Congratulations to Stephen Hayes Ardagh, who was the winner of the Ardagh Development Association, and Saint Kieran’s GAA Club Lottery Jackpot. The draw was held at the Old Mill Bar on Monday 29^th July and the Jackpot was €10,800. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Pat Ambrose Dunganville.  €60 Jim Sheehy, Croagh. €60 Kit Relihan, Ardagh. €30 Pat Ambrose, Dunganville. €30 Fiona Woulfe, Dunganville. €30 Mick Hayes,

c/o Bus Eireann. Next week’s draw will be held at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be € ,000.

The Munster Fleadh Cheoil hosted by Castletroy Comhaltas branch was held at University of Limerick from Sunday 14^th to Sunday 21^st July. Congratulations to all the local competitors who participated and to James O’Connor Boughill Bó who won the U 15 Bodhrán Competition.  Best of luck to James in the All Ireland Fleadh in Derry in the coming weeks.

The death has taken place of Mary (May) O’Connor nee Dalton. Ballinvullen, Castlemahon wife of the late William. She was a former ICA Federation President and a founding member of the Castlemahon History Group who publish a parish annual each year. She was 93 years old and a great ambassador who represented her country at events abroad. Her remains reposed at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Tuesday 30th July from 6pm. Fr John Duggan P.P. concelebrated her Funeral Mass at Castlemahon Church on Wednesday at 11.30am. Burial followed in Ardagh Cemetery on Wednesday 31^st July. Sympathy to her sons Tom and Liam, daughters Lillie (Byrne), Noreen, and Marina, son –in-law Alan, daughter- in-law Louise, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

We also regret the passing of Colm Murray sports presenter with RTE News. He was only 61 years old and had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease in recent years. Margaret O’Rourke the Leitrim born singer with the Hi-lows Showband also passed on in recent weeks. The band were regular visitors to West Limerick venues in the 1970s with ‘Stranger in my Place’ one of her best known songs.

The death has also taken place of Maura Magee, (nee Sheehan) Beechwood House Nursing Home, Newcastle West and formerly of Templeglantine and Ardagh. Maura and Kevin lived in Ardagh for a long number of years, before their move to Templeglantine.  They were a very united couple whose house and flower garden beside the Railway line, was much admired by all. Maura was a kind gentle and courteous lady who enjoyed a long and fruitful life. A woman of great faith whose church meant a lot to her.  They were missed a lot when they moved back to live at her native place. Reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home, Abbeyfeale, on Saturday 3^rdAugust from 6pm followed by removal to the Church of the most Holy Trinity, Templeglantine.Fr Thomas Hurley concelebrated her Funeral Mass at 10.30am, with assistance from Fr Tony Mullins, and Fr Willie O’Gorman. It was a lovely ceremony with organ music and appropriate hymns, adding to the occasion. A number of people from our area were present to pay their respects. Mass was followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband Kevin, sisters-in-law Kitty and Marjorie, nieces, and nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Glin by 1-8 to 0-6 in Round 3 of the West Limerick Junior B Football  Championship played in Athea Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday 24^th July.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Knockaderry by 1-20to 0-3 in Round 4 of the West Limerick Junior B Football Championship played in The Bog Garden Rathkeale on Friday 26^th July.

Saint Kieran’s drew with Cappamore 2-9 to 0-15 in the County Intermediate Hurling League played in Coolcappa on Thursday 25^th July.

Saint Kieran’s will play Pallasgreen in Round 3 of the County Limerick Senior Football Championship in Clarina Gaelic Grounds on this coming Saturday 10^thAugust.

The Desmond Castle in Askeaton will be open daily from 10am to 6pm up to Monday 19^th August. The Castle is open each week end until the end of October, and all visitors are welcome. Further information from tour guide Anthony Sheehy at086-0850174.

The annual special day pilgrimage in honour of Saint Pio will be held in the Capuchin Monastery, Rochestown, County Cork on this coming Sunday 11^th August. A coach will leave the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 11.30am and it will pick up pilgrims along the way. Further details from Pat Dalton on 069-62306

Mass will be celebrated in historic Knockpatrick Graveyard on this coming 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 Ardagh in 1845.  People in the locality have strong ties with this old graveyard overlooking the majestic river Shannon. All are welcome to attend this special Mass which attracts a large crowd each year.

A  special Mass of Remembrance for people who have spent time at Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre over the past 11 years and have now passed on will be celebrated in Dromcollogher Church on Sunday 11^th August at 7.30pm. Family members, friends and neighbours are most welcome to join the Respite staff for this special celebration.

Kilcolman Rovers are holding their registration night on Tuesday 13^th August in the Community Hall in Ardagh from 7.30 to 8.30pm. All new and past members are asked to attend and register. The presentation of medals won last season will be held from 8.30pm. For more details contact Donal Donovan 086/8623088.

Newcastle West flower Show now in its 44th year will be held on Wednesday and Thursday 14/15^th August, in the Community centre Newcastle West. Entries will be received at the Community Centre from 8pm to 10pm on Tuesday night and from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday morning.

Mass will be celebrated at Borrigone Holy Well on Thursday 15^th August at 3pm. All are welcome to attend and do the rounds and to collect water from the blessed well as people did in times past.    It is an aged old tradition in the area and long may it continue.

Barrigone/Robertstown Community Group are holding a Donkey Derby and Dog Show at Barrigone, Askeaton, on Thursday 15^th August at 4.30pm. A great family day out is promised and for further details please contact Eric Fitzsimons on 087 9245100.

The Youth Summer 2000 Festival will be held in the Cistercian College Roscrea, Co Tipperary from Thursday 15^th August to Sunday 18^th August. This Festival gives an opportunity for people from 16 to 35 years, to experience the Catholic faith and to meet new people. A free bus will leave from Newcastle West for the Festival which is donation only. To book phone 069-62141 or online www.youth2000.ie

The death has taken place of Edward Ned Kiely, Lisgordan Ardagh, at The Regional Hospital Limerick on Wednesday 31^st July. He was a native of Knocknagorna, Athea and he was 90 years old. He grew up beside the river and he liked the fishing in his spare time.  He lived close to nature and enjoyed the outdoor work on the farm and in the bog. He enjoyed his Friday trips to Newcastle West, on the Rural Bus, and other outings in recent years. Reposing at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Thursday 1^st August from 6-8pm. His remains arrived at Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman for 12 noon Requiem Mass on Friday 2^nd August. Fr Denis Mullane concelebrated Requiem Mass, with assistance from Fr Tony Kelleher, and Fr Paddy Bowen, Athea.  Symbols associated with Ned’s long life Saint Bridget’s Cross, scraw from his native Athea, sod of turf, cap and rosary beads were placed at the altar before the Mass commenced. Family members participated in the Mass readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts and the choir members and musicians supplied appropriate hymns. The burial took place afterwards in the local cemetery. Ned was well liked and much admired for the fine qualities he possessed and he will be sadly missed by all. Ned and Nora were married for 49 years and he was looking forward to the golden anniversary later in the year. We extend our sympathy to his wife Nora, son Pat, daughters Mary, Margaret, and Nora, sons-in-law, daughter –in-law, grandchildren, great-grand child, sisters Peg and Ita, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Hennessy nee Ahern Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry, wife of the late Tom, at Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West, on Wednesday 31^stJuly. She was a native of Knockfinisk and was aged 93 years old. She came from a family of 7 and she was educated in Carrigkerry N.S. She worked in Limerick and around the locality before her marriage to Tom Hennessy from Ballyloughane, on Saint Patrick’s Day 1946. They were blessed with 10 children, four girls and six boys, and Mary was a homemaker and a wonderful role model for her children. She enjoyed a long and healthy life, until her recent move to Saint Ita’s, where she often entertained all with her singing. Mary or Moll as she was affectionately known was a valued member of the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club, and her two favourite songs were Shanagolden, and Killarney and you. She liked all sports and the game of Bingo, and was always available to give advice, and impart wisdom to family members.  Reposing at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday 2^nd August from 6-8pm, followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. Fr Larry Madden concelebrated her Funeral Mass, assisted by Canon Frank Duhig, Fr Pat Bluett, and Fr Willie O’Gorman, on Saturday at 11.30am. Symbols associated with her devotion to her faith, family and leisure activities were taken to the altar before Mass commenced and a family member paid a lovely crafted poetic tribute to Mary. It was a ceremony she would have been proud of with family involvement in the Mass, hymns, and musical tributes. Burial took place in Ardagh Cemetery on Saturday 3^rd August. Her popularity was evident by the large crowds that attended on both days, and she will be sadly missed. We extend our sympathy to her sons, Tom, John, Mike, Dan, Pat, and Noel, daughters, Mary, Peg, Kitty, and Chrissie, brother Tom, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grand-children, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.  May she rest in Peace.