ATHEA GAA CLUB NOTES

**Official Launch of Healthy Athea Club 26/09/21**
There was a large turn out from the community and beyond last Sunday afternoon at Pairc na nGael for the launch of our newly furbished walking track, with the date also marking the first event expertly organised by the newest club to be formed in the parish – ‘Healthy Athea’ Health and Wellbeing Club which aims to make the Club a healthier and more inclusive place for everyone to enjoy. Our aim is to be truly inclusive by living our GAA motto ‘Where we all belong’.
Right corner forward for Limerick, Aaron Gillane, together with his mother Mary, paid their first visit to Athea to mark the occasion, also bringing with them a range of clothing and hurling gear from AG Sports Collection. Con Colbert Street has become a catwalk since Sunday as men, women and children walk the streets in the instantly recognisable hoodies and t-shirts. As well as the gear, Aason was a huge hit with all who met him, returning to Patrickswell with a sore hand and a faded marker. Aaron also accompanied Paddy O’Sullivan and Cian Hickey performing the official opening of our newly tarmacadamed track to huge applause.
Declan Dalton and Cummins Tarmacadam lived up to their promise and good name by having the track ready for Sunday, even having time to stop by St. Bartholomew’s Church to fill eight pot holes at the request of Fr. Duggan.
Healthy food and drink were the only refreshments on the menu which were kindly sponsored by Paul Collins at Collins Shop, Tesco Abbeyfeale, Twohigs SuperValu Abbeyfeale, Garveys SuperValu Listowel, Pat Sullivan of Bewleys, Athea & District Credit Union and Ballygowan Newcastle West. Huge thanks to all our local businesses who always respond so generously to our requests.
We were also delighted to welcome Chairman of Limerick GAA John Cregan, Vice Chairman and Athea man Seamus Mc Namera as well as our locally elected representatives Councillor Francis Foley and Councillor Liam Galvin. Billy Collins also made the trip from Knocknagorna to witness the progress of the Hurling Club which he so generously supported together with Thomas O’Mahony.
The Healthy Athea Club would like to thank all the Marshalls, Caters, Coaches. Players and Parents and our many supporters who attended the launch. Also special thanks to Treasa Sexton for organising our special visitor and to Christopher Barrett for coming to our rescue to fix a light fitting. Any event that attracts a crowd on a wet day, is one none of us wanted to miss. Looking forward to the next event organised by our newest Club. Athea GAA would like to wish each track user ‘Laps of Happiness’ in the years ahead!