Corpus Christi procession last Saturday night

Well Done

To Athea Tidy Towns Committee who have done great work in making our village, not only clean and tidy, but looking really lovely with all the flowers, hanging baskets etc.  These volunteers give of their time and put in many hours for the cause. The committee could always do with a pair or two of extra hands so, if you have a bit of time to spare in the evenings or at the weekend, why not contact Damien Ahern. He will be glad to hear from you.

Athea United AGM

Will take place at the Clubhouse,  V94ESR3, on Friday 11th July at 8.00pm

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I had to laugh to myself when I heard that the British police were checking footage of Kneecap’s, and other groups’, performance at Glastonbury last week. Then I thought that it wasn’t funny at all, it was very serious indeed. One of the hallmarks of democracy is freedom of speech. People are allowed to criticise their leaders when they see fit and also to protest at what they do not like. Politicians and governments have always been fair game for protesters and comics and they could say what they had to say, within the law, without fear of retribution. That day seems to be gone. Students who want to go to America are desperately trying to erase content from their phones, laptops and tablets because if immigration officers find any content that is pro Palestine or any uncomplimentary comment about Donald Trump, they won’t be allowed into the US.  Kneecap’s crime was to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and poke fun at the British Prime Minister.  Where is the crime there? If you say you are pro Palestine you are immediately branded as anti-Semitic.  I can say with great certainty that I am not anti-Semitic because I was born just as the second world war came to a close and I remember what suffering the Jews endured at the hands of Hitler’s regime. I also have no time for the Hamas terrorists who invaded Israel on Oct 7th and  caused such havoc knowing that they were putting the people of Palestine in great danger by doing so. I do, however, condemn the actions of the Israelis in Gaza where they have  shot, bombed and starved  millions of people while totally destroying their homes. There is no excuse for not allowing hundreds of trucks full of food and medical necessities into the areas where it is so badly needed. The Israeli and American aid programme is so designed that people have to travel long distances to reach designated relief stations  at particular times which are made known at the last minute. Of course there is going to be problems with controlling starving people who just want to get some food for their families but the Israeli army has opened fire on these poor individuals, killing them on a daily basis. Calling this out for what it is, is not being anti-Semitic. It is the British government, who seem not to want to upset Donald Trump, who should be up in arms against this nation that has committed so many war crimes.  The world seems to be standing idly by while the people of Palestine are being systematically wiped out by a brutal oppressor.  Even by writing this column, I am ensuring that I will never again be allowed into America, even though I have been there on more than twenty occasions in the course of my lifetime. I have some family and great friends in that part of the world but I would not like to live there now with the outrageous behaviour of Donald Trump and the weakness of the elected members of the executive who seem to have no power at all to stop him tearing up the Constitution and doing exactly what he likes just as if he was the supreme leader in a primitive country. He showed just how much of a statesman and a diplomat he was when the used the F word during a television interview. I am not a prude and am prone to use choice language at times but there are certain standards we expect of our politicians and Trump has fallen far short of them. I don’t know where we go from here because things are so unpredictable but, if the rest of the world ignores what is happening in Palestine, then I haven’t much hope for the future.

We are seeing very high temperatures in Europe at the moment and in the south of England . Temperatures are as much as 10 degrees higher than they normally should be and there is no doubt that global warming is taking place,  We are due to get some of this heat later in the week and we had better be prepared for it. It is far easier to deal with extreme cold rather than extreme heat.  Extra clothes will keep us warm but our first instinct when it gets hot is to remove our clothes. This, in very hot conditions, is very dangerous and should be avoided. I remember working in Africa in the 1970s and 80s. It was my first experience of working in 20 degrees more than I was used to. I was advised to uncover the skin for short periods at a time to avoid getting burned and it worked. After a couple of weeks I had no problem. A young engineer came out to our company from Waterford and , on his first day at work, immediately threw off his shirt. I gave him the same advice I had been given but he told me not to worry that he was used to being in Tramore  during the summer and he never had a problem with the sun. I tried to point out that the heat where we were was a different thing but he only shrugged and went away. Now, this fellow was white skinned with red hair!. After a few hours he was as red as a beetroot and by the time we finished work for the day he was breaking out in blisters. When we got home he went straight to bed. He fell asleep but was tossing and turning and, as he kicked out, he knocked the protective screen over the bed and the mosquitoes had a field day. We heard him screaming and, as it was obvious that he was raving and frothing at the mouth, we took him into the hospital. They sedated him and two days later shipped him back to Ireland in a sorry state. It won’t be that hot here but it will be more than we are used to so, be careful and don’t expose your skin for long periods of time. There is also the risk of skin cancer being activated by the suns rays not to mention dehydration which would leave a person very week indeed. Just be sensible.

Church Notices

Priests:

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

Mass Intentions: Friday July 4^th, Ann Brouder (1^st A/v). Saturday July 5^th, Patrick Cotter & all deceased members of the Cotter family. Patsy & Margaret Broderick and their daughter Eileen.

Weekday masses: Tuesday at 9.30am, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Friday evening 7pm.

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

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 30/06/’25

No’s Drawn: 7,  20,  23,  31. No Winner

Lucky Dips

Mike Finnegan,                  c/o Donal & Ann’s

Kathy Collins,                    Lower Road

Dylan Griffin,                    Athea

Bridie Brouder,    Gale View

Sellers Prize:  Collins’ Shop & D. De Barra

Next Draw:  07/07/’25  Venue:  White’s

Jackpot €26,300

Corpus Christi Procession

by Tom Aherne

CONNIE ENRIGHT: The death has taken place of  Connie (Boss) Enright Main Street, Ardagh,  on June 18, in Galway University Hospital surrounded by his family. The passing of Connie caught us all by surprise, as he was active and  out and about  walking his dogs and enjoying life. He was a retired lorry driver collecting and delivering milk for Ardagh Creamery, Dairygold and gave great service to the Co-Operative industry from 1964. Connie was very committed to his work being thorough and hard working in the role. He was friendly and witty, and he had a great way with words. He provided great entertainment for people attending his daughters Hairdressing Saloon. He loved Ardagh and was always on hand to give good advice and engage in banter. He also enjoyed his game of cards.

Reposing was held at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh  on Sunday  June 22 from 3 to 6pm. The Requiem Mass  was concelebrated by Fr Joe Cussen, Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Larry Madden at 11.30am on Monday. Family members participated during the ceremony and Fr Joe paid tribute to Connie and Angela who would have celebrated their 61st wedding Anniversary on the following day ( Tuesday June 24). They were a very united couple who always attended Mass and religious ceremonies. The Communion Reflection ”The Dash” read so proficiently by daughter Ailish was a lovely tribute and summed up Connie’s long and fruitful life.

Connie was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Angela (nee Sammon), daughter Ailish, sons John and David, siblings Sr. Bridget, Ailish (Moloney) and Michael, daughters-in-law Breda and Maureen, son-in-law Liam, grandchildren Sarah, Killian, Jack, Meadhbh, Conor, Eoghan, Leah and C.J., nieces, nephew, relatives and friends. Ardagh has lost a real gentleman  and character whose unique presence will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  May he rest in Peace.

MARY O’CONNOR: The death has taken place of Mary O’Connor,(nee Culhane) Duncaha, Shanagolden, in her 98th year, peacefully at Beechwood House Nursing Home Newcastle West on Monday June 23, surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her beloved husband John, brother Michael, sisters Ellen and Kathleen. Reposing took place at St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman  on Thursday June 26, from 6pm – 8pm. The Requiem Mass  was concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane and Fr Mossie Costelloe in Kilcolman church on Friday at 12 noon. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, thank you, and Maura and Donie performed appropriate hymns and music.

Fr Tim’s homily was based on the role of a mother within a family as he paid tribute to Mary.  She had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart, and it was fitting that her Requiem Mass was celebrated on its feast day. Barnigue was her native place and her teacher Helen Hardiman from Galway gave her a  love for the Irish language. She married John O’Connor on June 25, 1958, and they were blessed with 6 in family. Farming was their  livelihood, and Mary was also a home maker, whose life centred around her family and looking after their needs. In later life she enjoyed the company of her four grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by family, but her name will live on in their lives as they recall the happy days spent together. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in  the local cemetery. Sympathy to her children Terry, Pat, Mary, John, Joe and Eileen, sons in law Aidan and Martin, daughters in law Marie and Mary, grandchildren Emer, Eoin, Helena and James, nieces, nephews, kind neighbours and friends.  May she rest in Peace.

RETIREMENT WISHES: The Board of Management of St Molua’s National School made a presentation to Eileen Ambrose to mark her retirement after teaching there for 30 years.

EVELYN STACK: A special thanksgiving Mass in appreciation of Evelyn Stack to mark her retirement as a teacher (38 years) in Carrigkerry National School was celebrated by Fr Frank O’Dea in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Wednesday June 25. A large attendance included past and present teachers and staff, present and past pupils, family members and friends to pay tribute to her long and dedicated service. Following  Mass all assembled at the school for presentations, speeches, photos and refreshments. Anne Horan INTO President paid a lovely tribute to Evelyn who commenced teaching in Carrigkerry in 1987 after a short time spent in Kildare. Past principal John Looney also spoke in praise of her contribution to the development of the pupils in her care. John Mulvihill Chairperson of the Board of Management  spoke thanking her for her long and dedicated service to the school. A number of presentations from the school, management, teachers etc followed. Evelyn in reply thanked all for attending and praised the Carrigkerry people for their kindness and support down the years.

It was extra special to see members of the Stack family present and their close links with Carrigkerry School. Evelyn’s mother Mary Barry  who grew up nearby at Barnigue Cross, taught in Carrigkerry  from 1954 to 1957, before her marriage to James Stack

from  Dromcollogher. Her sister Margaret attended Carrigkerry School while living with her grandmother Katherine Barry for a number of years. Both were present and renewed acquaintances with past pupils. Two beautiful cakes were cut and distributed to all present as people mingled and took photos to remember the occasion and to link the past with the present. We thank Evelyn for choosing Carrigkerry to impart her knowledge there, and for her long and dedicated  service to teaching. She spent more time there than Joe Duffy of RTE fame who commenced his career in 1989. May her retirement be  lengthily and enjoyable and blessed with all she wishes for.

PARISH CLERK’S COLLECTION: The Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish clerk’s collection will be taken up  in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday July 12, and in St Molua’s Church  Ardagh on Sunday July 13. We are very lucky to have such dedicated people in charge of both churches. Please be generous with your donations.

DESMOND LEAGUE AWARDS: Congratulations to Eoin McEnery  from the Creeves Celtic  club who has been selected on the Desmond Leagues Premier Team of the year, 2024/25. He was chosen in attack after contributing many goals and assists during the season. He also plays hurling and football  with St Kieran’s and is a very popular figure around the locality. Congratulations to Adam Bennett Carrig Celtic, Division 2 Player of the year and along with team members, Jack O’Sullivan, Anthony Molyneaux, and Ray Brouder, all selected on the Division 1team of the year. Congratulations to Mike O’Sullivan Kilcolman Rovers, Division 3 Player of the Year and along with team member Conor Finucane selected on the Division 2 team of the year.

BUY A BRICK FUNRAISER: Carrigkerry Playground/Sensory Garden Committee  launched their ‘Buy A Brick’ fundraiser on Easter Monday.  If you’d like to have a brick with your name/family name or in memory of someone special,  then please follow the link below to purchase or alternatively contact a member of the committee. It’s a one-off fee of €50 to have your brick added to the wall. A ‘’In Memory of Section’’ has been added where you can purchase a brick and dedicate it to a deceased loved one. The link was not working  properly but it has now been updated and is more user friendly. You can contact any committee members who include Pat King, Leanne Greaney,  Maggie O Connor, Grainne Mc Coy, Lorraine Hannafin O’Sullivan, Aine O’Connor, Teresa Hayes, Helen King, Emer O’Connor or ring 087-2750061       https://carrigkerryplaygroundgarden.clubforce.com/…/mem…

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  June 23.The numbers drawn were 13,17,28,29, and  there was no  winner of the €7,400 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Nora Moriarty, Abbeyfeale/o Moloney’s, Vera and Ed Ballingarry c/o Neary’s, Tommy Greaney Kilcolman, William Collins Shanagolden, Kate Ambrose Ardagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €7,500. 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.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Limerick lost to Sligo by 2-13 to 1-4 in the 4th match in the All-Ireland Junior Ladies Football Championship  played at Cloonacool Community Park  on Sunday June 22.Sophie Hennessy and Captain  Róisín Ambrose from the Old Mill club were members of the team. After the loss Limerick exit the championship.

COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to all the medal winners from the St Kieran’s club at the Limerick Community Games Athletic finals held in Mungret on June 21/22.

CAR BOOT SALE: A Car boot sale will be held in the Community Centre Newcastle West on Saturday July 5, from 8-30am to 2pm. To book a place (€12) call 069-69584. Indoor and outdoor places are available. Admission €2 and tea and refreshments will be available to purchase.

GARDEN FETE: The annual Rathfredagh Garden Fete will be held on Sunday July 6. The committee are asking people for donations of second-hand goods for the bric-a-brac and other stalls. Items can include jewellery, handbags, shoes, books, soft toys, CDs, DVDs, ornaments, household goods, etc. The items can be dropped off at Rathfredagh Cheshire Home.

CEMETERY MASS:  The Lismakeera Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday July 7, at 7.30pm. The annual Reilig Mhuire Mass will be celebrated in Askeaton on Sunday July 13, at 3pm. It would be appreciated if the graves of people without living relatives were attended to. All grave owners are invited to attend and pray for their deceased relatives.

WILLIE CLANCY WEEK: The Willie Clancy Summer School  is held each July in Milltown Malbay in West Clare. For one week the town and surrounding area plays host to thousands of musicians, singers and dancers from all parts of the world. From early until late an overflow of people  throng the workshops, pubs, halls and spill out onto the streets for outdoor entertainment. Many people take their yearly holidays to coincide with the festival and stay in local accommodation. The festival  attracts a large following from Limerick interested in traditional music song and dance. Willie was a musician who  played the Uileann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle. He is buried in the local Ballard  cemetery and  his statue  can be seen on the main street.  On Sunday July 6, Taylors Cross Céilí Band will be playing in the Mill Marquee from 9.30pm. Admission € 10 and a great night of set dancing is promised.

by Peg Prendeville

Half the year gone already! Let’s hope that July and August will give us a pleasant summer. It hasn’t been too bad overall up to now, except as I write these lines on Monday night it is lashing down.

I had a most pleasant time on Sunday afternoon visiting the Gardens of Glin, all in aid of Milford Hospice. It is such a surprise to know that there are so many beautiful gardens hidden from view behind houses and shops. These were opened to the public on Sunday afternoon and what a delight was in store for all. I started my tour in Drumrisk at Pat Enright’s very creative garden. Pat clearly has an artist’s eye as he uses stone, glass and plants to create a magical space, hidden from the road. He informed me that he has been working at it for the past thirty years as a hobby. He has built arches, beehive huts, waterfalls and so much more. It is a real work of art. I continued on to Glin to O’Shaughnessys, O’Driscolls, FitzGerald’s Ryan’s, Murphy’s, Dunne’s, Fennel’s, Hogan’s and, finally, on my way home to Tom Wall’s Roman garden. Each of these has its own character – some have beautiful colour, some are greener, some have little nooks and crannies with surprises hidden within but all are works of art that  involve work and loving care by the owners. The beautiful sunny afternoon made the day even more enjoyable. Though I had not time to stay and enjoy the tea and cakes provided at O’Shaughnessy’s I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I think it should be done more often! Well done to the organisers.

Our daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Gerard Nash are home from Dubai after five years teaching out there. There was a little scare last week when the air space in that part of the world was closed down. We thought they may not get home but thankfully common sense prevailed, for the time being, and Iran and Israel and USA called a ceasefire and things came back to normal. Let us hope that it stays that way. The world is in a very unstable place at the moment but if we all work towards peace then peace will have to come. Therein lies the problem – some people still wish to stir up trouble! We will continue to hope that peace will win out.