by Tom Aherne

The pretty village of Kilcolman played host to a major celebration in its history on the last Sunday of September.  People arrived early for the historic occasion and the weather held fine, as the colourful autumn leaves from nearby trees fluttered to the ground. Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman is 100 years old this year having being consecrated and officially opened on 10th August 1913 by Bishop Edward O’Dwyer. To mark this milestone the current Bishop Brendan Leahy celebrated a special Mass there on Sunday 29th September at 3.pm.  He was joined by former Bishop Donal Murray and Fr Denis Mullane P.P. Coolcappa/Kilcolman, priests from the Diocese and parishioners and visitors from near and far.    The recently renovated and redecorated building was packed with proud people who have kept the faith alive in this picturesque little corner of West Limerick. The ceremony was a celebration of the people and the events tied into this one hundred year history. The procession of the symbols associated with this catholic community unfolded to include the young and the elderly and the proud part they played in parish life. The adult and children’s choirs and musicians enriched the proceedings, and Bishop Healy’s homily touched a chord.  A special souvenir Mass Booklet was also available to help all present to follow the proceedings. Refreshments were available in the School grounds following the ceremony.  A booklet containing the Church/ Parish History was also available to buy on the day for € 5.DVDs of the occasion may also be ordered from Committee members.  A lot of planning and organizing went into the day which was very successful and showcased the great talent that is available in the area. Fr Denis and all involved in the celebrations can all take a bow on a job well done.

Congratulations and best wishes to Amanda Molyneaux, daughter of Ann, and Mike, Ardagh, and Seán Dalton, Asdee, County Kerry who were married recently in Lanzarotte.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday 30th September. The numbers drawn were 8,13,15,17, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. € 60 Denise O’Connor Glensharrold. € 60 Joseph Gerard O’Connor c/o Curleys. € 60 Joan Corbett c/o Reen’s Bar. € 30 Butty and Shiek c/o Tom Neary. € 30 Helen Daly Commons, Ardagh. € 30 Tim and Charlie c/o Reen’s Bar. Next week’s draw will be held in The Old Mill Bar and the Jackpot will be € 6,800.

We extend our sympathy to Ann and John Mullins and family School Road Ardagh, on the death of Ann’s sister Maura Lane (nee Cremin) late of 32 Castleview Newcastle West. Her remains were removed from Reidy’s Funeral Home to Newcastle West Church on Wednesday 25th September. She was laid to rest following Requiem Mass in Calvary Cemetery on the following day.

We extend sympathy also to Donal and Moira Mc Enery and family Skehanagh, Ardagh, on the death of Donal’s father Donie late of Cullinagh, Newcastle West. His remains were removed from Reidy’s Funeral Home to Newcastle West Church on Thursday 26th September. He was laid to rest following Requiem Mass in Calvary Cemetery on the following day.

The death has also taken place of Richard Langford Kilcosgriff, Shanagolden, and husband of the late Dorothy on Saturday 28th September. He lay in repose at his home on Wednesday 2nd October from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Service in Saint Mary’s Church of Ireland, Askeaton on Thursday at 2pm followed by burial in the adjoining Churchyard.  The Langford family down the years had a long association with Ardagh owning house and lands in Glenville.  We extend sympathy to his sons Richard, Andrew, and William, wife Gill, extended family members and friends.

We extend our sympathy to Fr Denis Mullane P.P. Coolcappa/Kilcolman, and the extended Mullane family on the death of his mother Mai Mullane, (nee Shanahan) Glin Road Athea, peacefully at her residence on Thursday 3rd October. She lay in repose at her residence on Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. She was laid to rest following Requiem Mass in Saint Bartholomew’s Church Athea, on Sunday 6th October. May they all rest in Peace.

Sunday 29th September was quiet for local clubs in the Desmond League, with Carrig Celtic and Old Mill having no games, and Carrig Celtic B V Shannonside FC B off. Creeves Celtic lost 3-0 away to Athea Utd B in the Reidy Cup first round. Creeves Celtic B lost 2-0 at home to Feenagh B in Division 3.

Carrig Celtic players Anthony Molyneaux, Ray Cahill, and Sean Mc Sweeney are included in the Desmond League panel for the Oscar Traynor inter league competition.

Ardagh ICA Guild would like to thank all who supported their Coffee Morning in aid of Milford Hospice in the Community Centre Ardagh, on Thursday 19th September. The total amount raised was € 510.90.

Congratulations to Donie Donovan, and James Bridgeman, John Mulvihill, and Vinnie Wrenn, who were joint winners at the Shanagolden card game held on Friday 27th September.

Congratulations to John Mulvihill, and Vinnie Wrenn who were first prize winners at the Ballingarry card game on Saturday 28th September.

The Rosary will be recited each evening for the month of October at Churchtown Grotto Newcastle West, at 7pm, and all are welcome to join in.

Milford Hospice has opened a shop at 22 Thomas Street, Limerick and is appealing for the following items: good quality men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, shoes, accessories, handbags and jewellery. Household items such as bed linen, ornaments and mirrors would gratefully be appreciated. For further information contact Aelish  Mc Mahon on 086-8366846 or deliver to the shop. The opening hours will be 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

To mark 2014 as European Year of Culture Fr Larry Madden P.P. is hoping to make a start on building up a   parish archive. At present he is seeking photographs of the former priests of the parish to copy. The names and addresses of the owners of the photos are to be written on the back of the photos before they are handed into Fr Madden. The photos will be returned with thanks once a copy is taken.

West Limerick Resources will be running an Oral History Training course commencing in October. It will run one evening a week for ten weeks, and is free of charge and open to people living in the West Limerick area.  Participants will receive training in interviewing techniques, digital voice recording and editing techniques. To register for the course contact Suzanne on 069-79114 or email [email protected]

The Desmond Castle Askeaton will remain open each weekend until the end of October. More details are available from tour guide Anthony Sheehy at 086-0850174

Accord that is based in Newcastle West provides a marriage and relationship counseling service, with both daytime and evening appointments. They also deliver Marriage Preparation Courses, with one more to be held on Saturday 16th November. For more details please ring 069-61000 or email [email protected]

A book on the history of all the parishes in the Diocese will be available to purchase this coming winter. It is a once off publication that normally would cost € 35 but will be available at parish level for € 20

The Limerick Ladies (5Miles) Mini Marathon will be held on Saturday 12th October at 3pm at UL. The Share a Dream Foundation is seeking volunteers to participate to raise funds and to help them to make dreams come true for special children. Call Ciara on 061-200080/200083 for the sponsors pack or email www.shareadream.ie

The Irish Rambling House Tour of Britain  takes place from Wednesday 16th October  at Leamington, Spa, Thursday 17thOctober Birmingham Irish Centre, Friday 18th October Camden Irish Centre (afternoon show) Saturday 18th October Salvatorian College Hall Harrow. More details from Kay at 068-48353

Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre will host a fashion fundraising event on Friday November 1st at 8pm in the Day Care Centre, Dromcollogher. Any items of unwanted new or nearly new clothing shoes and accessories would be very welcome for this fundraiser. The clothing may be dropped at the Respite Care Centre. Tickets cost € 10 which includes a glass of champagne on admission, free raffle on door ticket, and finger food. Advice on make- up and hairstyles will also be available from local beauticians and hair stylists. For additional information please contact 063-83934

The Ballyloughane School reunion has been fixed for Sunday 3rd November, in Carrigkerry Community Centre.    A number of meetings have taken place and a programme of events is being planned at present. The organizers would appreciate articles, and photos, for a booklet they are publishing to mark the contribution the school made to education in the area .I am delighted to see Pat Brosnon’s notes back again in the Athea Newsletter, and the Limerick Leader. They were missed over the past few months.