by Tom Ahern

The death has taken place of Paddy Naughton, Kilscannell, Ardagh, late of P.B.R. husband of the late Kathleen.  He was a retired businessman and a native of the parish, growing up near Skehanagh Bridge. He came from a large family and was educated in Ardagh N.S. He worked for a harness maker in Rathkeale for a period and also for The Peoples Bakery in Rathkeale for 32 years. He married Kathleen O’Donnell who lived close by in 1950 and they were blessed with a family of four, Connie, Pat, Esther and Cathy. They resided in Kilscannell and opened The Estuary Fuel Station and repair Shop in the eighties.  They provided a fine service for the locals and enjoyed a good passing trade. They were married for 55 years but sadly Kathleen died seven years ago. Paddy eased his workload and closed his shop in recent times. His health declined and he was a patient in Adare and District Nursing Home in recent months. He had a passion for horse and greyhound racing and his favourite jockey was Tony Mc Coy. He enjoyed his visits to The Desmond Complex Newcastle West in recent times and he was a people’s person. He will be sadly missed by all he encountered along life’s highway.

His remains lay in repose in his residence from 6pm on Tuesday evening followed by removal to Saint Molua’s  Church, Ardagh. His Funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Larry Madden P.P. Ardagh/Carrigkerry, Fr Willie Russell Rathkeale, Fr Phonsie Cullinan,  Rathkeale and Fr Denis Mullane Coolcappa/Kilcolman. It was a celebration of Paddy’s long life with family members assisting in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts and life symbols.  Fr Madden in his well prepared homily paid tribute to the late Paddy and the ceremony was enriched by the singing of Anne-Marie, and Eoin. Family members paid tribute also and read a lovely tribute poem “To Dad” from his family. Burial took place in Kilscannell Cemetery close to his home on Wednesday 18^th July. Sympathy to his sons Connie and Pat, daughters Esther O’Gorman and Cathy Prendeville, sister Kathleen Reynolds, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family, relations and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Michael (Mick) Healy, London and formerly of Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry and Bishop Street, Newcastle West. His Requiem Mass and Cremation was held in London on 18^th May where large crowds attended to pay their respects to the family. Mick was one of a family of 13 children born to Tim and Johanna Healy in Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry. He attended the local School and worked for a time with farmers, as he liked the land. He worked also in Croom doing carpentry for a while. He emigrated to England in 1958 like so many of his friends and worked as a carpenter in the building industry. Mick liked to dance and socialize and was very popular within his circle. He was a patriotic Irishman whose wish was to be laid to rest with his parents in Newcastle West. He was pre deceased by four of his family members. Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul by Fr Pat Bluett at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West, followed by Interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West, on Tuesday 17^th July. It was a lovely ceremony with family members participating and Fr Bluett recalling his path through life. His daughter thanked all who helped the family to organise the Mass and Interment, Fr Bluett for the lovely ceremony and all the people present. She recited a nice poem in tribute to her late father who would have been 73 years old on the day. Sympathy to his wife, five children, brothers, sisters and extended family members, relations and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Neary (née Ryan). Kickham Street. Kilkenny City peacefully at home on Friday 13^thJuly. Her remains reposed in her home on Saturday from 5pm followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Cathedral.  Burial took place following Requiem Mass in Saint Kieran’s Cemetery on Sunday 15^th July. Sympathy to her sons Tom (also wife Marie and family Ardagh) Paddy, John (Michael) daughters Margaret, Rita and Catherine and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Elizabeth (Betty) O’Connor (née Keane) of Mill Street, Bruree. Her remains reposed at Daffy’s Funeral Home, Kilmallock, from 5pm followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Bruree. Burial took place following Requiem Mass in Ardagh Cemetery on Saturday 14^th July. Sympathy to her family relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The following are the lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday  16^th July. The numbers drawn were 2,13,20,22, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Jason Jones, c/o Reens Bar. €60 Peter Buston, c/o Curley’s. €60 Phil O’Connor, c/o Reens Bar. €30 BB c/o Haircraft, Ardagh, €30 Amy Magner, c/o Neary’s Bar. €30 Seamus Behan, c/o Neary’s Bar. Next week’s draw will be held in The Old Mill Bar, and the Jackpot will be €19,200.

Congratulations to Old Mill soccer team who defeated Newcastle West 3-2 in the final of the Over 35 Desmond Cup at Templeglantine on Friday 13^th July. Mike Behan 2 and Johnny Hanlon scored for the Old Mill selection. Mike Behan was Man of the Match and Jim Molyneaux the Captain.

Congratulations to James McCormack and family Glenville, Ardagh, on their recent sailing success at Foynes Yacht Club. The crew of Alpara, with James, as skipper, Darragh, Cian, Jamie, Mary and Patricia McCormack, Anna Lowes, Chris McDaid and Mary Glynn, were overall winners of the White Sails Division.

I always look forward to the Olympic Games which takes place every four years. The earliest memories come from listening to the progress of the Irish participants on National Radio. The Games were held over three weeks and the weekly and Sunday papers were also scanned for news and photos. We got to know the different events and the times, distances and record holders. The Television coverage when it arrived advanced our knowledge still further as we could see the action unfolding before our eyes. It was mighty and far more exciting than going to the garden, bog or meadow. The outside work suffered for those three weeks or so, but we soon caught up on the work due to the long dry and sunny summer weather. We treasure those great memories of sport from our carefree youthful days. What a different Ireland now as we experience the worst recession in many years added to one of the worst summers we ever got.

This year’s games commence on this Friday 27^th July and Ireland is sending a record number of competitors and a few from Limerick. London stage the Games for the third time in Olympic history and many Irish people will get a chance to see the action live. The city holds fond memories for one West Limerick family from the 1908 Games. On the 26^th of July Tim Ahearne from Direen, Athea, jumped into Olympic history by winning the Gold Medal in the Hop-Step-and Jump event. This Thursday is the 104^th Anniversary of this great feat, which was recalled in book form four years ago to mark the Centenary of West Limerick’s only Gold Medal win. Tim and his brother Dan brought great honour and glory to the village by the river Gale and were true ambassadors for West Limerick. We look forward to the Games and hope that Ireland can win a few medals.

The festival of Lughnasa will be held in Knockfierna this coming Saturday/Sunday 28^th /29^th July, Ireland’s only non –booze festival. A display of High Nelly Bicycles and cycle along the hillside will also be held on Sunday. Contact Pat on 087-9977340 for more details.

A charity céilí in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held in The Community Centre, Knockaderry on Sunday 29^thJuly. Music by the Striolán Céilí Band and dancing from 4pm to 7pm with lots of spot prizes and tea will be served. All support will be much appreciated.

Volunteers with experience of working or volunteering with older people are wanted to make phone calls to isolated older people one morning per week as part of the new West Limerick Phone Connect project. All volunteers will be Garda vetted. The service offers a weekly phone call to older people and other isolated people in West Limerick in order to check in on them and have a chat. Contact Irene in West Limerick Resources at 06966298 or [email protected] for further details.