDULED: The Carrigkerry Playground/Sensory Garden committee cancelled their Christmas raffle due to a  local bereavement in Carrigkerry at Christmas. They have rescheduled it now for Sunday February 4, at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry (Bank Holiday weekend).First Prize: Overnight stay with dinner for 2 at the Mustard Seed Ballingarry sponsored by Neilus Brouder. Second Prize: € 100 voucher for Moloney’s Carrigkerry. Third Prize: € 50 voucher for Brown Joe’s Bar Athea. Fourth Prize: Food Hamper from Dooley’s Supervalu. Fifth Prize: € 25 voucher for the Devon Inn Templeglantine. Sixth Prize: Bottle of Red and White wine from M and K. Seventh Prize: Bottle of Wine and a candle gift set from Tom Ahern Autos. The lines are € 2 each or 3 for € 5 and available at Moloney’s and from members. Thanks for the continued support for the development to everyone.

FUNDRAISER: Kilcolman Rovers have rescheduled  their annual run/walk challenge to Bank Holiday Monday February 5, from 12 noon (registration beforehand ) outside the Community Centre Ardagh. It will be the usual route and finishing back at the hall for light refreshments.  There will be prizes for the first 3 male and female runners and medals for all the participants. All are welcome to participate. This is the club’s annual fundraiser, and all support will be greatly appreciated.

DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held in Ballyhahill Hall at 8pm, Kilfinny Hall at 9pm, Marian Hall Moyvane on Monday’s. Monagea Hall 8.30pm and Con Colbert Hall Athea  at 9pm, on Tuesday’s. Milford Hall at 8pm, and Fr Casey’s Clubhouse Abbeyfeale  at 8.30pm on Wednesday’s. Monagea Hall  at 9pm  on Thursday nights.  Set dancing is one of the best exercises available for people of all ages. It is weight bearing and  strengthens the bones. It keeps the brain active as the dancers concentrate on the upcoming parts and it gets people socially involved.  New members are always made very welcome at all the venues mentioned.

RADIO DRAW: The West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw returns on Friday February 9, on the Exchange programme at 12.45pm. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, ) 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.

MILFORD FUNDRAISER:  The annual Milford Hospice 10 km run/walk will take place on Sunday February 11. The event is open to all runners and walkers of all levels and ability and all the proceeds will go directly to Milford Care Centre. All the details can be got by contacting the Milford fundraising department.

WELLNESS AND ADDICTION: St Kieran’s GAA Club present a free presentation on Addiction and Mental  Health  by Ciaran Carey at Ardagh Parish Hall on Friday February 23 at 7.30pm. The topics covered will include: The understanding and education around mental health  and addiction. The impact on the individual  as well as their family members and in turn the effects on the local  community. Services that offer support to help  make those vital changes in one’s life, thereby providing hope  and healing for the individual  and their family. This focus on mental health and wellbeing is for members of the club  and wider community and all are welcome to attend.

by Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT 

Well as I begin to put my few bits of news together this Monday evening, one can see the little stretch in the evening now that we are app

Is this the recipe for a long life?
Mickey Fitzgerald, Knocknasna, Thady Hunt, Athea and Maurice Stack, Moyvane, sampling a creamy pint at White’s Bar last Friday night. They have a combined age of 268 years!!!
Photo by Kathleen Mullane

roaching the end of January and many will be glad to see February on the Horizon given that January can seem one of the most drawn out months of the year following the build up and excitement of Christmas. Last week it was getting dusk just after 5 o clock whereas this evening with it being a bit frosty it was somewhat bright until 5.45. I suppose we are always wishing our lives away to an extent from one month or season to the next but isn’t it a joy to see the daffodils ready to burst out along with the primroses —the JOYS of NATURE.

The death took place last week in Cork of Mary Palles, nee Liston,  formerly of Colbert St. here in Athea. Mary had reached the great age of 93 and was healthy until her passing. Many came to pay their respects at Harnett’s Funeral Home in Abbeyfeale on Wednesday evening last .Burial followed Requiem Mass on Thursday  to Holy Cross Cemetery. Sincere  Sympathy to her family, relatives and many friends . May she rest in peace.

Well I wonder what did everyone think of our entry into this years Eurovision which took place during the Late Late Show on Friday night, Everyone agreed it was DIFFERENT to say the least. Gone are the days when a solo singer sang for the competition  whereas now its a stage show instead .Well we will just have to wait and see how things go, we could either go belly up or on the other hand we could do very well and maybe even win.

A doctor with 40 years experience advised everyone recently to try and keep out of hospitals in as far as one can as they are under so much pressure with Flu ,Covid etc .He said we should try and get back to the old remedies of a hot port before going to bed, eat oranges which are full of vitamin C and have bed rest to get rid of flu.

Congrats and good wishes are extended to Mark Reidy and his wife Anita, Upper Athea, on the birth of their new baby girl they are calling Quin Maggie, a new little grandchild for Margaret and Paudie Reidy the proud grandparents. Good wishes all around.

Well St. Brigid is going to be remembered here in Athea this week with the making of St. Brigid’s Crosses here in the church on Wednesday evening at 7.30 at a workshop all are welcome. On Sunday at Mass the life of St. Brigid will be told in mime and song with the blessing of the Crosses indeed a lovely tribute to a great Saint.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Stop being AFRAID of what might go WRONG—

And be EXCITED OF WHAT MIGHT GO RIGHT.