Sean Fitzgerald, Batt’s Bar
accepting his Award from
Chairman Henry Moran for
‘Best Traditional Business Premises 2012’

Helen Browne, Best Kept Business Premises and Best kept Window Boxes and Hanging Baskets

Anne Denihan ‘Best Kept Front Garden on Approach Road 2012’

Adare Bypass refusal a blow to Kerry and West Limerick – Ferris

The decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the proposed N21 Adare bypass is a blow to Kerry and West Limerick according to Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris.
Adare is a massive bottleneck for traffic travelling to and from Kerry and West Limerick and this decision will do nothing to enhance the county’s already struggling economy.
He added that Kerry Group’s recent decision to locate 900 new jobs in Naas was a stark reminder of the neglect that this region has faced by central government.
Deputy Ferris said: “This decision is very disappointing and represents a blow to Kerry and West Limerick. Adare is a severe bottleneck for traffic travelling to and from this county and is badly in need of a bypass. I believe that anything up to 10,000 cars have to pass through the town on a daily basis.
“Anyone travelling from Dublin to Kerry will tell you that it is great until you reach Adare where you are often met with extremely long and frustrating tailbacks. It is often the same on the Kerry side.
“Last week we were given a stark reminder of the problems we face as a region when Kerry Group chose to locate 900 new jobs in Kildare. I’m not pretending that the lack of decent road access is the only issue we face, but it certainly is part of the problem and this bypass would have been a huge boost.
“This is a setback for businesses, tourism and anyone who travels in and out of Kerry on a frequent basis”.

Athea Tidy Towns

Results of the Local Competitions 2012

Best Kept Front Garden in Housing Estates:   Winner- Sandra O’ Sullivan, Hillside Drive.

Highly Commended: Helen Sheehan, Hillside Drive

Best Kept Garden on Approach Road:  Winner- Anne Denihan, Lower Road.

Highly Commended:  Maria Woulfe, Templeathea

Best Kept Business Premises:  Winner-Browne’s Shop, Colbert Street.

Highly Commended:  O’ Riordan’s Pharmacy, Colbert Street

Best Kept Window Boxes/ Hanging Baskets: Winner- Browne’s Shop, Colbert Street.

Highly Commended: William Murphy, 4 Galeside.

Traditional Business Premises Award: Winner- Batt’s Bar, Colbert Street.

Congratulations and best wishes for the future to Caroline Geoghegan, daughter of Hannora and Tommy, Ballylin, Ardagh and Mossie Harnett, Ballyconway, Newcastle West, who were married in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, on Saturday 6th October.  The reception was held in the Devon Inn, Templeglantine.

The following are the Lottery results from Foley’s Bar, Reens,  Ardagh, on Monday 15th October. The numbers drawn were 1,11,24,26, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners, €100 Sammy Downey Shanagolden. €60 Joan Corbett c/o Reens Bar. €60 Anthony Fitzsimons c/o Peadar’s Ardagh. €60 Brendan Jones c/o Reens Bar. €30 Paddy O’Sullivan c/o Josie. €30 Lucy McGrath c/o Noonan’s. €30 Tom + Boxcar c/o Neary’s Bar. Next week’s draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €20,000.

Congratulations to the Broderick Clan, Ardagh, who won the special bonus prize of €250 in the Newcastle West Rugby Club Draw which was held in Shanahan’s Bar, Strand on Friday 12th October.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Old Christians by 1-5 to 0-2 in the County U-14 Football Division 3 Final at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale, on Saturday 13th October. The teams were level at two points each at half time. Colum Copse scored 1-1, Larry Ward 0-2 and Kealan O’Connor and Evan Donovan 0-1 each. Larry Ward was the Captain, and Mick Molyneaux, Peter O’Connor, and Seamus Ambrose, the team mentors. TEAM/PANEL Larry Ward, Robert Bradley, Darren Kelly, Cillian Ambrose,  Darragh Breen, Noel Callanan, Denis Cronin, JJ Cronin, Evan Donovan, Denis Fitzgerald, Stephen Hennessy, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Brian McCarthy,Thomas Mullins, Michael Murphy, Darragh O’Connor, Kealan O’Connor, Patrick O’Connor, Larry Ward, Colum Copse, Stephen Copse.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Oola by 2-10 to 3-8 in the opening match of this year’s County U-21 Football Championship at Kilbreedy on Friday 12th October.

Congratulations to Old Mill U-11 ladies football team who won the County A Blitz in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Saturday 13th October.

Carrigkerry defeated Meenakilly in the Primary School Football semi final on Wednesday last, to progress to a final meeting with Ahalin.

A number of club players have been assisting the newly formed West Limerick schools teams in the Harty Cup and the Corn úi Mhuirí Competitions in recent weeks. The team is picked from students attending Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Rathkeale.
Saint Kieran’s will play Monagea in the County Junior a Hurling Final on this coming Saturday 27th October. They will hope to bridge a 27 year gap back to their last success in 1985 when they defeated Feenagh/ Kilmeedy in both the West and County finals. A large support is anticipated and flags and banners are much in evidence in the run up to the decider. We extend best wishes to the team, management, and officers, and hope the silverware will be won.

Old Mill drew 1-1 at home to Breska Rovers in Division 1 of the Desmond League, on Sunday 14th October. Brian O’Neill scored the goal which moved them up the League table. Kilcolman Rovers have been unable to field teams in recent weeks, and they have withdrawn from Division 3. Carrig Celtic teams had no games this week.

In the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Ballingarry 1-0 in the Premier League, and Carrig Celtic defeated Creeves Celtic 8-2 in Division 1.

Congratulations to Mike Kearney, Martin Flynn, Peter Fitzsimons, Con Enright and Moss O’Connor who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 10th October.

The annual €2,000 card game will take place in the hall Raheenagh, on Tuesday 20th November at 9pm sharp. The admission is €10 with all the proceeds going towards the hall’s upkeep and expenses. All are welcome to attend.

We extend our sympathy to Geraldine and Billy Liston and family Glenastar, Ardagh, on the death of Geraldine’s mother Moira Nolan, (nee Cantillon) Waterpark, Shanagolden.  Wife of the late Willie, and mother of the late Noel and Liam. Her remains reposed in Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden, followed by removal to the local Church on Saturday 13th October. Her Requiem Mass was followed by burial in Shanagolden Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. Sympathy also to her son Tom, daughters Mariena, Irene, Ann and Laura and extended family members, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

A large crowd attended the launch of ‘’Inside Looking Out’’ the latest volume of poetry from Margaret Doody Scully at Newcastle West Library on Friday 12th October. The book was launched by Gabriel Fitzmaurice from Moyvane and a large number was bought on the night.  A native of Feohanagh Margaret now resides in Broadford and her poems cover the West Limerick area, the people, places and stories of rural life are all captured in verse form which the people will readily identify with. The hardback volume runs to 200 pages and contains lovely poems and costs €20 and is available to buy in Newcastle West Bookstore and in other shops in Broadford, Dromcollogher and Castlemahon.

Jim O’Connor, Coolcappa recently presented a cheque of €1,300 to the Irish Kidney Association. The proceeds from his cycle in the Seán Kelly Tour of Waterford.

Ardagh Choir is seeking new members at present to boost their numbers. People who are interested  can join in the practices on Saturday evenings after the 7.30pm Mass. Carrigkerry Choir who are small in number would also appreciate some new members on Sunday mornings at the 11.30am Mass. The recent Mission saw large numbers of people joining in the singing in both churches and it would be nice to see this trend continue in the coming weeks.

We welcome the news that Sean Nos Dancing classes have begun for beginners in Ardagh Parish Hall. The classes are held each Thursday evening with teens and kids at 7.pm and adults at 8.pm. Adult step dancing will also be taught and no partners will be required. It is a great way to burn up the calories and have some fun in an enjoyable atmosphere.

The editors of the local magazines and parish journals are issuing a final call for material for this winter’s publications.  Items can be sent to the editors of the Feohanagh/Castlemahon, Annual, Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal and Athea Parish Journal as soon as possible.

Carrigkerry Community Centre will host an afternoon of tea dancing on Sunday 28th October from 2pm to 5pm. Music by Liam Cantillon Sound and all are welcome.

Creeves Celtic soccer club are holding their annual Fancy Dress Halloween Disco in Coolcappa Hall from 6-8pm on Sunday 28th October. A good evening of fun is promised with lots of spot prizes on offer and all are welcome.

West Limerick Community Radio is holding their next Car Boot Sale and indoor market on Sunday 28th October, from 9am to 3 pm at Newcastle West Community Centre. All support will be much appreciated.

People who have relatives in Britain are asked to inform them of the upcoming Rambling House Tour which commences in November.  A number of West Limerick traditional musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers will be travelling. Our exile population looks forward to meeting old friends and to enjoy the best of entertainment each year on the tour. The following are the dates for this year’s Irish Rambling House Tour of Britain. Thursday 1st November, Birmingham Irish Centre, Digbeth. Friday 2nd November, Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Road. Saturday 3rd November, Harrow Salvatorian College Hall, High Road Harrow Weald. Sunday 4th November, Derby Irish Centre, Beckett Street.
A table quiz in aid of Coolcappa National School will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday 16th November. Teams of four and numerous prizes to be won and all are welcome to attend. A very enjoyable and fun filled night is promised.

Plans are being compiled to hold A Sale of Work in Coolcappa Hall on Sunday 16th December. It was a most successful and enjoyable event when it was held annually in past times.

Congratulations and good wishes are sent to Karina Buckley of Templeathea who, on Saturday night last, had a surprise 40th birthday sprung on her at Brown Joe’s here in Athea. Family, relations and many friends attended and all had a great night.

Well done to the boys U-13s “Smurfs” basketball team who over the weekend were victorious over Dingle and Lixnaw on home ground. The U-10s did very well also on Sunday when they travelled to Causeway and beat Ballymac. Congrats also to the U-14 girls “The Vixens” who, over the weekend, were victorious against Tralee Imperials and St. Bridget’s. Trish Phillips Aherne, trainer, was delighted with their performances.

Best wishes and congratulations are extended to Jenny Liston of Upper Athea (daughter of Kay and John) who, on Friday night last, launched her first ever CD at “The Crane” pub in Galway. Family, relatives and friends attended the launch. Jenny is a gifted songwriter and musician and no doubt her talent will shine out on her CD. We wish her well with it and hopefully it will be on sale locally.

The much looked forward to revived ‘Fair Day’ will take place here in Athea on November 3rd and what a great family fun day this will be, with everything from a “needle to an anchor” on sale with of course the animals being top on the list – from hens, ducks, pups and kittens to horses, donkeys, goats and much more!. If the weather remains dry there will be a great buzz around the village. The advice is – to come early and of course there will be a great deal of “haggling” going on but that’s what makes “The Fair Day”.

If any of you or your friends are in and around Dublin on October 31st make sure and go along to The Red Cow Inn where a grand fundraising concert is taking place (a follow-up to the Tomathon) with all proceeds going to Pieta House. Many musicians and singers have given of their time on the night. Tickets are just €20 and the cheque will be handed over on the night to Pieta House – the Tomathon having raised over €100,000. Well done to all.

Halloween is almost with us – with all the students looking forward to the mid-term break! If you haven’t  yet been to Knocknagoshel for their “Fright Night” go there, it’s so much fun and be prepared for screaming.