by Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Sarah Greaney (nee Farley) wife of the late Thomas, Balliston, Shanagolden, at Saint Catherine’s Nursing Home Newcastle West. She was affectionately known as Sal or Sally and she was in her late eighties and the last surviving member of her family. She was a very hard worker well into her retirement years, but in failing health since 2001 and confined to Saint Catherine’s for the past five years. She was a native of County Tyrone and very proud of her county especially when they won their two All Ireland titles in 2003 and 2005. She met her husband Thomas in England and they returned to live and raise their family in the peaceful setting of Balliston. Sally was a hard worker inside and outside the home, and was no stranger to the garden meadow or bog. She enjoyed the game of cards, and the bingo sessions, and also supporting Saint Kieran’s G.A.A. Club, and Kilcolman Rovers Soccer Club.  Her late husband Thomas was a founding member of Kilcolman Rovers at their house in 1968.   Sally was involved in looking after the club kit and serving tea and refreshments following numerous meetings at her house during the early years of the club. She followed her son’s careers in sports with interest and was proud of her grandchildren’s achievements in later years. She had a warm welcome for all who called to her house and a cup of tea and a slice of brown bread and apple tart was served up.

Her remains were removed from Ferris’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden to Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman, on Sunday 5^th May. Fr Dennis Mullane concelebrated her funeral Mass assisted by Fr Michael Daly at 11am on Bank Holiday Monday. A large crowd was in attendance to offer their sympathy and support for the well known family. Her son Tommy on behalf of the family paid a lovely tribute to his late mother before the Mass commenced. Family members presented symbols representing her life, and they also participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. Queen of the May was one of the many hymns performed during the ceremony. The burial took place in the family plot in sunny Kilbradern Cemetery not far from her home. We extend sympathy to her sons Tommy, Denis, and Patsy, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Askeaton/Saint Kieran’s who defeated Glenroe by 0-20 to 3-8 in the County U-21 13 A Side Hurling Championship Final at Fitzgerald Park Kilmallock on Sunday 5^th May.  The combination team of neighbours, and often rivals were deserving winners, before a small attendance, on a dry and windy afternoon. The side was well on top in the opening half and they hit over some lovely points from angles and distances. They led by 0-11 to 0-5 at the short whistle. They continued to dominate on resumption but their accuracy deserted them, allowing Glenroe to remain in contention. They took their opportunities to strike for three goals during a purple patch to hit the front and leave the outcome in doubt. The Askeaton /Saint/ Kieran’s team faced the challenge and inspired by man of the match Darragh Treacy they hit a series of 5 late points to secure the victory. Seamus Mc Namara Ass/Secretary of the County Board presented the Shield to winning captain Michael Flynn afterwards, to commence the celebrations. TEAM. Michael O’Meara, James O’Connor, Liam Horgan, James Hough, Brendan McCarthy, Andrew Scully, Michael Flynn, 0-1 Darragh Treacy, 0-8 Eoin Cuddihy, 0-5 Ian Mackessy, 0-4 S O’Donnell, 0-1 Mossie Shine, A O’Shaughnessy, 0-1 SUBS Declan Guerin.  Padraig Balfe, Paul Maher, Michael Enright, David Holland, Conor Barry, Damien Lynch. John Greaney a regular on the team was absent due to the death of his grandmother Sarah Greaney. SELECTORS Ivan Neary, Paudie McCarthy, Nicky Cuddihy, Aidan Barrett.

Congratulations to Paddy Donovan, Glenastar, Ardagh, who won the All Ireland Senior Bone Playing Championship at the Fleadh by the Feale Festival in Abbeyfeale over the May Bank Holiday week-end.

Congratulations to James O’Connor Boughill Bó Ardagh who won the senior bodhrán competition also in Abbeyfeale.

Congratulations to the pupils of Coolcappa National School who received the sacrament of Holy Communion in Saint Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Saturday 4^th May.

Congratulations to the pupils of Ardagh National School who received the sacrament of Holy Communion in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday 11^th May.

Carrigkerry Wrenboy Group presented a cheque for € 1,300 to the Dialysis Unit, Mid West Regional Hospital Limerick, at the Flag Floor Rambling House on Wednesday 1^st May.

Congratulations to Peg Murphy and Joan Madigan who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 1^st May.

Congratulations to Jim Molyneaux, Ardagh who won the bonus prize of € 250 in the Newcastle West Rugby Club Lottery Draw held in The Courtney Lodge Hotel Newcastle West on Friday 3^rd May.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Patrick’s by 1-8 to 0-10 in Round 1 of the County Limerick Senior Football Championship at windswept Bruff Gaelic Grounds on Bank Holiday Friday 3^rd May. They led by 1-5 to    0-3 at half-time after playing with the assistance of the wind. They increased it to six points on resumption but a series of missed chances and wides allowed their opponents back into contention. It was all to play for in the closing stages, with only a point in the difference and Saint Patrick’s pressing hard for an equalizer. The final whistle was greeted with relief from the small crowd of Saint Kieran’s supporters who travelled the long distance to the game. TEAM John Greaney, Michael Windle, John Doyle, Kevin Meade,0-1 Patrick Windle,  Paudie McCarthy Michael Flynn, Johnny Mc Carthy, Darragh Treacy, 0-3 Jack Ben Harnett, Anthony Molyneaux,0-1 Brendan McCarthy, 1-0 Sean Mc Sweeney, 0-1 Timmy Carroll, Ray Cahill,0-2 SUBS James Hough, Patrick Downes.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Granagh/Ballingarry by 1-14 to 1-11 in Round 3 of the West Junior B Hurling League in Ballingarry on Tuesday 30^th April

The Irish Cancer Society’s Care to Drive transport service is available for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. This service is completely free to the patient—a driver will pick you up at the door of your home and bring you to the hospital and then, after treatment, bring you home. If you are having trouble getting to and from the hospital for your chemotherapy treatment, please speak to your oncology team in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital or call Gail on (01)2310566.

Carrig Celtic lost 3-0 at home to champions elect Newcastle West in the Desmond League Premier Division on Sunday 5^th May. Old Mill and Carrig Celtic B had no fixtures.

The Rosary will be recited each evening at 7pm during the month of May at Churchtown Grotto Newcastle West.

Enrolment is now taking place for the new term at Carrigkerry National School. Please call to the School for the necessary forms.

The Carrigkerry Clerk’s Collection will be taken up over the week-end of Saturday18th/Sunday 19^th May. People are asked to show their appreciation for the wonderful work that Eileen is doing.

The annual Mass in Cahermoyle Grotto, Ardagh, will be celebrated on Wednesday 22^nd May at 7.30pm.

First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Sunday 19^th May at 11.30am.

First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday 25^th May.

Stage 3 of An Post Ras will pass through Ardagh/Carrigkerry on Tuesday 21^st May. The stage will commence in Nenagh at 11am, and travel through Adare, Croagh and on by Ardagh, Carrigkerry Athea, and is expected to arrive in Listowel at 2.30pm. It was formerly known as Ras Tailtean and it is Ireland’s top International tour race. Up to 200 cyclists from 14 different countries are expected to participate. It is a massive boost for the Listowel area as it is their 7^th time to host a stage of the race. The spin off from overnight accommodation and spending in the shops will be most welcome for hard pressed businesses. The Ras in normal weather conditions is due to pass through Ardagh, at 1.41pm, Carrigkerry at 1.52pm, and Athea, at 2.07pm. It promises to be a wonderful spectacle as it passes by and spectators should view it from a safe distance and location and obey the race marshals.

The Sacrament of Confirmation for Ardagh/Carrigkerry school pupils will be administered on Tuesday 28^th May in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry.