River Run

River Run on SUNDAY, December 29th, 2007. If you have a boat of any shape or size (anything from a bath tub to a cruise liner) that you can get to the slip at Bachelors in Athy, we’d love to see you there. We plan to assemble around 1pm and go for a run up and down the river. If you don’t have your own boat or you can’t get your boat to Athy, please come along and we’ll get you afloat. There will also be opportunity for a walk along the river bank if you want to work off some of the Christmas Calories.

Cllr Noel Scully

Athy Town is saddened by the death of Cllr Noel Scully who passed away on Christmas eve. Noel was a member of Athy Town Council and a founder member of Bleach and District Community Association. He will be deeply missed by his wife Maureen, son Frank and daughter Fidelma and by the community of Athy.

Message from France

" On behalf of your french twin town, Grandvilliers, and of all its habitants, jean-Pierre Vasseur, Grandvilliers-Athy twinning comittee Chairman, wish to everyone in Athy and its district, a Merry Christmas and a happy new Year 2008 "

Go with the Flow

North Barrow Branch of the Inland Waterways Association holds it AGM in Bridge House on Tue next 18th Dec at 8pm. With the amazing amenities of the Barrow and the canal on our doorstep this is a great opportunity for new potential members to introduce themselves and get involves in exploring and developing our waterways.

Thin Blue Line

The official blessing of Athy Garda Station took place on Fri night last with the Dominican Prior, Rev Cliff Jeffers, Cof I, and Rev P Dennehy performing the ceremony. Sgt John Nolan thanked all for their attendance and apologized for the fact that the blessing had been postponed from last year.

Lions Food Appeal

This weekend sees the local Lions Food Appeal and you are asked for your support in donating to those less fortunate than yourself. In former times the donation used to be food items but in recent years financial donations are requested from which the required food items can be purchased. Notice the presence outside supermarkets this weekend.

Remedial Works Begin

Council officials, councilors, design team solicitor and contractor all met in Athy Town Council chamber today for the signing of the Carbury Park Remedial Works Scheme which will see some €2.7 million being spent on renovating houses in that estate. This scheme has been in the pipeline since 1999 and despite some rocky moments has now kicked into action. Work will begin in the New Year and should transform the area.

Community Carol Service

A wonderful and meaningful night annually when the community of all churches combine to celebrate the Christmas through carol singing. This year the event takes place in the Church of Ireland on Offaly Street on Sun 23rd at 7.30 pm. All are invited and most welcome.

Have Your Say

If you want to develop your speaking and indeed leadership qualities Athy has a very active branch of Toastmasters who meet forthnightly in the Carlton Abbey Hotel. They are always anxious for new members and will welcome you at any of their meetings or you can mail allen_anne_marie@hotmail.com
Anne Marie Allen - 087 9815144,
Loretto Kenny - 087 064 6265 and
John Roche - 059 8638127.

Meetings are on the first and third Tue of every month at 7.45 pm. http://www.toastmasters.org/

While Shepherds Watched

Glad to see that “While Shepherds Watched” will be back in the Dominican Church again this year. The show creates a wonderful Christmas atmosphere with musical and prose presentations to make one realize the real meaning of the season. Thursday 20th Dominican Church 8 pm

Lights and Santa

The Santa South Pole Village will be officially opened by Fr. O’Brien of the Dominican Church to the sound of carol singing by the Ballyadams School Choir.
Santa arrives on Friday 7th December at 3 p.m.

The Christmas lights for the town will be switched on at 6 pm under the clock in the square. Come along and help create the atmosphere

Ceili at Christmas

Ceili at Christmas

Athy Age Action Committee are holding a Christmas Céili in the Clanard Court Hotel on Wed 5^th December at 8.30 pm. This promises to be a great night and should put all in the Christmas mood.

Looking Back

Athy Library will be the venue for the launch of Frank Taaffe’s latest book “Eye on Athy’s Past”. Frank’s books are a marvelous record of the heritage of Athy through characters and events from our past. Sponsored by the Kildare Nationalist the launch takes place in the Library, Town Hall, Athy on Thursday 6th December at 8 pm