by Kathleen Mullane

Firstly, can I take this opportunity to wish each and every reader, both at home, abroad, and online, a very Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year. Also, to Domhnall at the helm and behind the computer putting the weekly newsletter together, and of course to all fellow correspondents, I hope you all have a lovely 2025.

Where did Christmas go, one asks? It just flew by after all the hustle and bustle and shopping, and one would not know what day it was. Christmas can be such a happy time for the kids with Santa, but it can also be a sad and unhappy time for others like the elderly and those living on their own, or those who have lost a loved one during the year, as it brings back so many memories.

Patsy Barry, formerly of Lisselton and father of Mary-Anne Woulfe, passed away peacefully at Rathronan, Athea, just before Christmas. Requiem Mass for Patsy was celebrated here in Athea on Monday of Christmas week with burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery. Many neighbours and family friends came to pay their last respects to Mary-Anne, her husband Mossy, and Patsy’s adored grandchildren Lizzy and Penny. May he rest in eternal peace.

Athea was a hive of activity over the Christmas period with all the business people doing their bit. Wasn’t it great to note that lots of shopping was done locally, from groceries at Collins to gifts at O’Riordan’s Pharmacy, wreaths and plants from Hannah-Mai Collins and O’Halloran’s Nursery, to hair-dos at Kathleen’s, and nails etc. at The Beauty Corner. We are truly blessed, to say the least, and everyone agrees on that.

Huge crowds attended the 5 o’clock Christmas Mass, which was the early mass for the families and kids. The 8 pm mass on Christmas Eve followed and again had a very big congregation. Christmas Day mass at 11 am yet again had a very big crowd with the altar beautifully adorned with a Christmas tree and flowers. Of course, the choir yet again added greatly to the atmosphere of the Christmas season. So well done to our clergy and to each and every person who made the church Christmas celebrations so special as always. Also, to all those who erected the Advent Candle and organised the get-togethers each Sunday evening prior to Christmas. As visitors to Athea say, and I quote, “WHAT A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY we have here in Athea.”

A few Christmas congratulations now—best wishes are extended to Katie O’Connor, daughter of Theresa and Tom, who was married to Paul Stryker, son of Martina and Freddy of Knocknagoshel, at The Lodge in Ballygarry Estate, Tralee, before Christmas. Brayden and Cody, their two little boys, were pageboys and super excited. Best wishes to the newlyweds.

Congratulations also to Leah Geoghegan, daughter of Eibhlish and Leo, and to her partner Scott, who were blessed with their new baby, a little boy they are naming Noah. A little brother for Isla, who is super excited with her new baby brother.

Well done to all the organisers of the GAA quiz which was held in the hall last week. Yet again, it attracted a big crowd from near and far and was enjoyed by everyone, losers and winners alike.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

Believe you CAN and you WILL.