The death has taken place of Michael Dore, Glensharrold Carrigkerry, at the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, on Tuesday 4^thMarch. He was a retired member of the farming community and he was 76 years old. A native of Strand, Monagea, he was one of eight in family and he was educated in Monagea N.S.  He went to England and worked in the coal mines for about eleven years. He returned home and bought Downey’s farm in Glensharrold in the early 1960s from the proceeds of his work. He was a very hard worker who had a great interest in farming life. His strength and determination turned the land beside the White River into a very progressive farm. He supplied milk to Shanagolden Creamery and he was one of the last suppliers in the area. He married Annie Culhane from Glin and they were blessed with two daughters Mary and Margaret.   He liked a social drink in Ardagh, and Shanagolden with his friends and enjoyed a chat about farming and current affairs.

He overcame the loss of Annie, and his daughters got married and moved away but Mike kept farming and out and about conducting his business. He got great enjoyment from his grandchildren and would be seen picking them up from the School Bus from time to time. He attended Saturday evening Mass in Ardagh Church and he did his shopping in the village as well. He was outgoing and friendly and was most interesting to chat with.  He was a good and reliable neighbour who will be sadly missed by all who were lucky to call him a friend. He enjoyed good health until last winter when he became less mobile and more confined to his home. His unexpected passing came as a surprise but Mike if he had a choice would have preferred to go this way and not to be a burden to anyone. We will miss his van passing  by but we will retain happy memories of Mike and his life and times around the metal bridge in Glensharrold.

He lay in repose at his daughter Mary Walls residence, Grouse Lodge, Ardagh on Wednesday 5^th March from 5pm followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh. Fr Larry Madden P.P. Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Fr Denis Mullane, P.P. Coolcappa/Kilcolman concelebrated his Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11.30am, and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory gifts.  Fr Larry paid Mike a well deserved tribute during his homily and Maura’s There is a place and Beautiful Isle of Somewhere were very appropriate. Mike was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on Thursday 6^th March. We extend our sympathy to his daughters Mary Wall and Margaret O’Shea, sons- in-law Michael, and Vincent, grandchildren, brother, sisters, other relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Eileen O’Connor (Parish Clerk) and family, Carrigkerry on the death of her sister Nancy Bibby Barkshire, England and late of Glenagore.

The death has also taken place of Mamie Cahill, wife of Jimmy, London and late of Ardagh Post Office.

May they both rest in Peace.

Carrig Celtic held the third draw in their 300 club draw at Moore’s Bar on Sunday 2^nd March. Congratulations to the lucky winners as follow €1,000 Frank Moore, Carrigkerry, Promoter: Moloney’s Shop. €250 James McSweeney, Tooreendonnell, Athea, Promoter: Anne McSweeney. €50 Mary and Martin Kenrick, Ballyine, Carrigkerry. €50 Pat King, Carrigkerry, Promoter: Pat King. €50 Daniel Curtin, Listowel, Promoter: Karyn King. The next draw will be held on Sunday 30^th March.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday 3^rd March. The numbers drawn were 14,15,16,20, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 Mike Collins, Park, Ballyhahill. €60 Alice, Daniel and Mike Barrett, Glenastar, Ardagh. €60 Martin Byrne’s, c/o Reen’s Bar. €30 Anthony Molyneaux, Ardagh. €30 Phyllis Galvin, Ardagh. €30 John J O’Connor, Glensharrold.  Next week’s draw will be held at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €10,800.

Maura Nolan from Kilcolman and a native of Knockfinisk, Athea, launched her first CD ‘Am Le Chéile-time together’ in Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Thursday 30^th January and at the Top of the Town in Athea on Friday 14^th February.   The CD costs €15 and is on sale from reception in Saint Ita’s, Newcastle West, and Saint Gobnait’s Ballyagran. She visits and performs at both Hospitals’ regularly which the patients look forward to and enjoy so much. The CD is also on sale at Moloney’s Carrigkerry Newcastle West Library, Desmond Complex Newcastle West, Rathkeale Post Office, Ann Lyons and Margaret Riordan’s Shops in Abbeyfeale, Hogan’s Glin and also at Maura’s ongoing live performances. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the CD (€2) will be generously donated to the Friends of Saint Ita’s Hospital

Stephen Goulding from Carrigkerry West was selected to represent the Labour Party at their convention which was held recently in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel Newcastle West. He is living in Newcastle West and he will contest the Newcastle West Electoral area on Friday 23^rd May. His election launch took place in Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Friday 28^th February. Best wishes to Stephen who would become the first local to be elected to Limerick County Council in the campaign ahead.

The members of West Limerick Charity Wrenboys recently held a presentation evening at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh. The group made   presentations from the proceeds made out in the Wren on Saint Stephen’s Day to Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club, Ballingarry Social Club and the Alzheimer’s Unit, Croagh Nursing Home.

Congratulations to Mike Kiely and Michael O’Sullivan who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday 26^th February. Cards continue each Wednesday night at 8.30pm, teas are served and all are welcome.

Congratulations to John Mulvihill, and Vinnie Wrenn who were prizewinners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday 28^th February.

Pat King from Carrig Celtic was the referee for the Desmond Youths Division 1 League Final between Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, played in Clounreask on Friday 21^st February.

Carrig Celtic B defeated Old Mill 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday 2^nd March to advance to round 2 of the Desmond Cup. Conor O’Shea scored for Carrig, and Chris Madigan for Old Mill. Carrig will play Division 3 leaders Shountrade in Round 2.

Creeves Celtic B Lost 1-0 away to Rathkeale B and Creeves Celtic V Carrig Celtic was called off also in Round 1 of the Desmond Cup.

Carrig Celtic ladies lost 7-1 at home to Glin in Division 1 of the Desmond League with Aoife King scoring their goal.

Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy from Saint Kieran’s saw action with Limerick in their 1-21 to 0-13 defeat by Roscommon in Round 3 of the National Football League Division 3 at Kiltoom, Roscommon on Sunday 2^nd March.

Alva Neary from the Old Mill club was a member of the Limerick Ladies team that defeated Derry by 7-8 to 2-3 in Round 3 of the National Football League Division 4 at Maghera, Derry on Sunday 2^nd March.

Rosin Ambrose, and Cathy Ambrose from the Old Mill club were members of the Limerick Ladies panel that defeated Tipperary by 1-6 to 2-2 in Round 1 of the Munster U-14 B Championship at Lattin/Cullen Tipperary on Saturday 1^st March.

Thanks to everybody who supported the parish clerk’s collection which was taken up recently in Coolcappa/ Kilcolman.

Parishioners are reminded that the Stations of the Cross will be recited in Calvary Cemetery Newcastle West each Sunday during Lent at 2.30pm. All who have relatives buried in the cemetery are invited to come along and pray for them and also for their friends.

Ardagh Drama group are back in action again this Thursday 13^th and Friday 14^th March at Rathkeale Arts Centre at 8pm. The group will present two one act plays ‘’Galway Girl’’ by Geraldine Aron, and ‘’Happy Birthday Me’’ by Simon Williams.  One is serious and thought provoking and the other is humorous allowing all the cast members to display their talents. The cast put on a fine performance in the same venue on last Wednesday and Thursday nights, which was much appreciated by all present.  They   look forward to seeing all their old friends come along to see them in action, and complimentary refreshments will be available at the interval. Members were guests on the Exchange programme with Sheila O’Regan on West Limerick Community Radio, on Friday 7^th March..

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 are available for sale at Moloney’s Shop, and Moore’s Bar in Carrigkerry and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The Kilcolman Rovers 1968-1973 team re-union will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Sunday 16^th March at 9.30pm. Players who played with the club during this time are asked to attend and awards will be presented.