by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry district on this Sunday afternoon, in mid August as a rainbow illuminates the rain sodden sky.

The weather in August continues in the same vein as in previous months with lots of rainfall and no spells of settled weather. The people that went to the bog for the first time this year , are getting a real baptism of fire, on how hard it can be to save the precious fuel. It is vital that they persevere as the other fuels are due to increase in price as we approach the Winter months. It was a week of discontent around the World with riots in Britain and financial issues in America and Italy to name but two countries. The Mid West Hospital in Limerick announced 25 bed closures as they have overspent in their Budget. The septic tank issue in rural Ireland is gathering speed with inspector visits, penalties and charges all on the way. As stated in past weeks, we will have a whole series of charges to pay in the coming years to keep our friends in Europe happy. These charges are needed to keep the country afloat we are told but if they continue we will fast become a third World economy. On a more serious note we are told that the number of Curlews are fast declining in rural Ireland. This gracious bird is most familiar to us all and its shrill call can recall many past memories of places and events from yonder days. The cause is being pinpointed to increasing forestry and attacks from mink. The bird depends on ground cover for nesting and this is non existent in forestry. We hope a solution can be found and the bird will survive unlike the corncrake, which is near extinct.

Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an Anniversary Mass for the late Dean O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry. The Church gate collection was in aid of the Saint Molua’s Well Project.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Senan’s by three points in the county senior football championship fixture in Newcastle West on Saturday evening. Tipperary defeated Dublin by four points in the All Ireland hurling semi-final to progress to meet Kilkenny in the final next month.

The death has taken place of Jim Hartnett, Killard, Ardagh and a native of Maiden Street, Newcastle West. He was a retired member of the farming community and well known in the locality. His remains were removed from Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West to the local Church on Tuesday evening last. Requiem Mass in Newcastle West Church on Wednesday 10th August followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery Newcastle West. Sympathy to his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, other relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Thomas (Tom) Treacy, Kilreash, Ardagh and Stokesfield, Shanagolden, peacefully at home in the loving care of his family on Saturday 6th August. Father of the late Aidan and baby Patrick, he was widely known and a retired member of the farming community. His remains lay in repose at Saint Senan’s Church Robertstown, Foynes, on Monday evening last. Requiem Mass on Tuesday 9th August followed by funeral to The Little Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, County Cork.. Sympathy to his wife Mary, children Willie, Mary, Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret, Thomas, Fiona and Joyce, sister Nora, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jimmy and Joan O’Connor Boughilbó, Kilcolman, who celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 4th August. Continued good health and happiness in the future.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Monday 8th August. The numbers drawn were 20,21,24,29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows.

€60 Teresa Ryan, Ardagh.

€60 Ita Dineen, Ardagh.

€60 Mike Mullins, c/o Moores.

€30 Stephen Kelly, c/o Bus Eireann.

€30 Mike Hayes, c/o Bus Eireann.

€30 Eamon Falahee, Newcastle West.

Next week’s draw takes place at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €9,800.

The annual Athea Trad Féile was held over the August Bank Holiday weekend and was a most enjoyable event.

Congratulations to all the local prize winners.

Congratulations to Ardagh native Vincent McCormack on his latest success with Foynes Yacht Club. Sailing Three Chevrons he won the Munster Cup in the National Mermaid Championship’s which were held in Fenit, County Kerry. The McCormack family are well known in sailing circles and have won numerous awards over the years.

Congratulations to local golfers Mossie Shine, Old Mill, and Dan Madden Coolcappa, members of the Newcastle West junior golf team, on their success in a recent competition in East Clare.

The latest Limerick G.A.A. Development Draw took place at O’Sullivan’s Bar, Rathkeale, on Friday 5th August. Saint Kieran’s members were out of luck on this occasion after Jody Heffernan’s great win in the July Draw. The next Draw will be on in O’Dwyer’s Bar, Cappamore, on Friday 2nd September.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Tournafulla 1-13 to 1-12 in Round 4 of the West Junior A Hurling Championship at Quaid Park, Coolyroe on Friday 5th August. It was their first defeat in the current campaign and a set back in their quest for a place in the knock out stages.

West Limerick 102 FM community Radio has been awarded a new 10 year broadcasting licence commencing on December 1st.

This is great news for all involved in the Station, whose hard work over the years has now been rewarded. Many people from the locality have given great service to the Station since it was set up and continued good wishes to all in the future.

The annual Mass will be celebrated at Ballyine Mass Rock Shrine on this Thursday evening 18th August at 7.30pm. It was celebrated there in ancient times when priests were forbidden to say Mass in Ireland. A local committee erected the present structure in 1954 for the Marian Year and it is celebrated on a regular basis since.

To mark heritage week (20-28 August ) a walk will be held on the Old Railway line from Rathkeale Palatine Centre to Ardagh Station House on this Sunday 21st August commencing at 3.00pm. On arrival tea and scones will be served at Ardagh Hall.

Wednesday 31st August is the last day to visit The Desmond Hall in Newcastle West. The site is open daily from 10.00am to 6pm with last admission at 5.15pm. Free guided tours are available at regular intervals, and admission is free. Telephone 069-77408.

The annual Mass will be celebrated at Reilig Mhuire Askeaton on Sunday 28th August at 2pm. All grave owners are asked to attend to their family graves prior to the Mass.

The annual Ardagh/Carrigkerry Saint Vincent de Paul pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will go ahead on Saturday 10th September.

Booking and further information from John Joe at 069-76280.

I will conclude with our thought

‘Opportunities are never lost, someone will take the one you miss’