The death has taken place of Conor Curtin Reens House, Ardagh, on April 11^th following an accident in Toronto, Canada. He was aged 26 and a civil engineer and he packed a lot of living into his short life.  His death occurred following a fall at a construction site in Toronto. He lay in repose in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh on Holy Saturday from 2pm to 5pm, with large crowds in attendance to pay their final respects. The Requiem Mass on Easter Sunday at 1.30pm was concelebrated by Fr Michael Wall, Chaplain of Mary Immaculate College Limerick. He was joined by ten of his fellow priests from around the Diocese, and the Church was packed for the solemn occasion. Family and friends participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, reflection, poem, and song.

Fr Michael, who has family connections, gave us an insight into Conor’s life and times during his homily which touched all present. He told stories to link his interests in music, and playing the violin, guitar, and drums and being part of a rock band. He outlined his involvement with the gifts that touched his life that were placed at the altar. Fr Michael told of his love for machinery, carpentry Munster rugby many life qualities, and having a good time with family and friends. The time he spent in Trinity College and his graduation as a civil engineer, and his honesty in dealing with others.  He covered his work with Roadbridge in Limerick and also working abroad in Poland and Canada. Conor was laid to rest in Monagea Cemetery on a special day in the Churches’ year on Sunday April 20^th. We extend our sympathy to his parents Larry and Eileen, sisters Laura, and Patrice, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, extended family, relatives, and many friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Flor (Sonny) McCarthy Ardvone, Ardagh, husband of the late Mary-Agnes, and father of the late Flor, at Saint Ita’s Community Hospital Newcastle West on Thursday April 17^th. He was one of the oldest people in the parish and was a retired member of the farming community. He was born in 1920 and was the last surviving member of a family of six. Farming was difficult in those days of pre electricity and modern machinery but Flor worked hard and was determined and he made a success of it. He was a member of Ardagh Creamery Committee, from 1969 to 1974 and he witnessed great changes in farming and life in general over his lifetime. He was married to Mary –Agnes for over 60 years, and they raised a family of four girls and four boys. He loved traditional music and song and dancing polka sets and waltz’s, and a few days at the races. Flor and Mary were regulars at Stack’s and Moran’s, in Carrigkerry during the heydays of the Lounge Bars. He was a very sociable person and he would engage in conversation with all he met. His family and friends and the parish meant a lot to Flor and he never ventured far from his own place. He enjoyed his trips to the Ardagh Social Club where he liked to sing the songs, those especially with a good number of verses. He was a regular at Saturday evening Mass in Ardagh where he sat close to the choir to give them vocal support. He overcame the loss of his son Flor, and Mary Agnes, and people admired his great willpower in getting out and about to events.

Flor enjoyed great health until the start of spring when he was admitted to University Hospital Limerick, and later to Saint Ita’s. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Easter Sunday from 4pm, followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh. His Requiem Mass on Easter Monday at 11.30am was Concelebrated by Fr Larry Madden, Fr Pat Bluett, Fr Tony Mullins, Fr Willie Russell, and Fr Richard Davern, Raheen. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, and reflection. His daughter Mary thanked everybody who was so kind and helpful to both her parents in later years, including the Rural Bus Service, which was so good to them. Flor was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on Monday April 21^st, the same day as Peaches Geldof in London. It was dry windy and cold with good drying in land which Flor would have appreciated. The attendance on both days was large and representative, and fitting for Flor who was so popular with all. His granddaughter gave him a musical send off on the concertina at the graveside, which he would have enjoyed so much. He will be sadly missed but remembered by all he walked through life with. We extend our sympathy to his daughters Mary, Bridget, Liz, and Margaret, sons Jimmy, Vincent, and John, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Mary Ellen Flavin (nee Dunne) Templeathea and a native of Knockfinisk at Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West, on Sunday April 20^th.

We extend our sympathy to Christine and Tommy Greaney and family Kilreash, Ardagh, on the death of Christine’s brother Conor O’Donnell, Ballyea, Rathkeale, on Saturday April 19^th. May they both rest in Peace.

Well done to the residents from Churchtown/Old Mill road and Ballinena who picked up a huge amount of rubbish along the sides of the road from Churchtown to Old Mill on Easter Saturday as part of the National Spring Clean.

Congratulations and best wishes to Siobhan Copse, daughter of Tim and Joan, Glensharrold, who celebrated her 21^st birthday with family and friends at The Ballintemple Inn, Newcastle West on Easter Sunday April 20^th.

The members of the Great Southern Trail would like to thank all the people who contributed € 536 at the Church gate collection in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on Saturday/Sunday April 19th/20^th

Congratulations to Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton who won the County U-18 Football final on Friday April 11^th. They defeated John the Baptist Community School, Hospital by 0-13 to 1-3 at Claughaun Gaelic Grounds Limerick. Congratulations also to the local people involved in the success.

The recent Women in Media weekend in Ballybunion attracted a lot of interest around the seaside town in North Kerry.  It was attended by many of the top women on TV Radio and newsprint, who contributed to the packed programme of events. Congratulations to Sheila O’Regan from Ardagh, and West Limerick 102 Radio who was the MC for the Gala Dinner and presentation of the Mary Cummins award for Women of Outstanding Achievement in the Media on Saturday April 12^th.

Congratulations to Timmy Madigan from Saint Kieran’s who won € 250 in the first draw for March in the Limerick GAA Club Draw on the Limerick Live 95FM Sports Programme on Saturday April 19^th. The next draw will be held on Saturday 3^rd May.

Ray Noonan was a member of the Limerick Minor football panel that lost to Clare by 2-17 to 3-7 in the Munster Championship at Newcastle West on Wednesday April 23^rd.

Alva Neary, and Mai Kennelly and their Limerick team mates lost to Antrim by 4-12 to 0-10 in the Division 4 Ladies National Football League.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Deel Rangers 8-19 to 0-10 in the West Minor Football Championship.

Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry 4-0 away in the Desmond League Premier Division on Friday April 18^th. Seanie King, 2 John Doyle, and Ray Cahill scored. On Sunday they defeated Rockhill Rovers 2-1 at home, with goals from Anthony Molyneaux, and Ray Cahill.  Carrig Celtic B lost 9-0 at home to Shountrade in Division 3 of the League Cup.              

Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Granagh Utd in Division 2 of the Desmond League on Friday April 18^th with Darragh O’Connor scoring. On Sunday they lost 3-2 away to Abbeyfeale Utd B in the League Cup Division 2 semi final.

Cormac Long from Rooskagh, and Rathkeale Boxing Club represented Ireland in the recent World Boxing Championships in Bulgaria. He won his first round bout but was defeated in round two, but he did his country proud in reaching that stage.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio are holding their 4^th Race Night in Dan Cronin’s Bar the Square Newcastle West, on Friday 2^nd May at 8pm. They are seeking people to sponsor one of the races, or to buy a horse for € 10 at present. Any business people or individuals interested are asked to contact the Radio Station on 069-66200. A great night of fun is promised and a raffle for fabulous prizes will be held.

Knockdown Vintage Club and Estuary Macra will hold a charity modern and vintage run on Sunday 4^th May starting and finishing at the Knockdown Arms, Athea. Light refreshments will be served after the run and there will be a free raffle for participants.  A great afternoon’s entertainment is promised.

West Limerick Resources are holding a public meeting to outline the threat to their future and possible closure in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West on Wednesday 7^th May at 8pm. The meeting will outline the government’s proposed changes under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and their future involvement in delivering local supports and funding to communities.  Please attend and show your support for their work which has helped all communities in West Limerick over the last 20 years.

Kilcolman National School fund raising committee will be having a scrap metal collection on the weekend of the 10^th/11^thMay, to raise funds for the new school building. People who may have any unwanted scrap metal please contact the following to arrange collection or drop off. Marion 087- 7901425, Julia 087-6565989, Linda 086-8886065. The committee will appreciate any donations of scrap material and support for the fundraiser.