By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Eileen Long, nee McCarthy, of Harrow, North London on Sunday September 28^th. She was 94 years old and burial took place there on Wednesday October 8^th. A native of Knockbowheen, Kilcolman, she got married to John Long a harness maker from the Feenagh/Kilmeedy area. The family owed and ran a pub and grocery business on Main Street Ardagh. They emigrated to England in the 1950s and there was always a great welcome for Irish visitors, who called to their home over the years. May she rest in Peace.

The death of Murt Downes from Ahalin, Knockaderry at Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West, on Friday October 10^th caused widespread sadness in the locality and beyond. He was only 60 years old and he was a well known radio presenter, musician and singer. His father Patrick came from Ardagh and a number of his relatives are still living around the area. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Sunday October 12^th from 4pm, where large crowds attended to pay their final respects to Murt and to offer their sympathies’ with family members. Fr Irwin concelebrated his Funeral Mass in Saint Munchin’s Church, Knockaderry on Monday at 12.30pm, and burial took place later in Clouncagh Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brothers, sisters, and extended family members, and friends.  May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to the Moloney family, Moloney’s Daybreak Shop, Carrigkerry on the death of Micheál Moloney, 27 Orchard Drive, and formerly of Moloney’s Garage, Bridge Street, Abbeyfeale, on Wednesday October 8^th. His Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale, on Saturday October 11^th followed by burial in Reilig íde Naofa, Abbeyfeale. Sympathy to his wife Mary, children James, Joan, Dan, Michael and Denis, sisters Mary and Joan and extended family. May he rest in Peace.

Catherine O’Sullivan, Skehanagh, Ardagh marked her retirement from Marguerites, Newcastle West, at a party in the Ballintemple Inn on Saturday October 11^th. Richard Condon, proprietor made a presentation to mark her many years of service. We wish Catherine a very happy retirement and good health to enjoy the future.

The following are the Lottery results from The Old Mill Bar on Monday October 13^th. The numbers drawn were 2, 7,8,27, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Jim Sheehy, Croagh. €60 Eleanor Fitzsimons, c/o Peadar’s. €60 Mary Malone, c/o Reens. €30 Dympna Mangan, Ardagh. €30 Catherine Madigan, Ardagh. €30 Joan Ahern, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €6,000.

Congratulations to Con Enright, and Moss O’Connor, who were prizewinners at the Flag Floor card game on Wednesday October 8^th. Cards continue each Wednesday night at 8.30pm, and a card game takes place each Tuesday night at 9pm in Ardagh Community Centre.

West Limerick Vintage Club held a presentation evening in the Thatch Bar, Newbridge, following their annual Vintage and Family Fun Day on Sunday September 7^th. Mike Cremin on behalf of the group presented a cheque for € 2,000 to Eileen Broderick, and Catriona Sheehy on behalf of Rathfredagh Cheshire Home.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Claughaun by 2-8 to 1-4 in the semi-final of the County Intermediate Hurling Cup in Adare, on Saturday October 11^th. They play Caherline in the final.

Carrig Celtic lost 4-1 at home to Newmarket Celtic in Round 3 of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday October 12^th. Podge McCarthy scored their goal. Old Mill gave a walkover to Glin Rovers in Division 1 of the Desmond League. Creeves Celtic defeated Adare 4-3 at home in Division 2 with James Naughton scoring 3 and Jason Ahern, the fourth.

In the Desmond Ladies League Division 1 Carrig Celtic defeated Kilcolman Rovers 5-2 in Ardagh, with goals from Amy Adamkiewicz,2 Ronnie Dillon, Maggie O’Connor, and an own goal, with Ide Trant, and Chloe Kennedy replying for Kilcolman. Creeves Celtic received a walkover from Charleville.

Forestry plantations are being cleared of fallen trees at present around the locality. The storm on February 12^th last devastated many of them resulting in trees being uprooted and falling across other trees still growing.  These trees are now being taken out to make way for others to be planted. Lorry loads are leaving daily resulting in extra traffic on the rural roads of the area. It is all outside workers that are employed in this work. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for deer crossing rural roads at present around dawn and dusk when they are most active. They have their own routes for crossing and on average 300 accidents involving deer are reported each year. They are shy animals who keep out of sight and are rarely seen until the mating season commences. They go mad during the rutting season and fight fiercely with one another.  Signs are in place in some areas, but they can take other routes during this busy time and caution on the roads is advised.

The preparations are continuing in the parishes for the Synod in Limerick Diocese in the spring of 2016. Each Parish will be represented by four delegates and application forms are available for people interested in getting involved. More details from Fr Madden, Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Fr Mullane, Coolcappa/Kilcolman.

A fundraising Irish Night in aid of the Seánie Geoghegan Fund Rooskagh will be held at the Flag Floor Rambling House, on this Friday 24^th October at 9.30pm.  It promises to be a very entertaining evening with lots of music song dance and story-telling and tea and refreshments will be available. All support will be greatly appreciated for this worthy cause.

Coolcappa Parents Association is holding a number of fundraising events in the coming months.  They will be bag packing in Tesco, Newcastle West on Saturday 25^th October from 10am. The annual Sale of Work will be held in Coolcappa Community Hall on Sunday 7^th December. All support will be appreciated.

Kilcolman Community Creche is running a Halloween Camp for school children on 28^th/29^th October, and contact the crèche for the details.

Limerick Diocesan Pioneer Fundraising Dance will be held in Mungret Hall on Friday 31^st October from 9.30pm to 12.30pm with music by Peter Burke. Admission €10 and refreshments will be served and tickets can be got from Maureen Finnegan at087-9845102.

Donncha O’Dulaing the famous RTE broadcaster will be honoured in music song and dance at Knockfierna Rambling House on Friday 31^st October from 7.30pm. His recently published book Donncha’s World is selling very well and he is back presenting Failte Isteach on Radio 1 each Saturday night from 10pm. He has been a strong voice for rural Ireland and its people over the years, and he has raised thousands of pounds from his walks for charity. This is an opportunity to meet and greet a real champion of the people, and to thank him for the service he has done for the grassroots of Ireland.

Limerick Community Games are holding their AGM on Sunday 2^nd November at 4pm in the Woodlands House Hotel Adare.

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