by Kathleen Mullane
WELCOME 2O24
Just to start, I want to wish each and everyone a very Happy, Peaceful and Healthy New Year and all the very best for 2024.
Well the Xmas celebrations are all over for yet another year. Our little village looked lovely I may add with the street lights and the lovely tree down at the Hall and in Markievicz Park. The Christmas Masses were all very well attended with the Church Altar admired by one and all along with the Advent Candle out in front which was a lovely addition this year. Well done to all who helped to decorate the church and to the choir who added to the atmosphere.
As always it can be a sad time and a happy time for families over Xmas. Nora Lynch of Glasha went to her Eternal Reward at such a great age before Christmas her funeral being largely attended by family, relatives and many friends.
The quite sudden passing of Patrick Langan of Glenagragra last week was a great shock to the community, he being involved in tractor runs and all things vintage for many years making many friends and doing a lot of charity work. Many paid their last respects at Finucane’s Funeral Home and again at his Requiem Mass.
The sudden death of Peter Stackpoole of Lixnaw and formerly of Lower Athea last week was a great shock to his family, relatives and friends. Many paid their respects in Abbeydorney Chapel on Sunday last.
To all the grieving families we extend our deepest sympathy and hopefully they will be able to come to terms with their loss this past Christmas season.
On the other hand it was a blissfully happy time for other families over the festive season. The engagement of Saoirse Enright daughter of Bernadine and Ray of Gortnagross to Scott Fitzgerald of Abbeyfeale caused great excitement in the households. Congrats and good wishes to them both.
New babies added delight to parents and grandparents and families alike and we extend congratulations to each and everyone of them.
To Michelle and Jason Foley of Templeathea who became first time parents and welcomed their little baby girl Ellie recently and to the delighted grandparents Noreen and Denis Murphy and Helen and Francis Foley of Abbeyfeale.
To Katie and Neilius O Connor of Kilbaha on the birth of their baby girl Cait, no doubt her two brothers are super happy ,and to the grandparents Kathleen and Paddy Collins in Knocknagorna.
To Mary and Joe Lavin of Dirreen on their little baby girl they are calling Grace Eileen and to Micheal Brosnan the proud grandad.
And last but not least to Jenny and Liam Kavanagh on the birth of their twin boys —Ruairi James and Iarla John and to Kay and John Liston the delighted grandparents in Upper Athea.
Wishing them all great happiness with their new little Bundles of joy.
Birthday Wishes are also extended to Geraldine Scanlon of Templeathea who had her 50th birthday celebrations at The Knockdown Arms, Athea over the Xmas period. A great night was enjoyed by family and friends.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
You Can’t Always Have A Good Day—But You Can Always Have Bad Day -WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE.