by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry area on this dull and showery Sunday evening.
No improvement in the weather and the nights are drawing in as the month speeds on. Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an anniversary Mass for the late Bill and Maureen Collins of Glensharrold. The Church gate collection was in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. We regret the passing of Tom Treacy, Kilreash, Ardagh and Jim Harnett, Killard, Ardagh and sympathy to their relations, and may they rest in peace.
Welcome to all the people who are on holiday in the area at present and hope they enjoy their stay.
Congratulations to the Limerick U-21 hurlers on winning the Munster final in Limerick Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday evening last. It was a very exciting game and the win is a big boost for Limerick hurling.
The death has taken place of Tom Geoghegan, Grouse Lodge, Kilcolman, Ardagh at Milford Care Centre, following a lengthy illness, on Monday 1st August. He was a retired farmer in his early seventies and a most popular member of the community. He was educated in Kilcolman N.S. and his time was spent on the family farm attending to the usual chores and bringing the milk to the creamery in Shanagolden. Tom was easy-going and quiet spoken and friendly to all he encountered over the years. He liked a game of cards with neighbours and friends and enjoyed visiting the various rambling houses in the locality. He hunted the Wren with the Glensharrold group on a number of occasions and enjoyed the traditions attached and the companionship involved. He liked nature and the outdoors and the days spent in the bogs and meadow. His presence will be greatly missed around his native place and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The windmills of change have arrived and Tom’s way of life is fast disappearing in rural Ireland.
His remains were removed from Magner’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden, to Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Wednesday evening last. His funeral Mass was concelebrated by Father Denis Mullane P.P. with assistance from Father Tony Mullins (cousin), Father Tom Mangan (neighbour) and Canon Duhig, Newcastle West. Family members assisted in the readings, prayers of the faithful, hymns and music, and the offertory. Symbols of Tom’s life including a sod of turf, a cap and a deck of cards were taken up to the Altar. Father Tony in his homily paid Tom a nice tribute touching on his hospitable family, turf for the winter and acceptance of his illness. Tony Geoghegan, his cousin, also paid him a well deserved tribute before the final prayers. Burial took place in Kilbradern Cemetery on Thursday 4th of August close to the ruins of the old church. Members of the Glensharrold Wrenboys gave him a rousing send off with a selection of music and bodhrán playing and the singing of ‘Shanagolden’. Sympathy to his wife Tess, son Stephen, daughter Joanne, grandchildren, and all other relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.
Congratulation to Karena Cahill, No.1 The Cross, Ardagh and Johnny O’Grady, Abbeyfeale, who were married in Ardagh on Saturday July 30th. Reception was held at the Devon Inn. Best wishes to the happy couple in the future.

Sympathy is extended to Moira Lane and family, Kilcolman, on the death in England recently of her sister-in-law Kathleen Hennessey, née Lane, late of Castlemahon. May she rest in peace.
The death has taken place of Laurine Cahill, in  London on Wednesday 3rd August, late of the Post Office, Main Street, Ardagh (1966).
Sympathy to her sister May Wright (Dover), sister Joan Vines & brother Jimmy (London), nieces and nephews, and her relatives in Ardagh, the Doody, Magner & O’Sullivan families. May she rest in peace
Congratulations to Denise O’Grady, Carrigkerry, who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with a party at The Gables in Athea.
Congratulations to Claire Heffernan, Ardagh, who was a member of the Killeedy Senior Céilí Band who came third at Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Ballincollig, Co. Cork on the weekend of 15th-17th July. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be held in Cavan town for the second year in a row on the weekend of 19th-21st August.
West Limerick Tourism, in conjunction with SuperValu, are running a school photography competition for students of  secondary schools based in the West Limerick area. There are five entry categories: history and heritage, landscape natural and built, music and culture, sports and outdoor activities, and tidy towns and villages. A maximum of two entries per student is allowed. The overall prize is an iPod with category prizes of an ipod Nano and the schools’ prizes also on offer. Entry forms and photographs will be collected through the schools in September.
There will be a ‘Church Gate Collection’ on the weekend of 13/14 August in aid of ongoing development of St. Molua’s Well in Ardagh/Carrigkerry. We acknowledge that some of you have been very generous already. However, perhaps there are some who might wish to contribute and this will be your opportunity to do so.
Mass will be celebrated in Knockpatrick Graveyard on Sunday 14th August at 2:30pm. All are welcome.
Mass and prayers will be celebrated at Borrigone Well on Monday 15th August at 3pm. All are welcome.
The annual Mass will be celebrated in Coolcappa Cemetery on Monday 15th August at 7:30pm.
Mass will  be celebrated at Ballyine Shrine on Thursday 18th August at 7:30pm. It is hoped a large crowd will attend and that the weather will be good for the occasion.
The annual Harvest Fair in aid of Milford Hospice will take place on Sunday 21st at the Unigolf Complex. It will feature 11,200 square feet of tented village including stalls, animal shows, face painting, barbecues, vintage cars and tractors, bric-a-brac and live music as well as many other colourful attractions.
I will conclude with our thought
‘The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others’