Community Council Building development

Change of Date

The consultation meeting arranged for Wednesday, Sept 25th at Community Council office on Con Colbert Street has been deferred to Tuesday October 1st from 7—8.30pm

Coffee MorningThe annual Coffee Morning, in aid of Milford Hospice, will take place at Con Colbert Memorial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 26th, from 9am  Your support for this worthy cause is greatly appreciated

Athea Drama GroupAthea Drama Group AGM took place on Thursday September 19th in front of a large crowd. The following officers were elected for 2024/2025 season.

Chairman – Tom O Keeffe

Vice Chair – Lal Browne

Secretary- Ellen Quille

Assistant Secretary – Tommy Denihan

Treasurer – Mary Ellen Quille

Assistant Treasurer – Amina Parkes

PRO – Linda Hunt

Assistant PRO – Damien Ahern

As a fundraiser for Athea Playground Committee, members of the group are currently rehearsing for a production of ‘Matchmake Me, Do’ which will be staged at Con Colbert Hall during the October bankholiday weekend. More details to follow…

It is hoped to stage John B Keane’s ‘Sharon’s Grave’ in Spring 2025. Readings for this will take place on Monday October 7th at Con Colbert Hall at 8pm. Anyone with an interest in joining our group would be most welcome

Athea Community Council

“Lucky Numbers” Jackpot is now a massive

€22,700

To be in with a chance to win,

Have your ticket in!!

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

Should we be walking and cycling instead of using cars for short journeys? This was the topic of discussion on the radio the other day and there was much argument to and fro as to whether we should or not. In my young days we didn’t have a choice because  cars were very scarce so walking was the norm and having a bicycle was a luxury. Our national school was a mile and a half away but we thought nothing of that journey. We ran the most of the way in all kinds of weather in clothes that wouldn’t be described as weatherproof. Nobody had a bicycle going to school and some of the pupils travelled much longer distances than our family did. We didn’t always use the road. In our case we never went down to the cross and turned left for Cratloe East, we  took a short cut through Johnny Woulfe’s field and came out at Downey’s Bridge. The boys and girls from Knocknaboul took a line from Mary Mara’s Bridge through Phil’s mountain and Johnny Patsy Mick’s meadow to bring them out at The Glen. When it was raining, the bottom of our coats would be drenched from the wet grass and rushes but it did shorten the journey for us. When it came to secondary school we had to get bicycles. My first one was an old one my mother had and when I got it first my legs were too short to sit on the saddle so I had to stay standing on the pedals. I had about four miles to cycle but that was nothing in comparison to the people from the other side of Athea who made the journey to Abbeyfeale every day. There were pupils from as far away as Toureen Donnell cycling to school in town. You could say they earned their education the hard way.  It was, no doubt, great exercise and kept us fit. There wasn’t a pick on any of us.  I look back at old photos from that time and we all look emaciated in comparison to how young people look today. Times have changed dramatically since those days. Now there are a number of cars outside each door and buses are available to take kids outside a certain distance to school.  Our diet is much different as well. Our food was very basic but wholesome and we hadn’t a clue what a fizzy drink was whereas today all kinds of sugary treats are available and a “must have” for many youngsters. Most of the children who are not eligible for the bus are brought to school in cars, even some who are living just a few hundred yards away. Parents feel it is not safe to let young children walk or cycle because of the amount of traffic on the road and they have a point. It need not be so if we all educate ourselves. Children should be taught how to cycle on public roads and learn the basic rules that will keep them safe while drivers have to show respect for cyclists, especially young ones. I visit Copenhagen regularly, because my son Danjoe lives there, and in that city the bicycle has the right of way. Drivers know and respect this, consequently there is no problem with children cycling to school. We could do the same thing here. There is also the problem of parents, mothers in particular, driving children all over the place to football and hurling training, music and dance classes and many more activities. They haven’t a minute to them selves as the kids grow up. Again, many of these journeys are quite short and could be easily reached on a bicycle. The benefits to children’s health would be enormous and would ease the pressure on the “soccer moms”.  There is no doubt that there are dangers on the road so there is no blame to anyone who wants to keep their children safe by driving them around. It is a personal decision and one that should ne respected. If we had more dedicated cycle paths the problem would be solved but I fear we are far from getting those due to the narrowness of our country roads. I notice large groups of children being shown the rudiments of cycling on the greenway in Abbeyfeale. It is a very safe environment and an ideal place for youngsters to get started.

Today I heard a discussion on single dwellings in the countryside. One contributor thought we should not be allowed to build in rural areas but instead all live in towns.  I was born and raised in the country and I live there now. It is my choice, not that there is nothing wrong with living in towns and cities, I have done that in my lifetime as well, but I love the freedom of the fields and meadows and the sense of not being hemmed in. It has it’s drawbacks as well, especially having to travel for services to towns and villages which means one must have a car because there is no public transport available. I agree that there should not be wholesale development but people should be allowed to build on their own land. Getting planning permission is next to impossible in some areas at the moment but there is a shortage of housing and, if people are willing to build on their own land it would improve the situation. Proper planning is essential but I would hate to have my planning application turned down because someone from Foxrock has objected to it on the grounds that it would spoil the countryside. A bit of common sense would go a long way. We fought hard for our own land and it would be a travesty if we were not allowed to live on it.

FINUCANE FILM  PRODUCTION

 INVITES YOU TO A FILM REUNION.

A CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF FILM MAKING IN NORTH KERRY/WEST LIMERICK

FEATURING A SPECIAL SCREENING OF   RED HAIRED MARY   MADE IN 2003

THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE INTHE KERRY WRITERS MUSEUM LISTOWEL

ON FRIDAY 11^th OCTOBER DOORS OPEN AT 7.30PM.  ADMISSION €10.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

Church Notices

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

Mass Intentions: Saturday Sept. 28^th at 7.30pm Mary & Jack Sheehy and their son Mick. (Clash)

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

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

 A Word of ‘thanks’ from Fr. Tony 

Later this week I will leave West Limerick to take up my new appointment in the parish of Cratloe, Co. Clare and some work in the diocese.  As I leave, I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all parishioners for the support and encouragement you gave me over the past 8 years.  During that time, we have journeyed together celebrating in times of joy and supporting one another in the more difficult days.  I wish Fr. Tom Mangan every best wish and blessings as he arrives to the Pastoral Area. I thank all who were involved in organising the Mass of Thanksgiving and the gathering in the Community Centre recently. I want to thank you the parishioners for your cards, best wishes and generous gifts. I have loved being part of your community and I thank you for accepting me so generously into your lives. As I leave, I bring with me many wonderful memories and experiences that will help shape my life and enrich my ministry into the future. Please keep me in your prayers. Parishioners from Athea and people from the surrounding parishes will always have a place in my heart and in my prayers.

Athea Community Council

Lucky Numbers Draw  23/09/2024

No’s Drawn: 1,  4,  11,  27. No Winner

Lucky Dips

Aidan O’Sullivan,              c/o John Matthews

Anne & Jerry Sheehan,   H/Side drive

Leo & Eilish,                     Athea

Eileen Kelly,    H/Side Drive

Sellers Prize:  Ned Mahony & Collins’ Shop

Next Draw:  30/09/’24 Venue:  Batt’s Bar

Jackpot €22,700

by Tom Aherne

PADDY LISTON: The death has occurred of Paddy (Pat) Liston Glenastar, Ardagh, on Sunday September 15. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Bessie.  Reposing at his family home Glenastar on Wednesday September 18, from 6pm to 8pm. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Paddy Bowen, Fr Frank O’Dea, and Fr Frank Duhig at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Thursday at 12 noon. Symbols of Paddy’s life taken to the altar included family photograph, Limerick jersey, sod of turf, work cap, and mobile phone. family members participated in the ceremony, tributes and The Parting Glass song. Paddy was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery.  Sympathy to  Gerardine, children Gavin, Ciara,  Shane, Lisa, Dean, Aimee, their partners Keith, Tina, Jamie, Shauna, grandchildren Josh, Willow, sister Mary, brothers Billy, Mick, nephews Patrick, Liam, sisters-in-law Maria, Breda, brothers-in-law Liam, Noel, Finbarr (O’Connor) and their families, neighbours and friends.

Our paths crossed during our youth, attending Newcastle West school and playing soccer in the Oblate Brothers field in Cahermoyle, Killeaney 7-a-side soccer Tournaments and the Glensharrold 5-a-side tournaments. Paddy was skilful and classy and a goal scorer who was nicknamed ”Swagger”  for showing off his soccer skills, etc. He joins Jackie O’Connor Kilcolman, Tom Mc Carthy Rooska and Aiden Treacy Kilreash from those days who are now playing in a higher division up above. May he rest in Peace.

JOHN FLAHERTY: The death has occurred of John Flaherty  Rose Cottage, Killeaney Beg, Glin, peacefully at UHL on Saturday September 14. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Tuesday September 17, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception  Newcastle West on Wednesday at 11.30am, followed by burial in Holycross Cemetery Athea. Sympathy to his parents Mary, Jack (Carrigkerry) sister Pat, brother-in-law Jerry, aunts, uncles, nephews, niece, other relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

SYMPATHY: Sympathy is extended to Noel and Fiona Ahern and family Rathnegore, Ardagh on the death of Noel’s father Pat Ahern Tullig South Abbeyfeale at Killeline Nursing Home Newcastle West on Wednesday September 11. Reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home Abbeyfeale on Friday September 13. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Templeglantine on Saturday followed by burial in Reilig na Tríonóide. Sympathy to all family members and may he rest in Peace.

PAT NORMOYLE: It has been announced that long time parish newspaper correspondent Pat Normoyle, covering the Feohanagh/Castlemahon locality has retired from the position. His weekly notes in the local papers were always wide ranging, informative and interesting to read. Pat covered the activities of the local clubs, church events, tributes etc and the many happenings that occur in a parish. Pat has been involved in many parish organisations and was the long-time editor of the Feohanagh/Castlemahon Parish Annual. We thank Pat for the time he has given in keeping people up to date with what was happening over the years. Wishing him and Agnes good health and happiness in the future.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s lost to Mungret/ St Pauls by  1-21 to 0-11 in round 5 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship played in Askeaton on Saturday September 21.They trailed by 1-8 to 0-6 at half-time. After a disappointing  championship the team will contest a relegation match.

TEAM: Cillian Ambrose, Edward Fitzgerald,  Diarmuid Mulcahy, Aaron Heffernan, Sean Long, Mossie Shine, James O’Connor, Cathal Mc Enery, Conor Woulfe, Michael Murphy, Donie Nolan, Fionn Gleeson, Jack Sullivan, Sean Ryan, Mikey Long. Subs Darragh Mc Mahon, Killian Meade, Cathal O’Connor, Billy Breen.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves  Celtic defeated St Ita’s 3-0 away in the 2nd round of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday September 15. James O’Connor, Eoin Mc Enery and Seamus Mangan scored their goals. Carrig Celtic received a walkover from Feenagh in the Desmond Division 2 League cup. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday September 16.The numbers drawn were 7,11,15,22, and  there was no  winner of the € 6,900 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each: The Five Ardagh c/o Brendan Duggan, Billy Breen Shanagolden, Alan Hogan Ardagh, Peter Buston c/o Neary’s, Kara Greaney Carrigkerry. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €7,000. 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 Mike O’Neill, Dromcollogher who won €315 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday September 20. 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.

COFFEE MORNING: Ardagh ICA will hold their annual Coffee Morning for Milford Hospice on Thursday September 26, from 9.30am to 1pm at Ardagh Hall. All support will be greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause.

GAA FUNDRAISER: St Kieran’s  GAA Club are holding a Premier League Last Person Standing 2024 to commence on Saturday September 28. The entry fee is € 10, and first prize is €500. Contact members of the club committee, members of the senior football/intermediate hurling panels, fill the online form,  via Revolut to 085 7060100 to enter.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for September will be held on  Saturday 28 and announced during the Limerick Live 95fm sports show from 10am to 11am.  The entry fee for  the draw is € 10, per month and € 21,000 will be given out in prize money each month.  The top prize is €10,000 and the star prize this month is a shopping voucher worth €500, for O’Connell’s Menswear Limerick. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

GREENWAY WALK: Brú Columbanus Cork are holding a fundraising walk on the Limerick Greenway on Saturday September 28, commencing from Newcastle West at 10am. The 10km walk is to Barnagh where refreshments will be available. The facility provides home from home accommodation  for the families of patients in Cork hospitals. Families from the locality are presently availing of the accommodation as their loved ones are being treated in UHI. The facility  depends on donations and fundraisers to enable it to continue to offer this great service.  Tickets for the event cost €30 and details from their social media page.

ADULT DANCE CLASSES: Adult dance classes will commence at the Plaza Hall Listowel on Monday September 30. Beginner class from 7-8pm and advanced from 8-9.30pm. The dances taught include waltzing, jiving, quicksteps, foxtrots, and social dancing. No partner required. A fun way to learn how to  dance is promised. Contact 087-2817972 for all the details.

MASS CHANGE: Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish weekend Mass on Saturday’s will change from being held in St Colman’s Kilcolman to St Kyran’s Coolcappa from Saturday October 5. It will continue at 7-30 pm for the autumn/winter months.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in the hall Milford (P56 PN28) on Saturday October 5, from 9pm. It is a very popular venue for  Limerick and Cork dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Donie Nolan Band  and tea  and treats served. Admission is € 10.

by Kathleen Mullane

Bits & Pieces

Didn’t last week’s warm unexpected Balmy Days for this time of the year —Put A Pep in Everyone’s Step. It was wonderful weather for the Ploughing in Rathi Niska in Laois ,and as the Harvest Festival-Listowel Races  are in Full Swing this week things aren’t looking too bad either which is a great bonus for the organisers and all involved. And with the Farmers having the added bonus of last week’s Sunshine it frees up their time to attend the end of a busy summer where the weather wasn’t too kind to everyone particularly the Farming Community.

Fires in Portugal, Floods in Austria, and this evening news of Downpours in England overnight, all signifying Climate Change.

Sincere Sympathy is extended to Mike Twomey and his family in Upper Athea  on the recent death of his mother Mai Twomey of Tournafulla who passed away in the care of Beechwood Nursing Home in Newcastlewest. Many paid their last respects at Harnett’s Funeral Home last  week, with burial following Requiem mass on Thursday  in Tournafullla. May she rest in Peace.

This Thursday morning sees the Annual Coffee Morning in aid of Milford Hospice take place here in the Colbert Memorial Hall from 9am onwards. As we all realise the Hospice does tremendous work for Cancer Patients, so everyone is invited to come along at some stage have a coffee-tea, and a chat and every little donation will be gratefully accepted.

Bible Study on the upcoming Sunday Mass Readings which will prepare your Heart and Mind for Mass by studying the Word Of God, will take place in Athea Library starting on Wednesday October 2nd. The Key Themes will be explored with Insights and Lessons from the Upcoming Sunday Readings, sharing Reflections, Practical Applications for everyone’s Daily Lives. It starts at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to come along .We all need a bit of Reflection and Insight in our lives especially with life being so Hectic for many nowadays.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Start Where You Are

Use what You Have,

Do What You Can.