Recent Deaths

The death has taken place of Anna Flaherty, Blaine, on Saturday 22nd March. Sympathy is extended to her sons Patrick and Timothy, daughters Elizabeth, Catherine and Nora and their extended families.

Sympathy is extended to Tim and Lily Somers on the death of Tim’s mother Peg, of Irremore, Listowel.

Congratulations

Congratulations and well done to fellow correspondent Tom Aherne on his excellent article in last week’s Limerick Leader “Then and Now”. Tom described life before the World Wide Web and how people had to rely on the postman or visit to local shop for local news and the weekly travelling shop and the weekly paper for news outside the locality. The weekly paper was then posted to relatives abroad. Tom also wrote about items in West Limerick making headlines during the week.

Seminar

West Limerick Resources are holding a seminar on caring for traditional building on April 10th. It will be presented by Dr. Fidelma Mullane, a specialist in the study and care of traditional buildings and will examine the history of building in the countryside, show the importance of maintaining traditional construction techniques and skills and provide information on caring for rural buildings. Contact Suzanne on 069-79114 or email [email protected].

Tracing Your Ancestors

Flyleaf Press have a number of county guides about tracing ancestors and have published a new edition of their “Guide to Tracing your Limerick Ancestors” by Margaret Franklin. This revision is greatly expanded and updated and is a comprehensive guide to all of the records available for tracing families in the county. The new edition is filled with information on what the records contain and how and where they can be accessed.  It is well illustrated with maps of the various administrative divisions; with examples of the types of records to be found; and with other relevant material. It also provides background on social history of the county and how the history has affected the keeping and survival of records. There is also a comprehensive index.

Limerick Heritage

Limerick History and Heritage Conference will take place in the Hunt Museum on Saturday 29th March when elements of Limerick history and heritage will be explored with the history departments of Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. Keynote address will be by Dr. Eamon O’Flaherty, University College, Dublin. Other speakers include Dr. David Fleming and Dr. John Logan, University of Limerick. Dr. Maura Cronin, Dr. Ursula Callaghan and John McGrath, Mary Immaculate College. Jennifer Moore, Royal Irish Academy and University of Limerick, Dr. John O’Callaghan, St. Augusta’s College, Sligo and author Mae Leonard.

Dawn Run

Pieta House chief executive John Freeman will this week launch Darkness into Light 2014 with Electric Ireland in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick City, taking place on Saturday May 10th. Darkness into Light is a unique, early morning event which begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. This year, Darkness into Light will take place in 39 locations and for the first time there will be two Limerick venues– Limerick City and Newcastle West. Registration for Darkness into Light is available now at dil.pieta.ie.

Hospital Rainbows

Hospital Family Resource Centre is now offering a Rainbows Programme to children and young people who have experienced loss due to separation or bereavement. Rainbows is a twelve week programme that helps children meet other children who have had similar experiences and to put their feelings into words. It is a safe, enjoyable group of children of the same age group. This confidential and free service is open to all. For further information phone Mary or Brigid on 061-383884.

Alcohol Debate

Macra na Feirme held a debate on the theme “Youth Abusing Alcohol or Alcohol abusing Youth” at the Castletroy Park Hotel on Saturday last 22nd March. This youth-held event incorporated a dramatic sketch followed by contributions from expert speakers on the subject of alcohol abuse among Ireland’s young people. Macra na Feirme announced that it aims to tackle this contentious topic and ensure that the drinks industry, the government and youth groups are working together to inform and protect the health and wellbeing of young people.

Recent Wedding

Congratulations to Lorraine Herbert (daughter of Mary Anne and Jim) of Coole, Athea and Gary O’Connor of Brosna who were married recently. Fr. Bowen performed the Nuptial Ceremony here in Athea Church. The reception was held in the Listowel Arms Hotel. A very enjoyable day was had by everyone. Many years of good health and happiness to Lorraine and Gary.