Excited Athea group after finishing the Camino 165k trek in Santiago.  Photo by Kathleen Mullane

Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann 

The branch would like to extend its sympathy to the family of the late Jim Herbert, Knocknaboul. Jim was a fine traditional singer and the last remaining member of the first Comhaltas branch committee in Athea.

May he rest in peace

Mental Health

Friendly Community based peer support groups for anyone experiencing mental health issue through 12 Step Program of connection, hope, identity by empowering people to nurture their positive wellbeing by supporting personal growth through education and self-teaching.  Contact Celia 086-1526966/ Danielle 086-1588626/Www.grow.ie

Athea United AGM

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

Athea Community Council

We are delighted to report that we have passed the first stage of the Town & Village Renewal Fund Application. We are now invited to submit an application for funding for the large 500K fund. At this stage there is still no guarantee of funding, but it is heartening to think our project was the only project in Limerick to progress to stage two. To be in with the best change, we need to ensure our application is of high standard, ticking all the boxes. Anyone with a background in project management/construction are invited to give a hand with this application. As with most funding applications, match funding is required. To this end, we encourage you to continue to support the Athea Community Council Ltd. weekly draw, with all funds raised going towards the Athea Community Council Projects. You may have noticed our two window displays at our building. One being a display from Athea Tidy Towns, and the other a display of the works of art from our local craft group.

Many thanks to David O Sullivan, Lower Rd. for his assistance in preparing the windows for the display.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

What we all have known for ages has now become official – Ireland is the most expensive country in Europe. Almost every commodity is dearer, especially the basic shopping bag ingredients that have soared since the start of the war in Ukraine.  First of all the cost of power went up with electricity production curtailed by the loss of gas and, as electricity prices are tied to gas prices , bills went through the roof to the extent that the government had to step in and give a hand to households that could not afford the high prices. The ironic thing is that, in Ireland, electricity producers do not depend on gas that much so they were able to make a killing and are still doing so to this day. This should not have been allowed to continue and, looking to the future, changes in the way prices are decided should be considered. The price of petrol and diesel also went up suddenly and they have been kept fairly high every since despite the fact that the price of  crude oil has dropped until this weekend when the attack on Iran by the Americans could trigger a new scarcity which will once again send prices skywards.. Have you ever noticed that when the price of crude goes up the price at the pumps goes up straight away but when the opposite happens and the price comes down it could take a long time for the prices at the pumps to follow suit. The cost of staying in a hotel in this country is away above what it should be. On my last trip to England I could get very good hotel rooms for less than €50. The same here is now costing nearly ten times that much. They also take advantage of big concerts or games to hike up the price.  Eating out has also become very expensive. A steak is over €30 in most restaurants and don’t dream of ordering lamb which is now one of the most expensive pieces of meat. Those that run the establishments will point to the high costs of running a business in this country and therein is another problem.  High insurance premiums, VAT, labour costs etc.  have a  big bearing on the prices on the menu but I can’t help feeling that some prices are inflated. Despite that the hospitality industry re still demanding a reduction in the VAT rate, something that I can’t see happening. The insurance companies promised to lower premiums if the government put a cap on awards by courts. This was done but have the premiums come down? If anything they have got more expensive. Going to the pub for a couple of social drinks was a regular occurrence in this country and it was great to socialise with the neighbours but now the cost of drink is prohibitive. Guinness in Killarney is €9 a pint and that is cheaper than some parts of Dublin. Even in pubs that are just charging the going rate, the cost of a night out is prohibitive. Take, for instance, two couples who meet in a pub for a night out. The men are drinking pints and the women are drinking shorts with mixers. Each round will cost the guts of €30 so they wouldn’t be expected to stagger on their way out!  It doesn’t stop there. In rural areas they will have to get a taxi and probably have to pay a babysitter as well, so a good night out will cost half of their disposal income. Now they are getting the drink at a supermarket or off-licence  and socialising in their own homes. No wonder pubs are closing down at an alarming rate.  Supermarkets  are vying with each other for our custom but they are charging far higher prices here than they do in other countries. Along with that we are also being short-changed by the reduction in size of items like chocolate bars and aerosol cans etc.  No wonder the multi-nationals refer to Ireland as “treasure island”. The cost of putting a roof over one’s head is also a huge problem. We were used to high prices in cities like Dublin but now we have them in places like Athea. Small, 3 bedroom bungalows are selling for €400,000 and that is with just a builder’s finish. Another €100,000 will have to be spent to make them habitable. It is just the market but how are ordinary people going to be able to afford such prices especially since wages have not increased that much over the years. It is hard to know what the future holds but it is difficult to be optimistic. The government, and not just this one, failed badly to provide housing and infrastructure over the years so we are at a point where, even if houses could be built, there isn’t enough services like water and electricity to support them. I am glad to see that there is a change in the  planning process with An Bord Pleanala being replaced. Planning has been a nightmare over the years with too much time spent on frivolous objections. We have had people who live in the Dublin suburbs objecting to housing developments in places like Kerry and Donegal, places they may never have even visited. Some of them were serial objectors and I hope that they will now be treated  as trouble makers.  In the meantime we are going to have to try and come to terms with the high cost of living and look for ways to improve people’s lives. There are no magic bullets that will cure this but I hope that the powers that be can put their heads together and come up with some solutions otherwise we will have more and more of our young people choosing to emigrate to countries where they will be able to earn much more money and live at half what it would cost them at home. This will leave us with a severe shortage of skills in the country and a reduction in the population that will affect schools and businesses. This has happened before but then it was because of lack of opportunity and recessions but now we have full employment and  plenty of money, a very different scenario. I hope nto God i have it all wrong.!

Church Notices

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

Mass Intentions: Saturday June 28^st 7.30pm, Michael Woulfe (months mind) & his parents Tom & Kit Woulfe. Larry, Marie & Pat Buckley. Kit Quinn O’Connor.

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

Our annual Corpus Christi procession will take place next Saturday evening June 28^th after 7.30pm Mass. We especially welcome the first communion children and their families.

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 23/06/’25

No’s Drawn: 7,  11,  21, 28.  No Winner

Lucky Dips

A.J.T.,                                       c/o Eilish

Áine Ryan,                               c/o Damien

Michael Brosnan,               Upper Athea

Jet & Maggie,                        Athea

Sellers Prize:  Collins’ Shop & Francie Flavin

Next Draw:  30/06/’25   Venue:  White’s

Jackpot €26,200

by Tom Aherne

TOMMY KELLY: The death has occurred of Thomas (Tommy)Kelly, Duncaha, Kilcolman, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Tuesday June 17, aged 93 years surrounded by his family. Pre-deceased by his wife Mary, parents Gerald and Nora, brother Seamus and sister Nancy. Reposing  was held at St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Thursday  June 19, from 6pm to 8pm. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated  by Fr Tim Curtin and Fr Denis Mullane on Friday at 12 noon. Family members participated during the ceremony in the readings, prayers of the Faithful, symbols, offertory gifts and musical tribute. Donie and Maura supplied the hymns and music. The symbols taken to the altar were a model tractor to show his love for farming and the rural way of life, a football as Gaelic

games  and sport were  a large part of his life, a golf stick as he took up the game with great passion in his retirement years.

Fr Tim paid tribute to Tommy who was a regular mass attendee each weekend during his homily. Tommy was born in May 1932 and educated in Monemohill National School and Shrulawn Secondary School Shanagolden. He also attended College, where he picked up his football skills and spent a year in Agriculture College. He married Mary Downey from Creeves in September 1964, and they were blessed with four in family Gary, Nicky, Norma, Bridget. Tommy was blessed with a long and healthy life in the outdoors, combining his farming work and his sporting passions.

Large crowds attended at his reposing mass and burial to show their respect for the Kelly family. St Kieran’s club members formed a guard of honour for their past player, officer, coach, manager, advisor and great supporter as his coffin draped in the club colours departed the church. Tommy was laid to rest  afterwards in  the local cemetery as the sun shone brightly in his native Kilcolman which meant so much to him. Sympathy to sons Gary and Nicky, daughters Norma and Bridget, brother Gerald, sister-in-law Maureen, daughters in law Geraldine and Eileen, son in law Kevin,  11 grandchildren, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

CLERICAL APPOINTMENT: Congratulations to Fr Tom Mangan a native of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry and Moderator of the Ide Naofa Pastoral Unit  comprising the parishes of Abbeyfeale, Athea, Templeglantine, Tournafulla/Mountcollins who has been nominated as Canon by Bishop Brendan Leahy.

SCHOOL MASS: Carrigkerry School Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday June 25 in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry at 11am.

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…

THOMAS WALLACE: The death has taken place of Thomas (Tommy) Wallace, Feohanagh,  peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Lios Mor House, Brothers of Charity, Feohanagh , formerly of Glenbawn, Ballyhahill, on Friday June 13. Predeceased by his parents Richard and Nora and twin brothers Gerard and Jimmy. Reposing took place at Lios Mor House, Brothers of Charity, Feohanagh on Sunday June 15, from 5.00pm until 7.00pm.The Requiem Mass took place at The Church of the Visitation, Ballyhahill on Monday  at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin. Sympathy to his sister Maria, brother Mossie, uncle Jimmy and aunt-in-law Margaret; cousins, relatives, extended family, neighbours and especially the people supported and staff of The Brothers of Charity. May he rest in Peace.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  June 16.The numbers drawn were 1,17,22,25, and  there was no  winner of the €7,300 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Tommy Greaney c/o Neary’s, Gerard Mulvihill Ardagh, Mike O’Mara Coolcappa, Frank O’Connor Glenville, Michael Flynn Glensharrold. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €7,400. 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.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Mary Hogan from Glin, who won €280, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday June 20. The tickets cost €2, or 3 for €5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry,  and from the radio station.  All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Limerick defeated Derry by 8-12 to 1-8 in the 3rd match in the All-Ireland Junior Ladies Football Championship  played at Newcastle West on Saturday June 14.Sophie Hennessy and Captain  Róisín Ambrose (0-1) from the Old Mill club were members of the team/panel. They will  play Sligo away in the final group match and the top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.

SOCCER AWARDS: The Desmond Schoolboy’s/Girls Awards night was held at the Longcourt House Hotel on Sunday June 22. Congratulations to all the award winners especially our four locals. Isabel Langford, Creeves Celtic Under 12 Division 3 award. Darragh Walsh, Kilcolman Rovers Under 12 Division 3 award. James Hough, Kilcolman Rovers Under 13 Division 2 award. Ben Hough, Kilcolman Rovers Under 16 Division 2 award.

FLAG FLOOR: The weekly music and set dancing session, at the Flag Floor Glensharrold, Carrigkerry   continues on Tuesday’s from  9pm to 11.30pm, for the summer months. Music by Donie Nolan and friends, teas are served,  and all are welcome for a good night’s entertainment.

NOVENA: A Novena to the Sacred Heart will take place in  Robertstown Church from Wednesday June 25 to Friday June 27.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw will take place on Saturday June 28 and announced on the Limerick Live 95 Sports Show. The Saint Kieran’s club are promoting it and the entry fee for each draw is €10, and €21,000 will be given out in prize money every month. The first prize is €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, 4th prize € 1,000, 5th prize is an exclusive star prize, ( €500 Sean Hennessy voucher in June) and 4  prizes of €500, four prizes €300, and 17 prizes of €200. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

HERITAGE EVENTS: St Kieran’s Heritage Association are taking two-day trips in the coming month to Cobh, county Cork  to visit Spike Island and the Titanic visitor centre on Saturday June 28. On Saturday July 19, to Dublin to visit the Glasnevin  Cemetery and Collins Barracks. Contact 086-8060480 for the day’s itinerary and costs.

ITAS NIGHT: Ita’s rambling house will be held in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday  June 27, at 7.30pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend  for a great night’s enjoyment. The proceeds from the night  will go to the Parkinson’s Mid West.

by Peg Prendeville

We are living in very challenging and dangerous times but I am going to put my head in the sand and carry on as if everything was fine and hope that our daughter and her boyfriend, who is due home from Dubai next Monday, will arrive safely at some stage.

I took advantage of the fine weather last week to take a trip to Kilkee. I only know Kilkee as a town we used to drive through to go to the Cliffs of Moher with my father as a child, but we never really stopped there. What I did not know was how beautiful the whole place is, including the huge beach which is wrapped by two cliff walks on either side. This time I went to the west end to the Diamond rocks Cafe where there is parking, public toilets, cafe and a lovely long cliff walk all of which are wheelchair friendly. It was such a pleasant day out. Crossing on the ferry with the sun shining from a blue sky gave the feeling of being on a continental holiday without the need of a passport. We are surely blessed with all the amenities around us. Now if the Ballybunion Cliff walk was made wheelchair friendly it would be an added bonus!

On Friday 18th July at 7.30 pm Tricia, one of the Abha Bhán Players,  is holding Quiz Night in Geoghegans, Glin to raise money for THE HOPE FOUNDATION in Kolkata. The trip will cost €3,500 in total. €1,500 is for her expenses which she will fund herself. The other €2,000 she aims to raise (partly from this quiz) which will go directly to HOPE who run various projects directly helping the most impoverished in Kolkata. Your support would be very much appreciated.

The L/B Going Strong annual day out will be on July 15 to Kells Bay Gardens in Co. Kerry. Fare is €70 which includes Tea and scones and Dinner and Bus. Contact Lizzie at 087/7435267 or Gerry at 087/2282626 if interested.

What a disaster the Limerick v Dublin match was at the weekend. But sure we had a few very good years. It was nice to see our own Betty Kilkenny on the screen even though she was presenting the Man of the Match award to a Dublin man, Conor Burke. Betty, as most people know, works in the Knockdown Arms and is also a Divisional Sales manager for EIR. But while the hurling match was a disappointment the Limerick footballers made up for it. So all is not lost.

Everybody was shocked and saddened to see and hear of the fire which severely damaged Mike and Helen Cregan’s house in Ballyhahill very recently. It is the most awful disturbing thing to see. Thankfully there was no life in danger.

I think this week will see all the school children off for the summer. We wish them happy day free from worry or fear.