by Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT IN ATHEA

As I start to e mail my few lines this Monday evening ,I’ve just realised its the anniversary of 9-11, the day that rocked America and the whole of the world. I’m sure everyone will remember where they were or what they were doing at that time. I remember my daughter Marielle rang me from New York saying a plane had hit and as she was telling me a second plane hit which caused so much destruction, deaths and injuries and will be remembered by everyone for years to come and can you believe it -its been 22 years since it happened. Where has the time gone.

On Thursday September 21st the Annual Coffee morning in aid of Milford Hospice will as usual take place in the Community Hall. This is always very well attended and is for a great cause  considering the many that the Hospice takes care of in their time of need. As usual donations of cakes – buns would be welcome and every Euro donated will be gratefully received, no matter how small. Doors will open around 9 o clock or so if you are on the school run pop in and have a cuppa and a chat.

Happy Birthday wishes go this week to Becky Broderick of Templeathea who celebrated her 18th birthday at Brown Joe’s on Saturday night last. A great night was enjoyed by family and friends.

Congrats to Anne Langan of Glenagragra, daughter of Eddie and Teresa, who was recently married to Ruairi O Neill, son of Catriona and the late Sean of Listowel. Canon Declan O Connor performed the Nuptial Ceremony  here in Athea Church. Everyone had a great day in Ballygarry Hotel. Wishing them all the best as they start off their married life in London.

The Tuesday Club for over 55s which will include Wellness and Self Discipline will begin in the Hall on September 26th from 11.30—12.30 with chair aerobics and games and refreshments etc. For further information  contact Nicole on 087-9459971.

Well this past week has been unusually warm for September, some days being very warm and humid,  but it was very welcome by everyone after the wet recent conditions. Ireland had the hottest September on record. It actually was the hottest summer ever recorded in human history throughout the world. We are being warned that climate breakdown has begun.

Its being forecast that in the not too distant future there will be NO CASH only card  however that will go down with the more elderly also that instead of real people taking care of our elderly there will be ROBOTS  Can you believe it .

If anyone has borrowed tables or chairs from the hall and hasn’t returned them can they please do so as soon as possible , or contact Sharon or Helen as some have not been returned and are needed.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

-What would Life be like if we had no Courage to attempt anything

By Kathleen Mullane

BITS  AND BOBS

Well to say it was a mixed week of Weather would be putting it Mildly to say the least. There were blasts of Sunshine, a lot of Humidity, some of the heaviest Thunder showers we have seen in a very long time, which left many places flooded and premises damaged, coupled with very strong claps of Thunder and lightning, however we can’t complain as up to now we have been blessed with gorgeous Sunshine which enabled farmers to get their Silage done so easily and turf was brought home extra early this year with little or no bother, so we have a lot to be grateful for.

Well DOLLY DAY in Listowel last Saturday turned out to be a wonderful success and if Photos are anything to go by it seems there was quite a few Male Dolly’s there too all dressed up in their Blonde wigs, Cowboy Hats, Jeans and extravagant outfits, all for a great cause namely Kerry Hospice and Comfort Chemo Kerry. The total number of Dolly’s was 1,137 which indeed was incredible, lets hope it’s broken the World Record. Well done to all the dedicated organisers and indeed to all those who took the time out to be there in their style.

Sunday July 2nd sees the Athea Horse-Pony Races taking place in Glenagower, with kind permission of the O’Keeffe Family. Hopefully it will be a fine day for the event and that families will enjoy the Day of Racing.

I wonder has anyone like myself nearly got mowed down recently by speeding vehicles. I was walking to the village the other morning and at that treacherous bend beyond the sewerage gate a car passed coming from Glin direction at a decent speed, whereas a van coming out from Athea was lifting both vehicles crossing each other out left me Pinned to the ditch as far in as I could go. I really think there is going to be a serious accident there. Maybe a sign should be erected saying DANGEROUS BEND or something to that effect. Some walkers now are even crossing over to the left before the bend to stay safe I’m told. Of course I could go on and on bringing the Bridge in the village into the same category of speed, maybe Speed Ramps would help there, especially when kids are going to school and some now cycling. Now I have my Rant said for this week.

THOUGHT FOR THIS WEEK:-

You’ve got to do your own GROWING, no matter how Tall your Grandfather was.

By Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT

This Monday as I start my bits of news we have had warm Sunshine over the past few days, coupled with severe floods in places, humidity and a mixture of Thunder and Lightning on and off throughout the past few days. In Tralee the flash floods caused havoc with many business people having to close their shops. Roofs collapsed, cinemas flooded and road conditions were very bad. Of course rain was badly needed as everywhere had become so dry, hopefully we have had enough of it now at this stage and can you believe it this Wednesday sees us reaching the Longest Day of the year yet again and we say to ourselves where has the time gone yet again.

Congrats to Maria White and T.J Herbert on the birth of their new baby, a little girl they are calling Vayda Mary Hannah Herbert, a little sister for Holly and Jayden who are super excited to have a new baby sister. Congrats also to the proud grandparents Gerard and Anne White and Mary and Jim Herbert.

Congrats to Eoin McCarthy of Templeathea, son of Eugene and Nora, who is well known in the racing circles who was married last Thursday to Saoirse Fitzgerald with the reception taking place in Killarney where a great day was enjoyed by everyone. Here’s to their future of wedded bliss.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Margaret Reidy and Paudie on the passing of Margaret’s cousin  Margaret O’Brien formerly of Purt, Abbeyfeale. Many came to sympathise at their home in Upper Athea on Monday last. Requiem Mass on Tuesday was celebrated in Abbeyfeale. May she rest in peace.

For avid readers did you know there are books available in the Hall kitchen’s Book Case for anyone who would like to take away a book or Two to read, or you could bring back another one as a swap. I will be dropping in some this week, mostly thrillers etc for adult readers.

Happy birthday to Pauline Kelleghan who celebrated a Big Birthday with her family at the weekend – a birthday with a Big Zero. 

Thought for the week:-

Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it.