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News – 12/3/24

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Celebrating their 18th birthday last weekend…Tomās Ahern, Ciaran Hunt,
Brīd Hunt, Rory Cleary

Athea Drama Group

Athea Drama Group is proud to present ‘Turning Mammy’ by John McDwyer.
Sisters Martha and Mary live together on the family farm. Mary is involved in a long term search for her baby adopted at birth, while Martha is involved in a long term wait for neighbour, Ambrose’s Mammy to die so that she can finally marry the love of her life.
‘Turning Mammy’ has a rich vein of humour running throughout, with the lively wit of rural Leitrim.
The cast is made up of Mary Ellen Tierney, Julie Moloney and Johnny Corkery.
‘Turning Mammy’ will be staged at Con Colbert Hall, Athea on March 16th,18th, 21st, 23rd & 24th at 8pm. Bookings by text/whatsapp 087 6926746.
Proceeds from our opening night on March 16th will be donated to the Carol Liston O’Connor & Family Benefit Fund.
Please note this play is not suitable for Under 12s.

Athea Drama Group pictured during a dress rehearsal on Monday night.

Comhaltas Ceoltióirí  Éireann

Session at Brown Joe’s on St. Patrick’s Day from  7 –  9pm.

All welcome to celebrate our national saint’s day

Proceeds of Raffle will go to the Carol Liston O’Connor Fund

Charity Wallk

Joe Aherne, Athea, is walking 100 miles in the month of March raising funds for The Irish Heart Foundation at The Mater Hospital. Anyone wishing to donate to this cause please contact Joe on: 086 8155614

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

The Holy Month of Ramadan is now being observed by Muslims  over the world. It is a bit like Lent for Catholics but far more stringent. During Ramadan, believers have to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk each day. All types of entertainment are prohibited along with sexual activity and impure thoughts. When night-time comes, a big feast is shared by families and they also have a big breakfast just before dawn when they try to eat as much as they possibly can to last them until night. They also have to pray several times a day so it makes Lenten observances a bit of a cakewalk by comparison. I was in Benghazi in Lybia during Ramadan back in the early ‘80s. It was quite an experience seeing how the locals behaved.  Early in the day was ok but later in the evening there would be lots of disagreements and a few accidents because people were so  tense from the fasting and abstinence and tended to lose the rag a bit. Of course there were some who  would go behind a building to have a crafty fag or a drink of water but they had to be very careful because the holy police, or the “God Squad” as we christened them, were on patrol and the punishment for breaking the rules could be very severe.  We lived in a villa and they sometimes raided the house to see if we had any alcohol or offensive written material. The first time it happened we were only there a couple of days and they found a magazine in a wardrobe. It was advertising clothes and on some pages there were photos of women wearing only bras and knickers. This, in their eyes, was pornographic and I had a job persuading them that the magazine was there before we came  and anyway it was in German so we couldn’t read it. They believed me at last and we were warned to be more careful in the future and destroy any offending material.  During Ramadan there was nobody to be seen on the streets just after sunset. It was eerie to stand in the middle of a normally busy city centre with neither a person or a vehicle in sight nor a sound to be heard. After they had eaten  everyone came out on to the streets and it was like a carnival for an hour or two. After the month they celebrated for three days and had a great time.  They had a big problem with foreign papers. I remember one time coming back from a few weeks at home and I had a couple of issues of The Limerick Leader with me for the boys who were anxious to get news from home in the days before mobile phones etc. When they searched my bag  in Tripoli and found them I was immediately taken to be questioned and I was held until my connecting flight to Benhazi had departed. They did not charge me when they saw what type of paper the Leader was but I had to sleep in the airport until the following day so I didn’t try doing that again at any time in the future. We would sometimes go to the cinema because most of the films were in English with Arabic subtitles. The first thing I noticed was that there were no females in the audience. Women were not treated very well as is the case in all Arab countries where they are ruled by religious leaders. On the other hand men have the best of life, looked after hand and foot and they can have up to four wives if they can afford them. There are those who might say that one wife  to nag you is enough but, in those countries, I don’t think the women are allowed to do much nagging. Our own system may not be perfect but it is so much fairer than what I came across in Libya.

The  rejection of both amendments in the recent referendums came as no surprise to me. I appreciate what the government were trying to achieve but when I examined the wordings my mind was made up. We all want to see people who need it supported but when you have words like “the government shall strive…” you realise that it is a meaningless phrase that lets them off the hook. I can “strive” do anything but that does not mean I have to do it. There is also the question of removing  the word “mother” from the constitution. This posed a problem for many people, myself included. Everybody has a mother who is female because men cannot have babies, at least not yet but with modern technology, who knows? Irish people have a very special place in their hearts for mothers  and it would be wrong not to have them recognised for what they do. Then there is the definition of “family”  and giving the same rights to other relationships rather than the conventional man and woman. They got this wrong as well with  phrases like “durable relationships” which are open to interpretation. Groups to be recognised as families should be distinctly identified and not left so vague that the courts would be forever having to make decisions. They simply did not do their homework and in their arrogance ignored professional advised and took the public voters for mugs. The day is gone when people will vote in a particular way just because a certain political party wants them too. We have minds of our own and a referendum is one occasion when we can use our own judgement. The blame game has started but it is a bit much when opposition parties who supported the amendments beforehand, and even campaigned for a yes vote, now want to distance themselves from the government with some of them even saying they voted “no” and “no” despite what the previously advocated. It is a mess but I believe that, if they put the amendments before the people with the proper wording, having taken all the necessary advice, there could be a different outcome. In the meantime the government must realise that we can no longer be taken for granted. Roll on the general election!!

Congratulations to Tarbert Comprehensive Football team who won the All-Ireland recently. Three lads from Athea, Callum Buckley, Evan Curry and James Broderick, were on the team and we are all very proud of them. Many years ago, my own sons, Daniel and Sean went to that school and I have nothing but the highest of praise for it so it is nice to see them achieving such success on the playing fields.

Health Athea  Raise €1,203 for Irish Heart Foundation

A huge thank you to all who supported the Irish Heart Foundation Collection on 17th February which was run by Health Athea.  A total of €1,203 was collected.

A cheque was presented to Anne Riordan of the Irish Heart foundation on 7th March by members of  Health Athea.

Anne Riordan IHF sent on the following information to the group for anyone in the community who would like to avail of the supports of the Irish Heart Foundation:

https://irishheart.ie/support-for-you/heart-support-services/

The Irish Heart Foundation aims to support individuals affected by cardiovascular disease & stroke

We offer a range of services that include counseling, peer support, expert talks, and online emotional wellbeing program.

Heart Support Network (Facebook):

For individuals with heart conditions and caregivers.

Benefits: Access to Nurse Support Line, monthly Zoom meetings, peer-to-peer phone support, counseling, and monthly newsletter for those without internet access.

Features: Private Facebook group with over 2,000 members, offering advice, information, support, and group activities like online exercise classes and information talks.

Nurse Support Line:

Available at 01 688 5001, Monday 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – Friday 9am – 1pm.

Offers assistance with heart disease management.

Specific Heart Support:

Cardiac Rehabilitation:

“Cardiac Rehab for All”: Exercise program for those who have experienced a heart event.

Heart Failure:

Tailored support for individuals living with heart failure.

SCAD Ireland Facebook Group:

Independently facilitated group for individuals who have experienced SCAD.

Long QT Syndrome Ireland Facebook Group:

Independently facilitated group for individuals living with LQTS.

Support Line:

Speak to a Support Line Nurse at 01 668 5001, Monday 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – Friday 9am – 1pm.

Athea Tidy Towns

Members of Athea Tidy Towns Committee pictured with Sean Ronayne (at the back). Damien Ahern, Colin Mumbray, Donncha Quille, Linda Mumbrary, Thady Hunt, Lal Browne, Eileen O’ Sullivan, John Scanlon, Jim O’Sullivan & Henry Moran.

Athea Tidy Towns hosted a fascinating talk by ornithologist Sean Ronayne on Wednesday evening last at Con Colbert Hall. Sean took everyone present on a listening journey throughout the world to hear the sounds of mammals and birds from the comfort of their seats. There was a mighty turn out from bird enthusiasts , followed by tea and buns provided by Carla Flavin. Keep an eye out for Sean’s Documentary which will be out soon. The event was supported by Limerick City and County Council under the Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Programme which is delivered in Partnership with the Heritage Council. Thanks to everyone who attended.

 

 

 

 

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Kathleens Corner – 12/3/24

by Kathleen Mullane

            OUT AND ABOUT

Firstly I hope as I write my few bits of news this Sunday Night that all you Mothers out there have had a lovely Mothers Day and deservedly so, seeing its an All Around Year Job from morning ‘till Night for some, especially the young mothers who have to go out to work now, and those with school going kids, they have so many activities from sports of all kinds to music and a whole lot more. And us older mothers – grandmothers too who have been there done that, but a mothers work is never done, so anyway hope all you mothers had a wonderful free from work day.

Athea Drama start off their yearly drama presentation, Turning Mammy, this week with the opening night proceeds going to the Carol Liston O Connor Fund. We wish the cast all the very best , after many weeks of hard grafting learning the lines , and to all those behind the scenes who do tremendous work putting it all together. No doubt it will be a laugh a minute.

Huge Congrats go to Tarbert Comprehensive Senior Football Team who on Saturday last made the journey to Carlow where they lined out against Castlewellan , St. Malachy’s School,  in the All Ireland Football Final . There was huge support for the team and with bodhrans belting out throughout and faces painted in the blue and gold of the team the atmosphere was incredible. To say it was exciting was putting it mildly and when it had to go to extra –time it was unbearable to say the least. Thankfully at the whistle they won by 3 points . All Ireland medals will be coming to Athea for Callum Buckley, Evan Curry and James Broderick, the Athea players who formed part of the team. And we must remember it was here with Athea GAA that they first started out.

Congrats to those who celebrated a Quadruple 18TH birthday party at Brown Joe’s on Saturday night last namely, Brid Hunt, Rory Cleary, Thomas Ahern and Ciaran Hunt. Wishing them all the best.

Great news for our Community Hall here in Athea now that FIBRE has been installed another great asset for everyone who uses the Hall. It’s a great facility to have and improvements are always being made to keep up to date with technology etc.

A very Happy St Patrick’s Day on Sunday next to everyone at home and abroad who read the Athea Newsletter. Every man woman and child claims to have a bit of Irish blood in them on this very special day. I’m sure there will be parades in abundance all over the country and indeed all over the world. And of course RTE will be showing the parade from Dublin. So put on The Green and be proud to be IRISH

 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

You cannot let your failures define you .

You have to let your failures teach you.

 

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By Carrig Side – 12/3/24

by Tom Aherne

MIKE SWEENEY: The death has occurred of Mike Sweeney of Meenoline, Templeglantine and Ballylin Ardagh on Saturday March 2. He was predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Roche ( in 2020. He lay in repose in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday March 3. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Denis Mullane on Monday at 11.30am. Family members and friends  participated in the ceremony which was enhanced by the  appropriate music and hymns. Fr Michael paid tribute to Mike’s great faith, family involvement, work ethic in the buildings and hurling skills on the playing field  during his homily. The important symbols associated with Mike’s life taken to the altar, included a family photo, jersey and trowel.  Mike was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. Sympathy to his sons Michael and Eamon, grandchildren Rachel, Darragh, Cian, sister Mary, daughters-in-law Annette, Simone, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Mike grew up in Ballylin and attended Ardagh School and he played hurling with the local Coolcappagh/Ardagh club.  He played centre field and regarded as a formidable opponent. Honours were scarce during his time involved but he was admired for his skill and work rate on the playing fields. He played  centre field with St Ciaran’s ( Rathkeale, Knockaderry, Ardagh combination ) in the 1965 County Senior hurling final defeat to Patrickswell by 2-16 to 0-4. He was a block layer and plasterer and worked in the building industry as well as a little farming in Ballylin. He settled in Meenoline  with Mary, and they raised their family.  He commuted between both and attended  Mass in St Molua’s Church as well. Mike was an honest and quiet man who served all well over his lifetime of 80 plus years. He will be sadly missed by all whose path he crossed over the years. May he rest in Peace.

ITA KIRK: The death has occurred of Ita Kirk (nee O’Shaughnessy) Reen’s Bar Ardagh peacefully after a short illness at U.H.L., on Monday March 4. Predeceased by her husband Charlie, parents and brother. Her funeral cortege arrived at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappagh at 10am on Thursday March 7, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. A large crowd attended to pay their respects to Ita and offer sympathy to the family members. Fr Tim Curtin paid a lovely tribute to Ita before the mass commenced as they were both raised in a public house and had a lot in common. The mass was celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin and family members and friends participated in the ceremony. Donie and Maura performed the music and hymns including Maura singing Dear God and Crazy two of Ita’s favourite songs from Patsy Cline one of her favourite singers. Tony on behalf of the family paid a very warm tribute to Ita which was more of a community tribute than a family tribute he stated.

Ita was one of seven in family, and they were raised in the family business. She left for England at an early age, entered the bar business and married Charlie from Tyrone. They returned to live in Reens and ran the bar there for about forty years. Ita was a great character, full of devilment, mischief and good craic. She was generous and left a lasting impression on all her customers. She was a good singer and Patsy Cline’s Dear God  was one of her favourite songs. Ita was 74 years old and her passing  from the pub business signals the end of an era in Reens. Ita was laid to rest afterwards in Kilscannell Cemetery. Sympathy to her sisters Marie Curley, Bernie Foley, Eileen, brothers Patrick and Anthony, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives , neighbours and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

POETRY : Patricia Ahern from Knockfinisk   and residing in England occasionally features her poetry on West Limerick 102. She recited  one dedicated to her mother on the Exchange with Shirley O’Regan on Friday last. She has some  poems published in magazines and newspapers in recent times as well as on the radio. Continued success with the written word  to Patricia in the future.

LADIES FOOTBALL:  Limerick defeated Carlow by 1-11 to 1-9 in round 7 of the Ladies National Football Division 4 League played at TUS Midwest grounds  on Sunday  March 3. Sophie Hennessy, Róisín Ambrose and Iris Kennelly  from the Old Mill club were involved.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday March 4.The numbers drawn were 2,3,17,18,and  there was  no  winner of the € 16,800 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each,  David Morrissey Templeglantine, Bernie O’Connell Ardagh, Honor Kirby Ardagh, Geraldine Treacy Kilreash, Ardagh, Courtney and Casey Donovan Shanagolden. Next week’s  Jackpot will be  € 16,900. 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 Tony Noonan Tullig North Templeglantine, who won € 200 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 8.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.

SPLIT THE POT: Congratulations to Riley Shaughnessy who won € 533, in the January, Creeves Celtic FC Split the Pot monthly draw held at the Thatch Newbridge on Friday March 2.Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, club managers, at Neary’s Ardagh,  Inver five crossroads Rathkeale and the  Thatch Newbridge. All support will be greatly appreciated.

LIFESAVING TRAINING: CPR and Defibrillator training is being held in Ardagh Hall on Thursday March 14, and Thursday March 21from 7pm to 9.30pm. People who are interested in participating in the training course can contact Deirdre Ambrose on 087-9509218 to book a slot.

EXERCISE CLASS: A low impact cardio class, suitable for everyone takes place in Coolcappa Community Hall each Thursday  evenings from 7pm. The class will increase steps,  burn calories, zero stress on joints and muscles. If interested contact Mairead on 085-1213619.

CLOTHES COLECTION: Kilcolman NS are holding a fundraising clothes collection on Friday March 15. Bags of clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen(no duvets or pillows) can be dropped to the school shelter any time before this date. Thank you for your continued support.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  Ita’s  Rambling House will be held at the Desmond Complex on Friday  March 15 at 7.30pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend.  The proceeds of the evening will go towards the Carol Liston/O’Connor fund. All support will be greatly appreciated.  A rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday March 20, at 8.00pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend.

PARADES: The Newcastle West parade returns and will be held on Saturday March 16 with a lot of entertainment taking place in the square from 1pm, followed by the parade from 3pm. Commencing from the Community Centre the parade will pass through the Square, Maiden Street, North Quay, Bridge Street and back through the Square to finish. The annual  and very colourful St Patrick’s Day parade will be held in Rathkeale on Sunday March 17 starting at 12.30pm from the new line near the shop. There will be a lot of entertainment  and prizes for the best floats. For more information call 086-3310349, or 087-9872987.

ATHEA DRAMA: Athea drama group will stage ” Turning Mammy” by John Mc Dwyer at Con Colbert Hall Athea on March 16, 17,18, 21, 23, 24, at 8pm. The cast members are Julie Moloney, Johnny Corkery and  Mary Ellen Tierney. To book please text 087- 6926746.

DAFFODIL DAY:  Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place on Friday March 22. Please support the many fundraisers being held around the locality.

SCÓR FINALS: The County Senior Scor finals will be held at the Community Hall Pallasgreen on Friday March 22, at 7pm. The question time final will be held at Mungret /St Paul’s G. A. A. Clubhouse on Thursday March 21, at 8.30pm.

CHARITY CÉILÍ: A Charity  Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held in the Community Centre Monagea on Saturday March 23, from 9pm. Music by Mountain Road Céilí Band and admission is € 10.  Refreshments will be served, and all support will be greatly appreciated. Down Syndrome Limerick have provided support for those with Down Syndrome and their families throughout the city and county since 1971.

VINTAGE FUNDRAISER: Knockdown Vintage Club are holding a fundraising raffle at present in aid of two worthy local charities Mid-Western Cancer Foundation  UHL and Parkinson’s Association of Ireland (Mid-Western Branch) The tickets cost € 2 each or three tickets for € 5. The first prize is  a      € 300 voucher for Fitzgerald’s House Hotel Adare, Second prize is a € 150 voucher for the Crown Decorating Centre Newcastle West.  Third prize is a monster hamper, and numerous other prizes as well. The draw takes place in the Knockdown Arms on Sunday March 24, following the vintage run.  An auction will be held at 4pm.Different Sounds will provide the music  from 5-7pm. Registration for the Patrick Langan Memorial Charity Run  will commence at 12 noon in the Knockdown Arms and light refreshments will be served. The vintage club welcomes all vehicles to participate. Since their foundation in 2010 the club has raised in excess of € 60,000 for various charities. The club thank their sponsors participants and the general public for their continued generosity. All are welcome to come along to their family fun day on Sunday March 24. Contact  Dave Noonan  087-2500938 or Margaret Culhane 087-2303918 for more details and all support will be greatly appreciated.

 

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