Athea Raod Races
Athea Road Races aim for September 2025 return. Athea’s road racing future is looking brighter as the South West Road Racing club pushes forward with plans to revive the historic event. Following a series of meetings in Athea, a new committee has been formed, comprising: Mike Dalton (President), Gearoid Collins (Chairman), Louise Ahern (Race Secretary Cathrine Grimes) (Assistant Race Secretary), Olivia Quinn (Secretary), Eamonn Walshe (Treasurer/Vice-Chair), and Teddy Murphy (Assistant Treasurer).
The club has announced a motorcycle ride-out from Brown Joe’s bar in Athea on March 9 at 11am. This event will re-open club membership and begin the fundraising effort.
A public meeting to garner community support will be held in the village in the coming weeks, with the date to be announced.
While a mid-June date was considered, the club opted for more time to organise the large-scale event. The club has applied to Motorcycling Ireland and the Road Racing Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) to run on the weekend of September 13 and 14. The revival effort has received backing from Rathkeale’s Isle of Man TT racer, James Chawke.
Formed in late 2022, the South West Road Racing Athea club is working to bring the races back. Regular club meetings will be held in Athea’s Village Hall and publicised on the club’s social media pages. The club has secured insurance coverage under the RRAI, paving the way for the Athea Road Races’ return
Athea Duck and Swan
The Athea Duck and Swan group are having a fundraiser at Batt’s Bar in aid of Alzheimer Sociaty of Ireland. We would welcome any donation or a spot prize for the draw on the night.
Thanking you in advance, Duck and Swan committee
The College of Further Education and Training
Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale (Eircode V94 CF10) is open to the public on Tuesday 11th March 2025 from 10am – 1pm and again from 6pm – 8pm and will showcase courses from our Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale campuses. Discover our range of part-time courses such as Woodwork / Stone Carving / Gardening / Childcare / Healthcare / Sewing / Cookery / Arts & Crafts and more. Meet our staff, get your questions answered, and apply on the day! For more information about our Open day, phone 06831198.
The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
Noreen and myself celebrated 55 years of marriage the other day, February 28th. It is a long time ago but, in a way, it seems like only yesterday. It was a bitterly cold winter’s morning as can be seen from the photographs of the bridesmaids, shivering, outside the church door. Mass was at 7.30 am, as was the custom at the time, hence the “wedding breakfast” which followed it. We went to a venue in the centre of Coventry, had our meal followed by music and dancing and everything was finished up and we were on the road to Liverpool by 6pm. A bit of a difference from the weddings of today. There was also a big difference in the wedding presents. We got sheets, towels, cooking tins, clocks, cutlery and other useful household objects and we were delighted with them. The clothes were also much simpler. There was no such thing as morning suits for the groom and groomsmen and churches were not festooned with flowers. It was far simpler alright but was none the less special because of that. Times change over the years and this can be seen as well in the way we do funerals. When I was young funerals were far more private affairs. When a person died they were waked in the house which was attended by family and close neighbours who came and stayed for a while all through the night. Now we have the funeral parlour where people stand or sit in a line shaking hands with sympathisers. They may not all be neighbours but may know just one member of the family. They must, however, go through the motions of shaking hands with people they don’t know and have never met before. I think this is the wrong way to do things. People should be free to sympathise with those they want to without having to do the whole line. I think it is also an ordeal for the family who have to be there for hours, also meeting people they don’t even know. I went to one funeral a while ago where the mourners did not form a line but stood in small groups around the coffin. It was then easy to approach the group or groups you wanted to meet making it easier for everyone. It is a very trying time for people and it should be made as easy as possible.
I told myself i wasn’t going to mention Trump this week but the events of the last few days have made it impossible to ignore how dangerous he really is. I watched the whole meeting between Trump, J.D. Vance and President Zelensky of Ukraine. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing as the poor man was ambushed by Trump and Vance and a couple of reporters who were obviously placed there to ask certain questions. We saw diplomacy at its very worst with the Americans turning on Zelenksy telling him he should be more thankful and that he was being disrespectful. They expected him to give up a big part of his country, a country that has been fighting gallantly for three years, in exchange for peace, a peace that would not be guaranteed by America and when he pointed out that Putin couldn’t be trusted they really turned on him. It is very obvious that the Trump administration has no sympathy for Ukraine. They don’t want to see it in NATO and it looks like they want to give Russia whatever it wants. Trump wants to go down in history as the man who made peace. He promised he would do it in 24 hours and he thinks that sucking up to Putin will achieve his aim to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The only winners here are the Russians. They are literally dancing jigs in the Kremlin and can’t believe their luck in having someone as gullible as Trump to manipulate. America is now aligned with Russia against Europe and decades of a partnership that has been effective in preventing another world war is in danger of collapsing. Is it a possibility that Trump wants to split the world between himself, the Russians and the Chinese. There is also something nauseating about his attempt to “shake down” Ukraine for its minerals. It is a bit like somebody seeing a person in difficulty of drowning saying “I will save you but you have to pay me back or I won’t”. There is also the fact that they are ignoring some truths. Ukraine did not start the war, Russia did. It is becoming abundantly clear that Trump and Putin are cut from the same cloth. Putin wants to take over the countries that used to be in the Soviet Union, Trump wants to take Canada, Greenland and Panama. They both surround themselves with lackeys who are 100% loyal and will act against anyone who opposes them. They have no regard for the rule of law . Trump pardoned the people who stormed the capital buildings and is now going after all those who were involved in the case against them. Where are all the decent Americans? I can’t believe that a majority of them are in favour of a total about turn in the way their country is being managed, or should I say mismanaged. If there was ever any doubt about how much the US and Russia are now aligned, this mornings news that they have now stopped all military aid to Ukraine removes that doubt. Europe has a big job to do now that it has no help from a country that prides itself in being the leader of the free world. This is not going to end well.
Church Notices
Priests: Fr. Tom Mangan 087-2348226, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Dan Lane 087 2621911.
Masses this week- Ash Wednesday evening & Friday evening 7pm and Sunday 11am.
Intentions: Friday 7th Sean O’Connor (months mind). Sunday 9th Moss & Mary Reidy.
Eucharistic Adoration and the Devine Mercy Chaplet every Tuesday morning after mass.
To book a Mass intention contact the sacristy after mass or contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.
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.
ALONE are seeking volunteers in the ATHEA area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please contact Caroline on 086-4040910.
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
Vacancies on CE Scheme
Thger are a number of vacancies on the CE scheme (formerly FÁS) in Athea. To qualify yomust be over 21
In general, you must be unemployed.
You must also be getting any combination of the following payments for at least 12 months:
Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA)
Jobseeker’s Transitional payment (JST)
One-Parent Family Payment (OFP)
Deserted Wife’s Benefit
Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension
Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Non-Contributory Pension or
Farm Assist
Other ways to qualify for CE
Under the “Qualified Adult (QA) on a Community Employment Scheme: Pilot” – if you are a QA on your spouse, partner, civil partner or cohabitant’s Jobseekers Allowance claim and they meet the eligibility for CE, you may be eligible to participate in CE. Please note that this CE eligibility option is open to QAs as part of a pilot scheme since 1 January 2023.
If you think you might be eligible call
0818 405060
Athea Drama Group
Athea Drama Group’s 2025 production of ‘Sharon’s Grave’ by John B. Keane continues at Con Colbert Memorial Hall on, March 6th, 8th & 9th. The booking line is currently open and very busy. Text / Whatsapp booking to 087 6926746
Lucky Numbers Draw
03/03/’25 No’s Drawn: 2, 7, 23, 28. No Winner
Lucky Dips
Sean Wall, Athea
Sinéad & Orla Greaney, c/o Collins’ Shop
Donal Cotter, Coole West
Ann McAuliffe Donal & Ann’s
Sellers Prize: Collins’ Shop & Francie Flavin
Next Draw: 10/03/’25 Venue: White’s
Jackpot €24,600
We’re on the Run – Knockdown Vintage Club
It’s that time of year again when all roads lead to Knockdown Athea where Knockdown Vintage Club will host their Annual Charity Road Run on Sunday 30th March 2025.
The Vintage Club welcome all VINTAGE Cars, Tractors, Trucks, Bikes.
Registration will commence at 11 O’ Clock. Light Refreshments will be served before and after the Run.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Little Blue Heroes are the beneficiaries of this year’s event.
CF Ireland (CFI) is a voluntary organisation that was set up by parents in 1963 to improve the treatment and facilities for people with Cystic Fibrosis
The Little Blue Heros Support families of children with serious illness while empowering the lives of children.
A raffle will also be held on the day with numerous prizes including:
1st Prize: €400.00 Voucher for Brehon Hotel. Sponsored by the Langan Family
2nd Prize: €150.00 Voucher Sponsored by Adams of Glin.
3rd Prize: Monster Hamper Sponsored by Moran Painting, Decorating & Maintenance.
4th Prize: €100.00 Voucher. Sponsored by Mullane’s Quick Pick
And Many More prizes.
A special draw for all those who participate will take place immediately after the Runs.
And not forgetting Mother’s Day where there will be some surprises in store.
A Super Auction will commence at 4pm where every thing from a needle to an anchor will be available at bargain prices. And if you forgot Mother’s Day
– this will be your final opportunity to get the perfect gift and gain those brownie points before it is too late.
Music by Different Sounds from 5 to 7pm.
Since our foundation in 2010 the Club has gone from strength to strength and has raised in excess of €80.000 for numerous charities including: – Various Cancer Foundations, Local Community Groups, Local Hospitals and Care Homes, Jack & Jill Foundation, Parkinsons Association, Irish Community Air Ambulance, to name but a few. This could not have been done without the help of our sponsors, participants and the general public. Your continued generosity is much appreciated.
We look forward to welcoming you all on 30th March 2025.
Come along for a Fun Day out with all the family.
Margaret Culhane Hon. Secretary
087 2303918