Welcome to our weekly look at events making the news around the Carrigkerry area on this Sunday evening. It was a very windy week with lots of rain and one night’s frost. We bid farewell to the month of November and we welcome the month of December and the festive season. The run up to Christmas is a very busy time for all and the time passes very quickly. We also have the budget to focus the mind and lighten the pocket. We hope for a fair and just budget that will kick- start the economy and get the county on the move again.

Last Sunday’s Mass in Saint Mary’s was an anniversary Mass for the late Bill Ahern, Glensharrold and the Church Gate Collection was in aid of the Butterfly Club in Rathkeale.

The following are the Lottery results from Reens Bar, Ardagh, on Monday 21st. The numbers drawn were 2, 16, 28, 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows:

€60 Emma+ Declan Noonan,   Ardagh.

€60 Pa, Linda + Shane, c/o Stevo’s

€60 Emma + Maureen,  c/o C Noonan

€30 Shane Treacy,  Ardagh

€30 Patsy Kelly, c/o Curleys

€30 Pa, Mike, + Beatrice, c/o Moore’s

Next week’s draw takes place in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €12,800.

Congratulations to Moss O’Connor, and Patrick Sheehy, who were prizewinners, at the Flag Floor card game on Wednesday 16th November.

Carrig Celtic lost 3-2 at home to Athea Utd in the quarter final of the Reidy Cup on Sunday 20th November. Francis Moore and Pa O’Sullivan, scored the goals.

In Division 1 of the Desmond League, Old Mill drew 1-1 away to Adare Utd, with Brendan Hayes scoring their goal. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

Carrig Celtic B defeated Newcastle West B 4-2 at home in Round 2 of the Richard Hogan Cup. Dean Liston 2, Mike Murphy 1, and an own goal made up the total. In the Desmond Ladies Cup Kilcolman Rovers defeated Ballingarry 3-2 away with goals from Stephanie Downes, Sinead Dundon, and Catherine Quinn to progress to the semi-final. Carrig Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Glin, also in the Cup, with Bridget Liston scoring their goal.

Congratulations to Jack O’Connor, Kilcolman, and Desmond College, Newcastle West, (winner Tidy Towns and Villages Category), in The West Limerick Tourism/Super Valu Schools Photography Competition with support from West Limerick Resources. He was presented with his Award at a ceremony which took place in the Desmond Complex on Wednesday 16th November.

Saint Kieran’s Community Games Committee are looking forward to a very busy year ahead and would welcome more people getting involved in the various events. The four local schools will be competing in the Primary Schools Quiz in Shanagolden on Sunday 11th December. People who are interested in getting involved are asked to contact Catherine on 087-2941098.

Kilcolman Community Creche wish to recruit a relief childcare worker. The minimum qualification FETAC Level 5, and relevant experience an advantage. People who are interested are asked to email their CV to [email protected] .

People are asked to be more security conscious as we enter the dark months of Winter which offer thieves more opportunities to carry out their crimes. All properties should be secured at all times and gates locked to keep out vehicles when people are leaving their houses. Sensor lights, cameras and alarms should be also fitted if possible. Registration numbers of vehicles new to the area should be noted and Gardaí informed if they are acting in a suspicious manner. Neighbours should look out for each other and keep in close contact in a bid to safeguard their homes and possessions.

People are reminded that the road from Geoghegan’s Cross, to Keating’s Cross in Upper Glensharrold is closed to traffic at present due to the collapse of a bridge over the White River. A large hole has appeared on the road surface, due to the erosion of the stone and mortar underneath the bridge, caused by years of sweeping water and floods. The closure will affect many people in the area who use the road on a daily basis to carry out their farm work, school run, shopping and commuting to work. All users are urging Limerick County Council to repair the bridge ASAP, and not to leave it.

Carrigkerry Community Centre is providing a new information service to the general public from Monday 28th November, in association with West Limerick Resources. It will be similar to the service offered in the Market Yard Newcastle West, and people are welcome to call in during working hours, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 2pm. It will be closed on Tuesdays, as Doctor Murphy from Athea holds a weekly Clinic in the Centre, from 10.30am. The citizens advice centre will offer information in a confidential and sensitive manner on a wide range of subjects. These will include health, social welfare, farming issues, available courses and job opportunities, and the changes in the upcoming Budget. People will be able to receive information leaflets, handouts, and source information from the internet.

West Limerick Resources would like to hear from interested farmers, who wish to join a waiting list to fill future vacancies. To qualify for participation farmers must hold a current active herd number, and be in receipt of one of the following qualifying payments from the Dept of Social Protection. Farm Assist or Job Seekers Allowance. Disability Allowance (top up payment only)

Application forms and further information are available from Rural Social Scheme, Weigh House, Market Yard, Newcastle West. Tel 069-61540. Email [email protected] .

An Irish Night will take place in the Flag Floor Rambling House, Carrigkerry, on Thursday 1st December at 9.30pm. A great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed with plenty of music song and dance, craic and storytelling. Tea and refreshments will also be available. All welcome.

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.

The annual Ardagh/Carrigkerry senior citizens Christmas party will take place on Sunday 4th December in the Community Centre, Carrigkerry with Mass at 2pm followed by a hot lunch and entertainment for the afternoon.

Carrig Celtic club’s party will take place on Friday 9th December in the Community Centre at 8pm sharp. Fancy dress is optional. Tickets priced at €15 are currently available. Attendance is limited to 100 people. The club’s 300 draw will commence shortly. Slots are also available for the Astroturf for the coming year. Contact Pat for dates and times on 087-2750061.

There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for the four Sundays of Advent in Ardagh, starting this Sunday, 27th November, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity and facility for the parish community to make some preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas time…. and also to prepare for next year’s Eucharistic Congress.

I will conclude with our thought

‘If you think you can – you can’