by Kathleen Mullane

Bits and Bobs

All the very best of luck to the Athea Drama Group, who take to the stage here in the Memorial Hall starting this Thursday night and continuing into next week with their production of “Sharon’s Grave.” No doubt, if past dramas are anything to go by, this should be a great display of acting. Please give them your full support and enjoy the night.

Another great night is anticipated in April in Templegantine, when Strictly Come Dancing takes place as a fundraiser for both the Glantine Hurling and Camogie Clubs, with T.J. Hunt, son of John and Nora, taking to the floor with his cousin Ciara Stack, showing their footwork. No doubt it will be a great night, and your support would be welcome.

Congratulations are extended to Robbie Woulfe, son of Mary and Phillip, who celebrated his 21st birthday recently along with his family and friends. A great time was enjoyed by Robbie and all in attendance.

And weren’t Marion and Dick Chawke looking wonderful in last week’s newsletter as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, looking as happy and young as they did 50 years ago.

Can you believe it? Next Tuesday is Pancake Tuesday, and despite all the bad weather we have had, time has gone by so quickly since Christmas. No doubt the pans will be hopping next week as the pancakes are being made and the sugar and lemon are at hand, as well as all the different toppings that the young people like on top. Ash Wednesday, the day after, is the start of Lent, which in days gone by was the beginning of fasting for over six weeks. Nowadays, people are more likely to take on something rather than give up. Everyone is different, so it’s up to the individual.

Don’t forget there are many books for avid readers, both men and women, available to take from the bookshelf in the kitchen in the Hall when it’s open. There is no charge at all, and you can also leave books that you may have read for someone else.

It’s all on the news about the many Ukrainians who have now made Ireland their home since they fled the war three years ago. I just saw a 10-year-old boy who took up residence two years ago in Ballyferriter who is now an accomplished Irish speaker and has learned to play the accordion with gusto. Fair play to him at this young age, and they say Irish is a dead language—no way.

I don’t know if any of you were watching inside Beaumont Hospital last Wednesday night. It will be on again this week, where the neurosurgery was taking place. It was unreal. What gifted surgeons having patients’ brains in their so capable hands—one slip and it would be a sad story for the patients. A young girl who was a great runner suffered severe epileptic fits, and after extreme brain surgery, she was cured. A real joy at the end.

I was just thinking life can be so fragile, and this week our first cousin’s son in his mid-forties passed away suddenly from a heart attack in England. Robert Sweeney and his family spent many a summer in their young days here in Athea and always loved Athea. Only the night he passed away, he had asked to join the Ath an tSleibhe group. We must realise that we here in our little village are loved, and families keep in contact through this newsletter, GAA, church webcam, and so many other Athea groups that they keep up with the news about Athea, which is wonderful—here’s to Athea.

Congratulations to Fionn Histon, who celebrated his birthday recently with a party at Brown Joes. A great night was enjoyed by everyone.

Thought for the Week:

No one is to blame for your future situation but yourself.