Santa giving presents to the Comhaltas music classes at the hall last Saturday

Canon Kelly R.I.P.

Canon Patrick Kelly, who was our P.P. in Athea for many years, died on his 100th birthday on Sunday last. He was in the nursing home for many years but he will be fondly remembered as a caring pastor in our parish. He was involved in all parish affairs and I have great memories of him from the early days of the “Going Strong” and the Rambling house sessions where he used to entertain us with tunes on the fiddle and the mouth organ and, of course, a few songs. He was friends with everyone but he had no special group so everyone was the same to him. He was also a bit of a rogue with a glint in his eye  when he would come out with one of his ironically witty one liners.  A keen golfer, he was one of the first to join when we formed the Golf Society in Athea and he served as President of the society until he went to the nursing home. No doubt, he is resening the bow in Heaven as I write this preparing to join the many musicians who have gone before him.

May he rest in peace.

Athea Drama Group

A love story blossoming, a sibling relationship under strain. The story of John B. Keane’s Sharon’s Grave beginning to come to life on stage at rehearsals. Keep an eye out for the cast reveal coming soon.

Shane McEnery & Linda Hunt

Tommy Denihan & Anne Marie Horgan

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

Athea branch of Comhaltas held their class recitals and Christmas session in the Memorial Hall on Saturday evening last. It was great to see so many young pupils perform for their families and friends and when the session started a group of them got out and danced to the music. A great night was had by all and I think it is safe to say that the future of traditional music, song and dance is safe in Athea.  This parish was always full of music and song with composers in almost every townland. Sadly we have very few people, at the moment, who compose poems or songs. I wonder why this has happened and I  don’t think it is just in Athea. Are we now too pre-occupied with social media and other distractions or is it  a change in society and how we spend our time. Our Irish poets are famous the world over but they came from a time when we depended on the written word for all our news and other articles. In modern times people don’t write anymore, or indeed read written words, so it is hard to see how  they could write verse.  I am hoping that I am wrong and that there are budding rhymers out there who will come to the fore in the not too distant future. We need poems and songs about current events so I wonder if we could do anything to encourage the talent that must be there. If anyone has any ideas, please get in touch.

The recent storm was a sharp reminder that global warming is here to stay and we are going to have to adapt to it. Luckily, we did not get the worst of it but it is obvious form the frequency of storms and floods that the climate as we knew it is no more. The whole world is up in a heap with wars, droughts, floods, storms and fires so is it possible that it is all coming to an end? Mankind now has the capacity to destroy itself and  if the atomic bomb was never used, natural disasters will destroy the Earth in the future if things keep going the way they are.  Those in power must come up with some solutions but, looking at the turmoil in governments all over the world with diametrically opposed factions fighting each other, it is hard to see any progress being made.  One of the sad things about all this is the fact that religions are the cause of many of the wars, especially in the Middle East.  They all believe that God is on their side and that they are fighting a holy war and that their reward will be in Heaven so it is very hard to negotiate with them.  Why has religion gone so wrong?. It should be a good thing and a comfort to the believers but when it is used to justify killing and maiming I wonder what kind of God these people think they are  following. Are we all damned just because we are born in the wrong place because  where we are born dictates what religion we are. There is even great division between two almost identical versions of the same religion. We had it ourselves in the North between Protestants and Catholics who both believe in the same God.  I don’t know if there is any answer to it all but I am fearful it is only going to get worse.

This time of year always brings back memories to me of long ago when preparations would begin to welcome home the boys and girls who were coming home for the Christmas holidays, mainly from England. There was hardly a family who did not have some members who had to take the emigrant boat from Hollyhead to make a living in a foreign land. They worked hard an sent home money on a regular basis to help out with the families left behind. It was all big families in those pre-contraception days so there were a lot of mouths to feed at a time when, after the second world war, there was very little money, or opportunities to earn it, in the country. In England they would be gathering a few pounds for the journey by giving up the drink for a few weeks. “Are you going home for Christmas” was the usual question if you declined an invitation to go for a pint. It was not easy, travelling home, like it is today. Now you can have breakfast in London and be home in Ireland for dinner time. In bygone days a train or two had to be taken to reach Hollyhead where the boat to Ireland could be boarded. This was not like the luxury ferries they have today but an old cattle boat, much of it with no roof for shelter. Everybody carried a brown suitcase tied with a belt or a piece of rope and a new wardrobe for the trip. It was important to “cut a dash” for the locals who would be goggle-eyed looking at the trendy suits, shoes and hairstyles. The trip on the boat was often rough with people being seasick all over the place. From Hollyhead, another train brought passengers to Kingsbridge Station (now Heuston Station) where other trains could be got to all parts of the country. The entire journey could take 24 hours depending on where you came from. When I was coming from Coventry it took a total of 24 and a quarter hours.  It was a great feeling , rolling into the station in Abbeyfeale where all the families were waiting for their own loved ones. The home-comers were treated like royalty and would take pride of place in the home until they went back again after the Christmas festivities. Times might have been tough but there was a lot of love around and nothing was spared at the Christmas dinner. They really were great days and Christmas had a real meaning, not all the plastic and tinsel you see today.

Church Notices

Parish Pastoral Unit (Athea/ Abbeyfeale/ Mountcollins/ Templeglantine/ Tournafulla).

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

Masses this week: Monday 11am, Tuesday 9.30am, Friday 7pm and Sunday 11am.   Eucharistic Adoration and The Devine Mercy Chaplet on Tuesday morning after mass. Confessions any Friday evening after 7pm mass.

Mass Intentions: Friday Dec 13^th Mike Sheehy -recently deceased, USA and late of Lower Direen. Sunday Dec 15^th  Patie O’Sullivan (months mind). Donal Shine & his wife Ita. John Dalton. Paudie Mulvihill. Joe O’Keeffe. Bridget Quinn – recently deceased, London and late of Templeathea.

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

The Advent bible study group reflects on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas, every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Library Athea. For further details contact Pat on 087-2034626

Outdoor Advent Wreath at St. Bartholomew’s Church: Each Sunday evening during Advent a short prayer ceremony will take place at 5pm where the community are invited to come together for the lighting of the candles followed by tea & coffee in the church afterwards. Everyone welcome to come along and join us as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas Mass Bouquet Cards are available now in the church.

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

Thanks to Sarah Missourici for lighting the second candle of Advent – The Candle of Peace’ on Sunday evening. The third candle will be illuminated on Sunday Dec 15th at 5pm. Join us for tea & coffee afterwards in the church

Athea Community Council

 Lucky Numbers Draw 09/12/2024

No’s Drawn: 3,  13,  21,  24. No Winner

Lucky Dips

Jerry O’Mahony,                Mrk. Park

Margaret Collins,               Tullig

John Barrett,                      Mrk. Park

Aoife Barrett,    Rathkeale

Sellers Prize:  Lal Browne & D. de Barra

Next Draw:  16/01/’25   Venue:  White’s

Jackpot €23,800

by Tom Aherne

RETIREMENT WISHES: Liam Woulfe a native of Dunganville Ardagh is to retire from Grassland Agro where he has served as managing director since 2002. Now residing in Adare Liam took control at the company when his business Freshgrass Group acquired Grassland Fertilisers from Greencore 22 years ago. Enda Mc Donald who currently serves as group  sales manager at Grassland Agro will take over as the managing director of the company from January. Liam Woulfe retires at the end of December but will stay on hand to support the new man and the rest of the company until March 2025. Liam will then become a senior advisor and continue as a director of the company. He will also stay involved in the Irish agribusiness area through a number of board directorships that he holds. During his time in charge Grassland Agro’s staff has increased from 54 in 2012 to over 150 people at present. A great supporter of Limerick business and sport Liam is wished a happy retirement from his role and all the best for the future.

COFFEE MORNING THANKS: The Carrigkerry coffee morning committee wish to thank all who supported their event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in the Community Centre on Sunday November 24. The final total to be donated was € 3,582.50. Congratulations to all involved in raising this grand total for such a great cause.

SCHOOL CONCERT THANKS: The Board of Management, staff and pupils of Kilcolman national school wish to thank everybody who helped and supported their recent concerts in St Colman’s Church. It was a fundraiser for the school and featured local entertainers.

CLUB AGM: St Kieran’s GAA Club held their annual general  meeting at Ardagh Hall on Wednesday December 4, with a large crowd in attendance. Chairman David Woulfe welcomed all , and the various reports and addresses were dealt with during an upbeat and  positive meeting.   During his address  which was comprehensive and detailed, David  touched on the progress of the football, hurling,  Board Na Nóg, rounder’s and  camogie  sections of the club. It was a very busy year on and off the field with success  gained in Junior B football.  David paid tribute to the very committed volunteers who coached and mentored the teams. The Board Na Nóg officers were thanked for the work they are doing with the underage players.  All club players who represented  their county colleges and schools  were thanked. Also, Kieran Madigan who vacated his vice-chairman role during the year and Healthy Club  Officer  Paula O’Connor, for the many events she organised.

David also dealt with the distribution of tickets for Limerick’s county matches, thanking  secretary Ivan Neary, for all his work behind the scenes. The Lottery with Ardagh Development Association continued to work well and more people were playing online.  Treasurer Tom Harnett  was thanked  for the huge financial workload  involved in running the club over the past year. Deirdre Ambrose for looking after the membership and Club force . The people who updated matches for the Whats App group for people unable to attend matches were thanked.

Financially it was a challenging year for the club, who were thankful for the J P Mc Manus Club funding to balance the books. The numbers in the Limerick Development draw were steady, and prizes won by members in 2023 were down from the previous years. All who gave sponsorship and   donated to the new pitch development were thanked. The various club membership rates for 2023 will remain the same. The online club force is proving very successful and  March 31 is the final date for membership.  All the club officers, development draw promoters and all who assisted and supported the club  in any way during the year were  also thanked.

The following  officers were elected to run the club in 2024. Chairman David Woulfe, Vice-Chairman Owen Hayes senior, Secretary Ivan Neary,  Ass-Secretary Owen Hayes junior, Treasurer Tom Harnett, Ass-Treasurer/Development Draw Co-Coordinator, Ian Mackessy, PRO Owen Hayes junior, Registrar/Children’s Officer Deirdre Ambrose,   Healthy Club  Officer  Paula O’Connor, Irish Officer Aisling Hayes,  County Board delegates David Woulfe and John Ryan. Football Board delegate John Ryan, West Board delegate David Woulfe.  The club committee contains 19 people at present.  A number of management teams were put in place and the others will be  finalised and announced later at the club meetings. The road hurling event  for charity will be held on Friday December 27.

SOCCER NEWS: In Division 2 of the Desmond League Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry B by 5-1 at home on Sunday December 1. Adam Bennett 3, Noel Callanan and Ray Cahill scored the goals that leave them on top of the table. Creeves Celtic and Kilcolman Rovers had no matches.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday December 2.The numbers drawn were 10,20,28,30, and  there was no  winner of the €8,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each:   John Lynch Carrigkerry, Tom Moroney Coolcappa, Hannah O’Connor c/o Neary’s, Ian O’Connor Ardagh,  Ann Ahern  Newcastle West c/o Ailish. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €8,100. 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.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS: Christmas Wreaths  for graves and doors are available locally. To place an order please contact Moira Donovan  Kilcolman on 069-76256 or 086-2123560. Proceeds to charity.

SSE RENEWABLES: The SSE Renewable fund opened on Monday December 2 and will close on Friday January 10. Community based projects within a 20km radius of Tournafulla, Rathcahill, Dromada and Athea wind farms in Limerick and Lenamore wind farm in Kerry are invited to apply. Preference will be given to those within 5km. Application forms and supporting guidance documents can be found on the SSE Renewable website or call Anne Reynolds on 0868783104.

CREEVES FUNDRAISER: Creeves Celtic FC Santa in the Cabin takes place Thursday/Friday December 12/13,in the Thatch Bar Newbridge. The evening will consist of finger food buffet, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Santa’s in the cabin selection boxes. Bookings available at 087-6604096, fees, Children € 15, Adults€ 10.

COOLCAPPA RAFFLE: Coolcappa Community Centre  would like to invite all parishioners and locals to our annual Christmas Raffle which will be held  at 8pm on Saturday December 14, in the Community Centre. Tea/Coffee and some light refreshments will be provided. A lovely opportunity  to connect with  your neighbours and friends before the festive season is in full flow. The prizes include a € 500 Gift Card,   € 400 Estuary Fuel Voucher, A 50 inch TV, Dromoland Afternoon Tea for 2,  Christmas Hampers,  Turkey and Ham, meal vouchers. The tickets are available from all committee members, priced at €5 each, or 3 for €10.

JOHN JOE’S CLASS CÉILÍ:  The end of season class Céilí will be held in the Con Colbert  Hall Athea on  Saturday December 14th from 9pm. Free admission, raffle and refreshments and  music by John Joe and all other  dancers are welcome.

BOARD NA NÓG AGM: The St Kieran’s club held their Board Na Nóg AGM on Friday December 6 in Ardagh Community Centre. The following officers were elected to run the club in 2025. Chairman John Lynch, Vice-Chairman Cormac Walsh, Secretary Mike O’Mahony, Ass-Secretary Joe Ryan, Treasurer Deirdre Hough, Ass- Treasurer Stephanie Downes, PRO Linda Clifford, Coaching Officer James Windle.

by Kathkeen Mullane

STORM DARRAGH

Hopefully at this stage all homes in the nearby areas have their power restored following the very powerful Storm Darragh which did a lot of destruction . We were lucky in our Area with electricity not going off, whereas I’ve heard nearer to Listowel area they were still waiting to have it restored on Sunday night. I can imagine the disappointment of many kids and indeed parents who were all snuggled up on their couches with goody bags etc waiting for the Toy Show on Friday night when next thing no TV. At least one can watch it on the RTE Player now and wasn’t there a great amount of money raised on the night which will benefit so many deserving families.

Thanks is extended to each and every one who gave so generously on Saturday last to the Athea Vincent De Paul Annual Xmas Collection. A special thanks also to Paul Collins who allowed the conference members to collect outside his shop and to go inside when we needed to from the wind and hail. Your donations will help to give to those who are really finding it hard going these days especially when both parents have to go out to work, have Mortgages and have to pay crèche fees and keep 2 cars on the road . So please if you feel you need help don’t be afraid to ask our conference in Athea and we will see if we can help you at Xmas.

Fergus Scanlan, on behalf of The Friends Of St. Ita’s, wishes to thank everyone who again gave to the church gate collection on Sunday morning last. A total of €800  will again help in buying the most up to date equipment in Ireland for physio and many other needs of St Ita’s which benefits many patients past and present who are being taken care of there.

Sincere Congrats to Roisin Walsh, daughter of Sheila and Pat Lower Athea, who on Saturday last was married to Damian Murtagh, son of Joan and Jerry of Kildysart Co Clare. The bridesmaids were Tara Lane and Ann Walsh and the groosmen Cian Cleary and Paul O Brien. The Nuptial Ceremony took place at The Holy Trinity Church Adare  with the reception afterwards at The Woodlands House Hotel where a great day was had by everyone

Well done to the Youth Choir singers and musicians who under the guidance of Margaret Carroll sang at mass on Sunday last and were so good. Also well done to Sarah Missorici, daughter of Vito and Geraldine, who switched on the 2nd Advent candle outside the church on Sunday evening last in front of a great crowd. Everyone welcome again next Sunday evening at 5 pm with a cuppa afterwards.

Congrats and belated birthday wishes are extended to John Liston of Upper Athea who celebrated his 70th birthday recently along with his wife Kay and family.

The death took place over the weekend of Canon Patrick Kelly who had been with us here in Athea up until he went to St. Catherine’s Nursing Home in Newcastle west some years ago. He was in his 100th year which was indeed a great achievement. He was a native of Castletown Ballyagran and reposed their on Monday evening last. Requiem Mass on Tuesday was followed by burial in Castletown Conyers. Sincere sympathy is extended to his nieces and nephews and his many friends throughout the parishes he served over his many years as a Priest and Canon. May he rest in Peace.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Especially at this time of the year we must remember that

CONNECTION IS OVER PERFECTION.