The death has taken place at his residence of Michael Murphy Rooska East, Carrigkerry. He was in his late seventies, and had been unwell for some time. He was a native of Rooska and he had one sister Maureen who predeceased him. He attended Ballyloughane National School and worked in England for around ten years.  His working life was spent in the buildings, and with farmers, and he also worked his own farm.  He married Mary McCarthy in the late 1970s and they were blessed with seven children. He was a hard worker and a great provider for his family. It was a very welcoming and hospitable house to call to, with tea always on offer. He was a familiar figure out and about, as he carried the shopping home on the back of the bike. He was a regular attender at Carrigkerry Church until illness prevented him and his quiet and easy going manner will be sadly missed by all. The death of his son Thomas in an accident a few years ago was a major loss for the family which Michael found hard to overcome. His grand-daughter Méabh gave him much joy and happiness in recent years, and Limerick’s Munster Final win on Sunday was a real bonus.

His remains reposed at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West from 6pm, on Wednesday 17^th July followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry. Fr Larry Madden, Canon Frank Duhig and Father Paddy Bowen, concelebrated his Requiem Mass at 11.30am on Thursday morning. Gifts with special meaning to Michael were taken to the altar before Mass commenced. They included a Limerick hurling jersey family photo, rosary beads, and a photo of his grand- daughter Méabh. Family members assisted in the Readings, Prayers of the Faithful, and the Offertory. Fr Madden paid tribute to Michael during his homily as did a family relative. The sun shone bright for his burial which took place in the Old Cemetery, Templeglantine, on Thursday 18^th July. We extend sympathy to his wife Mary, sons Michael and Patrick, daughters Bridget, Mary-Ann, Christina and Theresa, grand-daughter Méabh, nephews, nieces, brothers in law and sisters in law, relatives and friends.  May he rest in Peace.

Bernie Nolan was laid to rest in Blackpool, England on Wednesday 17^th July. She was a member of the Nolan Sisters who enjoyed world wide popularity since the mid seventies. She was only 52 years old and she died after losing her battle with cancer. Their best known songs were ‘I am in the mood for dancing’ and ‘Don’t Make Waves.’ She will be sadly missed in the music business, and may she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to the Limerick senior hurling team and management on their brilliant display to win the Munster Title in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 14^th. It was a historic day for the success starved supporters, who had to wait 17 years since their last title won in Cork in 1996. It is great to see all the green and white flags flying around the county again after the last 5 barren years.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar Ardagh on Monday 15^th July. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 20, 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 Jack Mulqueen c/o Curley’s. €60 Michael Collins, Park, c/o Curley’s. €60 Ann Dalton c/o Lyons €30 Bridie Noonan c/o Jessica. €30 D, T, I, and R Dineen. €30 Ita, Sean and Donie, c/o Reen’s Bar. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €10,600.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish has contributed a total of €3,058 towards this year’s Lenten Trocaire Collection. The money will be included in the Limerick Diocesan  total which will go towards providing financial assistance to struggling family’s in the third World. It is a good sum in these difficult times and thanks to all who contributed to the total in their Trocaire boxes.

The Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club wish to say a big thank you to the Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Kilcolman/Coolcappa Community Games Committee for a recent gift of € 100 towards the running costs of the club. This gift is very much appreciated and will be put to good use.

In  the 13th of July issue of the Farmers Journal there was a two page spread about the Open Friesian Day held on the O’Connor family farm in Ballykennedy Ballingarry on Friday 5^th July. It was a very comprehensive report and very well deserved for the very popular family who were excellent hosts on the day.

Gerard Curtin from four roads Ballyhahill commenced a new column in the Farmers Journal on Saturday July. The well known author will be writing about the place names of Ireland in future editions. His column is included in the popular Country Living pull out section of the newspaper.

Carrig Celtic selection defeated Glin Rovers 3-2 in the Over 35s Desmond Cup Final played in Ardagh on Friday 12^th July. Liam Flavin 2, and Mike Behan scored their goals.Damian Fitzgibbon was Man of the Match, and Cathal O’Sullivan was captain.

Fr Denis Mullane P.P. Coolcappa/Kilcolman celebrated Mass and blessed the graves in Kilbradern Cemetery on Sunday 14^th July. A sizable crowd was in attendance on a lovely warm and calm afternoon, despite the counter attraction of Limerick playing in the Munster Hurling Final. This is a very old cemetery with its Church ruins still partly intact. Coolcappa that forms a joint parish with Kilcolman at present was formerly comprised of Kilbradern, and Clonagh parishes, and this church was a place of worship for the people. Following a lovely Mass people stood at their own family grave plots as Fr Mullane moved around blessing each one in turn. The cemetery was very neat and tidy for the occasion and well done to all involved in the event.

The Seisiun shows continue in Adare and the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine on Tuesday’ and Thursday’s at 9pm. They will run weekly over July and August to give visitors to the region the opportunity to see and hear the top traditional entertainers in action.

Carrigkerry Playground Committee recently received planning permission for their proposed development in the village. They can now proceed with their funding application to West Limerick Recourses, and can plan other fundraising events.  The plan of work can also go out to tender to secure a contractor to do the work.  A public meeting to decide what amusements will go into the playground will be held in Carrigkerry Community Centre on this Thursday 25^th July at 8.30pm. This is a public meeting and all are welcome to attend.

The judging for the Limerick in Bloom Competition 2013 will commence from Monday 29^th July. The judges will be out and about around the county visiting the towns and villages who are participating.

Kilcolman Rovers soccer club will hold their AGM in the dressing rooms in Ardagh Sports field on Monday 29^th July at 8pm.The club will cater for U-8 mixed, U-10 and U-12 boys and girls teams, U-14 and U-16 girl’s teams. People interested in getting involved are very welcome to attend.

A charity céilí in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held in Knockaderry Community Centre on Friday 2^nd August from 9.30pm. A raffle will also be held for some brilliant spot prizes. More details from Teresa 087-9427259 or Deirdre 086-1630201 Music by the Striolán Céilí Band and tea will be served and all are welcome.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio will hold their next car boot sale and indoor market, in Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday 4^th August from 9am to 3pm. To book a stall contact Marian on 087-6866450. Gates open at 7.30am and admission is € 2 and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The Radio is offering 2 € 50 fuel vouchers as spot prizes each week at present. They are sponsored by Moloney’s Abbeyfeale and Carrigkerry food stores. Text the station 087-1669800 or ring 069-66200 to be included in the draw for the prizes.

Mass will be celebrated in historic Knockpatrick Graveyard on Sunday 11^th August at 2.30pm. This is the burial place of Charlotte Grace O’Brien, poet, writer and philanthropist, who was born in Cahermoyle in 1845. All are welcome to attend.