by Kathleen Mullane

UP THE BANNER 

Or, as Fr Willie Russell used to say on our recent Camino Journey every day as we set out on our Trek , “Come On The Banner”. And I’m sure these words were shouted and shouted by all Clare people and beyond on Sunday last for the Clare-Cork All-Ireland Final which has been hailed as one of the greatest games of all time and who would disagree with that. From start to finish it was just breathtaking and one never knew what way it was going to go up until the final whistle with the extra time having to be played and Clare winning by just a single point .Many hoped it would be a replay and what an August Bank Holiday that would have been. Visitors to our country were flabbergasted at the sheer skill, fitness and the determination of the players. It truly is a wonderful game and our country should be real proud. Who knows yet, in the not too distant future, Athea may have players on the Limerick team as they are really enjoying at all age groups. Stranger things have happened .

This Tuesday evening, weather permitting, July 23rd Mass will be celebrated in Holy Cross Graveyard at 7pm . All are welcome to remember all those buried there so you might spread the word. Also on Thursday August 15th a special Mass will be celebrated at The Blessed Well in Templeathea followed by the blessing of the graves .It will take place at 7 pm this being the 100th year celebration and dedication of the well.

The first Draw of the Athea GAA Club Development Draw will take place in the next few weeks with some great prizes with the monthly draws going ahead up to Xmas. There are still a few tickets left at 50 euro which I have. Just give me a buzz if anyone needs one. All monies raised will go to further improving the facilities at the pitch.

Well that cyber attack last week that brought everything from ATMs to buses to airports and flights and a whole lot more disruption all over the World, to families not being able to pay for their shopping at some tills, it was a real disaster. As someone said —God be with the days when one used pen and paper to add up things and people paid always by cash. There wasn’t anything wrong with it . Our younger people do not know their times tables whereas us oldies know in a flash what 12×7 for example is 84, I honestly don’t get it —call me old fashioned but I’m sure more think the same.

Well, August is on the horizon and we’ve had very little weather one could call Summer to. Hopefully before schools reopen the sun will appear.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do what you can with all you have wherever you are.