Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Jack Bett Enright Kilscannell, Ardagh, who recently celebrated his 80^th birthday. He marked the occasion with family and friends at Cleary’s Bar Newcastle West.

Carrigkerry Playground committee held their first fundraising event in Garvey’s Supermarket Newcastle West, on Friday 22^nd February. The bag packing was a great success, with a large number of volunteers assisting all day at the checkout tills. Thanks to all the shoppers who contributed to the fundraiser, and to the management and staff of Garvey’s, and to all the volunteers who helped out. Thanks to all who have contributed to date to the fund and the committee would welcome additional donations, to get the project up and running. The playground would be a wonderful amenity for the children of the locality to have and to enjoy.

We extend our sympathy to Nora O’Connell and family Carrigkerry on the death of her brother Liam (Liamy) Murphy Gortnagross, Athea. His remains reposed at Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea, with removal to Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Monday evening. Following Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery Athea on Tuesday 5^th March. Sympathy also to his extended family members, relatives and friends May he rest in Peace.

The annual general meeting of Saint Kieran’s Bord na nÓg was held on Wednesday 6^th February in the Parish Hall Ardagh. The following officers were elected for the coming year. Chairman Mike Ruttle. Vice Chairman Donal McEnery. Secretary Deirdre Ambrose, Treasurer Catherine Hayes. Children’s Officer Owen Hayes jnr. Club Delegates Mike Ruttle and Sean O’Sullivan. The club is fielding teams from U-8 to U-16 level in hurling and football, and the following are the team mentors. U-16 Football Jason O’Donovan, Sean O’Connor, Peter O’Connor, Séamus Ambrose. U-16 Hurling  Jason O’Donovan, Sean O’Connor, Peter O’Connor, Séamus Ambrose. U-14 Football Donal Murphy, Paul Woulfe, Tommy Mullins. U -14 Hurling Peter O’Connor, Brody O’Connor, Tommy Mullins, Donal Murphy. U-12 Football Donal McEnery, Gary Kelly, Tom Moloney. U-12 Hurling John Ahern, Sean O’Sullivan, Donal Mc Enery. U-10 Football and Hurling David Woulfe, Donal Mc Enery, Ciara Mann, Tom Moloney. U-8 Football and Hurling John Ryan, Noel Madigan, People willing to help out the club with the above teams can contact any of the officers.  This year’s Cúl Camp will be held in Coolcappagh from Monday 1^st July to Friday 5^th July. The 2013 Féile na nGael is being held in Limerick this July and Saint Kieran’s will be hosting a club.

Congratulations to Paudie McCarthy who was presented with his All Star Award  for 2012 Junior A Hurling at the West Limerick G.A.A. Board All Star Function held in the Devon Inn Hotel on 2^nd March..

Limerick defeated Waterford by 0-8 to 0-6 in Round 3 of Division 4the National Football League at Dungarvan on Saturday 2^nd March. Darragh Treacy was introduced as a substitute, and Johnny McCarthy was absent due to injury.

Limerick defeated Sligo by 6-11 to 1-10 in a U-21 Football challenge in Sligo on Sunday 3^rd March. Brendan McCarthy, Darragh Treacy and Kevin Meade, were all involved with Darragh scoring 1-1.

Askeaton /Saint Kieran’s defeated Cois Laoi Gaels by 0-11 to 0-9 in Round 1 of the County U-21Hurling Championship played in Askeaton Gaelic Grounds on Saturday 2^nd March.

Carrigkerry Community Centre, Carrigkerry N.S. and Carrigkerry Sports Association Ltd have been successful in their application for grant funding from Airtricity. A total of € 5,200 has been awarded to Carrigkerry Sports Association Ltd towards the cost of installing a solar water heating system for Carrig Celtic Dressing Rooms.  A total of € 5,000 has been awarded to Carrigkerry National School towards the cost of installing external doors.  A total of € 3,200 has been awarded to Carrigkerry Community Centre towards the cost of also installing a solar water heating system. This is wonderful news for the three groups in the community in difficult times to be granted this money to install solar water systems, and external doors. which in turn will save on electricity costs. The overall grant of € 13,400 is a big boost to the village, and all three groups are most thankful to Airtricity for being awarded the funding. The Tournafulla, Rathcahill, and Dromada Community Awards Presentation took place in the Con Colbert Hall Athea on Thursday 28^thFebruary and the three local groups were represented and presented with the cheques.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Monday 4^th March. The numbers drawn were 8,26,29,30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Maisie Moroney c/o Foley’s Bar. €60 Patricia McCarthy c/o M Molyneaux. €60 Peg Lane c/o Curley’s. €30 Willie Treacy c/o Tom Neary. €30 Una Mahon c/o Bus Eireann. €30 John Nash c/o Hanley’s Shop. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,800. And the draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar.

Congratulations to Peter Fitzsimons, and Con Enright who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 26^th February. Cards every Wednesday at 9pm, and all are welcome.

Congratulations to John Mulvihill and Paddy Sheehy who were prizewinners at the card game held in Rathkeale Community Centre on Wednesday 27^th February.

Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s Community Games club on their success in the Talent Competition held in Caherconlish. The set dancers won the Gold medals, and now progress to the National Finals in Athlone in May. The members of the set dancers were Aisling McEnery, Arianne Reidy, Cathy Ambrose Ciara Dineen, Tara Geraghty, Roisin Mann, Molly McGrath, and Molly Gleeson.  They danced the Castle Set and their teacher was John Stack.  

The Tuesday Social Club would like to thank the Charity Wrenboy Group for their donation of € 400 towards the weekly running costs of the club. There is an open welcome to new members who wish to call in any Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 4,30pm.

Carrig Celtic defeated Athea Utd 2-1 at home after extra time in the first round of the Desmond Cup on Sunday 3^rd March. Sean Mc Sweeney and Francis Moore scored their goals. Creeves Celtic lost 1-0 at home to Rathkeale, Old Mill defeated Breska Rovers 3-1 at home in Division 1 of the Desmond League. Brendan Hayes, Sean McAuliffe and Jack Ben Harnett scored the goals. Carrig Celtic B defeated Ballysteen 2-1 away in Division 2 of the Desmond League.

Parents wishing to enrol their children in Kilcolman N.S. in September are invited to contact the school principal for an application form. The closing date for applications is Friday 15^th March. Please telephone069-60005 for further details

Kilcolman Rovers are holding a fundraising table quiz in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday 16^th March. All support will be appreciated and all are welcome.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio is holding a Car boot sale and indoor market on Saint Patrick’s Day Sunday 17^th March from 8am to 2pm in the Community Centre Newcastle West. Gates open at 7.30am and the entrance fee is € 2 with children under 16 admitted free   with an adult. Stalls can be booked by contacting 069-66200/0876866450.

Knockdown Vintage Club and Estuary Macra Club are holding a fundraising Raffle and Vintage Run in aid of A.C.T. (aid cancer treatment) The prizes include Hotel Breaks, Hampers, Vouchers, Galway Crystal, Perfume etc. The draw will take place on Saturday 23^rd of March in the Knockdown Arms.  Signed Kerry and Limerick jerseys and a Munster jersey are among the items to be auctioned on the night. On Sunday 24^th March a Vintage Car and Tractor run along with a modern Tractor run organized by Estuary Macra will take place starting at 12.30pm at the Knockdown Arms. They will cruise along the highways and byways of the locality and return by Glin Castle to Knockdown. An Auction will follow with items such as  Silage Bales, Turf Timber Motor Accessories etc to be sold off. Tickets for the Raffle are available in local Shops at € 2 each or three for € 5 or from any members of the above clubs. Your support for this very worthy cause would be much appreciated. For Vintage enquiries contact Dave 087-2500938 or Patrick 087-2452695.  For Macra enquiries contact Patrick 086-0682600.

Afternoon Tea dancing will be held in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday 24^th March from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. The music will be supplied by the Liam Cantillon Sound.  The organizers would welcome more local support for this fundraiser as the proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Community Centre.