Joan Molyneaux, The Cross, Ardagh, recently retired as caretaker of Saint Molua’s Hall Ardagh. She had held the role for the past forty three years, and over that time witnessed great changes in the building and the activities that were held there. Mention Ardagh Hall and the name of Joan was sure to feature, as she was the contact and go to person there. Her tea and scones were always looked forward to during the interval or conclusion of an event and they were often the highlight of the evening for many. A person could meet Joan in all kinds of weather at any hour coming or going to the hall, and she spent long hours supervising and keeping order there. She was at the forefront of the renovations, when the building changed over from the Primary School to the community hall, and she has seen the good and bad times there. Joan has been acknowledged as one of the great fundraisers of her time for so many organizations and good causes over the years. The hall was like a second home to Joan who will surely miss the involvement and meeting the people. We thank her for her contribution to the hall and to the many other clubs she served and wish her a happy and healthy retirement. Tom Mullins (junior) from the village has been appointed as her successor and we wish him well in the role.

Congratulations to Ned Kiely, Lisgordan, Ardagh, who recently celebrated his 90^th birthday with family members. He is in good health and can be seen out and about and also shopping in Newcastle West.

The death has taken place of Maureen Scollard (nee Sheahan) wife of the late Dan, Knockfinisk, Athea, on Tuesday 20^th November. She died in Cahermoyle Nursing Home, Ardagh where she had been a resident for a number of years, and she was ninety years old. She was a native of Knocknagorna, Athea, and involved in the farming business with her husband Dan.  Her remains were removed from Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea to the nearby Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Wednesday evening. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 12 noon followed by burial in Templeathea Cemetery on Thursday 22^nd November. We extend our sympathy to her sisters Peg and Bridie, brother Jim, brother -in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend sympathy to Mary and Con Colbert and family Balliston, Shanagolden, on the death of Mary’s father William Power, late of Rathnasare, Rathkeale. May he rest in Peace.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Kenmare Shamrocks from Kerry by 1-11 to 1-7 in the Munster Junior Hurling Championship semi final played in Fitzgerald Park Killarney on Saturday 17^th November.  A large crowd was in attendance to support the team, on a showery and cool afternoon. The team led by 1-5 to 1-4 after an even first half playing into the wind. A lucky Kenmare goal gave them the confidence to lead for a while before Danny Collum hit the net after a well worked move. Saint Kieran’s grew in confidence as the second half progressed to overtake their opponents by five points. They defended well in the closing stages as Kenmare went in search of scores to progress to an elusive Munster final place. They will play Cork champions Kildorrery in Mallow Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 9^th December. TEAM John Greaney, Mike Windle, 0-1 Paudie McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Mike Flynn, Patrick Windle, Séan Windle, Anthony Molyneaux, 0-1  Jack Ben Hartnett,   Donal Nolan 0-7 Johnny McCarthy, 0-1 Ray Cahill, 0-1     James Muckell,    Danny Collum,1-0 Ian Mackessy, SUBS  Darragh Treacy, Tony Doyle.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Father Casey’s by 2-3 to 0-8 in their third fixture, in the County U-21 Football Championship at Tournafulla Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 18th November. They are now out of the competition after three defeats.

Congratulations to Con Enright and Paddy Molyneaux who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 14^th November. Cards each Wednesday night at 9pm, and cards in Ardagh, Hall each Tuesday night also at 9am, and all are welcome.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday 19^th November. The numbers drawn were 3, 8,16,30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €100 Ned Downey, Shanagolden. €60 Stephen Sheehan, c/o Curley’s, €60 Marie Curley, Reens. €60 Pa Brouder c/o Moloneys. €30 Maggie O’Connor, Carrigkerry. €30  Martina McGrath, Ardagh. €30 Mary Teskey, Reens. Next week’s draw will be held in Reen’s Bar Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €20.000

Saint Kieran’s community games are preparing for the new season at present and they would welcome additional volunteers to help out. They compete in a wide range of activities, and are in need of people willing to give a few hours of their spare time to help out as trainer’s supervisors, drivers. The committee does great work with the youth, and they deserve our support in return. If interested in helping contact Catherine on 087-2941098.

Over one hundred West Limerick families are looking forward to warmer winters, following the completion of a major €500,000 energy efficiency upgrade. The project undertaken by Airtricity and supported by Limerick County Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been completed in recent weeks. A range of heat loss and energy reduction measures have been completed in 107 houses owned by Limerick County Council. Home owners in Ardagh, and Carrigkerry villages, have benefitted from the project, and can look forward to a more energy efficient home in the future.

Congratulations to Eilis Casey, Coolcappa, who received the Best Actress Award for her performance in ‘Three more sleepness Nights’ in Friar’s Gate Theatre, Kilmallock. She is a member of Shannonside Drama Group who were the winners of the open section of the 22^nd Annual Festival for One Act Plays held recently in the Theatre. Eilis was a founding member of Ardagh Drama Group in 1992, and an All Ireland Senior Scór winner in the Recitation event, representing Saint Kieran’s in the same year. She is an outstanding actress, who has won many awards over the years, and we wish her continued success in the future.

A new promotional video for West Limerick and the Great Southern Trail can be viewed by googling You Tube Limerick Great Southern Trail. The eight minute long video includes scenes filmed at Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Tullig Wood, Devon Road and Abbeyfeale. It also includes interviews, music and song.

Liam Downes, Barnagh and a native of Old Mill, has produced a set of Christmas Cards, of local interest to the Templeglantine area. Five different parish scenes are depicted in the set of cards, and they will be available to purchase shortly. Profits from the sale of the cards will be donated to the Halla Inse Bhán improvement fund. Liam deserves a big thank you for all his fundraising activities over the years.

A Night of Reflection will be held at the Red Door, The Square, Newcastle West on this coming Friday night 30^th November at 8pm. It is part of a fundraising programme in aid of children in hospital Ireland, Children’s Ark, Mid-Western, Regional Hospital, Limerick. Details can be got by visiting www.mycharity.ie/event/gerard dore

Kilcolman Community Creche is currently recruiting for the full time post of Childcare Worker. Minimum of FETAC Level 5 along with relevant experience needed. A Panel of relief childcare workers will also be created at this time. Please send CV to Ms Annmarie O’Connor, Chairperson, Kilcolman Community Creche, Ardagh, Co. Limerick. [email protected] The closing date is Wednesday 5^th December.

The annual Milford Hospice Light up a Memory Ceremony takes place on Sunday 9^th December at 6pm. People who sponsor a light (€5) will receive a Light up a Memory card and enrolment in the Light up a Memory book which will be on display in the Hospice throughout the coming year. Contact 061-485859 or 061-485860 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) for details, or register online by visiting www.milfordcarecentre.ie.