By Tom Aherne

The people of the parish and beyond assembled in Ardagh  for a very special ceremony to celebrate the Ardagh Chalice, on Saturday August 30th .Bishop Brendan Leahy concelebrated the Saturday evening Mass in Saint Molua’s Church with Fr Madden, Fr Mangan, Fr Daly and Fr Donovan to mark the occasion. The attendance spilled out onto the Church grounds and the weather was dry and mild as the crowds increased as the lovely ceremony enriched by the fine choir came to a close. John Hough acted as MC for the unveiling and blessing of the Monument in the front left corner of the Church grounds next to the car park. The unveiling was carried out by Paddy Duggan, and Bridie Kiely, two of the parish’s oldest citizens, and Bishop Brendan blessed the well constructed and finely crafted Monument. The next part of the celebrations was held in Saint Molua’s Community Centre, where a fine crowd gathered for the lecture, presentations, refreshments, chat and entertainment. John Hough began proceedings and Mary Kury chairperson of the Monument committee paid a very nice tribute to former Curate Fr Billy O’Gorman, who would have been present on the night only for his untimely death a week previous. Damien Shiels, archaeologist, author and former assistant keeper of medieval artefacts at the National Museum delivered the lecture, which was very well received. Damien grew up close to where the Ardagh Hoard was found by Jim Quinn, and Paddy Flanagan, in Reerasta South, in late September 1868. The Story of the Ardagh Chalice booklet second edition by John Hough was on sale and copies were snapped up. A replica of the Ardagh Chalice on loan from the Hunt Museum was also on display and it was admired and studied. A large number of presentations were made by the committee to acknowledge the support and contribution to the project. They included Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bridie Kiely, Paddy Duggan, Paddy Daly, Mike Daly, Jack McKenna, (stonemason and sculptor of the Monument) John Shields (builder) and a couple of personal presentations to Jack and John in recognition of their craftsmanship. John Hough in conclusion thanked everybody who helped on the evening and who were associated with the very successful project. A delightful array of refreshments was served by the hard working catering committee, which were much appreciated.  The evening continued with chat and entertainment and was very enjoyable. The Monument now stands as a fitting tribute to the village where the famous Chalice was discovered.

The death has taken place of Stephen Ambrose, Ballylin, Ardagh at his residence on Friday August 29th.  He lay in repose at his residence on Saturday August 30th from 4pm to 8pm where large crowds attended to pay their respects. His remains arrived at Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, for 1pm Requiem Mass on Sunday which was celebrated by Fr Larry Madden P.P. Family members brought symbols than had special meanings for Stephen before the Mass commenced, and they also participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, and offertory gifts. Fr Larry gave us an insight into Stephen’s path through life during his homily. He was one of thirteen in family and he was predeceased by three of his sisters. He emigrated to England at a young age and he worked as a bus driver.  He returned home in 1991 and he worked in Aughinish Alumina and Tadgh O’Connor Hardware, until ill health led to his early retirement.  The news got worse inside the past year and time in Hospital was needed.  He will be sadly missed by his three grandchildren who provided him with lots of joy, family and friends and by all who knew him. Stephen was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on Sunday August 31st. We extend our sympathy to his son Paul, daughters Marion, and Deborah, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, other relatives, neighbours, and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Catherine Guinane, nee Dowling, Ballyvoughan, Ardagh, at the University Hospital Limerick on Saturday August 30th after a short illness. She lay in repose on Monday September 1st from 6pm to 8pm. at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West. Her remains arrived at Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Tuesday for 11.30am Requiem Mass, which was concelebrated by Fr Larry Madden, Fr Denis Mullane, Fr Tony Mullins, Fr Dan Carroll, and Fr Dan Devitt. Symbols significant to Kitty’s life were brought to the Altar before Mass commenced. They included items that showed her love for knitting crafts and cooking, and also her lifelong devotion to Padre Pio. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, and Anita gave thanks to all for their support and assistance over the previous days. Fr Larry traced Kitty’s long path through life during his homily and Maura, and Donie supplied the hymns and music. Kitty was a native of Monagea and had one sister Mary. She went to school there and when finished she worked for farmers both inside and outside the home. She married John in 1948 when she was 21 years old and they set up home in Ballyvoughan. They were married for 66 years and they were blessed with six children. Kitty was a homemaker who had a great welcome for all who called to the house. She liked to dress well when going out and enjoyed her many trips in the car until a few years ago. She will be sadly missed by family friends and neighbours but she was blessed with a long life well lived. Catherine was laid to rest in Kilcolman Cemetery on Tuesday September 2nd.  We extend our sympathy to her husband John, sons Sean, Mike, James, and Patrick, daughters Marie and Bridget, sister Mary O’Connor, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Katie Cremin, Ballykiely, Ardagh and Declan Foley, Milltown, Askeaton, who were married in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman, on Saturday August 23rd. The ceremony was performed by a cousin of the bride Fr John Guiney SJ.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Ann-Marie Crowley, Knockfinisk and Edwin Walsh, Knocknagoshel, County Kerry who were married in Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Athea, on Saturday August 30th. The chief celebrant was Fr Mike O’Connor, a relative of the bride, assisted by Fr Paddy Bowen, P.P. Athea. The reception was held in the Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry, on Monday September 1st. The numbers drawn were 2, 7, 14, 27, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Kathleen Ryan, Coolacokera, Ardagh. €60 Doreen Cahill, Ardagh. €60 Séan Downey, Lisgordan, Ardagh. €30 Connie Kennelly, Shanagolden. €30 Alan Murphy, Shanagolden. €30 Tommy Geoghegan, Ballylin. Next week’s draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar in Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €7,200.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Cappamore by 5-13 to 2-7 in Round 4 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship at Clarina, on Sunday August 31st. It was a wet and windy evening and conditions were far from ideal for hurling. Saint Kieran’s who lined out without four of their regular team made the better start with the wind and the fall of the field advantage. They enjoyed good possession but they missed a number of good goal chances which proved costly and they trailed by 2-4 to 1-3 at half -time. It was all uphill against the elements in the second half as Cappamore, took their chances to run out easy winners. TEAM. John Greaney, Ray Cahill, Paudie McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Mossie Shine, Patrick Windle, Michael Flynn, Jack Ben Harnett, Anthony Molyneaux, 0-2 Timmy Carroll. Johnny McCarthy, 1-1, Donal Nolan, 0-3 Ian Mackessey, Jonathan Ruttle, 1-1 Danny Collum. Subs: Seamus Mangan, Chris Madigan.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Feohanagh by 3-11 to 1-11 in the West Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final at Feenagh, on Tuesday August 26th. The teams were level at 1-7 each at half-time, and still closely contested until late scores gave Feohanagh the victory.

Saint Kieran’s had no winners in the Limerick GAA Club Draw held on Limerick Live 95FM on Saturday August  30th.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-0 at home to Newcastle West in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Friday August 29th and 2-1 at home to Ballingarry on Sunday 31st . Alan Moloney scored the goal.

Old Mill lost 3-0 at home to Kildimo Utd in Division 1 on Sunday, and Friday’s match was postponed.

Creeves Celtic lost 5-1 away to Breska Rovers on Friday, and 4-2 at home to Shountrade, on Sunday in Division 2. David Franklin, and Pa Ahern scored their goals.

Carrig Celtic B drew 1-1away to Athea Utd B in Division 3 on Sunday with Diarmuid Mc Sweeney scoring.