A residential farm at Kilrodane, Ardagh was recently sold for a substantial figure. It is located on the main Ardagh to Newcastle West road close to Pallas Foods and it belonged to the late Tom Davis. It was bought by a local farmer and it made approximately ten thousand euro per acre. Agriculture land prices are on the way up again after the downturn, and much sought after when they come on the market.

The ‘’Senior Citizen; The Essential Guidebook’’ a roadmap to successful ageing was recently launched by Míchael O Muircheartaigh. Produced by Home Instead Senior Care with the support of Age Action and the HSE, the Guidebook features advice and information on a wide range of issues. They include allowances and entitlements, medical health and nutrition matters, home safety information legal and financial information, care options for older people, new technology bereavement and lots more. It also contains a directory of older person’s organizations, and useful contacts. To order a free copy of the Guidebook call1890 989 755 or log on to www.homeinstead.ie to download a pdf of the Guidebook.

Mass was celebrated for Bill Tierney late of Ardagh, Newcastle West, and Australia, by Fr Larry Madden in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh, on Tuesday 19th March.  He was a much travelled person whose wish was to be laid to rest in his native land. He was a step-brother to John Joe and Bernard Kennelly and he died in Melbourne, Australia, last June.  The Mass was followed by the burial of ashes in the old Cemetery Abbeyfeale. We extend our sympathy to the Kennelly family Ardagh, other relatives and friends May he rest in Peace.

Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy were members of the Limerick football team that lost to Tipperary 0-15 to 0-9 in round 5 of Division 4 of the National Football League, at Limerick Gaelic Grounds on Saturday 16th March.

Owen Hayes is in charge of Féile na nGael the national festival of hurling camogie and handball for boys and girls under 14 years of age this summer.  It is being hosted in Limerick from Friday to Sunday 5th to -7th July, and clubs will be hosting teams from all over the country. It is a big task for Owen and his team of volunteers and we wish them well in their task.

Carrig Celtic lost 6-3 at home to Broadford Utd in the Desmond League Premier Division on Sunday 17thMarch. Francis Moore, 2 and Podge Mc Carthy scored their goals. Old Mill and Carrig Celtic B had no matches.

Congratulations to Peg Murphy and Joan Madigan who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 13th March.

Congratulations to Moss O’Connor, and Joan Fitzgibbon who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday 15th March.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar Ardagh, on Monday 18th March. The numbers drawn were 3, 5, 27, 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Joan O’Connor c/o D Greaney. €60 E and J O; Donoghue c/o Madigan’s. €60 Moira O’Donovan Ardagh. €30 Jeremiah Danagher Old Mill. €30 Margaret Bridgeman c/o Madigan’s. €30 Julia Greaney c/o D Greaney. Next week’s Jackpot will be €7,200 and the draw will be held in Foley’s Bar Reen’s, Ardagh.

The current issue of the Green and White the Limerick G.A.A. Youth Magazine has been distributed to schools and shops in recent week. It is the 50th issue of the award winning magazine that was launched in the winter of 1996. It is another excellent publication that contains very interesting reading for all members of the family. A photo of Ardagh N.S. winners of the West 9 a-side Ladies Football Division 1 title is included.

Last Wednesday 20th March was the 21st Anniversary of the closing of Carrigkerry Post Office, which was under the ownership of the Faley family at that time. It was one of the darkest days in the history of the village, and its impact is still felt even to this day. It commenced the sad decline in the locality which saw the closure of The Carrig Inn, O’Sullivan’s Bar, and the demolition of the Funeral Home and the former Stacks building in the following years.

An exhibition of art works by Limerick Lady Associates in tribute to Charlotte Grace O’Brien can be viewed in the Red Door Gallery Newcastle West. Charlotte was the daughter of William Smith O’Brien Cahermoyle, Ardagh, and the 1848 patriot. Charlotte was a novelist and poet, and associated with helping the women who travelled on the Coffin Ships that left Cobh for a new life in America.

The annual 45 card game will be held in Shanagolden Hall on Good Friday 29th March at 9.30pm. A total of €2,000 will be available in prize money and admission is €15. First Prize €1,000, second Prize €500, third Prize €200, and a number of table prizes.  A Raffle will be held for valuable money prizes, and teas will be served at midnight.  All card players are very welcome.

The annual Good Friday card game will be held at the Flag Floor  Glensharrold on Friday 29th March at 9pm. All card players are welcome, and tea and refreshments will be provided.

Easter week is upon us and Trocaire boxes are still available for collection in the local Churches, and it is hoped that all families will by now have taken one home. Trocaire this year celebrates 40 years working for a just World and they would appreciate a positive response to this year’s appeal. Over that time they have done wonderful work in helping so many people, and communities to improve their conditions and lives in the third World. We are told that almost half of the people in the World live on less than €2 a day which means a constant and desperate struggle to survive. By contributing €2 a day over Lent it will make a big difference to support some of the poorest communities in the World to work their way out of poverty. €2 a day will help landless families to secure land to farm to grow food and to earn an income. €2 a day will provide families with agricultural training to ensure better harvests and a more reliable source of food. €2 a day will help communities set up a savings and loans scheme, providing families with the capital to buy land or start a small business. It is to be hoped that every family will contribute some amount for this very worthy cause. The boxes can be returned to all the Churches over the Easter ceremonies.

West Limerick Resources held an information evening in The Courtenay Lodge Hotel on Tuesday 12thMarch to launch the West Limerick Surveying and Conservation of Graveyards Training Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to provide local communities with the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately record and catalogue details relating to local historic graveyards in a way which will ensure that the information will be easily available now and into the future for those wishing to do genealogical historical and other research into local history. The training which will be delivered by Eachtra Archaeological Projects will start in early April. The training will be free of charge to those based in the West Limerick area and limited places are available. Contact Suzanne at West Limerick Resourses by email at [email protected]

The Easter ceremonies for Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish are as follows. Saint Colman’s Church Holy Thursday 7.30pm Mass. Good Friday 3pm The Passion. Easter Sunday Dawn Mass 6am, (new time) Easter Sunday Morning Mass 10.30am, in Saint Kyran’s Church. Good Friday 7.30pm Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday 7.30pm, Solemn Easter Vigil begins in the grounds at 7.30pm.

The Easter ceremonies for Adage/Carrigkerry are as follows Saint Molua’s Church Holy Thursday 8pm Mass. Good Friday 3.pm The Passion, and 7.30pm Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday 8pm Mass. Easter Sunday 10am Mass. In Saint Mary’s Church Holy Thursday 6.15pm Mass. Good Friday 3pm Stations of the Cross, and The Passion at 7.30pm. Easter Sunday 11.30am Mass.

I extend Easter greetings to fellow contributors, staff and management and to all the readers of these notes.

 

 

(The following was written by Michael McDermott whom Pat Brosnan recently wrote about. Michael’s late mother Joan Collin came from Knocknagorna and he has fond memories of times spent there)

It’s a frosty still night, winter is upon us, the cattle are nestling in their cosy sheds, the birds are working and scanning back yards and gardens for some domestic offerings, the coal bucket and turf shed is being shovelled easier, but is vital to stifle Jack Frost. I’ve just received a copy of the Athea and District News. I’m like a child of six excitedly opening a present, flicking and scanning the written word and pages. I see Pat Brosnan’s name and then my own family logo. It’s surreal as I glance down, and begin to read his very kind and thoughtful words. It fills me with a wonderful sense of place, of belonging, of family and acquaintances, ties which are the essence of life. I feel in great spirits full of verve and pride, that I have rekindled my roots, my attachment or bond to my mother’s home place and its people. It’s a feeling of melancholy, of remembrance, of drifting back the calendar years to days of agriculture, harvest, sunshine, sport, fun, smiles and the celebration of all these events in a typical West Limerick spirit.  I want to reflect and try to capture my emotion and thoughts as I unravel some cobwebs and endeavour to write about this very special area nestling quietly and snugly on the western margins of the “Treaty County”. I feel a little under pressure, as I’m struggling to do justice and appropriateness to the people that lie in this great land of Athea town and country. I feel like hopping back up on my dear friend’ Mickey Liston’s pony and maybe veering towards Listowel and Ballybunion, but I would surely be getting a rather serious look if that happened.

My mind strays to my Uncle Mickey’s kitchen in Knocknagorna in far away days of hustle and bustle on those picturesque summer mornings. The cock screeching for all its might in the yard, happy in the knowledge that he is king in his harem. The smell of the turf fire and the hiss of the kettle flapping on the range, waiting for Bridie’s tender touch to fill the waiting family and relations with a hearty breakfast. Homemade white bread of course, to add to the fresh eggs, homemade black pudding and sausages. The flagstones as sturdy strong and powerful as when they were first laid, seamlessly taking the footsteps of the Collins family and cousin brood. The Sacred Heart light shining in all its glory, rosary beads dangling safely from its holder. The Farmer’s Journal showing pages of tractors, animals and news of impending E.E.C. talks in Brussels.

The bog was after breakfast, so Brussels would have to wait. My Uncle Mike’s gentle caring smile as he retorted that a few trailers could be filled today. And what matter if it wasn’t, tomorrow’s another day. We set off in horse and cart, ably pulled by Ben, a fine brown steed with a speck of white on his forehead. Mike stopped to chat with his lifelong friend and neighbour Tommy Barrett for a short while about our turf exploits before heading on and through the gates with the derelict schoolhouse in the distance.  To say that the journey through the maze of pathways that led to the bog was akin to bumpy would be an understatement. Thank God our stomachs remained intact but were given a severe examination. The bog was a fusion of purple heather bushes, brown and black sods of turf in various stages of preparation, carpet-like softness as one walked on the surface, people footing, splicing, throwing, stacking, arranging neat piles of valuable turf that would repel winter’s impending lunge at the local inhabitants. Uncle Mike pointed to Curlew, Corncrakes and Thrushes, recanting to me the various warbles and tweets each one made. They wafted high and low in the breeze, keeping us serenaded as we tipped along at our own pace. The bog was a hive of activity, my Uncle Jack together with my cousins Paddy and Seanie joined us along with Ned Sheehy so the chat, craic and interaction was funny and educational in its own little way.  One is cut off from the outside world, as it were, when the turf is being prepared, it’s a world of nature, peace, tranquillity and reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of modern living and ways. The sun was glittering majestically in the sky, but being in a bog means a cooling breeze is ever present to sooth and refresh tired backs and arms.  When one’s back was turned, now and again a scrap of turf might hop off your back or pole, with everyone adjacent as innocent as pie. A jumper or short coat might disappear into the heather also, races from one end of the stretch might ensue also, with debatable photo finishes the order of the day.  The work went on regardless, stacks of turf appearing in little rows waiting eagerly for the sun’s rays to do their work. I always worked near Uncle Mike and Uncle Jack, maybe looking for some praise, as I busily stacked and carried to show that the thirteen year old Tipperary cousin had inherited some of his family work genes.  I felt so safe, secure and warm beside my two great Uncles. Yet they were like chalk and cheese. Uncle Jack was spirited, a born leader, a man of great honour, wisdom and sincerity. To watch him work and organise and plan the day was like poetry in motion. His experience always shone through. He would give you a great lift when he’d say “that’s it, keep it up, you are doing well”. One could sense from him the importance of the bog harvest, the quality and texture of the sods had to be nurtured also.  He was also a kind, caring and considerate man who was just fulfilling his important role as head of the Collins family.  When going into battle or facing up to a crisis being beside Jack Collins was the appropriate place to be.  On the other hand Uncle Mike was a different type of man, easy going, old fashioned in a nice sort of way, caring and kind to a fault, religious and devout like all in his community, yet it was this happiness in his own place, the nature the animals in his surroundings that set him apart. He was like Eamonn De Buitléar and David Attenborough in one, noticing, watching, embracing, feeling and experiencing the beauty of God’s natural amphitheatre. Mick noticed the swallows hovering like bullets, gathering for their epic journeys, he noticed the bond between cow and calf, the gentle loyalty in Shep wagging his obedient tail, of breezes and winds shaking and tossing hedgerows and trees, of butterflies and bees dancing and buzzing in sun clad days, of trout and salmon hiding and nesting in swollen river torrents. Of rain and shine and fusions of colour as rainbows appeared in those moments after fresh showers had watered the land. Of seeing lilac, fuchsia’s, daffodils and daisies throwing their beauty and pleasantness far and wide.  Mike Collins and Jack Collins were people to admire, look up to and to learn from. Believe me, I was always trying to retain and store up the rights and appropriate views on life on those heady and simple days in the bog.

Bog Day, Knocknagorna

At around 1.30 pm with brows damp and muscles straining, yet with spirits high, a welcome sight was seen approaching across the horizon.  It was  Aunt Bridie and my cousin Peg coming with our turf dinner. We were all delighted to see them and we were treated to a royal feast of ham, tomatoes, white soda bread, tart, buns, brack, tea and soft drinks.  We rested and chatted about our progress, the weather and the serenity that is part and parcel of the bog landscape.  I was given the task of ensuring Ben, our faithful steed, was well looked after. The flies hovered around his rear end and he swished his tail in gentle defiance. I patted his temple and he bobbed and preened as I gave him water and a handful of barley to thank him for his contribution. I looked back at the resting crew of relations and friends. The sun was glistening with all its might, the breeze ruffled the heathers and flowers ever gently, the black bog water looked like a deep foreboding pool, the banks of turf stood proudly clean and straight in their furrows. Larks, curlews and finches warbled and sang with gusto in their freedom. The horizon and hills beyond gave a warm feeling of history and continuity in natural beauty, unspoilt and unchanged in a setting tended most carefully by my blood people from Knocknagorna. The bog was to be appreciated, nurtured and conserved. Treat it with respect and tolerance and it will yield abundant harvest. My people well know this and honoured loving care on the brown sods of gold.  I felt privileged in this moment in time to be experiencing the riches of nature in all its guises as we simply extracted, harvested, weathered and nurtured the turf to its safe haven in the shed , yet embracing God’s creatures, fauna and weather patterns on this lovely summer’s day. It was as if being in the bog was like freezing a moment that echoed back to other bygone days when the interaction, ambiance, characters and the beauty of the place was exactly like our happy toil. We returned and worked diligently, funnily and chattily for a few more hours blissfully happy, content and satisfied in our historical pursuits.  The cows would soon be baying to be relieved of their liquid gold, the calves and pigs had to be tended to, tidying and sweeping up had to be done, the rosary would be worshipped, supper would be eaten, chat and laughter would be indulged upon about the bog day exploits. As the sun slowly set on Knocknagorna and stars glistened in the sky our day would come to an end; dreams and thoughts would flood our minds as we slept under the merry plough.

 

Michael McDermott

 

 

Athea United Soccer

Division 3 League (March 24^th)
Athea Utd B     (0) 1  Steven McEnery

Ballingarry B   (0) 0

Team: Donal Woulfe, Raymond Brouder, Tom Greaney, Sean McGrath, Jason Quille, Mark Horgan, Pa Kiely, Eoghan Nash, Morgan O’Connor, Steven McEnery, Mike McCarthy.

Subs Gary Carroll, John Geoghegan.

Referee Paul O’Brien.

U10 Division 3 (March 23^rd)
Granagh Utd B   (0) 0
Athea Utd           (0) 5     Andrew O’Riordan (2), TJ Hunt (2), Michael Tierney

Team: Gavin Mulvihill, Brandon Finucane, Michael Tierney, Gearoid O’Sullivan, TJ Hunt, Gavin Ambrose, Eoin O’Shea, Andrew O’Riordan, Shane Scanlon, Darragh O’Shea, Paric Enright, Amy Ryan, Conor Mullane, Pierce O’Brien, Dermot Pierse, Fergal Pierse.

ATHEA UTD FIXTURES
Sunday, March 31^st 

Junior Bs home to Ballingarry B in the league at 2.30pm.

Monday, April 1^st  

U10s away to Glantine at 2.30pm.

ATHEA UTD TRAINING TIMES

All players check with respective managers for confirmation of training times.

FAI SUMMER SOCCER SCHOOLS 2013
Once again it’s the time of the year to start to think about the FAI Summer Soccer Schools and like previous years Athea Utd will be hosting one at The Vales from Monday, July 22^nd to Friday, July 26^th. All the camps are open to all boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 14. All head coaches and coaches are FAI Accredited and are also Garda Vetted as is FAI policy. Cost per participant is €65 with a €10 family discount for each additional brother/sister attending the same camp. Further details to follow very shortly so watch this space.

MEETING 

There will be a meeting at the clubhouse this Friday night, March 29^th at 7pm.

CONGRATS 

The club congratulates PJ Hogan of the Limerick Desmond Junior League who got married last Saturday to Emer Feehan. Wishing the happy couple the very best in the future.

ATHEA UTD LOTTERY RESULTS FOR MARCH 25^th 

The results of our weekly lottery draw held on Monday, March 25^th at Batt’s Bar are as follows –
Jackpot was €8000. Numbers drawn 2, 5, 7, 11.

No jackpot winner.
Lucky dips to the following – The Kid & Caroline c/o The Top of the Town. Maureen Begley, Croom. Sean Fitzgerald, Athea. Marie Buckley, Lower Athea. Marcella Barrett, Tallaght.
Sellers Doreen & Pat Hayes.
New jackpot will be €8100 next Monday night, April 1^st at Donie’s.

 

Athea GAA

Saturday March 23:

Match:

Intermediates:

Athea 2-12          Claughaun 2-08

We recorded a win in our opening game of 2013 where we defeated Claughaun in the County League on a score of 2-12 to 2-08.

The game was played in Claughaun and the pitch conditions were quite good given the bad weather we were experiencing. With it being our first competitive game, it was a good display overall by the players and with the amount of chances we created, our score could have been even higher. We trailed by a point at half time on a score 1-06 to 2-04. Our opening half scores came Pa Ahern with 1-02, two points from Tommy Greaney and a point each from Jamie Collins and Sean McGrath. Points were exchanged between teams in the second half with Michael Reidy adding a point and two points from Pa Ahern but we still trailed by a point heading into the last 10 minutes of the game. We finished the stronger scoring 1-03 with Claughaun just registering a point. A goal from Pa Ahern who finished well on the edge of the square. We followed with a point from Kevin O’Keeffe and two more from Pa Ahern to leave four points between us at the final whistle. It is good to get a win on your first day out. We did however concede 2-08 in this game so we will need to tighten up on our marking going into the next match.

Team: Timmy Enright, Shane Tierney, Matthew Tierney, Michael Reidy (0-1), Paul Collins, Martin Chawke, Denis Greaney, Conor Mullane, Tom Collins, Morgan O’ Connor, Jamie Collins (0-01), Mark O’ Connor, Sean McGrath, Pa Ahern (2-07) & Tommy Greaney (0-02). Subs: Patrick Kiely for Paul Collins [injury], Kevin O’Keeffe (0-01) for Mark O’Connor [injury], Raymond Brouder for Conor Mullane and Gerard Ahern for Sean McGrath.

Fixtures:

Saturday March 30:

Intermediates League Round 2: We are at home to Gerald Griffins this coming Saturday evening March 30th at 5.00pm in Páirc na nGael.

Training:

Minors: Minors training will continue this Thursday evening March 28th from 6.00pm to 7.00pm in Páirc na nGael. All players are asked to attend and to wear gum shields.

Limerick Development Draw:

Our draw promoters are out and about selling tickets for this year’s Limerick Development Draw. By supporting this draw it is a great means of fundraising for both club and the County. Half of the sales of the tickets will be given back to the Club and the other half go to the County board which is used primarily for the coaching of the underage teams in the County. Tickets cost €100 for the year or €10 per draw. Please contact any member of the committee if you would like to buy a ticket.

1st: €15,000  2nd: €5,000    3rd: €2,000   4th: €1,000

5th: €500    6th: €500   7th: €500   8th:  €500

9th-28th: €250.

Special Prizes:

June Draw: 2 Munster Football Final tickets plus €100 and 2 Munster Hurling Final tickets plus €100.

April & June Draws: 2 All Ireland Hurling Final Tickets plus B&B and one evening meal in the Croke Park Hotel.

May & July Draws:  2 All Ireland Football Final Tickets plus B&B and one evening meal in the Croke Park Hotel.

 

Athea Coiste na nÓg:

Gum Shields:

Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouth guard in all Football Games and Football Training sessions from January 1st 2013 for all age grades up to and including Minor. The club by ordering in bulk can buy them for €5 each. If you wish to order one please contact Jacqueline.

Coiste na nÓg on line:

You can now view all our notes, fixtures and pictures of Athea Coiste na nÓg on the Athea GAA website. Just go to www.atheagaa.com and click on the ” Coiste Main Page” for all the latest news and information.

Match:

Monday March 25:

U16:

Our U16’s made the long journey to take on Ballybrown in the first round of the league .On a very cold night, a strong home team built up a big lead  despite the best efforts of all our boys in the first half. In the second half we were much improved, our backs were tighter and our forwards were moving much better.  The highlight for Athea was a super goal scored by Jason Kelly mid-way through the second half, followed shortly after by a point from Padraic Walsh. The coaches were delighted with the way the team played in the second half, despite a mountain to climb they never dropped their heads and kept going till the final whistle. Their next match is at home to Glin next Monday evening April 1st and all support would be greatly appreciated. Team: Timothy Tierney, Padraig O’Sullivan, Jason Dalton, Conor Fitzgerald, Paul Mahony, Tommy Quaid, Killian O’Donoghue, Padraic Walsh, Brian O’ Connor, Jason Kelly, Jack Denihan, Tony McAuliffe, JJ Sheehy, Joey Kelly, William McEnery, Daire Horgan & Jack Vaughan.

 

Fixtures:

Wednesday March 27:

U15: Athea U15’s are away to St. Mary’s/Sean Finns on this Wednesday evening March 27th at 6.15pm. Cars will leave the village at 5.15pm sharp.

Monday April 1:

U16: Athea U16’s are at home to Glin on Monday evening April 1st at 6.45pm. Players to be at the field for 6.15pm.

Wednesday April 3:

U15: Athea U15’s are at home to Ballybricken/Bohermore on Wednesday evening  April 3rd at 6:30pm. Players to be at the field for 6pm.

Training:

Thursday March 28:

U12: Training for U12’s will commence this Thursday evening March 28th in Páirc na nGael from 5pm to 6pm for this week only. All players are asked to attend. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

Tuesday April 2:

U14: Training for U14’s will continue next Tuesday evening April 2nd in Páirc na nGael from 6pm to 7pm. All players are asked to attend. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

Friday April 5:

U6: Training for U6’s will commence on Friday evening April 5th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Any player who has not registered can do so on the night. All players need to wear gum shields and can be purchased from the Club for €5. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

U8: Training for U8’s will commence on Friday evening April 5th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Any player who has not registered can do so on the night. All players need to wear gum shields and can be purchased from the Club for €5. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

U10: Training for U10’s will continue Friday evening April 5th in Páirc na nGael from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

Registration:

For any player who has not registered with the club, you can still do so by contacting John Hunt or Jacqueline. Registration costs €15 for any U6 player, for U8’s up to U16’s it will be €25 for one child and €40 for a family of 2 or more children. Any child registering for the first time please bring a copy of their birth cert. The Club will offer a €10 refund to any parent that helps out the club with fundraising during the year.

County:

Limerick Senior footballers are almost guaranteed promotion to Division three following a narrow one point victory over London in Ruislip on Sunday last. Limerick were very impressive in the first half and were five points up by half time, thanks to a John Riordan goal in the 14th minute. In the second half London were much improved and came back at Limerick but the Shannon siders held on for a one pint win on a scoreline of Limerick 1-09, London 1-08. Another plus for Limerick was the return of John Galvin to action when he came on in the 66th minute of the second half.