Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Notes from Tom Aherne

Parish Notes Sunday March 26th 23

SENSORY GARDEN: We welcome a new initiative for Carrigkerry Village. The Carrigkerry Development Association are aiming to revamp the area located in front of the community playground. This space will contain a sensory garden and picnic area, a much needed amenity for the local community and surrounding areas. They hope that the general public will support them in their fundraising activities.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The proceeds from Copse’s Christmas Lights 2022 were recently presented to members of Pieta House Limerick and Milford Hospice Limerick. Each organisation received a cheque for € 3,545.50. Joan and Timmy would like to thank each and everyone who called to see the lights and donated. A massive thank you to all the business people who sponsored us again and everyone who supported our lights last year.

HEAD COUNT: The future of church services and buildings with the increasing age and decline in priests is causing concern and up for debate at present . An All Ireland head count at masses is being held to help the church to come to decisions. Limerick Diocese is counting every person attending every church mass in parishes as part of the national count. The future looks bleak and some churches may have to step back on services or close due to the high cost of maintaining church property. Fr Tim Curtin is in charge of Pastoral Unit 13 comprising of the parishes of Coolcappa/Kilcolman, Shanagolden/Foynes/Robertstown, Loughill/Ballyhahill and Glin. That is eight churches to look after on his own at present as Fr Austin Mc Namara is recuperating. Wishing him and Fr Michael Noonan a speedy return to good health and church duties.

MASS CHANGEOVER: From Saturday April 1 Mass will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman at 7.30pm and there will be no weekend mass in Coolcappa Church. This new arrangement will be in place in the parish for the next six months.

LIMERICK GAA ANNUAL: The Limerick GAA Annual 2023 compiled by Paul Anglim was launched by Limerick hurling manager John Kiely at Coolyroe Complex on Thursday March 16. It is a fine 420 page round up of the 2022 season. It costs € 20 and will be available in Centra Stores and other selected outlets including Moloney’s Carrigkerry and Greaney’s Ardagh. Former County Board Chairman John Cregan is in charge of sales and profits will go to the Limerick teams training fund. Old Mill Ladies Football club have 2 pages of club news from Tríona Ambrose promoting their activities with 4 photographs included. St Kieran’s have 3 pages with honours won and 50 year tribute plus 2 photographs. Also included over 3 pages are tributes to Moss O’Connor and Paddy Molyneaux who both died in 2022.

RISING STAR: Congratulations to Iris Kennelly Old Mill and Limerick ladies footballer who has been selected as one of the 2023 Yoplait Ladies HEG Rising Stars. Iris was a member of the TUS Midwest team who won the Colleges Donaghty Cup on Wednesday March 8 at University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Drome. She has also been a leading scorer for the county team in their league group matches to date. Iris received the same award in 2022.

GAELIC GAMES: The Ita Madigan Hurling Tournament (Under 13)final was played on St Patrick’s Day in the Astro pitch in Ardagh. Dromcollogher/Broadford defeated St Kieran’s by 3-15 to 3-6 to retain the cup for the second year. Askeaton and Knockaderry will contest the shield final.

SOCCER NEWS: In the Premier Division of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic defeated Glin Rovers 3-2 away on Sunday March 19. Tommy Dillane, Bryan Meade and Seamus Mangan scored the goals. In round 2 of the Riedy Cup Carrig Celtic lost 4-0 at home to Ballingarry B. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Feenagh 2-0 at home with Kate Neville and Gillian Musgrave scoring the goals.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday March 20. The numbers drawn were 17,19,24,25, and there was no winner of the € 12,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Sharon Carrig Ranahan (Online), Brian O Neill Newcastle West (Online), Fiona Fitzgerald Elm Hill (Online), Nora Mullins The Commons Ardagh Erin Hogan Cappagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 12,100. 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.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Pat O’Mara Charleville, who won € 410, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 24.The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloney’s Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

TROCAIRE APPEAL: As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has rightly dominated the news headlines this past year, but the Trócaire appeal is also merited. People have been affected by climate change, drought and conflict and the work done by Trócaire over the past 50 years has saved so many lives. The crisis continues all over Africa and Tócaire help those most at risk, but they need our financial help. Trócaire boxes are still available in the local church porches, if people missed out on collecting them at the start of Lent. We are asked to put some money into them if possible to help family’s this year in Somalia. The boxes can be returned to the churches on Easter weekend and all support will be greatly appreciated.

DISCO Coolcappa Parent’s Association are holding a children’s Easter Disco on Friday March 31, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in the Coolcappa Community Centre. All children from ages 12 and under are welcome to attend. Parental supervision please. Charge of € 5 per child/€ 10 per family. Refreshments shop open that evening. Prizes for best dancers awarded on the evening.

GLENVILLE HOUSE: The following are the Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh opening hours for 2023: April 1-28,May 2-31, June 1-10, (Heritage Week) August 11-20, inclusive. Tuesday to Saturday from 9-30am to 1-30pm. Admission € 5, Students €3, children and old age pensioners are free. The house is located a mile from Ardagh on the Kilcolman road and is well worth a visit.

CÉILÍ DANCE: The Chapel Rooms , Kilfinane will host a night of Céilí and set dancing on Saturday April 1, from 8pm to 11pm. Donie Nolan and friends will supply the music and entry is € 10 with door prize and refreshments included. Kilfinane is well positioned on the border with Cork and Tipperary. It enjoys stunning views as it is nestled among the Ballyhoura Mountains. The venue was known as St Andrew’s Church of Ireland and was renovated under Leader funding. The first half will be Céili and 2-hand dances and the second half will be set dancing. It is a fundraiser for the County Limerick Fleadh Cheoil which will be held over the June Bank Holiday weekend. All are welcome to the very popular venue for a good night of dancing.

WALK: Creeves Celtic are holding a sponsored fun walk (c. 5km) on Sunday April 2nd starting at 11am on the Ardagh Greenway. This is a fun event for all the family (young and old!) and they hope to see you all there. All coaches will be handing out sponsorship cards for this walk at training sessions. They greatly appreciate all past and present support of the club.

HERITAGE MEETING: St Kieran’s Heritage Association participated in the Adare and Rathkeale St Patrick’s Day parades. Their walking display focused on the pike men and flag carrying by members. They were awarded a prize for their display at the Rathkeale parade. They will hold their next meeting in Ardagh community Hall on Wednesday April 5, at 8pm and all are welcome.

1,360

Read Full Post »

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Notes from Tom Aherne

JIM KELLY: The death has occurred of Jim Kelly Ballinena, Old Mill, Newcastle West, peacefully, on Saturday March 11, at University Hospital Limerick. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Monday, March 16 from 6pm followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, at 11.30am with burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Sympathy to his daughter Fiona, brothers Jack and Willie, sisters Mary and Bridie, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Jim was aged 90 years and a retired agricultural contractor. He was known far and wide for his exploits on the football and Tug-o-war fields. May He Rest in Peace.

SEAN COLLINS: The death has occurred of Sean Collins P.C. of Kilscannell House, Kilscannell, Ardagh, peacefully in the excellent care of Adare and District Nursing Home surrounded by his family, on Monday March 13. Predeceased by his wife Maura (née Crowe) and sister Ita. Reposing at Magner’s Funeral Home, Rathkeale on Wednesday, March 15, from 6pm to 7.30pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, at 11.30am at St Molua’s Church Ardagh, followed by burial in Kilscannell Cemetery. Sympathy to his sons Richard and Denis, sister Betty, brothers David and Denis, grandchildren Leeanne, Brandon, Kieran, Sarah, Grace, Padraig, nephews, nieces, daughters-in-law Michelle and Theresa, sister in-laws, extended family neighbours and friends. Sean was a retired farmer and involved in the Fianna Fail party as an officer and peace commissioner. May he rest in Peace.

TOM MORAN: The death has occurred of Tom (Tommy) Moran, Rathfarnham, Dublin /Athea, Limerick on Sunday March 12, peacefully, at St James’s Hospital. . Predeceased by his son Sean, father Thomas, mother Cathy, brothers Sean, Patrick and son-in-law Nardus. Reposing at his home on Wednesday March 15 from 4pm to 7pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 1pm in Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham, followed by cremation at Newlands Cross Crematorium. Sympathy to his wife Sheila and children Tommy, Karen, Tracey, Michael, Stephen, Brendan and the late Sean. Very sadly missed by his sisters Mary, Joan, Helen and brother Michael. Also missed by his son-in-law Thor, daughters-in-law Sarah, Tina, Geri, Laura, 20 grandchildren – Ben, Charlotte, Abi, Trudy, Leon, Beth, Ellie, Noah, Meghan, Max, Erik, Oscar, Kamen, Maya, Alice, Stella, Yana, Nesa, Paddy, George, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, his colleagues and many friends. Tom and family owned the Country club in Carrigkerry during the 1980s bringing the top national and international acts to the village. He gave good employment and was a generous sponsor to many. May he rest in Peace.

ARDAGH PAVEMENTS: Limerick Council workers continue their work at the traffic light junction top Cross Ardagh. The purpose of this work (done in two stages) was to build up the land bank on the Newcastle West side to enable them to provide drainage, footpaths and public lighting. This has been completed and now work is progressing from the Shanagolden entrance with the roadside hedge between Fr Michael Noonan’s house and the former curates house removed. They are presently laying a concrete path from the first house in towards the cross.. The reason for the work is to provide enhanced safety features on this road for residents within the 50kmph speed limit.

GAELIC GAMES: Congratulations to Fionn Glesson, Con Enright, Luke Corrigan from the St Kieran’s club who were members of the Colaiste na Trocaire School Rathkeale team/panel who defeated Colaiste Phadraig Lucan by 2-21 to 1-16 in the All-Ireland Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Senior D Hurling Final ( Niall Mc Inerney Cup) at Portlaoise on Thursday March 16. The club held a very successful bucket collection in aid of the new pitch development around Newcastle West on Saturday last. Thanks to the 80 plus volunteers, the general public who contributed so generously, all the businesses who accommodated the collectors.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Congratulations to Iris Kennelly who was a member of the TUS Midwest team who won the Colleges Donaghty Cup on Wednesday March 8 at University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Drome.

SOCCER NEWS: Congratulations to Creeves Celtic player Ben Hough and the U14 Desmond League team who are all Ireland Champions after defeating the Kerry League 3-2 in the U14 SFAI Interleague Cup Final last Saturday.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday March 13. The numbers drawn were 9,12,14,21, and there was no winner of the € 11,900 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Paul Daly Ardagh, (Online), The Buston family Coolcappa, Timmy King Carrigkerry, (Online), The O’Donovan family Shanagolden c/o Nora Dineen, Angela O’Connell c/o Nora Dineen. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 12,000. 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.

RADIO DRAW: The West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw returns on Friday March 24, after taking a break on St Patrick’s Day. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

DAFFODIL DAY: Friday March 24, is the date for Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. There are numerous ways people can support this annual fundraiser or they can host their own event. People who wish to get involved can register with the Irish Cancer Society.

HISTORY TALK: Rathkeale Historical Society next monthly talk will be held on Friday March 24, at 8.30pm in the Community Arts Centre New Line Rathkeale The talk will be given by Dr David Fleming UL and the topic will be ” Mass Rocks” All are very welcome to the very popular talks held over the winter months and admission is free.

CHARITY CÉILÍ: A charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held at the Longcourt Newcastle West on Friday March 24, from 9pm. Music by Con Herbert and Mountain Road Céilí band. The admission is € 10, and all are welcome. Down Syndrome Limerick have provided support for those with Down Syndrome and their families throughout the city and county since 1971.

SCOR FINALS: The County Limerick Scór Na Nóg 2023 finals will be held at the Community Centre Askeaton on Saturday March 25, at 4pm. The question time finals take place at 2.30pm. The junior Scór event is for under 17 years and there are 8 events which cover singing, music, dancing question time and novelty. The events are figure dancing, solo singing, recitation/storytelling, Instrumental music, novelty/drama, ballad group and set dancing. More details can be got from the GAA clubs and from the county Scór committee.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held at Tomaisín’s Lisselton, Co Kerry on Saturday March 25, from 9pm. Music by Donie Nolan and Taylor’s Cross Céilí band. The admission is € 10 and all are welcome.

GREYHOUND MEETING: Greyhound racing continues at Limerick Greyhound Track and it is an enjoyable night out. The restaurant is open every Thursday and Saturday night, and can be booked on www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie The annual Con and Anne Kirby Memorial (Celebrating 10 years) greyhound stake sponsored by JP and Noreen Mc Manus will be held at Limerick Greyhound Stadium from Saturday March 25, to Friday April 21. All the Limerick GAA Clubs will be allocated a greyhound and prizes will be awarded to the final six as in previous years.

VINTAGE FUNDRAISER: Knockdown Vintage Club are holding a fundraising raffle at present in aid of three worthy local charities, Abbeyfeale District Search and Rescue, Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital Newcastle West, Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre. The tickets cost € 2 each or three tickets for € 5. The first prize is a € 150 voucher for the Devon Inn, Second prize is a € 100 voucher for Brown Joes Athea, Third prize is a monster hamper, Fourth prize € 100 voucher for Crown Decorating Centre Newcastle West and numerous other prizes as well. The draw takes place in the Knockdown Arms on Sunday March 26 following the vintage run, with music by Big Maggie and John O’Sullivan from 4-6pm. Since their foundation in 2010 the club has raised in excess of € 50,000 for various charities. The club thank their sponsors participants and the general public for their continued generosity. All are welcome to come along to their family fun day on Sunday March 26. Contact Patrick Langan 087-2452695 or Dave Noonan 087-2500938 for more details and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Words 1,476

Read Full Post »

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Notes from Tom Aherne

Parish Notes Sunday March 12th 23

BEATRICE O’CONNOR: The death has taken place of Beatrice O’Connor nee Sheehy Glenastar Ardagh peacefully at UHL on Wednesday March 8. Reposing took place at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday March 10 from 5.30pm followed by removal to St Molua’s Church Ardagh. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 12.30pm followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium at 3pm. Sympathy to her husband Pat, sons Michael and Anthony, daughter Cathy, grandchildren Michael, Caitlin, Saoirse, Oliver, and Jack, son in law Dave, daughter in law Christine, brothers and sister, brothers in law, sisters in law, extended family members, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

MARY SHEPHERD: The death has occurred of Mary Shepherd (née Danaher) Sussex, England and formerly Ashgrove, Newcastle West, peacefully on Saturday January 7, 2023. Predeceased by her brother Sean Ardagh. Burial of her ashes took place at 12 noon on Wednesday, March 8, in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West. Sympathy to her daughters Jacqueline and Janice, brother Tom, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Theresa, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and extended family. May her soul rest in Peace.

MONTHS MIND: The month’s mind mass for the late Bernie Foley nee Ambrose, Milltown, Askeaton, will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday March 18, at 6.30pm.

COMHALTAS NEWS: Congratulations to Eoin Bourke Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch who was appointed Oifigeach na nÓg (Youth Officer) at the Munster CCE Convention held at the Hibernian Hotel Mallow on Sunday February 19. He is a top class musician, singer and teacher and is wished well in his term as an officer.

COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to St Kieran’s community games on their recent success at the county finals on Saturday March 4, at the Factory venue in Roxboro, Limerick. The Under 13 girls won the 7 a side indoor soccer tournament gold medals and progress to the Munster finals. A second team also participated and were very competitive. The Under 13 boys team reached the semi-final of their competition. Well done to all the players coaches and supporters involved.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Congratulations to Reba Kenny who received the Old Mill ladies Player of the Year Award at their recent presentation evening at the Silver Dollar. Old Mill players Roísín Ambrose (Captain) , Iris Kennelly 2-0 and Sophie Hennessy were members of the Limerick team that defeated Derry 2-7 to 0-4 in Round 4 Division 4 of the National Ladies Football League played in Owenbeg on Sunday March 5. They play Antrim next in the semi-final.

GAELIC GAMES: The St Kieran’s club membership rates for 2023 are: Limerick Development Draw only € 100, Senior adult player € 55, plus Draw € 145, Family membership ( includes 1 parent/guardian and all children under 18) € 75, plus Draw € 165, Adult social non playing € 35, plus Draw € 125, Under 21/ Student membership € 35, Single juvenile membership € 35, Camogie € 35. Membership is open up to Friday March 31, and numerous options are available. The club are holding a bucket collection in aid of the new pitch development at Ardagh, in the Newcastle West town area on Saturday March 18 from 9am to 5pm. The club are seeking volunteers to assist in the collection by picking a time slot that suits them. Contact club members if available to help out.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic defeated Granagh United 5-1 at home in the Desmond Premier Division on Sunday March 5. Eoin Mc Enery 4, and Bryan Meade scored their goals. Carrig Celtic had no match. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Feenagh 3-2 away with goals from Gillian Musgrave, Marie Balfe, Mia Forrestal. This result left Kilcolman Rovers winners of the division and promotion to the Premier division next season.

SPLIT THE POT: Congratulations to Cian Hartnett who won € 577 in the February Creeves Celtic FC Split the Pot monthly draw held at the Thatch Bar on Friday February 10 Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, club managers, at Neary’s Ardagh, Inver five crossroads Rathkeale and the Thatch Newbridge. All support will be greatly appreciated.

BOGS: Seventeenth percent of Ireland is covered with peat bogs. This is the third highest of any country, surpassed only by Canada and Finland. The word ”bog” comes from the Irish ”bogach” meaning soft ground. The number of spectacular finds of ancient gold artefacts in bogs suggests that the Bronze Age people of Ireland regarded bogs as special places and suitable hiding places for their precious treasures. The discovery of the Derrynaflan Chalice and hoard in County Tipperary in 1980 was one of the finest examples. Although it is backbreaking work there is something special almost spiritual about the bog. The scent of turf fires and bog tea was a unique pleasure that the Green agenda can never take away from us. The time is coming around again for the next season of harvesting the peat for the coming winter and long may it continue.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday March 6. The numbers drawn were 2,3,25,30, and there was no winner of the € 11,800 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Conor Woulfe Ardagh (Online), Lisa Liston (Online), Pa Wilmott c/o Greaney’s, Joan Ahern Ardagh, Winnie Murphy Coolanoran. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 11,900. 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.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Pat Griffin, Knocknagoshel Kerry, who won € 210, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 10. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

RAMBLING HOUSE: The next rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday March 15, at 8pm. All musicians, singers dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend. It is receiving lots of positive reviews with plenty traditional entertainment on show and teas served.

ITA’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita Mc Quinn Monagea is holding her next monthly rambling house on Friday March 17, at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West at 8pm. All musicians, singers dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.

SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held at the old School House in Foilogohig, Foyle, Ballydesmond Co Cork on St Patrick’s night Friday March 17, from 9.30pm. Music by Donie Nolan and all are welcome.

FUNERAL MINISTRY: The training for funeral ministry volunteers for the Coolcappa/Kilcolman team will meet on Monday March 20 at 7.30pm in Coolcappa Church.

CHARITY CÉILÍ: A charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held at the Longcourt Newcastle West on Friday March 24, from 9pm. Music by Con Herbert and Mountain Road Céilí band. The admission is € 10 and all are welcome. Down Syndrome Limerick have provided support for those with Down Syndrome and their families throughout the city and county since 1971.

DAFFODIL DAY: Friday March 24, is the date for Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. There are numerous ways people can support this annual fundraiser or they can host their own event. People who wish to get involved can register with the Irish Cancer Society.

VINTAGE FUNDRAISER: Knockdown Vintage Club are holding a fundraising raffle at present in aid of three worthy local charities, Abbeyfeale District Search and Rescue, Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital Newcastle West, Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre. The tickets cost € 2 each or three tickets for € 5. The first prize is a € 150 voucher for the Devon Inn, Second prize is a € 100 voucher for Brown Joes Athea, Third prize is a monster hamper, Fourth prize € 100 voucher for Crown Decorating Centre Newcastle West and numerous other prizes as well. The draw takes place in the Knockdown Arms on Sunday March 26 following the vintage run, with music by Big Maggie and John O’Sullivan from 4-6pm. Since their foundation in 2010 the club has raised in excess of € 50,000 for various charities. The club thank their sponsors participants and the general public for their continued generosity. All are welcome to come along to their family fun day on Sunday March 26. Contact Patrick Langan 087-2452695 or Dave Noonan 087-2500938 for more details and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Words 1,452

Read Full Post »

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Notes from Tom Aherne

JOHN O’MAHONY: The death has occurred of John O’Mahony, (teacher) Cave, Caherlistrane, Galway and Naas, Kildare and formerly of Glensharrold Carrigkerry, peacefully, at University Hospital Galway, after an illness bravely borne on Wednesday March 1. Reposing at his home on Saturday March 4, from 3pm until 7pm. Removal from his home on Sunday afternoon to arrive at Church of Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph, Caherlistrane for Requiem Mass at 1pm, followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium. Sympathy to his wife Mary (nee Mohan), daughter Niamh (San Francisco), son Eoin (Dublin), son-in-law Nate, adored granddaughter Molly, sister Nora Walsh (Kilcolman, Limerick), brothers-in-law Gerry and Joe, nephews Conor and Joseph, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The St Kieran’s GAA Club Christmas charity road hurling event held on Wednesday December 28, was a great success. The attendance was the largest to date and the amount collected was by far the highest from this very popular event and that night’s novelty auction. Richard, Michelle and the Collins family were thanked for the proceeds received following the sale of a Belgium Blue in calf heifer at Newport Mart on Tuesday December 27 and the numerous bucket collections they held. The total raised was € 13,100, which was shared equally between two charities and the presentation of cheques were held recently. The chosen charities this year were Milford Care Centre Limerick and Crumlin Children’s Hospital Dublin. who each received cheques for € 6,550 The club in appreciation would like to thank everybody involved in staging and participating in the event.

HERITAGE NEWS: St Kieran’s Heritage Association annual general meeting was held in the community Hall Ardagh on Wednesday March 1 with 17 people in attendance. Chairperson John P O’Sullivan welcomed all and Secretary Mary Byrnes read the minutes of the previous meeting. The matters arising were dealt with and no correspondence was read. Richard Mc Donnell outlined the financial position following the paying of the Insurance premium for 2023. The finances are in a healthy position but further grants need to be applied for in the coming weeks. The members will be participating in the Rathkeale and Adare St Patrick’s Day Parades. New pike members are needed to replace a number who have retired. Those interested are asked to contact John P O’Sullivan to arrange training. A general discussion on upcoming events took place with input from most of the attendance. The membership fee of € 10 was collected from those present for 2023.

The following officers were elected to run the association in 2023: Chairperson John P O’Sullivan, Vice Chairperson John Hough, Secretary Mary Byrnes, Assistant Secretary Gerard Greaney, Treasurers, Richard Mc Donnell, Richard Ambrose, Tom Ambrose, David Dillane, Events Committee, Patrick Sheahan, Gerard Greaney, Richard Mc Donnell, Mary Byrnes, Edward Liston. Publicity will be looked after by John P O’Sullivan with help from other members as outgoing PRO Tom Aherne did not seek re-election, being in place since the Association was founded in September 2016. Other members present were Theresa Doyle Mc Mahon, Geraldine Ambrose, Marie Dooley, Catriona O’Kelly, Joe Dowling, Michael Walsh. Mike Mangan. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday April 5. Members presented a cheque towards the development of the St Kieran’s GAA Club new field in Ardagh to club officers at the Concert in Ardagh Hall on Friday night last.

CONCERT: A concert featuring the Carrigkerry Wren Group was held in the Community Hall Ardagh on Friday March 3. The line up also included other local artists and members of Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch and dancers from John Joe Tierney and Robert Kelly dancing school. Anne Marie Noonan was MC and a raffle with a wide variety of prizes was held. This fundraiser was in aid of the St Kieran’s new field development fund. A great night’s entertainment was witnessed by the large attendance present. Top class music, song, dance, storytelling from all age groups showcasing the great local talent.

RATHGONAN REVISITED: Rathgonan-Cahermoyle, A Brief History is the title of the latest book from Dan Madigan from Kilcolman who over the years has recalled our local history in book form. His books include The Madigan’s of Ballyegna, Let’s Not Forget and Rathgonan A Dream Come True about Newcastle West Golf Club’s move to the Ardagh/Coolcappa locality. His major publication was A Lifetime of Memories published in 2010. His latest book has 48 pages and costs € 5 and it is available to buy at Newcastle West Golf Clubhouse. It has text and 16 photographs in black and white of people associated with the famous house. Congratulations to Dan on his latest publication.

GROUP FUNDING: Ardagh Community Leisure Centre by Guarantee Limerick has received funding of € 239 to go towards their energy bills. It came from the Community and Volunteer Energy Support Scheme who provide small grants to community groups, development associations, and volunteer led organisations.

LADIES SOCCER: Creeves Celtic defeated Ballincollig Cork 4-1 at home in the Munster Women’s Junior Cup Preliminary Round on Sunday February 26. Bridget Dundon, Amy Hanrahan, Caoimhe O’Connell and Angela Sheehan. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Dromore United 4-1 at home in Division 1 of the Desmond League, with goals from Kate Neville, Charlotte Lynch, Faye Murphy, and Aisling Kelly.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday February 27. The numbers drawn were 1,5,15,28, and there was no winner of the € 11,700 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Mikey O’Mahony Ballyvoughan (Online), Clodagh Kelly Ardagh (Online), David Woulfe Grouse Lodge (Online), Patrick Liston Glenastar c/o Denis Greaney, Dan Ryan Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 11,800. 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.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Ann Quirke Duagh, who won € 330, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 3. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.

WOMENS DAY: International Women’s Day takes place this year on Wednesday March 8. A noon walk will be held in Rathkeale from the square to the hotel, followed by refreshments at 1pm, a guest speaker and music. Women are invited to wear purple to show their support.

FUNERAL MINISTRY: The training for funeral ministry volunteers for Ardagh/Carrigkerry will be held in Newcastle West Parish Office on Thursday March 9 from 7pm to 9pm. The Coolcappa/Kilcolman team will meet on Monday March 20 at 7.30pm in Coolcappa Church.

RAMBLING HOUSE: The next rambling house will be held at Cappagh Community Hall on Friday March 10. at 8pm. All musicians, singers dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend. All the rambling houses are receiving lots of positive reviews with plenty traditional entertainment on show and teas served.

HISTORY TALKS: Rathkeale Historical Society next monthly talk will be held on Friday March 10, at 8.30pm in the Community Arts Centre New Line Rathkeale The talk will be given by Father Seamus Madigan and the title will be ”Irish Troops in the Middle East” All are very welcome to the very popular talks held over the winter months and admission is free.

VICTORY SOCIAL: St Kieran’s victory social will be held in the Longcourt Hotel on Saturday March 11. The county junior hurling winning players will receive their medals during the night. It commences with a four course meal at 7.15. Music by Heart and Soul followed by DJ Sean Carrig. The tickets cost € 50 and a good night is anticipated. Tickets can be got from Chris Madigan, John Lynch, David Woulfe, and Ivan Neary.

SET CÉILÍ: A Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday February 11, from 9.30pm. It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Micheál Sexton and tea and treats served. Admission is € 10.

COFFEE MORNING: A Coffee Morning organised by Joan Sheehy, Maria Barrett and Kathleen Sheehy will be held at Barrett’s Bar Glin on Sunday March 12 at 12 noon. All the money raised will go to the Deel Animal Rescue in Rathkeale. Any support will be greatly appreciated.

Words 1,426

Read Full Post »