by Tom Aherne

Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry district on this Sunday evening. Temperatures remain high but we got a lot of misty and foggy weather over the past week. Hopes of a county title were dashed when Father Casey’s defeated Saint Kieran’s by 3 points in the Minor final in the Gaelic Grounds. Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an Anniversary Mass for the late Siobháin Ahern, and the Diocesan Needs Collection was taken up. A new rota of Mass readers is being drawn up at present and if interested contact Father Madden on 069-76121. The Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Pastoral Council will meet in the Sacristy in Ardagh on next Monday night 24th October at 8.00pm.

The death has taken place of Nancy Sheehy (nee Tierney) 1 Knockane, Newcastle West, and formerly of Saint Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry, at Limerick Regional Hospital on 13th October. She was a native of Maiden Street, Newcastle West and was 76 years old. She was a homemaker who devoted her life to her family. The loss of her husband Jack 27 years ago was a big blow to Nancy who was always there for her children and grandchildren. The family lived in Ballyloughane before their move to Saint Mary’s Terrace when the Estate was build in the seventies. Nancy moved to Knockane in later years, and was a good neighbour and friend to all. She was a quiet person and her faith meant a lot to her. She will be sadly missed by all her old neighbours and friends around the Carrigkerry area and likewise in Newcastle West.

Her remains reposed at her residence on Friday night last from 5.00 to 9.00pm. Her Funeral Mass was held at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West on Saturday morning. Father Richard Keane Concelebrated with assistance from Fr Duhig, Fr Bluett, and Fr Larry Madden P.P. Ardagh/Carrigkerry. Family members assisted in the readings, offertory and prayers of the faithful. Fr Keane paid tribute to Nancy in his homily dealing with the well chosen readings and her love for family. Burial took place in Templeathea Cemetery on Saturday 16th October. We extend our sympathy to her children Margaret, Mary, Anne, Pauline, Joan, Bridget,  Gerry, John, Mike and extended family members, other relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Lil O’Riordan (nee Doody)  in England. She was a native of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry and in her eighties. She emigrated to England in her young years, like so many more, returning on visits over the years. Her Funeral Service was held in England on Tuesday 18th October. Sympathy to her family and to her brother Joe and family in Shanagolden. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Alan Sheehan, Ardagh and Iwona Kozak, from Poland, who were married recently in Cork.

Congratulations to Maireád Nally Ryan, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry, on achieving membership of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) at a new members ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.

The following are the Lottery results from Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh, on Monday 10th October. The numbers drawn were 6,9,12,30, and there was no Jackpot winner.

Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows:

€60 Daniel Duggan,  Ardagh.

€60 Jim Molyneaux, Ardagh.

€60 Pat + Beatrice O’Connor, Glenastar, Ardagh.

€30 Josephine Kiely, Ardagh.

€30 J+T Curley,  Ardagh.

€30 Seán Ryan,  Ardagh.

Next week’s draw takes place in Peadar’s Bar in Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €11,400.

The September Limerick G.A.A. Development Draw was held in Reens Bar, Ardagh, on Friday 7th and unfortunately there was no local winners joined up with Saint Kieran’s Club. The next draw will be held on Friday 4th November in Storan’s Bar Croom.

Congratulations to Sorcha O’Connor, Ardagh, who won the special bonus prize, of €250 in the Newcastle West Rugby Club Draw which was held in Cleary’s Bar, Newcastle West on Friday 7th October.

In last week’s soccer action in Round 1 of the Reidy Cup in the Desmond League, it was mixed fortunes for the local sides. Carrig Celtic defeated Creeves Celtic 4-0 away with goals from Seánie King 2, Pa O’Sullivan, and John Doyle. Old Mill defeated Saint Ita’s B 3-0 away with goals from Stephen Doody 2, and Brendan Hayes. Kilcolman Rovers lost 6-3 at home after extra time, with goals from Donal Balfe, Liam Murphy, and Ian Mackessy. Carrig Celtic B lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle West B.

In the Desmond Ladies League Division 1 Carrig Celtic lost 5-3 away to Adare, with goals from Bridget Liston 2, and Michelle Brouder. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

Old Mill drew with Monagea 1-8 to 3-2 in the County Junior Ladies Football Final in Rathkeale on Saturday 8th October. The U-11 girls won the A Cup defeating Monagea, in the final match of the Blitz, at the same venue. Well done to all involved in the win and best wishes in the replay.

It is a great honour for a club, its players, officers, and supporters,  to contest a County final in any grade and this honour fell to the Saint Kieran’s club on Sunday last 16th October. Flags flew high around the parishes, and villages, plus good luck signs, to show the peoples support for the minor football team, and management. It was a long campaign of training and matches to reach this special day with sacrifices having to be made along the way. The final build-up generated a lot of interest amongst the supporters, where ever they gathered, and hopes were high of a good result. People converged on Limerick Gaelic Grounds from all corners of Ardagh, Carrigkerry Kilcolman and Coolcappa on Sunday afternoon to give their support and to cheer on their team.

Success eluded the team for the 2nd year in a row as they lost 1-8 to 0-8 to Father Casey’s. It was a match that could have been won as the team enjoyed a lot more possession over the hour. Missed chances, a few refereeing decisions and a little cuteness on the opposition line were all factors in the result. Hard luck to all involved and congratulations to Father Casey’s on their win.

The Bereavement Support Group are facilitating a bereavement support programme for all those who have suffered bereavement. The course will take place in the Parish Centre (beside the church) on Thursday 20th October at 8pm, and it will run for 6 weeks. All are welcome and this course is not confined to Newcastle West parish.

The deadline for the submission of material and photographs for the 2011 Limerick G.A.A. Yearbook is Monday 24th October. All clubs are invited to submit articles running to 700 words, and 4 photographs, and individuals to submit articles of interest. by e-mail to [email protected].

The Holy Rosary is being recited at Churchtown Grotto, Newcastle West, each evening during the month of October at 7pm.

West Limerick Community Radio are holding a car boot sale and indoor market at the Community Centre, Newcastle West on Sunday 30th October from 9am-3pm. To book a stall contact Marian on 087-6866450. All support will be much appreciated and admission is €2.

On Thursday, October 20th Newcastle West Library will host Story telling; Music, Dance & facepainting as part of Limerick Language Alive Week.  Running from 11:00 to 12:30 it is open to preschoolers & their parents/ Guardians

Individuals on the live register or in receipt of Disability Allowance; Invalidity Pension; Lone Parents Allowance; Farm Assist along with Individuals who don’t qualify for social welfare payment because of their spouse’s income or individuals who have accepted redundancy payments are invited to take part in one day taster computer classes in the Newcastle West Community Centre on Tuesday October 26th.   Students will complete one of the  following seven modules with a trainer or facilitator: Getting Started; Getting Online; Photo; Video; Music ; Social-surf; Web-share. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 069 66298

If you are interested in sharing & learning skills in knitting, sewing, crochet or other crafts you are welcome to come along to Crafty Corner in the Newcastle West Community Centre on Tuesday’s at  7:30pm. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 069 66298 or text 087 2298204.

The Newcastle West Family and Community Hub hosts “Parents Time” each Tuesday at 11am.  Starting October 4th there will be beginners dance such as salsa and zumba (for one week) followed by a Coffee morning to plan activities.  Open to lone parents, immigrants, parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement or other social welfare payments or any parent who could do with extra supports.

I will conclude with our thought:

‘What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t witness with your mouth’