Athea Drama Group 

Members of Athea Drama Group painting the set on Monday night

Athea Drama Group are currently busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of  ‘Turning Mammy’ by John McDwyer, described by the playwright himself as ‘a comedy with a few serious bits’. The cast is made up of Julie Moloney, Johnny Corkery and Mary Ellen Tierney. The play will be staged at Con Colbert Hall, Athea on March 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 23rd & 24th at 8pm. Our booking line is now open. To book and avoid disappointment please text 0876926746.

Healthy Athea

The Athea GAA Healthy Athea Team would like to thank everyone who contributed to the recent street collection in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation which raised the grand sum of €1,203. Thanks also to Paul Collins for allowing the group to set up outside Collins.

Pictured below is Cian Hickey making his donation.

Athea Community Council

Lucky Numbers Draw  26/02/2024

No’s Drawn: 3,  6,  7, 19.  No Winner

Lucky Dips

John Fealy,                          Athea

Ciaran Barrett,                   Dublin

Johnny Mullane,                GAA

Conor Fitzgerald,    H/Side Drive

Sellers Prize: Lal Browne & D. De Barra 

Next Draw:  04/03/’24    Venue:  Batt’s

Jackpot €19,700

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I think it was the late Bob Hope who said that Ireland was a lovely country especially when you could get the four season’s weather in one day. I experienced something like that on Friday when I travelled to Clonlara in Co. Clare to pick up some paper. When I left it was cold and raining torrents from the sky so hard that it was difficult to see the road before me. This lasted until I had passed Adare and then I had hailstone and sleet. Just beyond Limerick it dried up and by the time I got to Clonlara the sun was shining like a summer’s day.  On the way home, the sky began to darken again and by the time I got to Ardagh it was snowing. It was really heavy in Carrigkerry and the whole place was covered in a thick blanket of white. It got lighter as I travelled on and by the time I reached Athea there wasn’t a sign of snow. People were looking amazed at my car which was covered in white so I experienced a diversity of weather in a relatively short journey through the County Limerick. There is no doubt that we are getting a lot more rain than usual and I suppose it is down to climate warming. At least we are getting the flood relief scheme which will be a comfort to those living near the river.

Thanks to everyone who congratulated me on my appearance on the telly last week playing with the Liverpool Céili Band. People have asked me what was my connection with the band so I tell them that it goes back to the late ‘60s when I lived and worked in Liverpool. I actually got married in Liverpool and my first two children were born there.  The Liverpool Ceile Band were famous at the time having won the All-Ireland, toured America and appeared on “Sunday night at the London Palladium” the top entertainment show on TV at the time. I joined them when Kevin Finnegan went to America and Frank Horan returned to Ireland to take up a teaching job in Roscommon. The band was centred around the leader Seán MacNamara, a Liverpudlian who had connections in  Co. Clare, and Eamonn Coyne also born in Liverpool with Sligo connections. As a matter of fact, I was the only one who was born in Ireland. They were without doubt, the best musicians you could get but they were also full of fun and devilment. We played a few times a week and had a session every Sunday morning in the Irish Centre which was usually jam packed for the couple of hours we were there. I came back to Ireland in 1973 to take up a full time job as Munster organise for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann but that did not end my connection with the band. I joined them every time they came to Ireland and I used to go over every so often especially if they had a big gig on. Those years with the Liverpool were the happiest times of my life but sadly none of the original band are still alive. I am the only one left but others who joined the band in later years come together every so often to keep the spirit of the Liverpool alive. Two years ago, Sean MacNamama’s son-in-law, Ray Rooney, wrote a book on the band and we got together for the launch in Ennis. That is why we gathered again at the All-Ireland in Mullingar and appeared on the TV show from there. People also ask me why we were jumping up and down to the music. Well, this was started by Eamon Coyne in his hayday and it has been a kind of signature of the band ever since. Playing with the band was always about enjoyment and passing it on to the audience. We should never take ourselves too seriously especially playing music that is all about enjoyment. We are getting together again to play at Fleadh Nua in Ennis to mark its 50th anniversary. I am looking forward to that.

Athea Drama Group are ready to take to the stage for this year’s production “Turning Mammy” which will begin at the hall on March 16th and run for seven nights. It is traditional to have plays at this time of the year because of the laws of the Church that reigned supreme a few years ago. Lent was strictly observed with fasting and abstinence the rule. People took it very seriously and it was thought to be a great sin if someone had meat on  a fast day. I remember my father at a time when he had a lorry and sold turf for a living. He was down near Knocklong on a very cold, miserable March day dropping off a load of turf. The family were Protestant and when he was invited in for tea  he was given a plate of rashers and sausages. He did not want to insult the woman of the house so, even though he knew he was doing wrong, he polished off the food. That did not stop him feeling guilty so, the next Saturday night, he went to Confession. He told the priest he had eaten the meat and the circumstances. The priest said to him, “you were hungry and cold so you did the right thing” and gave him his penance. Needless to say he was mightily relieved coming out of the  confessional box. Dancing was forbidden during Lent so there was no entertainment on Sunday nights. That’s when the drama groups started and there was a play in most parish halls for the seven weeks until the bands returned again. That practice has stayed with us and it is a pity because all the plays are on at the same time. If they were staggered throughout the year we might get a chance to see all of them at our leisure instead of trying to cram in three or four a week. The best one I have seen lately was the Abbeyfeale production “The Banshees of Crokey Hill”.  It is a good play but what impressed me most was the standard of acting which was bordering on the professional. Looking forward now to seeing our local group in action.

Break a leg.

Church Notices

rish Pastoral Unit (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 morning 9.30am and Friday evening 7pm.

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

Lay Liturgy with Stations of the Cross on Friday morning at 9.30am.

Mass Intentions this week: Friday 1^st March at 7pm- Jimmy O’Sullivan (months mind).

Sunday Mar 3^rd at 11am- Peter Stackpoole. Hanora (Nan) Hurley.

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

RIP We remember in our prayers this week James Casey late of Clash, Athea.

Lenten Scripture Reflection: A Journey through the Bible, Every Wednesday evening during Lent in the Library, Athea from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Followed by a cuppa and chat. Presented by Pat Higgins 087=2034626 and Sean O Mocháin 087-2321375.

Bereavement Support: An information evening on bereavement support will take place in Milford Care Centre, Education Department on Tue 27th Feb. 7pm – 8.30pm

Baptisms are on the fourth Saturday 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]

Letter to the Editor

A village under smoke

Dear Editor,

I would appreciate the opportunity to highlight a local concern among your readers. During the winter months it is well known that our village often resembles the smog-like appearance of a major city such as Beijing or New Deli. The level of burning turf, coal and timber increases from September each year and can last well into March creating huge volumes of smoke resulting in very difficult breathing conditions for vulnerable people or anyone with asthma / respiratory problems.

Within the environs of our village, we are lucky to have numerous sporting facilities, a school and pre-school, and many more organisations that attract people into our village including a potential new playground which will be developed in the near future. It is hard to imagine that one could enjoy any of these facilities under current conditions. Go for a walk around our village and see for yourself the level of smoke that is on every street, on every footpath and in every green space.

In the interest of our children and grandchildren, friends and neighbours would people consider a smokeless alternative? Our village has a lot to offer but for everyone to enjoy it we urgently need to address the poor level of air quality that is here.

Together we can make Athea a better place to live, work and enjoy. Will you play your part?

(Name & address supplied)

–Newcastlewest Swimming Pool Needs your HELP!

Lorraine Higgins, CEO, with Voluntary Board members Shane Kelly, Clr. Jerome Scanlon, Michael Finnucane and John Lynch at the launch of West Limerick Sports Complex Car Raffle.

West Limerick Sports Complex (Formally Killeline Leisure Centre) is a not for profit Social Enterprise operating the only public Swimming Pool and leisure facilities for Newcastlewest and the wider region. The Chief Executive Officer is Lorraine Higgins, an Athea native, who has successfully run the business for many years, scaling it from a small privately owned company to now a thriving Public Facility that has reached capacity and needs development.

The Sports Complex now caters to over 2000 people per week, with a wide catchment area that includes people from Athea, Carrigkerry, Abbeyfeale, Glin, Ballyhahill and Loughill to name a few! There are also many schools, local groups/organisations and disability services that greatly benefit from the facilities and services.

The facilities and adjoining 2 acre site are going up For Sale and must be purchased by WLSC so that they can continue to offer the current services and develop to a Regional Sports Complex – deserving of the County Town and surrounding catchment areas.

A huge fundraising effort is underway with their biggest Fundraiser to Date –Win a NEW 2024 Peugeot 2008 Car!

Please help support them and save a vital public amenity that has huge potential to expand and will benefit generations to come by purchasing tickets.

Tickets are available at Reception, over the phone on 06977551 or at a link on the top of our website www.wlsc.ie

by Tom Aherne

BIRTHDAY WISHES: Congratulations and best wishes in the future to  Chloe Ahern, Glensharrold who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with family and friends.

MONTHS MIND: The months mind Mass for Joan Duggan School Road Ardagh will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday March 2, at 6.30pm.

50TH ANNIVERSARY:  Ardagh ICA Guild are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and the members came together recently to mark this milestone. The Ardagh Guild was formed on 12-2-1974, (I also saw March 11, 1974, mentioned)  and the first officers were President Eileen Collins, Vice President Mrs Danaher, Secretary Maura O’Dwyer, Treasurer Kathleen Wilmott. Press Officer Mrs O’Sullivan, Production Officer Miss K O’Connor, Competition Secretary Mrs Breen, International Officer Mrs Kennelly.

In the early years the emphasis  was on craft such as upholstery, rush work,  rug making and sewing classes. The Guild entered many  competitions, including ”Make and Model”, Drama, Set Dancing, and the Quiz team won many prizes. On March 7,1988, the Guild hosted its first Federation meeting and the following week the first round of the Friends Washing Up Liquid” sponsored competition. Their achievements include an ”Arts Award for Literature” presented to Mary Tobin O’Connor in December 1998 and May 1999. Mary was awarded third prize in the national final  of ‘Jacobs/I.C.A. Creative Writing” competition. In 2003 the Federation ”Role of Honour” was presented to Joan Riordan.

Ardagh Guild has been very involved in many activities at local/community level, being involved in setting up a Parish Community Alert scheme, fundraising and overseeing the erection of road signs in conjunction  with Limerick Council. The parish Christmas Party for Senior Citizens and the Chiropody  Clinic were also initiated by the Guild. They have held classes in cookery, flower arranging and art etc. Joan Riordan was Federation President for the Golden Jubilee of Limerick Federation in 1994 and continued to serve in various roles at national level. Down the years many charities and organisations  have benefited from fundraising. They have held fashion shows, invited guest speakers to deal with a wide variety of topics and organised annual outings. Continued success to the members of Ardagh Guild in the future.

ELM HILL: A noted landmark on the Ardagh to Reens  junction Elm Hill House at Kilscannell has been falling into a derelict condition in recent years. Maurice Studdert a Magistrate and Captain in the Limerick Volunteers built Elm Hill House in the middle of the eighteenth century. It was a two-story eighteenth-century house erected over a basement, and the property of I.Studdert in 1837. The house passed through  the Wandesford and Magner families and was purchased by Patrick Woulfe in 1931. The Woulfe family continued to live in  the house until the 1990s, with two brothers  being the last occupants. In the intervening  years the house  became derelict, as rain poured in through large holes  in the roof and the floorboards becoming rotten. in recent weeks the roof has fallen in and Elm Hill house is now just a past landmark.

PHILOMENA KEILY: The untimely death has occurred of Philomena Keily, Templeathea at Milford Care Centre. She lay in repose at St Bartholomew’s Church Athea on Sunday February 18. Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Willie Russell and Canon Tony Mullins on Monday followed by Cremation. Sympathy to her husband Anthony, son Rhys, daughters Sarah, Molly, Julia, mother Peg, sister Julia, brothers William  and Michael, Anthony’s parents John and Ann Keily Ardagh, and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

DANIEL JOYCE: The death has occurred of Daniel (Donal) Joyce late of Loughill following an accident in his adopted Canada. He lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home Shanagolden on Monday February 19. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at the Church of the Assumption Loughill followed by burial in Kilcolman Cemetery. Sympathy to his sisters Miriam, Trish, Hilda, Helen and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

SHEILA DUNNE: The death has occurred of Sheila Dunne(née O’Brien) Glanmire, Cork and Newcastle West, Limerick on Tuesday February 13, peacefully, but suddenly at the Cork University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Daughter of Esther Forde Rooskagh and Dan O’Brien, Newcastle West and wife  of the late Ted,  mother of Lilley and T.J. Reposing  took place at the Mayfield Funeral Home, Old Youghal Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd, on Wednesday February 21, from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at 2.00pm on Thursday February 22, in the Sacred Heart Church, Glounthaune. The funeral  cortege proceeded afterwards to the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. Sympathy to her  family Lilley, T.J., brothers Donal and Vincent, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends and colleagues. May she rest in Peace.

GAELIC GAMES: John Hayes from the St Kieran’s GAA Club lined out for Limerick in their 1-12 to 0-10 defeat to Sligo in Division 3 of the National Football League round 3 fixture at Mick Neville Park on Sunday February 18. Michael Long is training with the Limerick Under 20 football panel preparing for the Munster Championship. Calum Madigan, and Sean Walsh are part of the West Limerick panel for the Mackey Cup competition. The Ita Madigan Under 13 hurling tournament  is ongoing and the final is planned for Sunday March 3.

SOCCER NEWS: The first round of the Desmond Cup commenced on Friday February 16, with Carrig Celtic defeating Ballingarry B 3-2 away after extra time. Ian Mackessy, Brian Foley and Seanie King scored their goals. On Sunday Creeves Celtic defeated Rathkeale B by 2-0 away with goals from Kevin Guina and Bryan Meade. Kilcolman Rovers lost 5-1 away to NCW Town Reserves. In the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-0 away to Breska Rovers in the Premier Division. Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Broadford United with Caoimhe O’Connell scoring.

LADIES FOOTBALL:  Limerick lost to Leitrim by 2-11 to 1-7 in round 5 of the Ladies National Football Division 4 League played at Ballinamore  on Sunday February 18. Róisín Ambrose and Iris Kennelly (players) and Sophie Hennessy and Alva Quaid ( panel) from the Old Mill club were involved.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday February 19.The numbers drawn were 1,3,8,29 and  there was  no  winner of the € 16,600 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each,  Kate Ambrose Liskilleen, Ardagh, Anne Mullins Ardagh, Eoin Moran Carrigkerry, Winnie Murphy c/o Mackessy’s, Meadhbh Ambrose Ardagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be  € 16,700. 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.  Both organisations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Mary Lynch Shanagolden who won € 205, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday February 23.The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry,  and 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.

TROCAIRE APPEAL: As we  progress through Lent and approach Easter, we are reminded of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world.   Trócaire boxes are available in the local church porches, if people missed out on collecting them at the start of Lent. We are asked to put some money into them, if possible, to help family’s this year  in Malawi. It has been badly affected by climate change and is one of the least developed countries in the world. The people have to make long journeys  many times per day to collect water for usage, which may not be clean and harmful to use.  The boxes can be returned to the churches on  Easter weekend and all support will be greatly appreciated.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present  ”Anatomy of a Fall”  in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday March 1, at 8pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

SINGING CLUB: The next West Limerick singing club session takes place on Friday March 1 at 9pm in the Ramble Inn Abbeyfeale. The special guest will be Declan Coyle and friends from Roscommon. Declan is the author of a booklet ”In Song and in Story” a collection of original songs, stories, parodies, poems, ballads, sketches etc.

DRAMA DATE: Killeedy Parish Hall Committee in association with Spike Players Knocknagoshel  present ”Roadside” by Noel Marian, (a comedy in three acts) at St Ita’s Parish Hall Raheenagh (V42ET85) on Friday March 8, at 8pm. Tickets cost €10and call 086-1649099 to reserve same. The proceeds are in aid of the Parish Hall.

SET CÉILÍ: A  Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday March 9, from 9.00pm. It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Jerry Mc Carthy  and tea  and treats served. Admission is € 10. All are welcome to attend.

GAA ROUNDERS: St Kieran’s GAA Club Rounders will commence training on Sunday March 10 from 6pm to 7pm in Ardagh Astro pitch. New players are welcome and asked to bring along runners, water and a football glove is optimal. Ring Deirdre on 087-9509287, or Emma on 087 629 3602 for all details.

ATHEA CÉILÍ: Congratulations and well done to all involved in staging the Céilí at Con Colbert Hall  on Saturday night last. A large crowd  from near and far attended and enjoyed a great night of music and dancing with delicious refreshments served at the break. Looking forward to the next one.

by Kathleen Mullane

HERE COMES MARCH

Well I’m just down from the walking track this Monday evening to air The Brain and enjoy the fresh air and the longer evenings thankfully, it’s been a lovely day today and it’s great to see so many using the Track whether Walking, Jogging, talking as they go around with Friends or people one might meet En Route. Above all its so safe no traffic and all lit up as soon as it gets dusk. I would urge anyone who hasn’t been to use the track to do so and they will reap the benefits and actually its nice to contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the facility and for 30 euro a year where would you be going .

What an exciting game on Saturday last in Clarecastle when Tarbert Comprehensive School travelled to Clare to play their All Ireland Semi Final Schools C  game against Ballymahon of Longford. A huge crowd of supporters from both sides travelled to the venue .At the full time whistle the sides were level, extra time having to be played and thankfully Tarbert came out victorious by 3 points in the end .They now travel to meet Castlewellan of Down in the All-Ireland Final which may be played on Saturday week. We wish them all the best and to the Athea players Callum Buckley, Evan Curry and James Broderick.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Donie O Sullivan and his last whereng with all the relatives and friends of James Casey of Clash Athea on his recent passing. His remains reposed in Athea Parish Church on Sunday evening last  where many offered their Sympathy. Requiem Mass was followed by burial in Calvary Cemetry, Newcastlewest.  May he rest in Eternal Peace.

Sympathy is also extended to Patsy and Breda Flavin of Ballaugh Abbeyfeale on the passing of Patsy’s sister Maureen in Dublin recently. .A native of Athea in her younger days, she spent many years in England. Condolences to all Maureen’s relatives and friends .May the light of Heaven be hers.

All are welcome during lent to the library here in Athea, where Bible readings and Lenten Scripture Reflections will be read and discussed, led by Pat Higgins and Sean O Mochain  from 7.30-8.30 each Wednesday  until March 27th.

Rumour has it that we may experience —-The Beast from The East again in the not-too-distant future, hopefully not but as the lines go—-

The March Winds doth Blow and we shall have Snow,

And what will the Robin do then Poor Thing.

He’ll hide in the Barn and keep himself Warm,

And wrap his head under his Wing Poor Thing.

Thought For The Week

We Don’t Need to Increase our Goods nearly as much as we need to Scale Down Our Wants.

Not Wanting Something is as good as Possessing it.