by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry locality on this weather beaten September Sunday. We got a deluge of rain in the past week, putting an end to hopes of a few weeks dry and seasonal weather. A lot of turf still remains in some bogs, with access difficult through rain sodden passages.

Ken Ring, the New Zealand weather forecaster, has predicted a lot of dry weather from mid October to mid November. It will be most welcome, but too late to do any real work suited for the summer time.

A lot of people from the locality attended Listowel Festival and enjoyed the races and the entertainment around the town. Carrigkerry participated in the All Ireland Wrenboy Competition, on Friday night which was won by Coolaclare.

Martin McGuinness’ entry to the Presidential Election race will add some spice to what is a very dull campaign to date. David Norris is still hopeful of getting support to launch another bid to get his name on the ballot paper.

The crackdown on Social Welfare cheats is to be welcomed as the practise has continued for years on end with every Government turning a blind eye to it. If tackled and corrected it would free up money for special needs in our schools and keep more beds open in our hospitals. Saint Ita’s Hospital are getting a raw deal at present after all the fundraising done by so many people over the years. It is not right that the short stay respite beds should be taken out of the system at present.

I regret the passing of the Knight of Glin, after a long term illness. He was well liked and did a lot for the village and the country and will be sadly missed.

Ireland’s rugby team did us proud in New Zealand on Saturday morning in their pool match in the World Cup, defeating Australia by 9 points. It was a great boost for all the Irish people working and living down under.

All Ireland week-end with all the build up on TV, Radio and the Press. I enjoyed Up for the Match on TV, and Sunday Miscellany on Radio, and all the previews in the papers.

The match was close and exciting without being brilliant. It was good for the media and football that Dublin won, but really Kerry gave it away with their mistakes near the end. A draw would have pleased everyone and the referee should have played another few minutes injury time. A great win also for the Tipperary Minor Team.

The following are the Lottery results from last week’s draw held in Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday 12th September.

The numbers drawn were 1,12,23,26 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows.

€60 Margaret Sheahan, Ardagh.

€60 Mike Liston, Glenastar Ardagh.

€60 John Mullane, c/o Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry.

€30 Nora Cronin, Ardagh

€30 Noreen Noonan, Commons, Ardagh.

€30 Denis Woods, c/o Stevo’s Carrigkerry.

Next week’s draw will be in The Old Mill Bar and the Jackpot will be €10,800.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the students, who received their Junior Certificate results on Wednesday 14th September. It is an important exam, on the road to their chosen career, and best wishes for the next one.

Congratulations and best wishes, for the future also, to all the students who recently graduated from third level.

Congratulations to Maurice Windle, Bill Downes, Michael Moran, all Ardagh, winners of the Rathkeale Community Council’s Golf Classic, held at Newcastle West Golf Club on 9th/10th September.

Congratulations and best wishes to David Conway Ardagh and Ann Marie Heffernan Tullaha Broadford, who were married in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, on Saturday 27th August. Fr Larry Madden P.P. Ardagh, performed the Ceremony assisted by Fr Tony Kelleher, and the wedding reception was held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine.

In last week’s soccer action in Division 1 of the Desmond League, Carrig Celtic defeated Saint Ita’s 5-0 away to move closer to the top of the table. Francis Moore,2 Anthony Molyneaux,2 and Seanie King got the goals. Old Mill defeated Newcastle West 3-1 at home, with goals from Brian Crowley, Johnny Mc Carthy, and Kevin Crowley.

In Division 2 Kilcolman Rovers, continued their poor start losing 6-1 at home, with Jason Clifford scoring their goal.

In Division 3 Carrig Celtic B defeated Ballysteen 4-0 at home to increase their lead at the top of the table. Thomas Moran, Dean Liston, Diarmuid Mc Sweeney, and Timmy Mc Coy scored their goals.

In the ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1  at home to Ballingarry in the Premier Division, with Stephanie Downes finding the target. Carrig Celtic defeated Glin 2-0 at home in Division 1 with Michelle Brouder, and Bridget Liston scoring the goals.

We extend our sympathy to Mary O’Connell and family Coolanoran, Ardagh, following the death of her brother, Father John Cribbin OMI, Shanagolden, in Cahermoyle Nursing Home. He was laid to rest in Kilbradern Cemetery on Monday 12th September.

Congratulations to John and Peg Mulvihill, Sean Moriarty and Paddy Molyneaux, who were first prize winners at Rathkeale cards, on Wednesday 7th September.

Congratulations to Paddy Sheehy and Moss Kearney, and Jim Dalton and James Bridgeman, who shared first and second prize, at Shanagolden cards on Friday 9th September.

The weekly card game resumes in Ardagh Hall on Tuesday 20th September at 9.pm, and all are welcome.

Shannonvale Céilí Band from the West Limerick / North Kerry area, recently won this year’s All Ireland Competition in Cavan. Joe O’Sullivan, son of John, and grandson of the late Joe, Carrigkerry West was a member of the band. We congratulate Joe who continues the great family tradition and the other members on their success.

The time has arrived to submit material for the annual journals, and magazines, which are published in the West Limerick area.

The editors will be delighted to receive articles of interest and photographs to cover the areas where they are circulated.

We look forward to seeing all the old favourites in the shops in the coming months.

Best wishes to Kieran Madigan and family, Ardagh, on their new business venture in Askeaton. Their new Funeral Parlour, close to Saint Mary’s Church, is now available for use.

Carrig Celtic are holding a fund raising mock wedding in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Saturday 1st October, at 5.30pm.

A first for the village it promises to be a very entertaining night, with a sit down meal, drinks and music for one hundred guests.

The Centre has been painted and  decorated for the happy occasion and interest is growing on a daily basis, for the historic event.

A limited amount of tickets are available from committee members and all support will be appreciated.

The Coolcappa parent and toddler group reopened on Friday 16th September after the summer holidays. They meet each Friday from 11am to 12.30pm, in the Community Centre, Coolcappa. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend and more details from Rosemary on 085-1688307.

West Limerick Community Radio are holding a car boot sale and indoor market, in Newcastle West Community Centre, on Sunday 2nd October from 9am to 3pm.  Admission is € 2 and all support is most welcome.

I will conclude with our thought:

‘If you are losing your leisure, look out; you may be losing your soul’