By Tom Aherne

An Art Exhibition celebrating the work of the late Bridie Callanan from Ardvone, Ardagh, opened at Newcastle West Library on Friday December 5^th. A good crowd was in attendance despite the many counter attractions that were being held elsewhere.  People were delighted to see the high standard of her work on display and on the catchy titles as they moved about viewing them. Aileen Dillane on behalf of the Library spoke about Bridie having the exhibition booked earlier in the year and Denis and family carrying through her wishes. She described Bridie as having creative hands that could turn out wonderful creations including making her own wedding dress. She commented on the paintings on show and outlined how Bridie’s love for nature and gardening and travel shone through in her work. She praised the vibrant colours and the wide range of seascapes and landscapes and tapestries within the 28 framed pictures on display.

Denis thanked everybody for turning up to the exhibition and the Library staff for putting it on display. He said Bridie got her interest for painting from watching Bob Ross, and she got ideas from viewing photos, and books. Her first painting was titled Cabin in Canadian Forest and her last was only finished three weeks before her unexpected death. The collection covers over twenty years and the work involved in the tapestries took her a long time to complete. The art on show includes needlework tapestries, and acrylic on canvas, and a good number are for sale. It will remain on show for the month of December and it should be of considerable interest and attract a lot of viewers.  It is a fitting tribute to Bridie who received much acclaim for her creations on canvas over the years.  Bridie’s work can now be enjoyed by all in Newcastle West and people should not miss this opportunity of viewing it.

The death has taken place of Ellen (Eily) Relihan 92 Cluain Aire Newcastle West, and late of Kilscannell Ardagh. A lot of her working life was spent in England returning to live in Newcastle West around 2006. She would return twice a year to visit which was looked forward to by all her family who she spent time with. She was a friendly and kind person with a good sense of humor. She lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Sunday December 7^th from 5pm to 7pm.  Her remains arrived at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West on Monday for 12.30pm Requiem Mass. It was concelebrated by Fr Richard Keane, Fr Larry Madden, Fr Tim Curtin, and Fr Brendan Murphy.  Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, reflection, and tribute.

Fr Richard paid Eily a nice tribute during his homily. She was a regular at Mass and liked to receive the sacraments. She was well liked and highly regarded by her family and friends, and she will be sadly missed by all. Burial took place in Kilscannell Cemetery on Monday December 8^th. We extend our sympathy to her brother Sonny and sisters Joan Relihan, and Mary O’Brien, sister-in-law Kitty, nephews, Nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Joe Larkin, Cullinagh, Newcastle West. Joe and his wife Theresa had a grocery and paper shop in Maiden Street, Newcastle West which was very popular when we were attending secondary School in Newcastle West around 1970. Joe was also involved in the production of the Desmond News which was published in Newcastle West from 1977 to 2001. He also delivered papers to the shops around the locality and he was kind and courteous to all. We extend our sympathy to Theresa and family Brendan Duggan and family Ardagh, other relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Thomas (Eanie) Nolan, Kilcolman, Ardagh at Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Tuesday December 9^th.  He was 66 years old and he worked in farming and construction until ill health took hold. He was educated in Kilcolman N.S.  and he worked in the building industry in England from 1964 to 1972.  Eanie also worked for Ardagh Development on their C.E. Scheme in the 1990s and for Tony Doyle Building Contractor. He was a skilled and hard worker who always gave value be it in the meadow, bog or construction site throughout his life. He was a very friendly individual and good to converse and well known in the locality.  He was very kind to family and he never did any wrong in life. He liked a smoke and a drink and music, and he had wonderful sayings which he picked up across the pond and going through life. His faith was important and he liked to attend mass and receive the sacraments. He spent time in Limerick Hospital and Saint Ita’s Hospital in recent years up to his passing.

He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Wednesday December 10^th from 6pm followed by removal to Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Fr Tim Curtin and Fr Denis Mullane concelebrated his Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11.30am. Family members and friends participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, which included tobacco, harmonica, and phone, items which meant a lot to Eanie. Fr Tim paid tribute during his well delivered homily and the Nolan family supplied well chosen hymns and music. Donie on behalf of the family thanked everyone for their kindness shown to Eanie and all who were involved in the ceremony and who attended the removal and Mass. He also read a number of well composed verses put together by Maura in a final tribute to Eanie who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was laid to rest in Kilcolman cemetery on a wet and cold afternoon. We extend our sympathy to his cousins Patsy, Jerry, Donie, David, Joan, Anne, and Theresa, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday December 8^th. The numbers drawn were 4, 9, 18, 21, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Myles Thornton, Ballyhahill. €60 Vincent Murray c/o Lyons Shop. €60 Joan Copse, Glensharrold. € 30 Timmy Copse, Carrigkerry c/o Neary’s. €30 Din and Pa c/o Greaney’s. €30 Catherine Madigan, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €7,600.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Grange by 2-12 to 0-6 in the Premier U-21 Football Championship Group 2 Play-Off at Fr John Ryan Memorial Park, Kilbreedy on Sunday December 9^th.

Saint Kieran’s will be holding an 8km road race/fun run/ walk on Sunday 28^th December between 12 noon and 3pm. Commencing in Ardagh Community Hall and travelling towards Coolcappa and passing the Golf club and returning by Glenville. All support will be appreciated.

Carrig Celtic lost 1-0 away to Ballingarry in the Desmond League Premier Division on Sunday December 7^th. Old Mill lost 5-0 away to Saint Ita’s in Division 1 and Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 away to Ferry Rangers in Division 2. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

In the Ladies Desmond League Division 1 Carrig Celtic defeated Askeaton 4-1 at home. Karen Mullane, 2 Jessie Quaid, and Maggie O’Connor scored their goals. Creeves Celtic defeated Charleville 2-1 at home. Angela Sheehan, and Amy Cooke, scored their goals. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill, and Jim Lynch, who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday December 5^th.

Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish has selected the following people to participate in the Limerick Diocesan Synod 2016 discussions. Kathleen Cremin, Ballyegna, Joe O’Connor, Duncaha, Michael McDonnell, Dunmoylan, Rathreigh and Sinéad Dundon, Ballyana.

The annual Christmas 45 drive will be held in the Parish Hall Shanagolden on Friday 19^th December at 9pm. A raffle for generous cash prizes will be held and teas will be served and admission is € 10. All card players are welcome and 80% of the door takings will be paid out.

Carrigkerry/Old Mill Development Association are holding their annual church gate collection in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on Saturday/Sunday 20^th/21^st  December. All support will be greatly appreciated and the money collected will go towards the running of the C.E. Scheme in both areas.

A walk/cycle will be held along the Great Southern Trail from Abbeyfeale   at 2.30pm on 27^th December. The 4 mile walk to Duagh, and the 10 mile cycle to Tullig Wood Templeglantine. All are welcome.

Christmas Wishes:

I would like to wish Domhnall/Lilian and staff and fellow correspondents and all our readers at home and abroad a very happy and peaceful Christmas.