by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry area on this July Sunday afternoon. It was another mixed week on the weather front with good drying on a number of days only for Wednesday and Thursday’s rain which wet places again which were drying up. The prospects look better for the coming week which would be most welcome, as the summer is passing.
Limerick hurlers and footballers advanced to the next round of the All Ireland Qualifiers on Saturday. The footballers surprised Offaly, winning by six points in the Gaelic Grounds. The hurlers as expected had a big win over Antrim in Parnell Park Dublin.
The end of an era for The News of the World newspaper after so many years on the shelves. I read it first in the late sixties when my aunt came home from England to live and would get it each Sunday. It was  a great paper for soccer and advanced my interest in the English League. It will be a big loss to the workers who will lose their jobs, but I think it will resurface again under a different title.
Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an anniversary Mass for the late Jack King and Jack and Ellen Doody, and the Collection was in aid of the Heart Foundation.
Mass was celebrated by Father Duhig P.P Newcastlewest, as Father Madden is on holiday.

Best wishes to Maura who will be taking part in next Saturday’s ‘The Big Money Game’ on RTE.
The death has taken place of Gretta Costello, nee Harnett, on Tuesday 5th July, peacefully at her home in Clounties, Shanagolden, wife of the late Eamon, and a sister of Eileen Aherne, Main Street, Ardagh. Removal was from Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden, to the local Church on Thursday evening last. Following Requiem Mass she was laid to rest in Shanagolden Cemetery on Friday 8th July. Sympathy to her son Maurice, daughters Margaret Power (Ballyagran), Mary Keating (Clounties), sister Eileen Aherne and family Ardagh, Harnett family, Coolacokera, Ardagh, sons-in-law Jim and Willie, grandchildren Catriona, Eamon, Jamie, great grand daughter Selena, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, and friends. Her daughter Mary spent many years teaching in Carrigkerry N.S. where she was most popular with pupils and parents. May she rest in Peace.
Sympathy to Maudie Mullins, Ardagh, other relatives and friends, on the death of her sister Joan Enright, Glin on 28th June. May she rest in Peace
Congratulations and best wishes to the following couples who were married recently in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh.
Rose O’Brien and John Paul Barrett, Ardagh. Tracey Keane and Noel Fitzgerald.
The Limerick G.A.A. Development Draw for July took place at The Premier Bar, Ballylanders on Friday 1st.
Congratulations to Jodie Heffernan Old Mill, and Saint Kieran’s who won the top prize of €18,000. A most popular winner was Jodie, who gave great service to the club as a player during the fifties and sixties. The next Draw will be held at O’Sullivan’s Bar in Rathkeale on Friday 6th August.
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday 4th July.
The numbers drawn were 5,7,14,27, and there was no Jackpot winner.
Congratulations to the lucky dip winner
s as follows.
€60 Ann Molyneaux, Ardagh.
€60 Noel Woulfe, Ardagh.
€60 Angela O’Connell, Ardagh.
€30 Helen Quinn, Askeaton.
€30 Amy Magner c/o Neary’s Ardagh.
€30 Boxcar+Matso c/o Neary’s Ardagh.
Next week’s draw takes place at the Old Mill Bar and the Jackpot will be €8,800.

Angela & Pauline Fitzsimons, Baranigue, Carrigkerry would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported them in a parachute jump recently in Birr Co Offaly, in aid of Cancer Research Ireland. Your generosity is much appreciated.
The Sheahan family, Ardagh recently presented a cheque for €700 to Dave Murphy, Athea, winner of the Patsy Sheahan Memorial Cup for Darts, at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh. The money was donated to the Oncology Unit of the Mid Western Regional Hospital.
Many thanks to all who participated in the Tournament and who contributed to the fund. Patsy will be remembered as a great community worker around his native area, whose passing at a young age was a great loss to all.
Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish recently forwarded the sum of €3,104 to Trocaire. It was collected as part of the Lenten Trocaire Easter appeal. Thanks to all who contributed to the appeal.
Congratulations to Tom Brouder, Kilcolman and Stephen Murphy, Ardagh and team members Mike Meehan and Paul Byrnes, recent winners of the Newcastle West Golf Club Classic held in Rathgoonan Ardagh.
Congratulations to Cormac Long, Rooskagh and Rathkeale Boxing Club who has been selected to represent Ireland at the European Boxing Championships in Russia. This is a major achievement and we wish him well in his contests.
Saint Kieran’s members have enjoyed success at the various events under the banner of Community Games over the summer months. Congratulations to all who participated and who won awards, and well done and thanks to their mentors, for their time and commitment.
A proposal for 12.99 area ( hectares ) in the townland of Carrigkerry is before Limerick County Council at present.
Submissions from the public may be made in writing within 21 days of the application of the main notice in the papers.
The Munster Fleadh Cheoil takes place in Ballincollig Cork this week up to Sunday 17th July.
Best wishes to all the locals who will be competing.
A part time SNA required for Saint Molua’s National School Ardagh, commencing 30th August 2011.
This is a part time position 16 hours and the closing date of application is this Friday 15th July.
Apply to the Chairperson of the Board of Management, Ardagh National School.
A fundraising Irish Night in aid of Ardagh / Carrigkerry senior citizens fund will be held in Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on this Friday 15th July at 9.30pm. All musicians and singers are welcome, and a raffle will be held with numerous spot prizes on offer.
Please support this very worthy cause.

A Vintage and family fun day will be held in Killeaney Soccer Grounds in Knockdown on Sunday 17th July.
Events to cater for all age groups, barbecue, car boot sale, refreshments available and all support appreciated.
Congratulations and best wishes to Father Michael Irwin who will celebrate the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination with Mass in Kilcornan Church on Wednesday 20th July at 7.30pm. There will be light refreshments in the Community Centre after Mass and all are welcome. We remember him for his time in the Parish and wish him an enjoyable evening.
I will conclude with our thought
‘A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses’