by Kathkeen Mullane

STORM DARRAGH

Hopefully at this stage all homes in the nearby areas have their power restored following the very powerful Storm Darragh which did a lot of destruction . We were lucky in our Area with electricity not going off, whereas I’ve heard nearer to Listowel area they were still waiting to have it restored on Sunday night. I can imagine the disappointment of many kids and indeed parents who were all snuggled up on their couches with goody bags etc waiting for the Toy Show on Friday night when next thing no TV. At least one can watch it on the RTE Player now and wasn’t there a great amount of money raised on the night which will benefit so many deserving families.

Thanks is extended to each and every one who gave so generously on Saturday last to the Athea Vincent De Paul Annual Xmas Collection. A special thanks also to Paul Collins who allowed the conference members to collect outside his shop and to go inside when we needed to from the wind and hail. Your donations will help to give to those who are really finding it hard going these days especially when both parents have to go out to work, have Mortgages and have to pay crèche fees and keep 2 cars on the road . So please if you feel you need help don’t be afraid to ask our conference in Athea and we will see if we can help you at Xmas.

Fergus Scanlan, on behalf of The Friends Of St. Ita’s, wishes to thank everyone who again gave to the church gate collection on Sunday morning last. A total of €800  will again help in buying the most up to date equipment in Ireland for physio and many other needs of St Ita’s which benefits many patients past and present who are being taken care of there.

Sincere Congrats to Roisin Walsh, daughter of Sheila and Pat Lower Athea, who on Saturday last was married to Damian Murtagh, son of Joan and Jerry of Kildysart Co Clare. The bridesmaids were Tara Lane and Ann Walsh and the groosmen Cian Cleary and Paul O Brien. The Nuptial Ceremony took place at The Holy Trinity Church Adare  with the reception afterwards at The Woodlands House Hotel where a great day was had by everyone

Well done to the Youth Choir singers and musicians who under the guidance of Margaret Carroll sang at mass on Sunday last and were so good. Also well done to Sarah Missorici, daughter of Vito and Geraldine, who switched on the 2nd Advent candle outside the church on Sunday evening last in front of a great crowd. Everyone welcome again next Sunday evening at 5 pm with a cuppa afterwards.

Congrats and belated birthday wishes are extended to John Liston of Upper Athea who celebrated his 70th birthday recently along with his wife Kay and family.

The death took place over the weekend of Canon Patrick Kelly who had been with us here in Athea up until he went to St. Catherine’s Nursing Home in Newcastle west some years ago. He was in his 100th year which was indeed a great achievement. He was a native of Castletown Ballyagran and reposed their on Monday evening last. Requiem Mass on Tuesday was followed by burial in Castletown Conyers. Sincere sympathy is extended to his nieces and nephews and his many friends throughout the parishes he served over his many years as a Priest and Canon. May he rest in Peace.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Especially at this time of the year we must remember that

CONNECTION IS OVER PERFECTION.