By Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry locality on this dry and sunny Sunday afternoon. The weather was lovely and warm over the past week once the night frost cleared away. March was a very good month with lots of sunshine and dry days, allowing people a chance to get some early season work done. People’s spirits have risen as a result and all the doom and gloom is forgotten for a while. The birds are busy building nests for their new arrivals and their early morning singing is welcome after the still of the Winter.

The armed robbery at Cowper’s Jewellery Shop in Newcastle West on Saturday is to be condemned by all good people. It shows how far people will go to get their hands on other people’s goods in broad day light on a busy street. Crime is still rampant in Ireland and the new Government will have to tackle it head on and enforce the laws so people will pay for their crimes

Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an Anniversary Mass for the late Jim and Ellen Flynn, Glenastar. The collection was in aid of The Senior Citizens Christmas Party.

Congratulations to Conor Greaney son of Julia and Denis, Balliston, Shanagolden, and Marie O’Sullivan, daughter of Marian and Dinny, Dually, Newcastle West, who were married in Newcastle West Church on Saturday 19th March.  The reception was held in The Ballygarry House Hotel in Tralee. Best wishes to the happy couple in the future.

Congratulations and best wishes to Theresa, and Cathal O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry, on the recent birth of a baby boy.

The following are the lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on 21st March.

The numbers drawn were 4,8,9,21, and there was no Jackpot winner.

Congratulations to the lucky dip winners, as follows:

€60 Pat Leahy, Creeves. Mary Hartnett, Ardagh. Moira O’Donovan, Ardagh.

€30 Áine Geaney, Tooreendonnell. Michael O’Connor, Glenastar. Joe Synan, Shanagolden.

Next week’s draw takes place at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €5,800.

Congratulations to Joan and Ann Madigan, Martin Flynn, Mike Barrett and Bill Downes who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game on Wednesday 16th March.

Congratulations to Tom Culhane, and Timmy Murphy who were prize winners at Shanagolden Hall on Friday 18th March.

It was a disappointing Sunday for the local clubs in action on 20th March in the Desmond League and Cup.

Old Mill lost 4-2 away to Rathkeale in the Desmond Cup 3rd round. Alan Moynihan, and Ray Cahill scored their goals.

Carrig Celtic lost 1-0 at home to table toppers, Ballingarry in Division 1 to drop down the table.

Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1 away to Athea Utd, also in Division 1 with Jamie McCormack scoring their goal.

In ladies soccer Ballingarry defeated Carrig 5-0 in the Premier Division.

Kilcolman Rovers defeated Killeaney away by 7-0 in the First Division, to remain joint top with Murroe who they play in their final match which will decide the winners. Linda Lodge 3, Stephanie Griffin 2, Ide Trant,1, Noreen Barry,1, hit the target for the Rovers.

The Desmond League Social will be held on Saturday 16th April at The Courteney Lodge Hotel Newcastle West. Tickets are available at € 20.

Newcastle West defeated Saint Kieran’s by 1-11 to 0-8 in the West Senior football Championship played in Rathkeale on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Granagh-Ballingarry defeated Saint Kieran’s by 1-14 to 1-3 in the 2nd Round of the West U-21 Hurling Championship in Rathkeale on Saturday 19th March.

Donal Nolan was on the Limerick U-21 football panel during the recent Munster Championship. Kerry defeated Limerick by 3-15 to 2-6 in the semi final on Wednesday 23rd March.

Johnny McCarthy gave another impressive display for Limerick senior footballers, in their 3 point win over Louth, in the National Football League, on Sunday 20th March.

Daffodil Day took place around the country on Friday 25th March and once again it was well supported. The sunshine was an added bonus for collectors and givers alike and helped the feel good atmosphere for the deserving cause. Well done to all who gave of their time to help raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Sympathy is extended to Joan O’Mahoney and family Kilcolman on the death of her sister-in-law Peg O’Mahoney South Keale, Athea. She was laid to rest in Templeathea Cemetery on Saturday last 26th March. May she rest in Peace.

George Langan’s, new single ”Swinging Doors’ is receiving lots of airplay on the local radio Stations at present. He is a native of Glenagragra in Athea, and he has had  a number of cassettes and C.D’s released over the years. George has been very prominent in fundraising for deserving causes in recent years as well. ‘“The lights of Carrigkerry” sung by George, and written by Pat Brosnan is still one of the most requested songs on all the Stations at present. A man of many talents we wish him well with his new C.D.

A very popular staff member of  West Limerick Resources, Denis Hobson from Abbeyfeale retires this week after over 6 years of dedicated service. He will be familiar to many from this area who he assisted through his work in that time. He was always helpful and courteous and he will be a big loss to the company who oversee Leader funding around the West Limerick area. Denis is multi-talented and is very involved in Drama and has assisted many groups over the years. He has given freely of his time to West Limerick Community Radio since it was set up as well, as a presenter and a board member. We wish Denis a long and fulfilled retirement to enjoy his favourite pastimes with family and friends.

By now all households should have received their Census form from the enumerator covering their area. It is to be filled up on Sunday 10th April and in time will give an insight into present day Ireland. Past Census have proved very popular as people access the information it provides about their ancestors and their way of life in times past.

April is National Spring Clean up month, and it is badly needed in many places where illegal dumping takes place. It is very sad to see so much rubbish of all kinds strewn around our beautiful countryside. So sad to think that so many people engage in this practice which shows up Ireland in such a negative manner. Many people clean up around their own areas on a regular basis which is to be welcomed and hopefully they will continue to do so.

It is hoped that all households have collected their Trocaire Boxes by now and that they are putting in some money on a regular basis.  A little now and then will accumulate to a nice sum by the end of Lent.

A pastoral area pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 12th June. The area covers Newcastle West, Mahoonagh, Monagea, Ardagh-Carrigkerry, Killeedy, Feenagh-Kilmeedy and Drom-Broadford. The Bus will leave Castlemahon at 7.30am and the fare is €16. People interested in travelling are asked to give in their name to  Father John Duggan P.P.

I will conclude with our thought:

“Success is getting what you want,

happiness is wanting what you get”