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.