By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place at her residence of Nora Hayes nee Mulvihill, Carnagh, Ballyhahill. She lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden on Friday August 22^nd from 6pm, to 8pm, and crowds attended to pay their final respects, and to sympathise with the family. Her remains arrived at Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman for her Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am. This was celebrated by Fr Denis Mullane, P.P. Coolcappa/ Kilcolman.  Her son Tom paid a touching tribute before the Mass commenced and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, and reflection. The readings were very appropriate and Donie and Maura supplied hymns and music. Nora was laid to rest in Kilmeedy Cemetery on Saturday August 23^rd.

Nora was a native of Carnagh and the mother of a large family who spent time working abroad before returning to her native place to raise her family. She was a homemaker who overcame family losses in life, and a person who put her family needs first. She enjoyed cooking and had a great welcome for all who called to the house. Nora enjoyed shopping and got more satisfaction from getting items for others than for her. She also liked family re-unions, and really enjoyed the get together of family for the Millennium year. She also enjoyed the pleasure of her twenty five grandchildren, and twenty seven great-grandchildren, and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. We extend our sympathy to her sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family member’s neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend sympathy also to the family and relatives of the late Fr Billy O’Gorman, who passed away on Saturday August 23^rd. He was the much loved curate in Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish from 1973 to 1981 with Fr John Connors, P.P. He endeared himself to all sections of the community and over the years he returned to perform so many ceremonies for his former parishioners. May his gentle soul rest in heavenly Peace.

Saint Kieran’s athletic club enjoyed a very successful National Community Games Finals in Athlone last month winning one gold and 11 bronze medals, from their 17 competitors, who all performed very well. Congratulations to Michael Shanahan, who won the All Ireland U-14 Shot Putt competition with a throw of 13.85m. John Hayes was part of the county relay team who finished third in the U-14 Boys mixed distance event. The set dancers won bronze medals in the U-14 Set Dancing event, with John Stack their manager. The members were Molly Gleeson, Niamh Mullins, Cathy Ambrose, Tara Geraghty, Mia Forrestal, Arianne Reidy, Therese O’Connor, Roisin Mann, Ciara Dineen, and Molly McGrath. Well done also to Eoghan and Aaron Heffernan who performed very well in the swimming events. Claire Kiely in the U-14 Shot Putt, and Eileen Collins, and Aine Nolan, in the U12 Irish group dance competition also gave of their best.  The officers and all involved with Saint Kieran’s community games are to be highly praised for providing this outlet for all the competitors who enjoyed another very successful year.

Congratulations and best wishes to Mary Normile (Ahern), Glin and a native of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry who won the Glamorous Granny award at the recent Glin Festival.

Congratulations to Jerry Nolan, Ballyegna, Ardagh, who was a first prize winner at Abbeyfeale Mart Show and Sale held recently.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday August 25^th. The numbers drawn were 1,11,12,28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Kathleen Nolan, Athea. €60 Margaret Neary, c/o Neary’s. €60 Nora Daly Cronin, c/o Curley’s. €30 Paul, Sean, and David Noonan, Ardagh. €30 Fiona Hennessy, Carrigkerry. €30 Tim Madigan, junior Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry and the Jackpot will be €7,000.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Newcastle West by 1-12 to 2-8 in Round 4 of the County Limerick Senior Football Championship at Rathkeale Bog Garden, on Saturday August 23^rd. They trailed by 1-6 to 1-4 at half-time, and fell five points behind on resumption. A late rally just failed to get an equalizer which the team just about deserved. TEAM: Patrick Histon, Brendan McCarthy, Paudie McCarthy, Maurice Shine, Diarmuid Carroll, Johnny McCarthy, 0-2 Diarmuid Crowley, Timmy Carroll, Michael Flynn, 1-0 Ray Cahill, John Doyle 0-1 Jack Ben Harnett, 0-1 Sean McSweeney, 0-4 Donal Nolan, Anthony Molyneaux. Subs:  John O’Connor, Niall O’Shea, 1-0 Shane Lynch. The team lined out without Darragh Treacy, Kevin Meade, and Gavin Hayes who were unavailable. They meet Father Casey’s in the final round and they are still in strong contention for a knock out place.

Carrig Celtic drew 1-1 away to Shannonside FC in the Premier Division of the Desmond League, on Sunday August 24^th. Old Mill lost 4-2 at home to Saint Ita’s in Division 1. Creeves Celtic match against Ferry Rangers in Division 2 was off. Carrig Celtic B defeated Saint Ita’s B 3-0 away in Division 3.

A total of €555.00 was collected in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in Coolcappa/Kilcolman at the church gate collection held on August 16^th /17^th. Thanks to all who collected and contributed for your generous support.

The Shannon House in Foynes was the place to be on Friday August 8^th for the retirement tribute night for Big Maggie (Margaret O’Sullivan, from Feenagh,) who is leaving the entertainment scene after 42 years. It was a wonderful night of music song and dance, as her family friend’s supporters and fans turned out in large numbers to pay tribute to the Feenagh songstress.  She put on a wonderful performance for her fans delivering her favourite numbers in a very professional manner. Her rapport with them is legendary and hugs and kisses were the order of the night. Elvis may be dead but his songs and music live on in the performances given on the night by Con Cremin from Kilcolman, and Gerry Cronin from Newcastle West. Eddie Carey Ger Conaghan, Sean Mulvihill, Michael Fitzsimons, Kevin Barry, Big Ivan, and many more also performed on the night of nostalgia.

Margaret arrived on the music scene in the early 1970s around the time that the Lounge Bar era commenced around West Limerick. We got to know her when her group The Emigrants, played around the music circuit and especially at Stacks Lounge Bar, Carrigkerry. She was a big attraction with her wonderful voice, stage presence, and ability to get people out on to the floor to enjoy their music. We wish her a happy retirement and look forward to hearing her perform at the occasional charity event in the future. She has left us wonderful memories and funny stories as she entertained people in Ireland Britain and the USA, and on behalf of her many fans I say thank you for the memories.

Denis O’Connor and the Shannon House team organized the event and they are to be complimented as everything was done to detail. Denis, the former Killeedy and Limerick hurler, has plans to run a West Limerick Sports Star of the Month event, which is very welcome news for all sports people.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio are holding their monthly car boot sale and indoor market on Sunday 7^th September from 8am to 2pm in Newcastle West Community Centre.

West Limerick Vintage Club will hold their annual show and fun day at the Thatch Bar, Newbridge, on Sunday 7^th September. There will be numerous events to participate in including sheaf tossing, dog show, tug of war, face painting, puppet show children’s obstacle course, bouncy castles, wheel of fortune, food stall and lots more. There will be a live display of vintage farm machinery threshing, baling and horse shoeing as well. The proceeds from the day will go to Rathfredragh Cheshire Home, and all support will be appreciated.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch will hold their AGM in Ardagh Community Centre, on Thursday 11^th September at 8pm. They are asking parents of the children who attend classes to come along and to get involved in the branch for the coming year. Enrolment for music class’s bodhrán and singing is on Tuesday 9^th September from 7pm to 8pm in Ardagh Community Centre. The music classes will resume on Tuesday 16^th September from 7pm to 9pm in Ardagh Community Centre.