Congratulations and best wishes to Helen Flynn, Ballyegna, Ardagh and Aonghus Gannon, County Kildare, who were married in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday 14^th July. The Reception was held in The Charleville Park Hotel.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday 30^th July. The numbers drawn were 1, 7,8,29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners.  €60 David Noonan, Ardagh. €60 Tom Griffin, c/o Seán Downey. €60 Pat Ryan, c/o Bus Eireann. €30 Bill Whelan, c/o Bus Eireann. €30 Jimmy McCarthy, Croagh. €30 M+P O’Connor, c/o Greaney’s. Next week’s draw will be held in Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €19,600.

Congratulations to Kilcolman natives Patsy and Gerry Nolan who were prizewinners at the Cattle Show at Abbeyfeale Mart on Saturday 28^th July. Jerry received the Supreme Champion Belgian Blue prize and Patsy, now living in Castlematrix, first prize for his Charlolais heifer.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Newcastle West by 2-10 to 1-10 in the West Limerick Junior B Football Championship played at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds, on Tuesday 24^thJuly.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Cappagh/Kilcornan by 1-21 to 1-05 in the West Limerick Minor B Football 12-A-Side Championship.

Saint Kieran’s meet Saint Patrick’s in Round 3 of the County Senior Football Championship in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Saturday 11^th August.

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, together with Milford Hospice Friends, wish to thank most sincerely all who contributed so generously in Newcastle West and the West Limerick area, towards the National Sunflower Days held on Friday/Saturday 8^th/9^th June. A special thank you to all the collectors who gave so willingly of their time to stand at the collection tables. The amount collected in the West Limerick area which included Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Dromcollogher, Foynes, Glin, Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Shanagolden was €13,206.60.

We regret the passing of writer Maeve Binchy who died in Dublin on Monday 30^th July. Her books gave joy and pleasure to so many readers over the years. She was an inspiration to many interested in the craft and very helpful to up and coming writers. She always made a big impression when she was interviewed on Radio and Television and came across as a very down to earth person. 

Mass was celebrated by Fr Madden in Ardagh Graveyard on Friday evening last 3^rd August on the eve of the feast of Saint Molua the patron Saint of Ardagh. A large crowd attended and the rain held off (apart from a light shower) thanks to the prayers of the parishioners. Eileen and Mossie Ambrose performed the official opening at the new gate into Saint Molua’s Well. The family gifted a strip of land to allow the new entrance from the Cemetery and the committee developed and landscaped around the Well area. It was a special Mass to remember all who are buried in the well maintained Cemetery including Bishop Lacey a former Bishop of Limerick Diocese. The Mass was followed by the Rosary and a round of the Cemetery which concluded at Saint Molua’s Well. Holy Water from the Well which was blessed earlier in the evening was distributed to all present to drink and to bring home. People who were visiting for the first time since the development were very impressed with the easy access into the Well and the paved area surrounding the Well. An Information Board outlines how to do the rounds on Pattern Day around the Well for spiritual healing, and how to pray for a specific area in need at the 7 special tiles in place.

It is a pleasure to visit the Well now since the recent development and upgrade mainly from voluntary work, and all involved deserve the gratitude of the parishioners for putting the facility in place. People assembled afterwards at the nearby Community Centre for tea and refreshments which were much appreciated.  A book on the life of Saint Molua compiled by Mary Kury was on sale and copies were snapped up by all present. It is a very interesting publication running to 28 pages and it costs only €3. Copies can be got by contacting Mary on 069-76980.

The Saint Molua’s Well Committee is holding a Church Gate collection in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on this coming Saturday/Sunday 11^th/12^th August. The proceeds will go to cover the outstanding bills.

A month’s mind Mass for the late Dan Ahern, Glensharrold Cross, will be celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday 11^th August at 10.15am.

The Palatine Museum Rathkeale is open to the general public for the month of August. The opening hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Admission adults €5, students €3, family €10 and IPA members are free.

The Youth 2000 Summer Festival for young people aged 16-35 takes place in Clonmacnois, County Offaly, from Thursday 9^th to Sunday 12^th August. More details on 01-6753690.

The annual special day of devotion in honour of Saint Pio will take place at the Capuchin Monastery, Rochestown, County Cork, on this coming Sunday 12^th August. A coach will leave the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 11.30am.  All are welcome to attend and to book contact Nora Enright at 087-3664449 or Pat Dalton at 069-62306.

The annual Mass to remember those who spent some time at Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre over the last ten years and have gone to their reward takes place in Dromcollogher Church on Sunday 12^th August at 7.30.pm. Relatives,  friends and neighbours are welcome to attend.

Mass will be celebrated in Kilscannell Graveyard, Reens, Ardagh on Wednesday 8^th August at 7.30pm.

Mass will be celebrated in Knockpatrick Graveyard on Sunday 12^th August at 2.30pm.

Mass will be celebrated at Ballyine Mass Rock, Old Mill on Monday 13^th August at 7.30pm.

Mass will be celebrated at Borrigone Blessed Well on Wednesday 15^th August at 3.pm.

Mass will be celebrated in Reilig Mhuire Graveyard Askeaton, on Sunday 26^th August at 3.pm. Grave owners are asked to attend to family graves prior to the Mass.

Creeves Celtic AFC Club registration will take place on Monday 13^th August from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Thatch Newbridge. This will be for the following age groups U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, and junior ladies. The Registration costs are as follows: from U-8 to U-16 will be €30 per player, and a family will cost€ 50 and junior ladies €35 per player. New players are always welcome.

Glenville House and Gardens, Glenville, Ardagh, will be open to the public from Friday 18^th August to Sunday 26^thAugust, from 9.30am to 1.30pm.Admission is €5, students €3, with children and OAP’s free.

Seisiún 2012 continues for the summer months and people can catch the show at two Limerick venues for the next month. Templeglantine branch holds their show in the Devon Inn on Thursday nights at 9pm and Cappamore branch holds their show in the Heritage Centre Adare on Tuesday nights at 8.30pm. A great evening of music song dance and storytelling is promised at both venues, and well worth a visit and all are welcome.

Desmond Hall, The Square, Newcastle West, is open for the 2012 season with free admission. The site is open daily from 10am to 6 pm, with last admission at 5.15pm. Free guided tours are available at regular intervals. The last day of the season will be Wednesday 29^th August, and more details from Tel 069-77408.

The Estuary Rugby Summer Camp will take place in Shanagolden Sportsfield from Tuesday 14^th to Friday 17^th August for boys and girls aged 6-16. The camp will commence with Registration on Tuesday morning 14^th and it will run from 10am to 1pm each day. The children are asked to bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks each day. Gumshields are compulsory and will be available from Estuary RFC.  The fee is €40 for one family member and €70 for two or more. All children must provide a parents or guardian’s contact number. Contact the club secretary for further information.

Newcastle West Flower Show will be held on Wednesday 15^th August from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and Thursday 16^thAugust from 7.pm to 9.pm, in Newcastle West Community Centre. The presentation of prizes is on Thursday night at 9pm. Entries to any committee member on or before 6pm Sunday 12^th August, or there will be a late entry fee charged. The exhibits will be received in the Community Centre on Tuesday night 14^th between 8pm and 10pm and Wednesday morning between 9.30am and 11.30am.There will be children’s and an adult section and a copy of the schedule is available from members of the committee, Jack & Joan Buicke, Pat Lenihan, Pat Dalton and Hannah Mortell.

The annual Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday 8^th September. Those who wish to travel can contact Mary on the Saint Vincent de Paul number 087-3537473.