Men's mental health, shuffle and scooch and GAA in Athy
Small group of teenagers are talking and enjoying cups of tea at youth club. The boy is using his smart phone.
Book launch
John MacKenna’s latest book Father, Son and Brother Ghost? a memoir will be launched at Athy library on Thursday 11 July at 7 pm by Dr John MacDougald.
The book is described by actor and writer Gabriel Byrne as ‘superbly and movingly written. A life and time recalled without sentiment. John MacKenna casts a cold eye on the sometimes indifferent cruelty of life and the unexpected joy of lanterns lit in the darkness.’
Free summer programme
If you are looking for a fun and interactive class to take part in over the summer evenings, then why not try out our free Healthy Food Made Easy programme. Starting on 24 July at 6.30pm, you will learn to prepare healthy, tasty and affordable meals and pick up tips and tricks on how to implement a healthy balanced diet and budget shop. Contact Annmarie on 086 1363685 to sign up.
Aontas Ógra Youth Club
We would like to invite young people 13 years of age plus who would like to join the club to drop up to Aontas Ogra youth club (beside ARCH on the Kilkenny Road) with a parent or guardian any Friday at 8.30pm.
Aontas Ogra provides opportunities for personal development through all kinds of activity. The club is a venue to meet and socialise in safety. We also welcome 17-year-olds plus who would like to become part of a growing club, be active in leadership training and various club activities, including trips, and be willing to be garda vetted. The club has been established in Athy for well over 60 years and we look forward to a new generation who would like to make the club their own.
‘Headsup'
We will be running a six-week evidence-based programme for men in Athy in September. The programme is for men who are struggling with mental distress, who are looking to learn new skills to cope with everyday life, who are feeling isolated/alone and are not sure how to reconnect with themselves or others or who have lost their mojo for life.
What do the men get from doing the programme? The skills to help monitor and manage their mental health, life skills, such as goal setting, a ready-made support group for men, a sense of purpose for the duration of the programme, exploration of what is meaningful to and for them and an opportunity to share and learn from other men who are just like them and upon completion of the programme, access to a biweekly online peer support group. Contact Deirdre on 085 1068305 for further details.
Order of Malta First Aid Course
Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps, Athy unit, is running a public first aid course at its headquarters on Nelson Street, Athy from Friday to Saturday, 13-15 July. For cost and further details, contact 086 3430817.
We also run training for clubs, groups and businesses. If you are looking for more information and our rates, contact athy@orderofmalta.ie.
Special Needs Action Group
This is a group supporting parents of children with special needs who meet every Wednesday in Athy college from 6-7pm. It supports all the family and it helps siblings to bond with one another through fun and games while parents chat and support each other. All are welcome.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Athy Carmelite Lourdes committee is taking bookings for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes from 25-30 September. There is a sick pilgrim section. Weekly savings club each Thursday from 8-9pm at Athy Lions Club bookshop, Duke Street. Committee members will be available to help with bookings or give information. Contact Paul on 086 8389836, Anne 086 8335557 or Brid 085 1090066.
Looking to Upskill?
Are you unemployed or looking to upskill, would you like to gain a recognised QQI level 5 qualification in early learning and care? We have places available for our January 2025 enrolments. For additional information, contact Una Burke on 059 8632044, ext 2/087 9787727. Further Education and Training Centre, Carlow Road, Athy, Co Kildare, www.athyfetc.ie, email vtosathy@kwetb.ie.
Castlemitchell GAA Club
In seeking to obtain information for the club’s history, Castlemitchell GAA would be grateful if anyone has a photograph of MG Nolan’s Drapery shop on Duke Street. The club purchased its first set of jersies there and would love to have a photo of the shop? They have a photo of Mr Nolan. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Scooch, Anyone?
Come along for a game of scooch every Friday morning in Athy GAA at 11.30am. The free programme is open to beginners, all are welcome and no registration is required. If you have any queries, contact Majella by emailing majella@countykildarelp.ie.
