by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry District on this misty, dull, overcast Sunday afternoon. The weather has taken a turn for the worst and is a cause of concern for many sections of the community. It would want to dry up now as we approach the longest day of the year. It is cold and we are getting too much rainfall and the month is passing.
We regret the passing of Brian Lenihan, Fianna Fáil TD and former Minister for Finance in the last Government. We were critical of him in this column, but he was only playing the hand he was dealt in an impossible position. He was bright and had a lot to offer and was well regarded by all party’s and he will be sadly missed by all regardless of their policies.
Congratulations to Father Tom Mangan, Administrator of Saint Joseph’s Parish, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick, who celebrated 25 years of priestly ministry in Limerick Diocese, in Saint Joseph’s Church on Saturday 11th June. The recently renovated Church was packed for this special occasion for Fr Tom and his family and the Ceremony that followed was a credit to all involved. It was an honour to be present on such a historical occasion, to mark this special milestone, for a neighbour and friend from across the glen where the sweet White River water flows. It was a great honour also for his native Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish who were well represented in the attendance on the night. It was extra special as Diocesan Administrator Father Tony Mullins was also present to pay tribute to his fellow parishioner. Both families enjoy a special bond through their past music heritage and present priestly ministry. It was nice to see former Parish Priest Fr Seamus Power present as he was serving here when Fr Tom was ordained on Saturday 7th June 1986.
The Ceremony was a hundred minutes long but the time flew as it was so special, interesting and eventful and enriched by the lovely singing of the choir. Fr Tom was joined by retired Bishop Donal Murray and upwards of twenty of his fellow priests on the altar for the Mass. People from his present parish his previous Parishes of Mungret-Crecora- Raheen, and Saint Mary’s and family participated throughout the Mass. Fr Tom treated us to a twenty minute homily from the heart which was emotional at times and which covered so much and linked so many people who influenced his path through life to the present day. He spoke about his late father Joe, who sadly died before he was ordained, and his mother Peg who is ill and could not attend . Family photos of both were part of the symbols present at the altar. He thanked all for their wishes, cards and messages, and their wonderful support and generosity to him. Absent relations, and friends, were remembered in spirit and his final message for us all  was uplifting. The Community Council paid him a tribute and a presentation and his nieces Siobhan and Ashleigh played a musical tribute before the final prayer.
He greeted everybody before and after the Mass in his relaxed and easy going manner and it was plain to see how popular he is in the City with the people he has served over the past 25 years. A reception and get together followed in Mary Immaculate College for all present. Food and drinks were supplied to the large crowd and Fr Tom cut his cake which was distributed and enjoyed by all. There was plenty of music and song, with guests, taking to the stage, to entertain along with the band. Lots of chat as old friendships were renewed and new formed and photos taken during the night which was most enjoyable. We thank all who organised the celebrations and we wish Fr Tom good health and happiness in his duties in the future.
The Limerick G.A.A. Development Draw for June took place at Doran’s Pride Bar, Fedamore on Friday 3rd. Congratulations to Tommy Mullins, Ardagh and Saint Kieran’s club who won €250.
The next Draw takes place on Friday July 1st at a venue to be decided.
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, on June 7th. The numbers drawn were 1,8,23,24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners.
€60 Ger Histon, Askeaton, Tommy Mullins, Ministerland Ardagh, Bridget McGrath, Askeaton,
€30 Stephen Nolan, c/o Flavins Bar,
Patsy + Moira + Jim, Ardagh, Alan Rice, Bus Eireann. Next week’s draw takes place at The Thatch Bar, Newbridge and the Jackpot will be € 8,000.
Congratulations to Sister Bridie O’Sullivan, Dromcollogher Respite Centre, and a native of Carrigkerry West who celebrated the golden jubilee of her profession on Sunday 29th May at Roscrea Abbey, Tipperary. Congratulations also to her sister, Sister Margaret, the regional Leader of the Order in Ireland and based in Ballingarry who celebrated her 40th anniversary.
We thank them for their dedication and service to the sister’s of Saint Joseph in Australia and in Ireland and extend good wishes for the future.
The annual general meeting of Ardagh Hall was held on Monday 30th May and the following officers were put in place.
Chairman: Donie Sheahan, Vice -Chairman: Patrick Mullins, Secretary: Becky Steele, Treasurers: Patsy Fitzgerald and Mark Ellis with assistance from John Mullins. Caretaker: Joan Molyneaux. A total of 15 people were present and the next meeting will be in July.
We extend our sympathy to Mary and Mike Ruttle and family, Newbridge, on the death of Mary’s mother Mary Flavin, Glenagragra, Glin.
We also extend our sympathy to Tom and Martha,Culhane and family, Grouse Lodge on the death of Tom’s mother Mary Culhane, Turraree Cross, Glin. May they rest in Peace.
The Great Southern Trail are holding a 22 mile walk from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale on Saturday 18th June to celebrate their 20th anniversary . A Certificate will be awarded to all who walk the entire route and stops and refreshments along the route.
The annual Kilcolman Coolcappa parish outing will take place on this coming Sunday 19th June. Names to be given to Mary O’Connor 069-60149 or Joan Hayes 069-60307. The Bus leaves Kilcolman at 9.am, and the destination is the sunny South East.
The annual Famine Cemetery Mass in Newcastle West will take place on Tuesday 21st June at 7.30 pm.
The Askeaton Art Group are holding their exhibition, at Newcastle West Library from Thursday 23rd June to Monday 4th July. On display will be their completed work from their recent FETAC level 5 paint and drawing course. People will be able to view and choose from a wide selection of styles, from oils, acryllics, water colours, charcoals, pencils and inks. The group are made up of mature students and their work goes under the title ‘Fusion’. Best wishes to  artist Carol Noonan, Clounleharde, and the group and all locals are welcome to attend and view their work.
A fundraising Céilí / Irish night in aid of Kilcolman Community Creche will be held at the Creche on Friday 24th June from 9.30pm. Music by Donie and Maura and admission is €5 and children are free. A raffle will be held and tea and snacks served and all are welcome.
A reception for the children of Kilcolman N.S. who received their First Holy Communion in Saint Colman’s Church on Saturday 14th May and their families will be held on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday 26th June, in Kilcolman Community Creche after 10.30am Mass in Saint Colman’s.
Saint Kieran’s G.A.A. Club and Ardagh Dev. Ass. are holding a mediaeval family fun day / craft fair in Coolcappa on Sunday 26th June. The entry fee will be €2 per person or €5 per family.
Events will be held in the Hall and in the sportsfield and a large programme of activities are planned to suit all ages and all are welcome.
A total of 85 members of Pfizer Askeaton Touring Club will cycle 150 kilometres across Munster, from Limerick to Tralee, and back to Askeaton, on June 25-26. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Pieta House Mid -West Centre where Nora Conway from Ardagh is the manager. Pieta House is the only major voluntary organisation in the country providing  a professional therapeutic service for people affected by suicide. They also deliver a face -to- face service to people who self harm or are in distress.

I will conclude with our thought
“A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out”