HAPPY CHRISTMAS

To all our readers online and who buy the newsletter every week, our columnists who have their notes in on time, our advertisers who help with the finances, contributors who send in articles and photographs and the shops who sell the newsletter free of charge. May the coming year bring you all you desire. The first publication of the New Year will be on Tuesday, January 7th.

Athea boys Jamie Quinn, Daniel Hunt, Rory Mahony, Tomás Ahern, Eric Barrett and Jamie Flynn. Members of Colaiste Ide agus Iosef U17 Muster Champions team.

Credit Union Christmas  Opening times

Athea and District Credit Union will be open for business as usual on Saturday, December 21st and will close for the festive period until re-opening on Friday January 3rd –  normal hours

O’Riordan’s Pharmacy  Christmas opening Times

Tue 24 Dec  9.00am – 4pm

25th & 26th  Closed

Fri. 27th  9.00am – 6pm

Sat 28th  9.00am – 5pm

Mon 30th     9.00am – 6pm

Tues. 31st    9.00am – 4pm

Wed Jan 1st  Closed

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

Another year over and it seems like only yesterday that we were packing away the decorations after Christmas. Where does time go? They say the older you get, the faster the years fly by. I can attest to that because I well remember the long wait for Christmas when we were expecting Santy. A week then felt like a month but eventually the time came and went and a new cycle began. I was thinking the other day of Christmases long ago and how each one was the same but different, if that doesn’t sound strange. I spent a good few of them in England and it was a great time to be there with all the other emigrants but of course we all missed being at home. I definitely had my worst ever Christmas there. I was in my early twenties at the time and I was working nights at an electro-plating plant. My shift finished at 8am on Christmas Eve and a few of the workers asked me to join them for a Christmas drink. There were a few pubs who had market licenses and could open early in the morning so off we went to one of them. I wasn’t much of a drinker at the time so I wasn’t sure what to have ‘till one of the lads bought me a rum and blackcurrant. I had never sampled one before but it was lovely so I stayed with it for the duration. We went for a bit of a pub crawl and didn’t miss the time until I realised it was nearly 4pm and I had to play at the Kerryman’s Club that night. I said goodbye to my drinking buddies and headed for home. I walked through the Precinct in Coventry and I went into the underground toilet there. I felt really light-headed as I sat on the bowl in the cubicle and I knew nothing until I awoke with my trousers around my ankles, frozen with the cold and with the mother and father of all hang-overs. It felt as if there was a crew of men with jackhammers trying to burst my brain and there was a taste of blackcurrant in my nose. I got a shock when I looked at the watch and saw that it was 9.50pm. I had fallen into a drunken stupor and slept all that time. I should have been at the Kerryman’s at 9pm so I had nothing better to do but try to make my way home. I lived about two miles away and I can say it was the longest two miles I ever walked. Getting home was another problem. I was living with my aunt Nora at the time, a strict pioneer who hated drink with a passion. I was expecting a big lecture but she just took one look at me and shook her head with a look of disappointment on her face. It would have been easier if she hit me because I no knew that I had let her down as well as myself and of course the people at the Kerryman’s Club who were expecting a bit of music. I went straight to the bed, via the bathroom where I got violently sick. The following morning wasn’t quite as bad and I thought I would be alright until the Christmas dinner was put in front of me. I could only pick at it and all the time I could still get the taste of blackcurrant juice. I forced myself to eat as much as I could and as soon as possible went back to bed.  I will never forget that time and I have never  tasted a rum and blackcurrant again to this day. You could say it was a lesson well learned.

Church Notices

Parish Pastoral Unit (Athea/ Abbeyfeale/ Mountcollins/ Templeglantine/ Tournafulla).

Fr. Tom Mangan 087-2348226, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Dan Lane 087 2621911.

Masses this week: Tuesday 9.30am and Friday 7pm and Sunday 11am. Eucharistic Adoration and The Devine Mercy Chaplet on Tuesday morning after mass. Confessions any Friday evening after 7pm mass.

Mass Intentions Sunday Dec 22^nd Corp. John Geoghegan & his wife Margaret and their son Patrick. Ned & Hannah Quinn and their granddaughter Bridget Keane. Tommy Kelly and his parents Jack & Mary and his brother Denis.  Mike Hayes (UK and Upper Dirreen).

Sunday Dec 29^th Patrick Langan – 1^st Anniversary. Margaret & James McCoy and James Culhane.

To book a Mass intention contact the sacristy after mass or contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

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

Christmas Mass Arrangements: Christmas Eve, Dec 24^th Vigil mass at 5pm and 8pm.

Christmas Day, Dec 25^th 11am. St. Stephens Day, Dec 26^th 11am.

The Advent bible study group will hold its last reflection on the advent theme of Love this coming Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Library Athea. For further details contact Pat on 087-2034626

Outdoor Advent Wreath at St. Bartholomew’s Church: Next Sunday evening we will light the fourth candle on our advent wreath. A short prayer ceremony will take place at 5pm where the community are invited to come together for the lighting of the candle followed by some light refreshments in the church afterwards. Everyone welcome to come along and join us as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas Mass Bouquet Cards are available now in the church.

Baptisms take place on the fourth weekend of the month. Parents who wish to baptise their child in the next few months should contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

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

Athea Community Council

 Lucky Numbers Draw  17/12/2024

No’s Drawn: 2,  3,  13,  14   No Winner

Lucky Dips

Maureen Mulvihill,           Athea

Marina Dalton,                   Gortnagross

Helen Carroll,                    Athea

Maggie Collins,    Lower Road

Sellers Prize:  Ned Mahony & Jerry Brouder

Next Draw:  06/01/’25  Venue:  Batt’s bar

Jackpot €23,900

Going Strong Christmas Party

by Tom Aherne

MARY O’CONNOR: The death has occurred of Mary O’Connor (nee Doody) Rooskagh East Carrigkerry at St Catherine’s Nursing Home Newcastle West on Wednesday December 11. Predeceased by her husband Batt and daughter -in-law Helen. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday December 13, from 6pm followed by removal to St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. Fr Raphael Okanumeh and Fr Tom Mangan concelebrated her funeral Mass on Saturday at 11.30am and family members participated during the mass. Symbols associated with Mary’s long life taken to the altar included baking flower, rosary beads, St Bridget’s Cross. Family members paid tribute, including the very young members singing of John Denver’s ”Country Roads.” Mary was a homemaker, who was blessed with a long life well lived. She possessed great faith and had a welcome for all who called to her house. Donie sang ”Lovely Glenagowan”  in a final tribute as the coffin was leaving the church. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. Sympathy to her sons Tom, Paddy, Mike, Jimmy, Batt, daughters Catherine, Joan, Mary Ellen, sister Kathleen O’Shea, sister-in-law Mary Doody, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

JOAN AHERNE: The death has occurred of Joan Aherne ( nee Burke) 2 O’Connor Park Ardagh  and formerly Ballynoe, Ballingarry at Beechwood Nursing Home Newcastle West on Wednesday December 11. Predeceased by her parents, brothers and sisters. Reposing was held in Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Thursday December 12 from 6pm, followed by removal to St Molua’s Church Ardagh. Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Dan Lane and Fr Frank O’Dea concelebrated her funeral Mass on Friday at 11.30am. Family members participated during the Mass and Fr Michael paid tribute to Joan’s great faith and her devotion and contribution to the work in the church. Symbols associated with Joan’s long life, taken to the altar included altar cloths, holy water, wedding photo, brush, teacup. Joan was a native of Ballingarry and a lady of quiet disposition, who made all welcome to her home. Her life revolved around the workings of the church, washing the altar linen and other jobs that needed doing. She faced her final illness with great faith and fortitude. Joan was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery. Sympathy to husband Jack, brothers -in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

RICHARD BUSTON: The death took place of Richard (Sonny) Buston, Coolcappa, Ardagh peacefully at U.H.L. Predeceased by his mother Margaret, father Tom, sister Veronica, brother-in-law Jim U.S.A, and brothers-in-law George and Michael. Reposing at St. Kieran’s Church Coolcappa,  on Tuesday December 10 from 5.30-7.30pm.The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Maryann, sons John, Richard, Peter and grandson David, daughter-in-law Fiona, sister Margaret, brother-in-law Peter, nephews and nieces (U.K. & U.S.A.), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and a wide circle of neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

MICHAEL AHERN: The death has occurred of Michael (Mickey) Ahern, Rooskagh East, Carrigkerry on Saturday  December 7, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Tuesday December 10, from 6 o’clock to 7.30pm. Arriving at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West on Wednesday morning for 11.30 am Requiem Mass. Burial  took place afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Sympathy to his wife, Elizabeth, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

TV PRESENTER: Katelyn Hayes from Knockfinisk, Carrigkerry is one of two new faces to join the Nuacht Cúla4 team this year.  Nuacht Cúla4 is a daily six-minute news bulletin as Gaeilge specifically for children, broadcast from Tuesday to Friday at 1:30pm on the children’s channel Cúla4.Katelyn attended Carrigkerry national school, and Scoil Mhuire agus Íde secondary school in Newcastle West. Katelyn now 24, obtained a degree in Irish and maths, as well as a master’s in media and journalism, both from the University of Galway. The other new joiner to Nuacht Cúla4 is Longford native, Laura Pakenham

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday December 9.The numbers drawn were 1,5,20,30, and  there was one   winner of the €8,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to Edel Windle, Knockfinisk, Carrigkerry who matched the numbers.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each:  Pat Ryan Croom c/o Moloney’s, Odhran Donovan, Duncaha, Shanagolden, Pat O’Shea, Kilcolman c/o Neary’s,Nora Dineen, Ardagh, Patrick Windle, Knockaderry.  Next week’s  Jackpot will be €5,000. 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 John from Tarbert, who won €370 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw,  held on Friday December 13. 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.

SPLIT THE POT: Congratulations to Leah Reidy , who won €445 in the November Creeves Celtic FC Split the Pot monthly draw held at the Thatch Newbridge. Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, club managers, at Neary’s Ardagh,  Inver five crossroads Rathkeale and the Thatch Newbridge. All support will be greatly appreciated.

SOCCER NEWS: Carrig Celtic defeated Shountrade 2-1 in the Desmond League Division 2 League Cup played at Mick Hanley Park Askeaton on Tuesday December 3. Ray Brouder and Sean Long scored their goals, and they play Glin Rovers B in the final. Creeves Celtic and Kilcolman Rovers had no match. In the Ladies Premier Division Kilcolman Rovers lost 1-0 away to Broadford United. Creeves Celtic defeated Shountrade 2-1 away with goals from Laura O’Shaughnessy and Caoimhe O’Connell.

CAMOGIE AGM: St Kieran’s held their Camogie AGM in Ardagh Hall on Tuesday December 3. Congratulations to the following who were elected to run  the club in 2025. Chairperson Christine Mulcahy, Vice-Chairperson Johanna Cussen, Secretary Sharon Sheehan, Assistant Treasurer Sharon Sheehan, Children’s officer Deirdre Ambrose, Registrar Lorraine Madigan, Development officer Finbar Hogan, PRO Linda Clifford. Congratulations to Sharon Sheehan who is the Limerick Camogie Board treasurer for 2025.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s defeated Croom/Ballingarry by 2-14 to 0-7 in the County Under 20 B Football Championship semi final played at Sean Finn Park Rathkeale on Saturday December 14. They led by 1-12 to 0-2 at half-time. TEAM: Con Enright, Conor Kelly, Cillian Heffernan, Conor Mc Mahon0-1, Sean Long,  Darragh Mc Mahon 0-1, Mikey Kelly,  Jack O’Sullivan 1-4, Lorcan Murphy 0-1, Fionn Gleeson 0-1,  Mikey Long 0-1, Cathal O’Connor 0-1, Luke Corrigan 0-2,  Oisin Ryan 0-1, Eoghan Sheehan. Subs Oisin Commane 0-1, Brian Sheehan, Derry O’Connor, Charlie Mc Mahon 1-0. St Kieran’s play Galtee Gaels in the county final this coming weekend.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for December  was held on  Saturday 14 and announced during the Limerick Live 95fm sports show from 10am to 11am. Congratulations to Christina  Kelly, Mary Aherne O’Connor and Seamie Byrnes from the St Kieran’s GAA Club who each won €200.

MUNSTER GRANTS: The Munster GAA Council have announced their list of club development grants for 2024. St Kieran’s club are due to receive € 20,000 under category 4A,which covers  pitch development, floodlighting and hurling wall developments.

ARDAGH BINGO: The Ardagh Community Centre Fundraising Bingo  takes place this Wednesday December 18, at 8pm sharp. There is € 2,000 in prize money with lots of prizes on the night. All support will be greatly appreciated.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present ” The Holdovers” in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday December 20, at 8.00pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita’s rambling house will be held in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday  December20, at 8pm  All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend the Christmas event for a great night’s enjoyment.

CHRISTMAS CEREMONIES: The Coolcappa/Kilcolman Christmas ceremonies are as follows: Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa at 4pm and in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman at 6pm. Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated in Kilcolman at 9.30am, and in Coolcappa at 11am.

CARRIGKERRY WRENBOYS: The Carrigkerry Wrenboy group will assemble in Carrigkerry at 10.45am on St Stephen’s morning to hunt the wren. The group will also perform at Creeves Cross at 1.30pm, weather permitting.

CHARITY ROAD HURLING:  The St Kieran’s  annual charity road hurling will once again take place on Friday December 27 around the  traditional 4km route in Ardagh starting and finishing at the Bottom Cross. This event has grown from strength to strength since its inception and the support and generosity of the entire community is greatly appreciate by all concerned. The event is open to participants of all ages. Teams of three. €10 per person. All you need is a high Viz jacket, Hurley and a few sliotars. They have announced  their chosen charities who will benefit from  the 2024 edition as Milford Care Centre, and Bru Columbanus Cork. The club look forward to seeing you all on December 27 at 11am. People who are unable to attend can donate through the Go Fund Me page.

SET CÉILÍ DANCING: A  set Céilí will be held at the Marian Hall Moyvane on Sunday December 29, from 3pm,  Music by Taylors Cross and admission is €12. Teas served and all are welcome.

WISHES: As these are the final notes for 2024, I would like to thank everybody who assisted me in the task, and wish all a happy and safe Christmas, and a bright and  stress-free New Year.

by Kathleen Mullane

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Firstly, I would like to wish each and every reader of the Athea Parish Newsletter, along with Domhnall at the helm and the rest of the correspondents, a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I wish you all the very best of health and happiness for the New Year ahead. Hopefully, everyone will have a lovely time with family and friends. Don’t forget, we must all look out for the elderly or someone who may be living on their own. Send them a card—it may be the only one they get. Call and say hello to them, give them a phone call. With so much crime around now, many elderly live in fear, so it’s very comforting for them to know they have someone they can call.

A great day was enjoyed by everyone on Wednesday last at the Going Strong Christmas Party at the Hall. Fr. Tom Mangan celebrated Mass for all, then the lovely Christmas dinner was served up by the great volunteers who did tremendous work as always. The many spot prizes generously donated by so many were greatly accepted by the lucky winners. It was off to the dancing then, which again was enjoyed by all present. Well done to all the organizers.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Patsy Kelleghan of Knocknagorna on the recent passing of his niece Catherine Culhane in Foynes and to her family. Catherine was cremated following Requiem Mass at Shannon Crematorium.

Sympathy is also extended to Pa Sheehy and his family of Dirreen on the death of his brother Micky Sheehy in the USA. A commemoration Mass was celebrated here in Athea Church on Friday evening last in his memory, which was attended by many relatives and friends of the Sheehy family.

The death of Kevin Dillon, ex-Garda and formerly of Upper Athea, occurred this past week at his home in Castleisland, surrounded by his family and relatives, to whom sympathy is offered along with his sister Marian and brothers Damian, David, Gerard, Matt, and Greg.

The death also occurred over the weekend of Peggy Wallace, wife of Jimmy from Kinnard in Glin. Many came to offer sympathy at Healy’s Funeral Parlour on Sunday evening. Burial took place after Requiem Mass on Monday. May all the above rest in peace, and sympathy is offered to all the families who have lost a loved one, especially at this time of the year near Christmas.

The Advent Candle will have an extra visitor next Sunday evening when Santa comes along, so be sure as many come along to meet the great man himself before he leaves for the North Pole. A great crowd attended again last Sunday at 5 o’clock, and the mulled wine, which was lovely and warm, went down a treat. By the way, it was non-alcoholic. Well done again to all the organizers who are brilliant always.

All the very best this Saturday to the Athea-Shannon Gaels combination under-20s team who meet Rathkeale-Cappagh in the final. The opposition will be a strong team, but hopefully, luck might be with our boys on the day.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Material things rarely alter our levels of happiness, unlike experiences. HAVING can never replace BEING.

Isn’t Athea looking wonderful with the Christmas lights all over the street and the gorgeous silver Christmas tree at the Hall? Again, well done to all those who erected the tree and put up the lights.