by Tom Aherne
Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry District on this Sunday evening. The wet and windy weather is back after the nice dry spell in recent weeks. It was an interesting week for our Government with a resignation, and items of the Budget being leaked. The increase in VAT will hit all households badly in the run up to Christmas, but an increase in tax would be worse I suppose. If money is taken from source people have no choice, but if added in VAT people have a choice, if a limited one.
Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an Anniversary Mass for the late Jimmy and Teresa Fitzgerald and the Church gate collection was in aid of the Old Mill Sports Club.
Sunday was World Remembrance Day for road traffic victims and services were held in a number of centres around Ireland. To date, 168 people have been killed on Irish roads this year.
Congratulations and best wishes to Patricia O’Connor, Glenastar, Ardagh, who celebrated her 21st birthday with family and friends at the Ballintemple Inn, Newcastle West, on Friday night last 18th November.
The following are the lottery results from Peadar’s Bar,Ardagh on Monday 14th November. The numbers drawn were 7,11,14,15, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows.
€60 Jessie James, Hair Craft, Ardagh.
€60Betty + Paddy OCon nor, Carrigkerry.
€60 Nora Collins, Park, Ballyhahill.
€30 Nora (N) Ambrose, Ardagh.
€30 Karen Mullane, c/o Curleys, Ardagh.
€30 MaryFoley, Knocknagun,Carrigkerry.
Next week’s draw takes place in Reen’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €12,600.
Congratulations to Moss O’Connor, and Patrick Sheehy, who were prizewinners, at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 9th November. Cards each Wednesday at 9pm, and all are welcome.
Congratulations to John Mulvihill, and Vinnie Wrenn, who were first prize winners, at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday 11th November.
Cards continue in the Community Hall, Ardagh, on Tuesday evenings, at 9pm, and all are welcome.
In last week’s soccer action in the Desmond League, Division 1 Carrig Celtic defeated Killeaney 1-0 at home , to move 4 points ahead at the top of the table. Seánie King scored the all important goal in the second half.
Kilcolman Rovers lost 3-1 at home to Broadford Utd B in Division 2 with Peter Murphy scoring the goal.
Carrig Celtic B defeated Saint Ben’s 3-1 away to move 4 points clear at the top of Division 3, with goals from Tony Doyle, Dean Liston, and Timmy McCoy. Old Mill had no fixture.
In ladies soccer Carrig Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Adare in the First Division, with Michelle Brouder scoring the goal. Kilcolman Rovers had no match.
Operation Christmas Shoebox Appeal says a big “thank you’’ to the children and parents of Carrigkerry N.S. who donated 41 shoeboxes to the appeal. The older children also knitted a baby blanket which will be very welcome in some home.
Congratulations to Niamh Enright, Coolcappa N.S. 1st Prizewinner in the 8-10 age category at the Poster and Art Competition, sponsored by Cois Sionna Credit Union, Askeaton. Congratulations also to Catherine Aherne, Glensharrold and Colaiste Mhuire, Askeaton, 1st Prizewinner in the 14-17 age category. The Prizegiving Ceremony was held in the Credit Union Askeaton on Wednesday 9th November. Best of luck to both girls who now progress to have their work judged at Chapter Level.
Congratulations to Patrick J O’Connor Coolanoran, Ardagh, on the launch of his latest book ‘’So Long To Coolanoran’’. His second book of Memoirs was launched by Minister Jimmy Deenihan at the Courtenay Lodge Newcastle West on Monday 14th November.
Congratulations to Stephen Power, the Ardagh based photographer, on the launch of his new book, ‘’Traditional Notes A Celebration of Irish Music and Musicians,’’ at the Irish World Academy of Music and dance, on Wednesday, November 16th.
West Limerick Indoor Bowls Club based at Halla Tadhg Gaelach, Tournafulla, has opened a Junior section for children of 14 years of age. It is requested they may be accompanied by a parent/grandparent/ guardian. It will cost €2 per session for the Junior members. The Club has added Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to their meeting hours. New members, and spectators, are most welcome, and if interested please contact Kieran on 087-0616519 or Angela on 069-81936.
The annual Christmas raffle in aid of Coolcappa Community Hall will be held on Wednesday 14th December. All proceeds will go towards the insurance and the upkeep of the hall. Raffle Cards are in circulation throughout the parish, and all support greately appreciated.
Congratulations to Dan Brouder, Camas, Monagea, on the launch of his C.D. “The Lark’s Air’’ in Ennis on Friday 11th November. Donal O’Sullivan, the Carrigkerry musician, is also featured on the traditional C.D. which is a welcome addition for music lovers and collectors.
Saint Kieran’s Community Games, are working away behind the scenes at present and offers of help will be very much appreciated. If interested please contact Catherine on 087- 2941098.
Saint Kieran’s G.A.A. Club are holding their AGM in Ardagh Community Hall on Friday 25th November at 8.pm and all are welcome to attend .
Kevin Meade was a member of the Limerick team/ panel that lost to Kerry by 2-11 to 0-13 in the Munster Vocational Schools B Football Final played in Mallow on Thursday 10th November.
The Eucharistic Congress Bell visited the Ardagh and Carrigkerry Primary Schools on Tuesday 15th.
The Ardagh Calendar in aid of Saint Molua’s Well Project is currently on sale in local outlets around the area, at a cost of €10. It includes nice photos from days gone by and would make a nice gift for a friend.
A new series of monthly afternoon tea dancing commences in Carrigkerry Community Centre, on Sunday 27th of November, from 2.30 to 5.30. Music by Donie + Maura, and Admission €5. Tea will be served and a Raffle held for good prizes. Note there will be no dance in December due to Christmas. Dancing will recommence again on the fourth Sunday in January. All the proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Community Centre, and all support will be much appreciated.
Kilcolman Rovers are holding a Table Quiz in Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Friday 25th November.
West Limerick Community Radio are holding an Open Day at the Newcastle West studios, on Sheehan’s Road, from 11am -12noon, and 4-5pm on Saturday 26th November. New people are needed to get involved as volunteers, so please contact the Station on 069-66200 if interested.
Saint Ita’s Community Hospital Remebbrance Mass for deceased patients/residents, will be held in the Hospital Chapel on Sunday 27th November at 3.00pm. Family members and friends are invited to attend.
West Limerick Community Radio are holding their next Car Boot Sale and indoor market in Newcastle West Community Centre, on Sunday 27thNovember, from 9am to 3pm.
Carrig Celtic present Santa Claus, at Carrigkerry Community Centre on Saturday 3rd December at 2.30pm. Forms are available at the School and at Stevo’s Shop, and it costs €10 per child. A very enjoyable day of music, fun and games is looked forward to.
The County Finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh take place in Ardagh Community Centre, on Sunday 4th November.
On the sporting front, Ireland progressed to next year’s European soccer finals after seeing off the Estonia challenge.
Ronan O’Gara did the business again for the Munster rugby team, with another drop goal with the last kick to defeat Castres.
Congratulations to Effin who defeated Ballyduff by 3 points to win the Munster Intermediate Hurling title in Newcastle West on Sunday. It was a very exciting game played before a large and passionate crowd who were urging on their favourite teams.
Limerick could have solved their centre back position after the tremendous display by Nicky Quaid.
I will conclude with our thought
‘A smile is a curve that sets everything straight’.