by Kathleen Mullane

MANY CONGRATS

Sincere congratulations are extended to Liam Collins and Angela on the recent birth of their little baby girl, Maisie. Along with grandmother Birdie Collins of Knocknagorna, they are all super excited. Wishing them every joy with their precious little bundle.

It was a wonderful day last Saturday for Conor Mullane, son of Conor and Mary B., also of Knocknagorna, who married Kelly McNamara of Doolin. The nuptial ceremony took place at the

beautiful little church in Gougane Barra, with Fr. Willie Russell as the celebrant. The bride was assisted by her bridesmaids Maire and Joanne Howley from Lisdoonvarna, and the best men were Tom Quaid and Morgan O’Connor. Wishing them every joy and happiness for the future.

Congratulations and well done to our own country of Ireland, which has been named the Most Popular Country in the World for Park Runs. This is a great achievement considering all the bigger and more populated countries in the world. Isn’t it wonderful that in our own little village of Athea we have a running and walking track at the GAA pitch? It’s indeed a godsend for its safety and convenience for every age group, so we must all remember to support it.

Incidentally, I recently saw on TV that volunteers from Ireland travelled to Palestine on behalf of the GAA, taking with them helmets, sliotars, and hurleys. They were training the adults and kids there in the rules and skills of the game. The excitement was unreal, and from a small island like ours, congrats and well done to the volunteers who went out there and are continuing to do more for those kids in the near future.

Congratulations to all the dedicated men and women who are giving their time to practice in recent weeks for the upcoming drama “Sharon’s Grave,” which will be taking place in the hall in the next few weeks. It’s not an easy task to go on stage facing big audiences and learning all the lines, all for our enjoyment. So well done to them all and also to those who work behind the scenes.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

We make a living by what we get;

we make a life by what we give.