The death has taken place of Mary O’Connor (nee Mulvihill) 4 The Cross, Ardagh, and formerly of Blaine, Athea, at Limerick Regional Hospital.  She was in her late seventies, and a housewife and homemaker.  She was a native of Blaine and had one sister Joan. Mary and her husband Michael came from Castlemahon to take up residence in the new scheme of houses, near Ardagh Cross in the 1960’s. They raised a family of nine, five girls and four boys. Mary was of quiet disposition and her focus was on her family and her home. She liked flowers and gardening and music, and was highly regarded within the community.  The death of her daughter Joanne in 2010 was a heavy cross to bear for the family. She was in declining health in recent months, and hospitalized but her passing was a shock to the wider community. She will be sadly missed by family neighbours and friends.

Her remains reposed at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West from 6.pm on Wednesday last.  Where large crowds attended to pay their respects to the family. It was followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh. Fr Larry Madden celebrated her Funeral Mass, assisted by Canon Frank Duhig on Thursday 30^th May. Family members assisted in the readings, prayers of the faithful, and the offertory. Maura’s hymns and songs were very appropriate with the theme of Mary very prominent in them. Her daughter thanked everybody and paid tribute to her mother at the conclusion of the Mass.

Burial took place beside her late daughter Joanne, in the family plot in the local Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. We extend our sympathy to her husband Michael, sons, daughters, sister Joan, grandchildren, great-grandchild, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to the pupils of Ardagh/Carrigkerry who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Tuesday 28^th May. A total of 47 children were confirmed by Bishop Brendan Leahy making his first visit to the village. It was a wonderful occasion for the children, parents, sponsors, family and friends. It was a lovely ceremony and well done to Fr Madden, sacristan Eileen, teachers, choir member’s servers, flower arranger and all others involved in the preparations. The day was overcast and cool with sunny spells and light showers, which thankfully stayed away during the ceremony. The church grounds were looking very well thanks to the Fas workers who also helped with the parking, which is limited at present due to the Ghost Estate nearby.

Congratulations to the pupils of Kilcolman N.S. who received their First Holy Communion, in Saint Colman’s Church on Saturday 25^th May.

Congratulations to Mike O’Mahoney and Mike Young who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 22^nd May.

Congratulations to Tom Culhane and Moss Kearney who were prizewinners at the Shanagolden card game held on Friday 24^th May.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Monday 27^th May. The numbers drawn were 3 6 25 28, and there was no winner of the Jackpot. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Mike Hanlon c/o Curley’s. €60 Yvonne O’Connor c/o Moloney’s. €60 Ann Madden Newcastle West. €30 Bridget King Ardagh. €30 Ann Mullins Ardagh. €30 Declan Shields Ardagh.  Next week’s draw will be held in Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €9,200.

We extend best wishes to all students who are busy at present preparing for their Junior and Leaving Cert exams. It is a stressful time for all who can only do their best and let the future take care of itself.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Athea by 1-8 to 1-5 in the West Junior B Football League Semi Final in Tournafulla Gaelic Grounds on Friday 24^th May. They will meet Glin in the final.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Adare by 1-14 to 2-9 in Round 3 of the County Senior Football League in Adare on Sunday 26^th May.

Johnny McCarthy full back and Jim Donovan sub were involved with Limerick who went under to Cork by 3-17 to 0-8 in Round 1 of the Munster Senior Football Championship in Limerick Gaelic Ground’s on Saturday 25^th May.

Evan Donovan from Kilcolman N.S. was a member of the West Limerick team that was defeated by South Limerick by 6-6 to 0-4 in the Mackey Cup Final played in UL recently.

Congratulations to Alva Neary from Ardagh and Limerick Ladies football team who has been selected at full back on the Division 4 2013 National Football League Team. Dympna O’Brien, from Ballyhahill was also selected at left corner forward. The awards will be presented in Croke Park.

Each year the People of the Year Awards, which are organized by Rehab and shown live on RTE 1 Television, shine a light on some of the many unsung heroes who are living in communities throughout Ireland. Nominations from all over Ireland are now sought to help to identify this year’s award recipients.  People who have done something extraordinary, made a real difference or gone above and beyond the call of duty can be nominated.  The organizers would also welcome nominations for the specific categories, Young Person of the Year, International Person of the Year, Sports Person of the Year, or Community Group of the Year. The closing date for entries is Friday 14^th June. Nominations can be made at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by writing to People of the Year Awards, Rehab, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, and Dublin 4. The Awards will be presented live on RTE 1 Television on Saturday 14^th September.

Great Irish People is the name of a book written by Seamus Moran, which was launched in April and is currently on sale for € 30.The contents contains a county by county list of many of Ireland’ most famous and well known people with photos and a short biography of each.  Over 1,000 people from 1600 to 2012 are covered in the book. The county of Limerick features 27 people from all walks of life, but it is also very noticeable for its omissions. Of local interest it includes writer Eithne Strong from Glensharrold Con Colbert from Castlemahon/Athea, Tim Ahearne from Athea, and Michael O’Shaughnessy from Loughill. Prints and Posters and a short biography of each featured person are also on sale. To purchase the book on line visitwww.greatirishpeople.com

VTOS Shanagolden invite you to join them to celebrate the opening of their art exhibition ‘’Inspiration’’ in Newcastle West Library on Thursday 6^th June at 7pm. The paintings on view are the work of the adult students over the past year. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome to attend. The exhibition will run for two weeks and the paintings are on sale at keenest prices.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio will hold a fundraising Race Night at Murphy’s Bar Abbeyfeale, on Saturday 8^th June at 8pm. Support will be greatly appreciated and all the details from the Radio Station on 069-66200. The next car boot sale and indoor market will be held on Sunday 9^th June in Newcastle West Community Centre.

The annual Our Lady’s pastoral area pilgrimage to Knock takes place this year on Sunday 9^th June. The parishes covered are Ardagh/Carrigkerry, Newcastle West, Monagea, Killeedy, Dromcollogher/Broadford, Feenagh/Kilmeedy, and Mahoonagh. The bus fare is € 16 and to book a seat please give your name and number in at the sacristy in Newcastle West.

A Remembrance Service for loved ones who have died in the Mid West Regional Hospital, Limerick, in the last 12 months will be held in Saint Paul’s Church Dooradoyle, on Sunday 9^th June at 3.pm. You are asked to bring along a photo or symbol of your loved one if you wish to place it in the remembrance area. All are welcome to attend this special remembrance service for loved ones.

Kilcolman Rovers soccer club will commence training sessions in Ardagh parish field on Saturday 8^th June at 11am. Boys and girls aged 6/7 years are welcome and the sessions will be held each Saturday over the summer. Contact Bill Mc Mahon 087 2470968 for full details.