The death has taken place of Annie (Nan) Duggan nee O’Connor peacefully at her residence The Commons Ardagh, in her 96^th year on 24^th January. She was the oldest living person in the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish, and was a much loved and respected member of the community. She was a native of Glensharrold and came from a family of seven.  She attended Carrigkerry National School and worked locally after leaving there. She married her husband William Duggan and set up home in The Commons, and they were blessed with four in family. Sadly her husband died at a young age and Annie was left to provide for and to raise the children which she did with great love and care.  In her leisure time she liked needlework, attending Bingo, and playing cards, and she always found time to share with all age groups. She was the last surviving member of seven in family and she will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She lay in repose at her residence on Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, where large crowds attended to pay their respects. Arriving at Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Monday for 11.30am Requiem Mass.  Fr Larry Madden, Fr Tony Mullins, and Monsignor Liam Boyle, concelebrated and family members participated in the ceremony. Symbols associated with her long life were brought to the altar before Mass commenced. They included items that showed her love of family, travel, nature, Church and leisure time.  Fr Larry, during his homily, traced her path through life outlining her many talents, and qualities that were admired by all. Her many trips to Knock for devotions, and America, to see her daughters and relatives.  Her faith and devotion to prayer and the Church. Her involvement in community affairs in her young days, and the enjoyment she got and gave at the Social Club in Ardagh. Her daughter Bridget paid her a touching tribute, recalling fond memories from bygone days before the final prayers. She was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on Monday 27^th January. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Mary, Anna, and Bridget, son John. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Our sympathy goes out also to the family and relatives of the late Shane Hourigan from Ballywilliam, Rathkeale, who was tragically killed in a car crash near Reens Pike, Ardagh on Monday 27^th January. Shane was a well known referee who had a bright future ahead of him at Inter- County level. He was in charge of the Saint Kieran’s and Drom/ Broadford West U-21Football semi-Final played in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Saint Stephen’s Day. May he rest in Peace.

We also note the passing of Pete Seeger the American folk singer at the age of 94 years. We retain fond memories of listening to his songs Goodnight Irene, Where have all the Flowers gone, If I had a hammer, We Shall Overcome, and Turn, Turn, Turn, which were so popular when  we were growing up.

Congratulations to Cormac Long, Rooskagh, and Rathkeale Boxing Club on winning another All Ireland National Boxing Gold Medal in Dublin on Friday 24^th January. He defeated Sean Conroy from Mayo over three rounds to win the 81kgs title. Cormac aged 16 years has now won 8 consecutive All Ireland Gold Medals, which is a truly remarkable record.

Newcastle West Golf Club Equipment Shed in Rathgoonan, Ardagh was broken into on Tuesday morning 21^st January. A lot of valuable property used to maintain the golf course was stolen during the raid which occurred during the night and early morning.

Carrig Celtic F.C. held the second of their 300 Club Draws at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Sunday 26^th January. The first prize of €1,000 was won by Kyle Conway Ardagh. (Promoter Ray Cahill) 2^nd Prize €250 Triona Lynch Kearney Carrigkerry N.S. (Promoter Pat King) 3^rd Prize €50 Cormac Behan, Carrigkerry, (Promoter Cormac Behan) 4^th Prize €50 Catherine Brouder, Ballinabearna. (Promoter Michelle Brouder) 5^th Prize €50 John O’Connor (Junior) Glensharrold (Promoter Denise O’Connor)  The next draw will be held on Sunday 23rd of February.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday 27^th January. The numbers drawn were 3,20,25,30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 Margaret Bridgeman c/o Madigan’s. €60 Nell Lenihan c/o Curley’s. €60 Patrick Mullins, Glenville Ardagh. €30 John Geoghegan, Ballylin, Ardagh. €30 Yvonne O’Connor c/o Moloney’s. €30 Pa Wilmott, c/o Greaney’s. Next week’s draw will be held in Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry and the Jackpot will be €9,800.

Congratulations to Eileen Mc Sweeney, and Mary Aherne O’Connor, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 22^nd January.  Cards each Wednesday at 8.30pm, teas will be served and all are welcome.

Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill, and Jim Lynch, who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday 24^th January.

Members of Movember Charity Carrigkerry recently presented a cheque for € 3,251.34 to the Kiely family Knockfinisk, for the Michéal Kiely Memorial Fund.

The entire Desmond League soccer fixture list was called off on Sunday 19^th January due to the wet and windy weather, which left the fields unplayable.

Parents wishing to enroll their children in Ardagh N.S. for next September is asked to to contact the School Principal for an enrolment form, or telephone the School on 069-76353.

Maura Nolan from Kilcolman, and a native of Knockfinisk, Athea, launched her first CD in Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Thursday 30^th January. A second launch will take place on Friday 14^th February at the Top of the Town Pub in Athea. The CD costs €15 and is on sale from reception in Saint Ita’s, and also at Maura’s live performances. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will be donated to the Friends of Saint Ita’s Hospital.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas are holding singing classes at Ardagh Montessori School (Please note change of venue) on Friday’s catering for all ages from 7pm. For more details contact 087-2902604 or 086-0303140

In the last couple of months a lot of trees have been harvested from the Forestry plantation located near Hannafins Cross, in Glensharrold. The quality and size of the logs have been admired as they pass through the village, on their way to market. We recall when the trees were planted there, and the late Moll King who owned the land and used to live in a small house there now demolished and confined to history. The sad part of the story is that no local person was employed in the felling and drawing away of the trees.

Coolcappa Parent’s Association is holding a used clothing collection in Coolcappa Community Hall on Saturday 8th February from 6pm to 8pm. The organizers would appreciate men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes and shoes.

Please note also that the Oral History Course will start back on February 12th.   A second Oral History course will also start in March if you are aware of anyone who may be interested in taking part.  Venue, date and times to be confirmed shortly.

Saint Kieran’s set dancers were unsuccessful in the Munster Scór Na Nóg semi finals held in Millstreet on Sunday 12^thJanuary.

The County Senior Scór Finals will be held in the Community Centre Cappamore on Friday 7^th March at 8pm.

A limited number of Montessori places are available at Kilcolman Community Creche for children eligible for the free pre-school scheme (ECCE) in September 2014. To book places please contact Gráinne the Creche Manager on 069-60770. Rooms are also available to rent for evening classes and to book contact Sharon on 086-8106522.

Carrigkerry/Old Mill Development Association presents Moonshine, which will be performed by Knockaderry/Clouncagh Drama Group in Knockaderry Recourse Centre on Sunday 16^th March at 8pm. The admission is € 10 and there will be a raffle on the door ticket. The proceeds from the night will go towards the running of the C.E.Scheme in Carrigkerry and Old Mill. Tickets will be available for sale in the coming weeks and all support will be greatly appreciated.

I really enjoyed ”Stop it Nurse” by Athea Drama Group in Con Colbert Community Centre on Sunday night last. It was a laugh a minute all the way through with great interaction amongst all the cast members. People from long distances were present and it was a full house long before the curtain rose.  Congratulations to all who were involved in bringing the play to fruition, and it was a real tonic for the people to enjoy during all the wind and rainfall. I would recommend it to people who may not have seen it to go along this week end and to enjoy a good laugh.