By Pat Brosnan

Recent Death

The death occurred recently of Eileen Ahern (nee O’Connor) of Parkanna, Athea. Eileen passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, 9th August in the loving care of her family. Eileen was the wife of the late Tom Ahern. Sympathy is extended to her daughter Evelyn, sons Ted, Seamus, Francis and Tony, son-in-law Liam, daughters-in-law Ursula, Miriam, Louise and Margaret, grandchildren, sisters Betty and Bridie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relations, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. Removal took place from Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea. Requiem Mass took place in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Athea and burial after in Holy Cross cemetery. Sincere sympathy to all Eileen’s family. She will be greatly missed by all of them. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Engineering Excellence

Engineers from across Limerick are being sought to enter the fifth annual Engineering Excellence Awards, sponsored by the ESB. These awards recognise key projects, innovations and talent in Irish engineering today. Organisations, local authorities and engineers can enter online at www.engineersireland.ie/excellenceawards from now until September 5th. Limerick has been represented at the National Excellence Awards over the past four years boasting winners in multiple categories. The winners will be announced in October at a ceremony in Dublin.

Union Calls for Motor Tax Move to Post Offices

The government has been urged to introduce Motor Tax services at Post Offices. The Irish Postmaster’s Union (IPU) has said the initiative, if introduced in October’s budget, could save the taxpayer €27m over the next five years. IPU President, Ciaran McEntee, said it would be a major to the post office network. Many people do not realise the ever-increasing range of services available through the post office. As well as the standard postal services and welfare payments, post offices now provide Passport Express, NTMA Savings, dog licences and banking services. There is strong support for keeping post offices at the heart of the community and we get a fantastic service from Helen here in our own post office as well as meeting our neighbours and friends there.

Sophie Mulcahy Support Group in Liverpool

Kind and good natured Liverpool residents have launched a campaign to show support for a critically ill eight year old girl from Limerick. Sophie Mulcahy suffers from an extremely rare condition named Iq43 Deletion and her father Liam takes part in regular fundraisers for her. During a charity cycle in the summer in Liverpool in honour of 96 footballs fans who died at the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989, Liam Mulcahy, Sophie’s father and five friends had their bicycles stolen while visiting Anfield Football Stadium, home of Liverpool FC. The incident caused  outrage among residents in the Merseyside City, who have since rallied behind Liam’s family. A Facebood group entitled “To Sophie” from the people of Liverpoool has been set up by a local woman Dawn Hall, a carer in a nursing home in the city and already has almost 1000 members. The group contains a link to an online charity page where people can make a donation to a fund for Sophie. Her father Liam wishes to thank Dawn for setting up the group and to everybody in Liverpool who has helped since the bicycle theft in June.

Limerick Minor Hurlers

Congratulations to the Limerick Minor hurlers who beat Galway easily in Croke Park on Sunday last. This was a great boost for Limerick hurling as the senior team barely missed out to Kilkenny the previous week. They now go on to play Kilkenny minors on September 7th. This would be a great win for Limerick to finish the hurling year on a high. Limerick haven’t won this competition since 1984 and the future looks really bright for the county hurlers.

Ballad Singer Patsy Watchorn Retires

Ballad singer Patsy Watchorn has retired from touring after 50 years on the World stage. The Dublin born entertainer ahs had a great career with the Dublin City Ramblers, The Dubliners and the Dublin Legends. He has enjoyed hits like “The Rare Ould Times”, and “The Ferryman” and he has played to audiences across the globe. Patsy says he now plans to enjoy more time with his family and to work on his golf handicap. Wishing Patsy both health and happiness in his retirement.