by Tom Aherne
Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry district on this sunny Sunday afternoon. It was a good week on the weather front, with lots of dry days and a rise in temperatures leading to good growth. Nice to see people out and about with a smile on their faces and enjoying nature at work. The wild flowers pushed up a lot from the sun and the flowering currant emits a lovely fragrance along the hedgerows at present. Farmers are busy getting the Spring work done and gardeners are busy sowing the crops. The students and teachers are enjoying the Easter holidays, and the Bank holiday is looked forward to by all in employment. Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an Anniversary Mass for the late Thomas, Sean, and Margaret Geoghegan and family from Glensharrold. The Church gate Collection was in aid of Saint Kieran’s Community Games, who thank all who contributed to it.
Congratulations and best wishes to the following who celebrated birthdays in recent weeks.
Liam Scanlon, Ballyvoughan Ardagh, who celebrated his 21st birthday with family and friends at The Ballintemple Inn, Newcastle West on Friday 8th April.
Siobhan Copse, Glensharrold who celebrated her 18th birthday with family and friends at her residence also on Friday 8th April.
John and Mary Hannafin, Knocknaboha Newcastle West who celebrated their joint birthdays at a party on Saturday 9th April.
Tom Hannafin Glensharrold and Dublin who celebrated a milestone birthday on Tuesday 12th of April.
Congratulations to Grace Leahy Ballyine, and a student at Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West, who was a member of the S.M.I. German debating team, who came third in the All Ireland German debating competition.
Students of Scoil Mhuire agus Ide recently held an Art Exhibition in Newcastle West Library. It proved to be a very successful event, and the art work on display was admired and complimented by the large attendance. Congratulations to local students whose work is on display and all the paintings are available to buy.
Congratulations to local students who were award winners with Desmond College at the Scifest Competition held recently in The Limerick Institute of Technology.
Congratulations to Mike Young and Mike O’Mahoney, Castlemahon, who were prize winners, at The Flag Floor card game, in aid of the Kilcolman Senior Citizen’s fund on Wednesday 6th of April.
Congratulations to Noel Shields, and Tom Culhane, who were prize winners at Monagea cards on Wednesday 6th of April.
Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill, and Jim Lynch, who were prize winners at Shanagolden cards on Friday 8th of April.
The following are the lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday 11th April.
The numbers drawn were 3,17,21,25, and there was no Jackpot winner.
Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows.
€60 Marie Curley, Reens, Ita Dineen, Ardagh, Patsy Duggan, Ardagh.
€30 Katie, c/o Boxcar, Goretti Enright, Foynes, Amy Magner, Monagea
Next week’s draw takes place at Reens Bar Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €6,400.
Congratulations to Roisín Ambrose, Saint Kieran’s community games, who finished 3rd in the Cross Country U12 600 Metre event, in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale. She will represent the club and Limerick in the national finals in Athlone in May and we wish her well.
A number of other events are ongoing at present.
In Desmond League Division 1 action Carrig Celtic lost 2-0 away to Kildimo Utd, and in the local derby match Old Mill defeated Kilcolman Rovers 2-1 at home. Ray Cahill and Mossie Liston scored the goals. In Division 4 Carrig Celtic B defeated Newcastle West Rovers 2-1 at home, to secure promotion to Division 3 next season and Tony Doyle scored both goals.
Carrig Celtic lost on penalties after a 3-3 draw, with Abbeyfeale Utd in the U-17 Desmond Cup. The goalscorers were Pa Liston 2 and Podge Balfe.
In the Desmond Ladies League Cup final Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-0 to Ballingarry in Askeaton. Carrig Celtic lost 8-0 at home to Mungret in the Premier Division.
Mai Kennelly was a member of the Limerick minor ladies football team that lost to Waterford in the Munster B Championship in Askeaton.
Saint Kieran’s defeated Croagh/Kilfinny by 0-15 to 1-11 in Round 1 of the West Junior B Hurling League, played in Coolcappa
Saint Kieran’s lost to Claughan by 2-16 to 1-9 in Round 1 of the All County Intermediate Hurling League.
Tipperary defeated Limerick by 7 points in Round 1 of The Munster Minor Football Championship in Kilmallock on Wednesday 13th April. Saint Kieran’s players involved were Brendan Mc Carthy, Darragh Treacy, Gavin Hayes, and Kevin Meade.
The local Community Alert Committee, have erected a good number of signs around the parish in recent times to alert people of their presence in the locality. Community Alert is crucial in these times we find ourselves in as thieves roam the countryside in search of quick pickings and loot. People should be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and strange vehicles and report it immediately to the Gardai. Home owners have the right to protect their properties and valuables from thieves, who are a drain on society.
Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary and Arts Festival held in Newcastle West from 14th-16th April was a great success with large crowds in attendance at the many events from a full programme. The highlight for many was the unveiling of the bronze sculpture, of poet Michael Hartnett in the Square, on Saturday afternoon. It was a very impressive ceremony held in lovely sunshine, in front of a large attendance. It was unveiled by fellow poet and friend of the late Michael, Paul Durcan whose speech was very well received. Many locals were in attendance and they also gave good support to many of the other events.
A reminder to all parishioners to return their Trocaire Boxes this coming Easter week end.
If all households contributed a small amount it would add up to a considerable donation to forward on to the charity. People in the third World are badly in need of funds as they struggle to survive and we can all save a few euros to help them even if times are bad in Ireland at present.
Kilcolman Rovers are holding an underage fundraising quiz, on Holy Thursday 21st April in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh at 9.30pm, and all are welcome.
Shanagolden Hall will host the annual 45 Card Drive on Good Friday 22nd April at 9.30pm. The entry fee is €10 and valuable prizes on offer to be won and teas will be served.
The annual Tea Day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland will take place on Thursday 5th May. People can register to hold an event by phoning 1800 719 820 or online at www.teaday.ie
Pieta House, the suicide crisis centre, will run its annual fundraising event Darkness into Light on Saturday 7th May in Limerick commencing at Arthur’s Quay at 4am. To register for the event, or to find out more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie.
Arthritis Ireland’s sponsored walking challenge, ”Get Your Joints in Motion” will take place on Saturday 7th May. People interested in walking to raise funds, to control and cure arthritis call Louise on 01-6470209 or email [email protected]
Confirmation in Saint Molua’s Church in Ardagh on Tuesday 10th May at 10.00am.
Holy Communion in Saint Molua’s Church in Ardagh on Saturday 14th May .
Holy Communion in Saint Mary’s Church in Carrigkerry on Sunday 22nd May.
Holy Week Ceremonies.
Holy Thursday.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, in Carrigkerry at 6.30pm, and Ardagh at 8.00pm.
Good Friday.
Stations of the Cross, in Carrigkerry at 3.00pm, and Ardagh at 7.30pm.
Main ceremonies in Ardagh at 3.00pm, and Carrigkerry at 7.30pm.
Holy Saturday.
Mass in Ardagh Church at 9.00pm. No Mass in Carrigkerry.
Easter Sunday.
Mass in Ardagh at 10.00am. and in Carrigkerry at 11.30am.
A quiet week on the sports front, with Limerick hurlers looking forward to the League final on 1st May and the footballers contemplating life in Division 4 after last weeks relegation.
Munster enjoyed another away win in The Magners League, and were rewarded with a home semi final next month, as they continue their quest for a cup double.
A happy Easter to all and I will conclude with our thought.
“A smile confuses an approaching frown”