by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry locality on this windy and showery Sunday afternoon.  A big change in the weather in the past week as we experience our normal temperatures. It was a great spell and lots of work was done including early silage being cut. Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an anniversary Mass for the late Birdie Enright, Ministerland, Ardagh. The Church gate collection was in aid of The Disabled Drivers of IrelanAd. The past week or so saw the passing of British boxer Henry Cooper who boxed Cassius Clay in the sixties and knocked him to the floor. Sevy Ballesteros, the Spanish golfer, who was acclaimed as one of the greatest winning all the top tournaments. Joe Murray who presented Landmark and Farm Week on TV and Radio from the sixties to the nineties.

The death has taken place of Ciss Enright, Skehanagh Ardagh, peacefully in her 93rd year, in the loving care of the staff of Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West, on Monday 2nd May.

Ciss was a native of Skehanagh, and came from a family of twelve. She attended the local School and spent one year in University gaining many skills she used to good effect later.

She was acknowledged as a hard worker all her life and used her talents to help others outside her own home and assisted in parish affairs. She helped to count the weekly Church collection, and helped with the flower arranging and the Altar linen. Her final six years or so were spent in Saint Ita’s Hospital after getting a stroke and she adopted well to her new surroundings.

Her remains were removed from Magner’s Funeral Home, Rathkeale, to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Wednesday evening. Father Madden P.P. Concelebrated her Requiem Mass, assisted by two members of The Oblate Order who were based in Cahermoyle up to twenty years ago. Family members assisted in the Ceremony and Maura sang appropriate hymns and songs. Father Larry paid tribute to one of the parish’s most senior citizens during his touching homily.

Ciss was a great friend of The Oblate Order in Cahermoyle, helping out the Brothers in their many duties. One member paid tribute to her service, during the Mass, describing her work, in the kitchen, house, garden and farm. She had a special interest in the Grotto and helped in its maintenance over the years. The burial took place in Ardagh Cemetery on Thursday 5th May. We extend our sympathy to her brother John, sisters Kitty, Nora, Bridie, and Peggy. sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of John Martin, Moyreen and formerly of East Mall, Glin. His remains were removed from Healy’s Funeral Home Glin to the Church of the Visitation  in Ballyhahill on Monday evening. Requiem Mass on Tuesday 3rd May followed by burial in Kilcolman Cemetery. Sympathy to son John, daughters Mary  and Theresa and family, brothers, sisters, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Cormac Long, Rooskagh and Rathkeale Boxing Club, on winning his third All Ireland national boxing title in a row in the 80 kg grade in Dublin over the May weekend. He stopped his opponent Patrick Ward in the first round to create his own piece of history.

A great achievement by Cormac who is in line to represent Ireland in the future. Well done to his coaches, and fellow club members, for their input.

The following are the lottery results from The Old Mill Bar on 2nd May.

The numbers drawn were 5,6,21,29. and there was no Jackpot winner.

Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows:

€60 Stephen Hayes, School Road, Ardagh. Nora Mullins, The Commons Ardagh. Sarah Doyle, Carrigkerry.

€30 Catherine Fitzgerald, Conor Kelly & Hughie O’Reilly. Michael Liston,  Glenastar. Ber Browne, c/o Danahers.

Next week’s draw takes place at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh. and the Jackpot will be €7,000.

Congratulations to Mike Kearney and Martin Flynn who were prize winners at The Flag Floor card game on Wednesday 27th April.

Congratulations to Tom Culhane and Timmy Murphy who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden on Friday 29th April.

Congratulations to John Mulvihill and Vinny Wrenn who were prize winners at the card game in Ballingarry.

Old Mill defeated Carrig Celtic by 1-0 in the Desmond League Division 1 League Cup Round 1 at home on Friday 29th April. Tommy Carr scored the all important goal.

Carrig Celtic B defeated Shannonside B 5-2 away in  the Division 4 League, to complete their programme of matches, on Sunday 1st May. Congratulations to the team on their success in the League Cup defeating Athea B in the final.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Newcastle West 1-15 to 1-11 in Round 1 of the County Senior Football Championship at Kevin Long Park Feenagh on Sunday 1st May.  They led by 0-7 to 0-4 at half -time but it should have been greater as they kicked 7 wides. They looked in command as they increased the lead to 6 points entering the final quarter but the team lost their focus and shape and allowed their opponents back into the game. They still looked winners one point ahead as injury time approached but the Magpies hit 1-2 to take the victory and the points on offer. TEAM Tommy Quinn, John O’Connor, John Doyle, Brendan McCarthy, Paudie McCarthy, Johnny McCarthy, Patrick Windle, Jim Donovan, Timmy Carroll,0-1 Jack B Hartnett, Darragh Treacy, 0-2 Donal Nolan, 0-5 Ray Cahill, 0-3 Anthony Molyneaux, 1-0 Brian Crowley.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Ballysteen by 1-6 to 0-8 in Round 2 of the County Senior Football Championship in rain sodden Newcastle West Gaelic grounds on Saturday night last 7th of May. Credit to both teams on their performance under difficult conditions on a slippery surface. The Saints got the verdict but Ballysteen had enough chances to win the match being denied goals by the very alert Tommy Quinn. They led by 1-4 to 0-5 at half time, with Anthony Molyneaux scoring their goal after a good build up. Ballysteen dominated possession in the second half but good defence and inaccurate finishing saw them come up short at the final whistle. TEAM Tommy Quinn, John O’Connor, Paudie McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Paddy Downes, Johnny McCarthy, Patrick Windle, Jim Donovan,0-2 Timmy Carroll, Donal Nolan, 0-1 Darragh Treacy, 0-1 Ray Cahill, Jack B Hartnett, 0-1 Anthony Molyneaux, 1-1 Brian Crowley. SUBS Mike Flynn, James Hough. The result leaves Saint Kieran’s on 2 points from 2 matches played and in mid table in the group with 3 more series of matches to play later in the Summer.

Ardagh N.S. Parent’s Council would like to thank all who contributed to make their cake sale a great success on Friday 15th April. Thanks to people who baked cakes and to the staff for their co-operation, and the use of the venue.

Congratulations and best wishes to Maggie Aherne, Glensharrold and Sharon Guina, Coolcappa, who celebrated milestone birthdays at a joint party in the Woodlands Hotel Adare on Sunday 1st May. Music by Taylor’s Cross and an enjoyable night was had by all.

The All Ireland bone playing championships were held in Abbeyfeale on Sunday 1st May as part of the Fleadh by the Feale Festival. Congratulations to Paddy Donovan, Glenastar, Ardagh who was placed second in the senior championship. Paddy has won the title on a number of occasions and is a member of the Carrigkerry Wrenboys.

Congratulations to Doris and Patrick Kelly, Skehanagh, Ardagh, Limerick region winners of the Dairygold 2010 Quality Milk Award. They received their Award at a presentation in Cork. They were one of three finalists for the Limerick Award and one of eighteen finalists for the overall Award in Dairygold’s six milk supply regions. This is a great honour for the Kelly family and the parish and we wish them continued success.

We regret the passing of Earl Connolly from Limerick on Saturday 30th April. He was a past employee of the Limerick Leader who he served for over 50 years, and he was 90 years old. Earl was a much respected entertainment writer who promoted the dancing acts and venues across the county. His top class column in the Leader was a must for dance goers planning their social diary in the halcyon days of the showbands, marquees and festivals.

I retain vivid memories of his one page features promoting the Ardagh and Carrigkerry Carnivals in the late sixties. They would contain a list of events for the duration of the much awaited Carnival and profiles on the stars appearing and other background details. This spread and promotion was vital to the success of the Carnival and many parishes owed him a big debt of gratitude. His devotion and loyalty to his role was everything and sadly his likes will not be seen again. We thank him for his great contribution and promotion to the parish over many years and may he rest in newsprint Peace.

Our Lady’s Pastoral Area, which includes Ardagh/Carrigkerry, are organising a Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday 12th June. Tickets are available from Kathleen Hayes Carrigkerry 069-76391 or Evelyn Mullins 069-76946.

First Holy Communion in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday 14th May at 11.am.

First Holy Communion in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday 14th May.

First Holy Communion in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Sunday 22nd May at 11.30 am.

Newcastle West and District Lions Club are holding a fundraising walk on Sunday 15th of May. The route starts in Barna, travelling downhill on the Great Southern Trail to the finish at the Gaelscoil car park on Station Road. It commences at 2.30pm and refreshments will be served. Bus transfers will operate to facilitate people who wish to leave cars at either place.

Local charitable causes will benefit from the walk and more details from 085-2129999.

Old Mill Sports Club are holding their sponsored walk, around the area on Sunday 15th May. Sponsorship cards are available from club members and all support will be appreciated.

A benefit night in aid of entertainer Tom McCarthy will take place in O’Grady’s (Old Turnpike) Newcastle West on Friday 20th May. Mad for Road will appear live at 8pm sharp plus a host of West Limerick’s finest artists. Tom is a native of Rooskagh and now lives in Newcastle West and he is recovering from a recent illness. He is a very well known figure on the West Limerick entertainment scene and affectionately known as ”The Rooskagh Cowboy’. He is one of the most requested singers on West Limerick Community Radio, with songs from his cassette tape being regularly played. Tickets cost €5 and are on sale at Stevo’s Daybreak in Carrigkerry and all support will be much appreciated.

We look forward to the Government announcement on job creation this coming week and hope it will give a little hope and optimism for the future.

We wish Munster the best of luck in the Magners League semi final and hope they can win the title after a poor season by their standards.

April was a very safe month on our roads but May has seen a number of fatalities to date as the holiday period approaches.

I will conclude with our thought.

“The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk”