Athea Community Council

“Lucky Numbers” Draw

The weekly jackpot now stands at  €20,500, a tidy sum indeed for some lucky winner. Tickets on sale at White’s, Collins’ Shop, Community Council Office and other individual sellers. An appeal to all those who sell and buy tickets. Please ensure to fill in the date on the ticket because a ticket without a date is invalid. Wouldn’t it be awful to have the winning numbers and not be able to claim the prize because the date wasn’t filled in?

The legendary Athea Bookmaker Patsy Browne at Tralee Greyhound Track on Friday night as he keeps a shrewd eye on proceedings while about to chalk up the odds. A moment which has the real meaning of the old dog for the long road.
Photo: Moss Joe Browne.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

The Stardust tribunal took centre stage this week and it was great to see those families get justice at long last. That they had to wait this long is nothing short of disgraceful and serious questions must now be asked about the original enquiry that found in favour of the owners by claiming that the fire was started deliberately and there was no evidence of chained emergency exits. This meant that all those who died on the night had the finger of suspicion pointing at them which must have caused untold hurt to their families. How did they get it so wrong?  The evidence was there so why did it take over forty years to have it made public?  Of course the doors were chained. It was common practice in many ballrooms and big halls to prevent people from opening them from the inside and letting their friends in for nothing. I have seen it myself in many, many places and I am now sorry that I didn’t give it enough thought at the time and report it to the Gardaí. To add insult to injury, the people who were really responsible for the deaths were awarded €600,000 in compensation as a result of the first findings. This would amount to over two and a half million in today’s money. In the light of the latest findings should that money now be returned and those people prosecuted for unlawful killing? The state is apologising but the people in power now weren’t there at the time. Those who were also have question to answer. I hope that this will bring some closure to the families but of course it will never bring their loved ones back or take away the suffering from the injustice they had to endure for so long.

As I write, I can hear the sound of lawnmowers in the distance. At long last we have a bit of fine weather and it was a joy to be able to play golf at the weekend in shorts. We badly need a couple of weeks of this especially for the farmers, many of whom are running out of fodder for the cattle locked up since the fall of the year. I did notice that people were in a far better mood since the sun came out and I suppose we are all deficient in vitamin D for the lack of it. Anyway, it is good to hear announcers on radio reminding us to use sunscreen again.

I was in the village of Brosna lately, visiting the graves of my relatives, and a mural on a house caught my eye. It was a painting of the late Curtain brothers, famous fiddle players who were raised near where my father came from, a place with the delightful name “Two Gneeves”.  A Gneeve was 10 to 20 acres, depending on who measured it. The village of Gneeveguilla in Kerry would have 30 to 40 acres (Gníomh go leith; a gneeve and a half). Con was the more famous of the Curtains and he was the inspiration for the Con Curtin traditional festival which is held in Brosna every summer. Con spent most of his life in England where he worked for a while as a foreman on the tunnels in London. This was a very well paid job and Con eventually bought a pub in South London called The Big Balloon. It became a Mecca for all musicians and lovers of traditional music.  To say Con was a character would be an understatement. He was never stuck for words and had a ready comment for any occasion. In the pub there was a small glass cabinet on the wall with a tobacco pipe in it. There was a sign on which read “Michael Coleman’s Pipe”.  Michael Coleman was Sligo fiddle player who emigrated to America and made some of the first recordings of traditional music in the early part of the last century. He is still regarded as one of the best fiddle players of all time. Anyway , one day, a visitor from America was admiring the pipe and offered to buy it off Con. He was slow to part but when enough money was on offer, he sold the pipe. A couple of weeks later one of the locals noticed that Coleman’s pipe was back on display in it’s cabinet and he said to Con, “I thought you sold that pipe”    “I did” said Con. The man asked how it was back up there so to which Con replied: “do you think or imagine a famous man like Michael Coleman had only one pipe.”   I don’t know how many times the pipe was sold but it always appeared again. He could be witty as well. He was adjudicating at a fleadh Cheoil when a young lad who was in the early stages of learning to play the fiddle performed his two pieces. When the competition was over, the lad’s mother asked Con what did he think of him. Con replied; “he’s the nearest thing to a fiddle player I ever heard”.  The woman was happy and con had a twinkle in his eye. On another occasion, at a fleadh in Ballydesmond, Con was adjudicating along with Denis McMahon when an old mountainy man came on stage with a fiddle. He proceeded to play a slow air very badly out of tune. It was like a cat screeching and when Denis said to Con; “what will I give him”, the answer came back: “jail”.  As the old man was departing Con called him and asked him how much he would charge to haunt a house!  I have enough stories about con to fill the newsletter but I will save them for another day. He eventually returned to his native Brosna and bought a pub in the village. Alas, like many other such establishments, it is now closed but while it was open, it attracted musicians from all over the world.  There is an awful change in Brosna village since I first went there with my father. Unfortunately it has gone the way of most rural villages and towns where nearly all the shops and businesses are gone. They might call it progress but I think we have lost a great deal and we are never going to get it back.

Church Notices

Parish Pastoral Unit (Athea, Abbeyfeale, 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).

Masses this week- Tuesday evening 7pm and Thursday morning 9.30am.

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

Mass Intentions Sat April 27^th 7.30pm: Ellie & Bob Scanlon. Eileen Brosnan. Dick Woulfe.     Patrick Dalton (Gortnagross). Denny & Eileen Kelly (Coole West) and their daughters Peggy & Helen & son Joe.

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

Baptisms take place on the fourth Saturday of the month at 2.30pm. The next baptismal preparation meeting takes place in the sacristy Athea, Tuesday evening May 14^th at 8pm. Parents who wish to baptise their child in the next few months are encouraged to attend. Please contact Siobhan 087-3331459.

Templeathea Holywell: It is customary for people to visit the Holy well in Templeathea on the last Saturday in April. I believe the tradition is to say a rosary. The first decade in front of the well and the statue of Our Lady. Then move to the right and say the second decade then move right again to say the third and so on around the well and say the last decade in front of well and statue again. The water is said to cure ailments of all kinds.

Lenten Scripture Reflection: ‘A Journey through the Bible’ – continues in the Library, Athea every Wednesday night 7.30-8.30, followed by a cuppa and a chat.

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

Athea Community Council Lucky Numbers Draw

22/04/2024  No’s Drawn: 6,  13,  20,  24.    No Winner

Lucky Dips

Treasa Sexton,                   Coole West

Shona Mahony,                  c/o Ned Mahony

Anne & Fiadh Sheehan,     H/Side Drive

Ann McAuliffe, Donal & Ann’s

Sellers Prize: White’s Bar & D. de Barra

 Next Draw:  29/04/’24     Venue:  White’s Bar

Jackpot €20,500

PAT KING COUNCIL CANDIDATE

The Limerick City and County Council  Local Elections will be held on Friday June 7.  A new candidate Pat King from Carrigkerry  will contest the Newcastle West area as an Independent. He is the Supervisor  of the Carrigkerry Athea and Old Mill community employment  scheme and widely known in sporting circles. He possesses a hard working attitude who likes to get things done, rather that talking about getting things done. He has been disappointed by the lack of action from elected representatives and successive governments and feels it’s  now time for new people and fresh ideas  to step up and address the rural issues being ignored. Its Pat’s first time entering the political arena and his motto is the 3, C’s  Choices, Chances and Changes. In life you must make the choice to take a chance if you want to make a change.  His goals are simple and very achievable and he is asking the general public to give him a chance  to implement his ideas if elected.

Pat has worked and being a volunteer in the local community for over 35 years.  He has served and being involved in many organisations outside his own village also. He was a founding member of Carrig Celtic F.C. and a former chairperson,  fixtures secretary and  PRO of the Desmond Ladies League.  He is the current chairman and founder member of St Kieran’s Community Watch and current Chairman of Carrigkerry Playground and Sensory Park Development. He is also a current member of the St Kieran’s GAA club and St Kieran’s Heritage Association. Pat has been involved in Desmond League soccer for over 40 years as a player, manager and currently as a referee and vice chairman of West Limerick  Referees Society. He is also the current chairman of Limerick C.E. Supervisors Network Group and the National Rep for all of County Limerick.

Pat wants more funding made available for local community groups and clubs. He wants to address the scandalous litter and dumping  in rural areas. He wants to make the villages and towns safer with improved  services and infrastructure and to tackle the major drug issues all over the county.  Pat is a Community Employment Supervisor and he wants to tackle the recruitment, low budgets and other Employment programmes. He wants to safeguard people’s rights to cut their own turf and to increase the Local Link service for people living in rural areas. He wants to see rural roads widened and inlets made to take the water off the roads and potholes filled to improve safety for road users.

Pat wants grants to be made available  to cut the cost of public liability  for voluntary organisations whose work has been  greatly diminished and taken for granted  by successive governments. They are the backbone of every society and community group in every village and town and deserve respect.

Pat is appealing to the non voters to make their presence felt and to cast their votes and have their say in the formation of the next council sitting. He is asking support from all sections of the community and will not ignore people’s concerns if elected.  He can be contacted  by phone 089- 9868483, Facebook @patking celtic and  X @PATKING12345678

by Tom Aherne

PATRICK CURTIN: The death has occurred of Patrick Curtin, Dunmoylan, Shanagolden,  peacefully on Tuesday April 16,  at Milford Care Centre. Predeceased by his parents Dan and Ita. Reposing   was held at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Thursday  April 18, from 6pm – 8pm. The funeral cortege arrived at St Colman’s Church Kilcolman  on Friday morning for 12 o’clock Requiem mass. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin and Fr Joe Cussen and family members participated. Before Mass commenced symbols relating to Patrick’s life were presented at the Altar. They included bodhran/harmonica to show his love of music. A Limerick Jersey and Munster hat as he was passionate about sport as a player and supporter.  Climbing Sticks as he climbed hills and mountains at home and abroad. A gardening item as he loved his gardening and lawn. A model motorbike which recalled his Honda and the numerous trips he made.  An item relating to his many years spent working as a supervisor at the Jewellery factory in Rathkeale. A  photograph to show his love for family. Fr Tim and daughters Aishling and Alison paid lovely tributes followed by a musical tribute. Burial  took place afterwards in Feenagh Cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Mary (Née Delee) son Patrick, daughters Aisling and Alison, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, work colleagues, relatives, and friends.

Patrick was a native of Feenagh and he attended the local national school and later secondary school  in Dromcollogher. He married Mary Delee from Kilmeedy, whom he met at Dromcollogher Hall  in 1980.  They bought the house in Dunmoylan and moved to live there. They welcomed  their three children and settled well in their adopted parish. Patrick was gifted with his hands and helped to renovate the house and garden.  He worked at Anderson Rathkeale for 37 years. He made many trips abroad with the Irish Rambling House group and he enjoyed hunting the wren. Patrick was  a member of Tralee  Hill walking Club and climbed many hills and mountains around Ireland and further afield. He led a full life with lots of variety and made a valuable contribution to community life. He was kind, obliging, witty and sincere  and will be sadly missed by all.  May he rest in Peace.

MARY FLYNN: The death has occurred of Mary Flynn (Nee Roche) Rathreigh, Ardagh and Broadford, Limerick peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, after an illness borne with courage and good humour. Predeceased by her husband Pat (Patrick). Reposing  was held at St Kieran’s Church, Coolcappa on Thursday, April 18, from 6pm to 8pm. The Requiem Mass  was Concelebrated  by Fr Tim Curtin,  Canon James Ambrose, Fr Tony Kelleher,  Fr Michael Noonan and Fr John Mockler on Friday April 19, at 3pm. Family members participated in the ceremony including the hymns and music. Symbols close to Mary’s heart were presented at the Altar before Mass commenced. Her prayer book and rosary beads as Mary was very religious. Family photos and one taken with Limerick hurler Diarmuid Byrnes and the Liam Mc Carthy Cup, the  family unit meant everything to Mary, and she enjoyed  watching the sports on TV. A potted flower as the garden was a great passion of Mary’s and greatly admired by all. Fr Tim and son Emmett paid lovely tributes during the ceremony enhanced by the singing and music. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in Tullylease Old Cemetery, Co. Cork.

Sympathy to  sons Michael and Emmett, daughter-in-law Liz,  grandchildren Megan, Chloe, Evan and Alex, many nephews and nieces, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law both at home and abroad, extended family, neighbours and many good friends. Mary was a native of Broadford and 83 years old.  Her life revolved around family, caring and the church. From a family of 15 she cared for family members following the early death of her mother. She worked as a carer and in the hospitality sector. Mary met  Pat at ballroom dancing, and they welcomed sons Mike and Emmett into their family. Mary was very involved in the church providing flowers for Ardagh church for many years. She introduced Adoration to Ardagh and a number of other Churches. She was also involved in the setting up of the St Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society and organised many pilgrimages and trips to Holy places and got to meet the Pope. Mary made a huge contribution to family and community life and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in Peace.

COUNCIL ELECTION: The Limerick City and County Council  Local Elections will be held on Friday June 7.  A local candidate Pat King from Carrigkerry  will contest the Newcastle West area as an Independent. He is the Supervisor  of the Carrigkerry Athea and Old Mill community employment  scheme and widely known in sporting circles. He possesses a hard-working attitude who likes to get things done, rather that talking about getting things done. He has been disappointed by the lack of action from elected representatives and successive governments and feels it’s  now time for new people and fresh ideas  to step up and address the rural issues being ignored. Its Pat’s first time entering the political arena and his motto is the 3, C’s  Choices, Chances and Changes. In life you must make the choice to take a chance if you want to make a change.  His goals are simple and very achievable, and he is asking the general public to give him a chance  to implement his ideas if elected. We wish him well in his quest to become a county councillor.

SENSORY GARDEN: Carrigkerry sensory garden committee would like to thank Councillor John Sheahan from Glin who gave them € 5,000 from his fund to be used in the clearing of the site for the new development there.  The sensory garden and Campaign House replica will be put in place there.

WEDDING WISHES: Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Maurice Murphy Kilrodane, Ardagh and Emma O’Kelly Balltdoorty, Castlemahon who were married in St Mary’s Church Castlemahon on Friday April 5. The reception was held at Ballyseede Castle Hotel Tralee.

LEAGUE AWARDS: Congratulations to Róisín Ambrose from Ardagh and the Old Mill club who has been named at midfield on the National Ladies Football League Division 4 Team of the Year. Limerick were beaten finalists after a successful  campaign and also honoured were Yvonne Lee and Deborah Murphy from the Monagea club. The awards will be presented at Croke Park on Friday May 3.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s defeated  Ballysteen by 3-5 to 1-3 in the West Junior B Football League at Ballysteen on Thursday April 18. They led by 0-4 to 0-1 at half time. TEAM Con Enright, James O’Connor, Eamon Ambrose, Ben Cussen, Jack Mulqueen, Anthony Mullins, Sean Long, Jack Ben Harnett,  Jack O’Sullivan, Fionn Gleeson,  Anthony Molyneaux,  Brian O’Neill, Brian Sheehan, Oisin Ryan,  Oisin Commane. Subs Patrick Ambrose, Mike Upton, Ray Noonan. The St Kieran’s nominated dog Feshtys Mo did not  progress from the Con and Anne Kirby Memorial semi- final which was  run off on Saturday April 13. St Kieran’s lost to Adare by 0-14 to 1-9 in the West Football League at Adare on Saturday April 20.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic drew 2-2 away to Athea United in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday April 14. James O’Connor and Tommy Dillane scored and Creeves remain top of the division. Carrig Celtic drew 2-2 away to Askeaton/Kilcornan in Division 3 to remain top of the division. In the quarter final of the ladies Desmond Cup  Kilcolman  Rovers lost 1-0 away to Charleville. Creeves Celtic had no fixture.

ATHEA CLASS CÉILI: The end of season class Céilí was held in Con Colbert Hall Athea on Saturday April 20 and a large crowd attended. A very enjoyable nights dancing followed, and a lovely tea and treats were served. Thanks to John Joe and his team of volunteers who ran the night seamlessly. Great credit is due to John Joe who has taught so many people to dance over many years. Long may he continue to do so well into the future.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday April 15.The numbers drawn were 4,20,22,28,and  there was  no  winner of the € 17,400 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each,  Patsy and Moira O’Donovan Ardagh, Liam Flavin Carrigkerry, Ariane Reidy Ardagh, Lucas O’Sullivan c/o Dawn, Mikey Breen Shanagolden. Next week’s  Jackpot will be € 17,500. 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 O’Sullivan Carrigkerry, who won € 200 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday April 19. 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.

VISITOR CENTRE: The Knights of Glin Visitor Centre  at Lower Main Street Glin is now open for the summer months from 10am to 5pm. It contains a lot of information, and it is free to the public.

CLOTHES COLECTION: Kilcolman NS are holding a fundraising clothes collection on Wednesday April  24. Bags of clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen(no duvets or pillows) can be dropped to the school shelter any time before this date. Thank you for your continued support.

BOOK LAUNCH: Mary Kury from Ardagh will launch her latest book  Treasured Memories, a survey of St David’s Graveyard, Churchtown Newcastle West in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Wednesday April 24, at 7.30pm. A lot of work has gone into her survey, and it will be a great addition for readers within the catchment area of the graveyard.

DRAMA DATES: Knockaderry/Clouncagh Drama Group present ”Big Splash Small Fish” a comedy in two acts by Jim Keane in the Resource Centre Knockaderry on the following dates at 8pm.  Friday April  26, and Sunday April 28. Adults € 10, children € 5,  Raffle on the night and all are welcome.

MOYVANE CLASS CÉILÍ:  The end of season class Céilí will be held in the Marian Hall Moyvane on  Sunday April 27, from 3-6pm. CD Music, refreshments and all are welcome. The proceeds from admission and raffle will be donated to the running of the Marian Hall. Contact Timmy for all the details on 087-9451247.

KNOCKFIERNA WALK: The May Eve walk, and the traditional shaking of holy water will be held on Knockfierna hill on Tuesday April 30. Walkers are asked to meet at the Famine Memorial Wall at 7.30pm. A guest speaker will be present on the night, and all are welcome.

by Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT 

Well at last we have sun and doesn’t it bring out the very best in us all. It raises everyone’s spirits and isn’t it wonderful especially for the farmers who really were in dire straits. The last few days have seen cattle out in the fields, a new lease of life for them and their owners. Whatever about the sun, if it stays relatively dry for the moment everyone will be happy we keep the fingers crossed.

Congrats are extended to Joseph Healy, son of Mary and the late Joe Healy of Upper Athea, who is going to be awarded a B.E.M.medal in the U.K where he lives and will be presented to him by The Royal Family. He is being awarded this for work he does on T A T —try a train, which involves building confidence for people to travel daily.  Joseph has being doing this for 10 years and is very passionate about it ensuring everyone has a right to travel, and be confident when travelling. Joseph will be presented with his Medal by King Charles or the Queen for his Voluntary Service to the local community and has made a great difference in many peoples lives. Well done to Joseph.

Congrats to our young people who took part in the Community Games over the weekend  all winning gold medals in their respective competitions. Aine Ahern, daughter of Margaret and Tony of Gortnagross, won the crawl and freestyle in swimming and Sarah Barrett, daughter of Bobby and Margaret  along with Emily O’Connor,  daughter of Lorraine and Gary both of Templeathea, won their gold in gymnastics. Well done to them all.

A great crowd attended the Fund-raising Ceili at our Hall recently organised by John Joe Tierney  with help from Ray Enright. The Floor was full all night dancing to the brilliant Uí Bhrians band. Thanks is extended to Paul Collins for sponsoring the hampers for the raffle on the night and to John Joe for giving the proceeds of the night to the Hall, which will be used for its upkeep. Many visitors to our Hall have commented on its facilities recently, from Galway, Cork Killarney  and other destinations using the Sports Hall and others for Birthday Parties and Family Occasions all saying how well kept it was and also were very impressed with its cleanliness. WI-FI will be an added bonus shortly  for hall users  so its great to hear good comments on a great facility.

This Wednesday again the Bible Reading takes place at the Library at 7.30 this week the talk is on The Acts Of The Apostles, all are welcome. The final night is May 8th .

Thought For The Week

BEHIND YOU ALL YOUR MEMORIES,

BEFORE YOU ALL YOUR DREAMS,

AROUND YOU ALL WHO LOVE YOU,

WITHIN YOU ALL YOU NEED.