The storm on Wednesday 12^th February caused widespread disruption to all sections of the community. The good news was there was no loss of life, or major injuries reported. On this Monday morning parts of our area are still without power and landline phone connections. It will take some time before the real cost of the storm will be known to house holders. We had the same problems back in 1997 when the storm hit on Christmas Day and we were without power for a week.

The death has taken place of Margaret (Peg) Power (nee Madigan) wife of the late Seamus, Clooncommons, Castleconnell and late of the Stables, Glenville, Ardagh, peacefully at Millbrae Lodge Nursing Home, on Thursday 30^th January. She lay in repose at Meehan’s Funeral Home, Castleconnell from 5.30pm on Saturday 1^st February followed by removal to the local Church. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated In Castleconnell Church on Sunday at 11.30am, followed by burial in Stradbally Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her sons Thomas, Dermot, Eugene, and Paul, daughter Kay, sister Nora O’Connor (Birmingham) extended family member’s relatives, and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Smith, Cooltomin, Rathkeale, She lay in repose at Magner’s Funeral Home Rathkeale from 5pm on Tuesday 11^th February. This was followed by removal to Saint Kyran’s Church Coolcappa. Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 11.30am, followed by burial in Lismakeera, Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Tom Culhane at his home, in Barnigue, on Tuesday 11^th February the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Husband of the late Joan Moore he worked on the land all his life, and was still actively involved up to a short time ago despite not feeling well for over a year. Tom who was 74 years old was a hard worker who operated in the old style of farming. Tom and his brother Maurice walked to Carrigkerry National School a good distance away. They joined and engaged with their school friends in the various pastimes and activities of the time. Tom lost his mother at a young age and also his wife Joan in 1999 but he overcame these losses with great willpower and a positive attitude to life. Tom liked a social drink with his friends and participated in the chat and general conversation. He was a most interesting person and good company to be with. He represented Moore’s Bar in the Inter Pub Quiz and participated in others around the locality. He did the Crossword in the daily paper with his friend Jim Dalton. He was outgoing and engaging and will be sadly missed by all who were lucky to have known him.

He lay in repose at Reidy’d Funeral Home Newcastle West on Thursday evening from 6pm, followed by removal to his residence. His remains arrived for 11.30am prayers and Mass in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman, on Friday 14^th February. The ceremony was concelebrated by Fr Denis Mullane P.P. Coolcappa/Kilcolman, Fr Larry Madden P.P. Ardagh/Carrigkerry, and Fr Willie O’Gorman P.P. Tournafulla/Mountcollins. His Family and neighbours participated in the Readings, Prayers of the Faithful. and the Offertory and Diarmuid played appropriate tunes on the fiddle. Fr Denis paid tribute to Tom during his homily speaking of his great love for the land and his animals. The many miles he walked each day with his faithful dog Patch looking after their needs.  His passion for the bog and his delight in having a fine fire for the long winter nights. He spoke of how his grandchildren brought great joy into his life and his great interest in the game of cards.

Tom was laid to rest beside his late wife Joan who died on 2^nd November in Calvery Cemetery Newcastle West.  The inscription on the Headstone reads Our Lady of Lourdes Pray for us. Tom’s popularity was very evident by the large crowds that attended his removal Funeral Mass and burial. We extend our sympathy to his son Seamus, daughter Marie, brother Maurice, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Louise, son–in-law Johnny, nephews, nieces, other relatives, neighbours, and friends. Tom was a good and obliging neighbour, and a friend to all with his easy going and relaxed manner. We will miss his presence around the locality and the passing tractor as he delivered countless round bales to his cattle. May he rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Monday 10^th February. The numbers drawn were 1,12,21,22, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 Noel Kennelly Shanagolden. €60 Pat Ambrose, Ardagh. €60 Marie Carrig The Commons, Ardagh.  €30 Jack Ahern, O’Connor Park Ardagh.  €30 Linda, and Mary Fitzgerald, Main Street Ardagh.  €30 John Curley Main Street Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in The Thatch Bar Newbridge, and the Jackpot will be €10,200.

Congratulations to Mike O’Mahoney Mike Young, Eileen Mc Sweeney and Catherine Kiely who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 5^th February.

Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy were members of the Limerick Senior football team that defeated Longford by 2-11 to 0-11in Division 3 of the National Football League at Limerick Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 9^th February.

Alva Neary was a member of the Limerick Ladies Intermediate football team that lost to Roscommon by 3-16 to 0-2 in the National Football League Division 4 2^nd Round of matches at Tournafulla Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 9^th February.

Congratulations to Patrick Windle from Saint Kieran’s who was one of the coaches of the Salesian College Pallaskenry team that won the Munster U-18 D Football Championship. They defeated Kilkee Community College by 3-10 to 2-7 in the final.

Carrigkerry and Glensharrold Wren Groups held their night’s at the Flag Floor Glensharrold during the month of January. They were enjoyable events which featured top class entertainment and good food in a comfortable setting. The Glensharrold Group and friends performed at the Monagea Rambling House which was held on Monday 20^th January.

West Limerick Resources will run a final Community on Line course in Newcastle West each Wednesday from February 19 to April 2 (7.30-10pm). The course will show community groups how to develop their own free website and set up a Facebook page. This is a hands-on course. On completion groups will have a fully operational website. All participants must have a sound basic knowledge of computers and be comfortable in the use of the internet, email and simple applications such as Word.  Limit 2 people per group.  Registration essential. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email [email protected]

The West Limerick G.A.A. Board All Star Banquet will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on this Saturday 22^nd February. The Saint Kieran’s club will receive two All Star Awards on the night. Congratulations to Darragh Treacy who will receive the 13 a-side Hurling Award and Tim Crowley who will receive the Merit Award.

There will be no afternoon tea dancing in Carrigkerry Community Centre on this coming Sunday 23^rd February. The dancing will return on Sunday 23^rd March.

The first   Car Boot Sale & Indoor Market will be held on Sunday February 23rd from 8am -2pm in the Community Centre Newcastle West. The gates open 7.30am and further details can be got by contacting the West Limerick 102 Station on 069-66200 This is a fundraiser for West Limerick Community Radio, and all support will be appreciated

West Limerick Resources will be offering a series of drama workshops across the West Limerick area this spring.  The short courses will include acting, directing for stage and technical skills.  Courses are free of charge and open to anyone living in the West Limerick area.  To apply for a place please contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email [email protected]

Volunteers are needed to help with this year’s Lollipop fundraising campaign on Friday and Saturday 28^th February/1^STMarch. The Lollipops will be on sale for €2 and the funds raised will go towards the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (O.C.F.) People who are interested in helping out are asked to contact Noelle Ryan chairperson on www.lollipopday.ie