By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Maureen O’Connor nee Nash formerly of Turaree, Glin, late of 19 Cloverfield Glin, wife of the late Patrick, at University Hospital Limerick on Saturday June 28^th. She was one of nine children born in 1925 and lived in the Fahard/Monemohill area of Shanagolden.  She was brought up by her grandparents, as her mother and father died when she was young. She emigrated to work in England and enjoyed the bright lights of London. She met and married her husband Patrick and they set up home in Turaree and were blessed with five in family. Patrick’s health problems led to his early death in 1975 and Maureen cared and provided for the family.  When the pressure eased as the family grew up Maureen was able to devote more time to herself to do the things she enjoyed. She got the opportunity to travel which she embraced with open arms and went on to visit many countries and continents. She enjoyed the company of family and friends and pursued her pastimes with youthful vigour over the years. Maureen moved to Cloverfield in Glin village around her 80^th birthday and settled in very well making friends easily with her outgoing personality and cheerful disposition. She was a widow for 39 years and is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Maureen and the Nash family would be well known in our parish and locality where they have many connections, and Maureen who had sunshine in her smile will be greatly missed by all.

She lay in repose at Healy’s Funeral Home, Glin on Monday June 30^th from 5.30pm followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception Glin. Maureen’s Requiem Mass was concelebrated there on Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, by Fr Thomas Crawford Fr Martin Madigan, and Fr Tom Mangan, a relative, and it was a real celebration of her long life. Her son Tom on behalf of the family paid tribute to his mother outlining her life and times before the mass commenced. Cindy her granddaughter introduced the symbols associated with Maureen which were brought to the altar by young family members. They included a bodhrán which she played and she also enjoyed the visits from the wren boys at Christmas. She had a great love for music song and dance and participating as much as possible. A copy of Ireland’s Own which she read every week enjoying the songs poems and verses which she found great pleasure in.  A bouquet of flowers from her own garden which was much admired and colourful and which she took pride in over the years.

Family members also participated in the readings prayers of the faithful and the offertory gifts. Laura a friend recited a lovely poem in tribute to Maureen who had encouraged her with her writing from an early age. A large crowd was in attendance to pay their respects and afterwards Maureen was laid to rest in Kilfergus Cemetery on a lovely warm sunny afternoon. The family invited all in attendance back to Cloverfield afterwards for refreshments. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Mary, Joan, Theresa, sons Tom, and Patrick, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters Theresa (Babe) Kit, and Eileen, stepsister Mary stepbrothers Mick, and Joe, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,  relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends. May she rest in peace.

The organizers of the Martina Tierney Benefit Dance held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine, on Friday June 27^th would like to thank everybody who supported in any way the fundraiser which proved to be very successful.

Congratulations to the Creeves/Shanagolden quartet of Joe Carrig, Eamon O’Keane, Pat Toomey, and Mike Histon, who raised €10,000 for DEBRA Ireland during the recent  three day 75k walk Kerry Challenge held in Dingle.

Saint Molua’s School Ardagh Parents Committee recently made a presentation to teacher Claire Ryan who departs the school this summer. Claire was very involved and successful in preparing the school teams for the various competitions throughout the year, and also with the West Limerick teams.

Congratulations to Michael Shanahan, Claire Kiely, and Jessica Hodgson, who recently won County gold medals in the Limerick Community Games in Mungret, and best wishes in the national finals in Athlone. Congratulations also to Niamh Enright who recently won a County medal with the Old Mill ladies football team.

Congratulations to the Old Mill U-14 ladies team players and management in winning the Division 2 Féile Péil Shield held in the Connacht area on Sunday June 29^th. They played six games over the three days winning four and losing two. In the Shield semi-final they defeated Saint Brigids by 4-5 to 2-3 on Sunday morning. The final was played in the afternoon in Ballyhaunis and Old Mill defeated Faithleachs by 4-5 to 3-4. They returned home in triumph on Sunday evening and celebrated in fine style around the locality. PANEL:  Sophie Hennessy, Amy Ryan, Amy O’Shea, Tara McCarthy, Kate Ambrose, Tara Geraghty, Kate Downes, Sophie Liston, Cathy Ambrose, Holly Meredith, Niamh Foley, Roisin Mann, Geri-Mai O’Kelly, Niamh Mullins, Roisin Ambrose,(captain) Meadbh Ambrose, Michelle McCarthy, Katelyn Hayes, Sophie Meredith, Muireen Donovan, Iris Kennelly, Aisling McEnery, Arianne Reidy. TEAM Mentors Jimmy Duggan, Donie Donovan, Donal McEnery, Aggie Kennelly.

The Limerick GAA Club Draw for June was held during the Sport’s Programme on Limerick Live 95 Radio on Saturday June 28^th. Congratulations to Michael Steele from the Saint Kieran’s club who won € 250. The next draw will be held on Saturday 26^thJuly on the Sports Programme.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Mungret by 4-15 to 0-11 in the County Intermediate Hurling League Group 1 played in Mungret on Tuesday June 24^th.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Feenagh/Kilmeedy by 1-13 to 0-14 in the opening round of the West Intermediate Hurling Championship   at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Thursday June 26^th.

 Saint Kieran’s lost to Mountcollins/Athea Rangers by 5-14 to 2-4 in the West Minor Football Championship at Athea Gaelic Grounds on Friday June 27^th.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Granagh/Ballingarry by 3-21 to 0-11 in the West Junior B Hurling Championship at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Sunday June 29^th.

Saint Kieran’s represented Limerick in the U-14 Regional Feile Peil 2014 in Mallow on Saturday 28^th June. They played Laune Rangers from Kerry, Castleknock from Dublin, and Carbery Rangers from Kildare, and they performed very well against top class opposition.

Robert Bradley from the Saint Kieran’s club was on the Limerick panel for the Munster U-16 Football Tournament which was held in three West Limerick venues on Saturday last.

The board members, managers, volunteers, and staff   of West Limerick 102fm Community Radio would like to thank all who so generously supported our flag day on Saturday 28th of June in Newcastle West. The amount donated by you to your community radio was €972.00. Go raibh míle maith agat.

The car boot sale and indoor market takes place on Sunday next 13^th July from 8am to 2pm and all are welcome and support will be appreciated.

The annual Mass will be celebrated in Kilbradern Cemetery on this coming Sunday 13^th July at 10.30am. Note change of time from 2pm.

Carrig Celtic are holding their annual general meeting in their dressing rooms on Thursday 17^th July at 8.30pm, and all are welcome.

Kilcolman Community Creche fundraising committee is holding a Golf Classic on Friday 18^th July commencing at 2pm in Newcastle West Golf Club. If you are interested in entering a team in this event or would like to advertise your business, please contact Stephen on 089-2212228. The committee would greatly appreciate your support.

Kilcolman Community Creche will hold a summer camp from Monday 21^st July to Friday 25^th July and also from Monday 11^thAugust to Friday 15^th August. This camp will be suitable for school going children, and there will be lots of activities on offer covering sports arts and crafts. It will run each day from 9.15am to 3pm each day. The cost is € 90 per child which includes a hot meal each day. For more details and to book places please contact 069-60770.

A céilí will be held in Shanagolden Hall on Thursday 31^st July at 9pm. Music by Donie, Maura and Taylor’s Cross Band. Admission €10 and refreshments on the night, and all céilí dancers are welcome.