The death has taken place unexpectedly of Esther O’Gorman, nee Naughton, Kilscannell, Ardagh She lay in repose at her home from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday September, 13^th. Her remains were received for Requiem Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Rathkeale on Sunday at 2pm.Cremation service was held at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Cork on Monday September 15^th at 11 am. Sympathy to her husband Jim, daughters  Orla Fitzgerald, and Nicole, son-in-law David, grandchildren Kerry, James and Ruby, sister Cathy, brothers Connie and Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, extended family the team at Reva’s Spa and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary together with Milford Hospice Friends Association wish to thank most sincerely all who contributed so generously towards the annual Church gate collection taken up at Ardagh/Carrigkerry on Saturday/Sunday September 13^th/ 14^th.  The amount collected in Ardagh was €277.81 and in Carrigkerry € 383.40.  A special thank you also to all the collectors who gave so willingly of their time to stand at the tables.

The following are the Lottery results from The Thatch Bar in Newbridge, on Monday September 15^th. The numbers drawn were 4,14,19,24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Josephine Ward, Carrigkerry. €60 Marie Copse, Ardagh. €60 Mike Collins, Park, Ballyhahill. €30 Joan Relihan, Ardagh. €30 Patrick O’Connor, Ardagh.  and €30 to Anthony Fitzsimons, Ballyneety, Shanagolden.  Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €5,200.

Saint Kieran’s and Ballysteen finished level in the final of the West Limerick Junior B Football Championship played in Quaid Park, Cooleyroe, on Saturday September 20^th. The conditions were ideal and the very committed supporters of both sides were present. It was both clubs second teams and there was never more than three points between them in a good competitive encounter. Ballysteen led from the start but Saint Kieran’s kicked three late points to lead by five points to three at half time. The loss of midfielder Aengus Gannon early in the match through injury did not help.  On resumption Ballysteen broke through for a well taken goal to hit the front. They had their centre back sent off after ten minutes, but increased their lead to 1-4 to 0-5 by the midway point. Points were exchanged and Saint Kieran’s had their corner back black carded as the excitement grew. Saint Kieran’s kicked two points from play to level the scores after twenty three minutes.

Seamus Mangan kicked over the lead point a minute later, only for Ballysteen to kick the equalising point from play in the thirty minute.  A good team display with Tommy Quinn, making a number of fine saves in goal. TEAM: Tommy Quinn, James Morrisroe,  Conor O’Mahoney, Captain Michael  Steele, Paul O’Connor, James O’Connor, Ian Mackessy, Patrick Windle, Aengus Gannon, Seamus Mangan, 0-5 Nicky Kelly, Owen Hayes, Anthony Liston, 0-1 Chris Madigan,0-1 Michael Enright,  Subs Sean O’Connor, 0-2 James Hough, Raymond Brouder. It has been a great achievement to reach the final despite losing so many players to the senior team this year. They have lost the entire half back line John O’Connor, Gavin Hayes, and Shane Lynch, since the West League Final win over Saint Senan’s on June 6^th. They have also lost Niall O’Shea, from the forwards, and Sean Windle, from centre field who has been out injured.

Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s U-10 team who won the Cois Síonna Credit Union Shield Final at the annual Hurling Blitz in Askeaton on Sunday September 14^th.

Carrig Celtic lost 6-2 at home to Athea Utd in the Desmond Premier League on Sunday September 14^th. Tony Doyle, and Anthony Molyneaux, scored their goals, and the team has now lost three from their five matches played to date.

Old Mill lost 3-0 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in Round 2 of the Munster Junior Cup.

Carrig Celtic B lost 5-0 away to Abbeyfeale B in Round 1 of the Reidy Cup.

Creeves Celtic defeated Kildimo B 5-1 away in Round 1 of the Richard Hogan Cup.

Copies of the Ardagh Chalice booklet by John Hough are still for sale in Curley’s Post Office, Ailish Enright’s Hair Saloon, Denis Greaney Butchers, and Dairygold Co-op in Ardagh.  Moloney’s Shop, in Carrigkerry and at O’Connor’s Shop in Churchtown

Congratulations to John and Peg Mulvihill, and Jim Dalton, and Betty Kerins who were prizewinners at the card game held in Rathkeale Community Centre, on Wednesday September 10^th.

The card game will resume in the Community Centre in Ardagh on Tuesday 30^th September at 9.30pm, and new members are very welcome.

Limerick I.C.A. Federation celebrated its 70^th Anniversary on Tuesday September 16^th. They held a lunch at the Woodlands Hotel, Adare on Sunday 14^th to mark this milestone in their history. Joan Riordan from Ballyine, and the Ardagh Guild received a presentation as she served as County Federation President from 1992 to 1995. We congratulate all the members who have done wonderful work in our communities over those years.

September has been a wonderful warm and sunny month to date and all sections of the community has benefitted as a result.  With the sun on our backs it extends our summer which was the best we experienced in recent years. The weather was ideal for all activities be it work or play and it put a smile on people’s faces which was lovely to see. The main work around the house and farm was completed in quick time, amidst a hive of activity and everyplace looks its best at present. I have never seen Blackberries as plentiful as this year, and the birds are enjoying the feast as there are clusters of them in every briar around the countryside. In past times we collected them to make jam and tarts, but it is rare to see people out and about now foraging for fruit.

The annual Trad for Trocaire week will be held around the country from Friday26^th September to Friday 3^rd October. The event will see traditional musicians, and music fans, attending venues that will be holding traditional Irish music sessions in aid of Trocaire’s work taking place in many developing countries. This week celebrates our love for music and its heritage, and also for our support and goodwill towards people living in extreme hardship in poverty stricken countries.  Trocaire and Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann are issuing an invitation to all Irish traditional musicians to organize a night in support of this very deserving cause. For more details visit trocaire.org/trad

Ireland’s third National De-clutter Day takes place on Saturday 27th September.  The Day is there to encourage us to de-clutter to feel good in ourselves. We can also donate the items to reuse and recycle sites and donate items to charity. De-cluttering is a job we are inclined to postpone, but it can be a win- win situation for all. Join National De-clutter Day now onwww.nationaldeclutterday.ie

To mark World Heart Day on Sunday 28^th September the organisers are calling on people to put in place walks and events to mark the date. Register at www.itishheart.iehappyheartwalks email [email protected] or call 01-6685001.

The Irish Cancer Society have launched their new breast cancer campaign, ‘’Paint It Pink’’ calling on men and women throughout Ireland to come together this October in the fight against breast cancer. People can organize a big or small event to Paint It Pink on Friday 3^rd October, and raise money for the Society.

A charity ceili in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland will be held on Saturday 8th November 2014 at Mungret GAA Club from 9.30pm to 12.30am featuring the Five Counties Ceili Band. Admission €10 and refreshments will be served. All profits will be donated to The Alzheimer Society – Adare Branch. More details from Mary @ 061 396789 & Breda @ 087 6681712