by Kathleen Mullane

Kathleen Mullane out for a walk in Athea on New Years Day pictured beside a daffodil in full bloom.

OUT AND ABOUT 

Well I’m sure it’s been a huge a relief to the family of John Sweeney who we all know was in so many people’s thoughts and prayers over the past number of days since he was reported missing over a week ago when the news filtered through on Sunday afternoon that he had been found. After days of searching by hundreds of volunteers, Gardai, Search and Rescue, family members, relatives and friends at last closure could come about for the family especially but indeed to everyone who helped in anyway including all those who took refreshments to those searching. It was indeed a wonderful community effort. May John now rest in Eternal Peace in the Heavens above.

The death also took place last week of Seamus Mahony of Templeathea following a short illness. Seamus will be remembered for his great kindness to many, always ready to lend a helping hand as he went about his daily work on his Honda 50 up to a few years ago. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday last here in Athea by Canon Tony Mullins assisted by Fr Willie Russell. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetry. Sincere sympathy to the Mahony family Markievicz Park, Tommy Mahony Templeathea  and to his loyal friends the Griffin family. May he rest in peace.

I didn’t realise that today Monday as I do my few lines, it being the 3rd Monday of January, that its been called Blue Monday—-supposedly the saddest day of the year. It seems it follows on from the festive highs of Xmas added with the financial hangover that families experience as well as being in the depths of Winter with little sunlight and shorter days .However we must not dwell on it too much in my opinion as despite being cold its dry and everyone is advised to stay active, go for a walk, get out in nature, go to a gym as all these boost one’s mood and that’s what’s needed to get out of the January Blues as they call them.

Do more in 2024, don’t sit on the couch, go out and make a change, smile and laugh more, be excited to do new things. Throw away clutter or give to charity. Let go of negative people that bring you down. Go to bed early, get up early. Show more gratitude, do things that challenge you, be brave. View January not as a grim holding cell but as an open door to fresh adventures and opportunities. Then you won’t have time to think of it being Sad January.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK——

Kindness costs nothing,given to others it can

Gleam like GOLD.