by Kathleen Mullane

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Can you believe it its almost mid-term break for the schools this weekend, with the October Bank Holiday, it only seems like yesterday that they returned to school after the Summer Holidays, time flies especially when one is clocking up the years. I can’t understand how all the big supermarkets have their Xmas sweets , biscuits and a whole lot more on display already and Halloween not yet over. One would think that Halloween would be enough for parents to contend with at the moment and then maybe Xmas as its difficult enough with parents of younger kids especially when they are confronted with all the razzle-dazzle, however we wont change things I’m sure, things are getting put on the shelves earlier every year.

Hopefully everyone is alright after Storm Ashley over the weekend, it really was a strong storm especially along by coastal regions .I heard on Radio Kerry today that a flight that arrived in Farranfore Kerry Airport on Sunday from Luton, had to keep the passengers on board for 4 hours after landing due to the high winds ,and the portable stairs couldn’t be brought to allow the passengers to disembark.

Despite the high wind the County Semi-Final between Athea Junior A team and rivals Monegea went ahead in Abbeyfeale with a packed stand of supporters all huddled together. The game went to extra time having drawn at full time and following a very exciting 20 minutes Athea won by just 1 point, much to the excitement of everyone .After many years the team now meet Cappagh in 2 weeks time in the Co Final. We wish them well so get the flags out and hopefully they will put Athea on the map again .

Don’t forget to put back your clocks back on Saturday night as Winter Time begins giving everyone an hour extra in bed. I know many don’t like this time of the year with the darker long evenings but then when it comes to the changeover again to Summer time we all get a new lease of life again . We sort of hibernate like some animals over the few Winter months but look on it as a more restful time as Spring brings on another season of planting, gardening and a whole lot more so enjoy the quieter time it passes so quickly.

The death of Val Murphy this past week , shocked everyone in Athea and beyond . Dr. Kieran Murphy and Val were known far and wide having been with us here in Athea for many years and providing medical care since then  at Westbury House in Upper Athea . A huge crowd visited the family home to pay their respects to Dr. Kieran and his family last week . Requiem Mass on Thursday was concelebrated by Fr Chris O Donnell along with Fr Mike Cussen, Fr Willie Russell, Fr Dan Lane and Fr McMahon .  Val was laid to rest in Holy Cross afterwards. Sincere Sympathy is extended to Kieran, her daughters Ciara, Joanne, Emma and Michaela and sons Brian and Paul relatives and a large circle of friends.  May her gentle soul be at peace in heaven

Thought For The Week

Be Happy With What You Have

While Working for What You Want .