The sudden death of James ‘Jimmy’ O’Dwyer at his residence No. 7 O’Connor Park, Ardagh, on Thursday 30^th August, caused widespread regret around the village and beyond. Jimmy was in his late fifties, and a native of Main Street Croom. He came from a family of nine, and he was predeceased by two of his brothers. Jimmy and his wife Mary came to live at O’Connor Park, about twenty five years ago, and settled well into the community. Jimmy worked in Aughinish Alumina, Borrigone and Devon Wood Ardagh over the years. He also worked in the C.E. Scheme in Ardagh, up to a few months ago. Jimmy was a quiet person, who liked to walk his dogs and play a game of cards and darts and he was a regular at the local Bingo venues. Jimmy and Mary could be seen out and about together and doing their shopping in Newcastle West and having time for a chat with all the people they would meet. He will be sadly missed by Mary, family members, relations and his many friends around Croom and Ardagh.

His remains were removed from Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, on Saturday evening 1^st September. Fr Larry Madden concelebrated his Funeral Mass on Sunday afternoon and a good crowd was in attendance. Family members and friends assisted in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts and Kevin McCarthy supplied appropriate hymns. F.A.S. members were thanked for their assistance and they also formed a guard of honour for their late co-worker as his coffin was taken from the Church to the hearse. Jimmy was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West, on Sunday 2^nd September. Sympathy is extended to his wife Mary, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relations, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of John Patrick O’Kelly (known as John R) Rooskagh West, Carrigkerry, Athea, at Saint Catherine’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West, on Thursday 6^th September.  He was husband of the late Nora Flynn for over fifty years until her passing a few years ago. He was a retired member of the farming community and in his early eighties. He was the eldest of twelve in the family who were long time residents of Rooskagh. John and Nora raised a family of five on their small farm and he also engaged in contracting work over the years. He liked the horses and attending the Listowel Races and he also enjoyed the cut and trust of the Fair Day. He took a deep interest in politics and he was a Peace Commissioner for a period as well. John enjoyed a life of good health but suffered memory loss in recent years which necessitated time spent in Saint Ita’s Hospital and more recently in Saint Catherine’s Nursing Home.

His remains were removed from Reidy’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West, to Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Friday evening last. His Requiem Mass on Saturday was concelebrated by Fr Larry Madden, Fr Denis Mullane, Fr Terry Loughran, Fr Willie Russell, and Fr Phonsie Cullinan. Family members assisted in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory gifts which included life symbols associated with John, crucifix, race card, daily paper, hat, radio.  Fr Larry, in his homily, traced John’s life and times and the hymns were appropriate and the Church was full for his funeral Mass. He was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on a sunny Saturday 8^th September. We extend our sympathy to his sons John, Gerard, daughters Madeline Meade, Esther Cusack and Helen Hartnett, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.  He will be sadly missed by family, relations and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from The Thatch Bar Newbridge, on Monday 3^rd September. The numbers drawn were 10,15,19,24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners, €60 Amanda Kinsella, Old Mill. €60 MMJSB, Adams c/o Curley’s. €60 Daniel Daly Junior c/o The Thatch Bar. €30 Ann Sheahan, Newcastle West. €30 Jack Flaherty c/o Curley/s. €30 Kate, Patrice and Mary Kennerick c/o Moore’s. Next week’s draw takes place in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be € 20,000.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Kathleen Buckley, Kilcolman, and Richard Pierce, Broadford, who were married in Cyprus on Thursday 2^nd August.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Kay O’Connor, and Adrian Nolan, who were married in Saint Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa, on Saturday 1^st September and held their reception In the Strand Hotel in Limerick.

Carrig Celtic defeated Newcastle West Rovers away by 3-0 in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday 2^nd September. Sean McSweeney, Anthony Molyneaux and Ray Cahill scored the goals that left them joint top of the table. Carrig Celtic B drew 1-1 at home to Newcastle West B in Division 2 with Tony Doyle getting the all important goal. Kilcolman Rovers drew 3-3 away to Saint Ben’s in Division 3 with Michael Martin, 2 and Michael Moran scoring their goals. Old Mill had no game.

Rathkeale/Ardagh drew 2-13 each with Saint David’s, in the West Final of the Minor B Hurling Championship at Knockaderry Gaelic Grounds on Monday 3^rd September. The teams were level at 1-9 each at half-time.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Saint Senan’s by 2-7 to 1-6 in the West Minor Football 12 A Side semi-final at Askeaton Gaelic Ground’s.

Limerick County Council has allocated funding to carry out energy efficiency works in a number of estates in the Newcastle West and Rathkeale Electoral Areas. In partnership with Airtricity, Kingspan and Southill Development Co-op work will take place in some council houses in the area including Rooskagh Court and Saint Mary’s Terrace in Carrigkerry.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch announce their new classes schedule for the coming season. Set dancing commence on Wednesday12th September with beginners between 5-6pm and all other dancers at 6pm. Music classes will commence on Tuesday 18^th September, and registration took place on Tuesday 11^th. All instruments catered for including bodhrán and drums. For additional information contact 069-76448 or 069-82074.

Limerick County Council wish to advise all registered community groups, tidy towns committees, residents associations, and local businesses that application forms and particulars are now available for the following initiatives for 2012. The priming grant must be used for the purpose of purchasing trees, shrubs, brushes, shovels, street furniture and other incidental items which are required to carry out maintenance and improvement works. The closing date for to apply for the grant is Friday 28^thSeptember.  Application forms and details are available from Community & Enterprise Section, Limerick County Council, County Hall, Dooradoyle, County Limerick. Phone: 061-496454. Website: www.lcc.ieunder the Community& Enterprise Section.

The old analogue TV signal received with people’s aerial will be switched off at 10am on Wednesday 24^TH October, and Saorview is the free digital replacement. With Saorview you get all your favourite Irish Channels in superb digital quality that means sharper pictures, better sound all for free.  A Coffee morning to explain the Digital switchover was held in Carrigkerry Community Centre, on Wednesday 25^thJuly.   Clint Sexton from West Limerick Recourses was present to explain to people what they needed to do to continue to receive a television signal from Wednesday 24^th October. People can either choose to upgrade to Saorview, the national TV Service, for a once off cost, or choose to install a Pay TV Service, such as Sky or Chorus/NTL. The meeting was held for people in the community who may need help with the switchover, but the attendance was disappointing. Clint answered the questions he was posed and asked those present to call to elderly people who may need help with the switchover. He offered advice to people, telling them to ignore salesmen calling with Saorview boxes or other aids to receive the service. He advised people to contact genuine dealers at all times to receive their boxes if needed. They can be purchased at Dairygold Co-op Ardagh, for €59 per box. People who missed the event and may need information about the Switchover can call to meet Eileen at Carrigkerry Community Centre. She will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, with the exception of Tuesday when Doctor Murphy from Athea holds his weekly clinic from 10,30am. Remember people who do nothing with their old analogue TV signal will see nothing either.

A new 5 part series ‘Dancing Shoes and no Booze’ is being broadcast on West Limerick 102FM at present. It is an in-depth look at the showband scene in West Limerick and the surrounding area, covering the fifties, sixties and the seventies. It is a trip down memory lane for people who lived through this most exciting period in the music industry. It features people who were directly involved in bringing much joy and happiness to so many. It commenced on Tuesday 28^th August and it is broadcast on Tuesday’s from 8-9pm and it is repeated each Friday night from 10.30pm. It is well worth listening into for all showband followers,

Adapt Domestic Abuse Services is asking women to take part in the Women’s Mini Marathon, in Limerick next month to raise much-needed funds for the association. Adapt House provides a safe refuge for women and children 24 hours, 365 days a year. It has 14 self contained apartments and also provides a 24 hour freephone helpline on 1800 200 504.