Congratulations to John Enright Skehanagh, Ardagh, on his appointment as general Secretary of the National Council of the ICMSA. Following the departure of Ciaran Dolan, he was operating in an acting capacity until his appointment to the prestigious position. Son of Breda and Jack, he was the natural and popular choice to replace Ciaran. John is highly respected in the rank and file of the farming community and together with John Comer (President) offer the organization a bright future.

The Limerick G.A.A. Club Draw for October was held at The Hill Bar, Knocklong on Friday 5th. Congratulations to Tom Mackessy, Coolanoran and the Saint Kieran’s club who won 11th prize money of 250.  The next draw will be held at the Village Bar in Feenagh, on Friday 2nd November.

Congratulations to John Geoghegan, Ardagh, who won the special bonus prize of €250 In the Newcastle West Rugby Club Lottery Draw held in Barry’s Bar, Newcastle West on Friday 5th October.

Congratulations to Martin Flynn, Mike Kearney, Mike Kiely and Con Enright, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 3rd October. The card game takes place each Wednesday night at 9.pm. Card game at Ardagh Hall each Tuesday night at 9pm and all are welcome.

We extend sympathy to Julia and Denis Greaney and family Balliston, Kilcolman on the death of Julia’s mother Catherine O’Connor (nee O’Sullivan) wife of the late Jack 70, Assumpta Park, Newcastle West. Her remains were removed from Reidy’s Funeral Home to Newcastle West Church on Monday 1st October. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.  Sympathy also to her daughter Betty, son-in-law Mike, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We regret the passing of Pat Ahern, Churchtown, Newcastle West, retired Bank Manager, Rathkeale and former Newcastle West Gaelic footballer. He would be well known to people in the locality through his work and playing against the local team in West and Tournament matches. A native of Scart, Ballymacelligott in Mid Kerry he was 70 years old and had been confined to a wheelchair in recent years following a stroke. He was captain of the Mid Kerry team that won the County Senior Football Championship and the Kerry team that won the All Ireland Junior Football Championship in 1967. He was a panel member of the Kerry footballers that won the 1962 All Ireland Senior title defeating Roscommon in the final. He will be remembered as a very stylish footballer and a very accurate free taker who gave a lot of enjoyment to so many supporters over the years in his native Kerry and his adopted Limerick. Pat published a book “Me and my Shadow” about his life and times a number of years ago. We extend our sympathy to his wife Mary, children Michael, Muireann and Patricia, relatives and friends. May he rest in sporting Peace.

We also regret the passing in recent weeks of the legendary showband star Larry Cunningham. He brightened up the dull times with his lovely songs “Lovely Leitrim” “Among the Wicklow Hills’” “Slaney Valley” “Tribute to Jim Reeves” and numerous more favourites over the years.

A number of cars have been broken into around Ardagh village, Church car park, Community Centre and housing estate in recent weeks. People’s cars are a target while they attend Mass, Cemetery, Hall and Shops. People are asked to be very careful to secure items out of sight when leaving their vehicle unattended to while they do their business. This trend is increasing a lot in recent times and any suspicious behaviour seen should be reported to the Gardaí.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Patrickswell by 1-14 to 1-8 in the County Junior A Hurling Championship semi final at Kevin Long Park, Feenagh, on Saturday 6th October. It was a perfect afternoon for hurling and the team had good support in the stand and terrace. Patrickswell got a tonic start scoring a goal in the opening minutes and were the better team in the opening quarter. A Johnny McCarthy goal fuelled the Saint’s and they got a grip on the game, and the sides ended the half level at 1-5 each. Saint Kieran’s outpointed the City Champions by 9 points to three points in the second half to book their place in the final. TEAM: John Greaney, Mike Windle, Paudie McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Mike Flynn, Patrick Windle, Séan Windle, Anthony Molyneaux,  Jack Ben Hartnett, 0-2 Timmy Carroll, Johnny McCarthy, 1-4 Ray Cahill,0-1 Donal Nolan 0- 4 James Muckell, 0-1 Danny Collum, 0-2 SUBS Ian Mackessy, Jonathan Ruttle. Saint Kieran’s will meet Monagea, in the County Final, in a repeat of the West final which they won.

Carrig Celtic lost 2-1 away to Shannonside in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday 7th October. Seanie King scored their goal and they remain in the top half of the League Table. Old Mill drew 1-1 at home to Askeaton in Division 1 with Brian Crowley scoring. Carrig Celtic B lost 5-0 away to Broadford Utd B in Division 2. Carrig Celtic lost 2-0 away to Adare in Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League.  Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture.

Congratulations to Jessie Quaid, Carrigkerry who was on the Killeedy panel that won the Limerick County Senior Camogie Championship at Ballyagran on Sunday 7th October. Jessie who plays with Carrig Celtic soccer team was a sub on the team that defeated Granagh/Ballingarry by 2-5 to 0-7.

The Irish Cancer Society would like to thank all the people who contributed to their recent collection held in Coolcappa, and Kilcolman, which raised a total of 307.46.

Halla Ide Naofa, Raheenagh, Killeedy will be one of the venues on this year’s Macalla na hEireann, the 2012 Comhaltas Concert Tour of Ireland taking place from 14th to the 27thof October. The concert which is a ticket event only will take place on Sunday 21st October at 8-30pm. No tickets will be on sale at the door on the night. Ring the following for tickets. 063-83138, 069-85213, 087-7759155. Claire Heffernan, Kilrodane, Ardagh, (teaching in Carrigkerry N.S.) and a member of Cluain Chréadhail  Comhaltas, will be one of the artists travelling on the tour, and appearing in the concert in Raheenagh.

Kilcolman Creche Committee is holding their A.G.M. on Tuesday 23rd October at 8pm in Kilcolman Creche and all are welcome to attend. It is a fine facility to have in the local community and a godsend to parents who can avail of it while working or doing other activities. Children are safe and secure and well looked after in a friendly and teaching environment. Thanks to all who placed this fine facility in Kilcolman and continued success in the future.

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.