By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Moira Curley, Ballykeefe Estate, Dooradoyle, Limerick, and formerly of Ardagh, peacefully at Limerick University Hospital. She was a member of the well known Curley family from Main Street, Ardagh. Moira was an employee of Bank of Ireland and a former Lady Captain of Adare Manor Golf Club. She lay in repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Limerick on Monday December 1^st from 6.30pm, followed by removal at 8pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at Saint Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle at 12 noon, on Tuesday December 2^nd followed by burial in Ardagh cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her sisters Cecil Hayes and Sheila Douds, brother in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Karen Brouder, Cahernagh, Ballyhahill and Kevin Moroney, Shanagolden, who were married on Thursday November 27^th and held their reception in the Woodlands House Hotel Adare.

Congratulations and best wishes to Joanne Geoghegan, and Kevin O’Brien, Grouse Lodge, Ardagh, who were married on Friday November 28^th and held their reception in the Mustard Seed Ballingarry.

Congratulations and best wishes to William Fitzgibbon, Ardagh, and Annette Casey Croagh, who celebrated their wedding in Cappagh Church and held their reception in the Castle Oak House Hotel.

Congratulations and best wishes to Martin White, Knockfinisk, Athea, and Anita Burnage, Newcastle West, who were married in Castleconnell and celebrated in the Woodlands Hotel Adare.

Congratulations to Martin Flynn, and Michael Kearney who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday November 26^th .

Congratulations to Jim Lynch, and Peg Mulvihill, and Mike Robinson, and Jack Woulfe, who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday November 28^th.

An Art Exhibition celebrating the work of the late Bridie Callanan from Ardvone, Ardagh, commenced at Newcastle West Library on Friday December 5^th. The art on show includes needlework tapestries, and acrylic on canvas. It will remain on show for a few weeks and it should be of considerable interest and attract a lot of viewers. Bridie was a very talented person and she received much acclaim for her creations on canvas over the years.  Bridie’s work can now be enjoyed by all in a public setting.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar Ardagh on Monday December 1^st. The numbers drawn were 3, 4,6,10, and there was no Jackpot winner .Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Mary Steele, Foynes Road Ardagh. €60 Mike Liston, Glenastar, Ardagh. €60 Mattie Woods, Ballyhahill. €30 Tom and Charlie c/o Reens Bar. €30 Jessie, and James c/o Haircraft, Ardagh. €30 Gerry Kiely c/o Bus Eireann. Next week’s draw will be held in Reens Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €7,400

Carrig Celtic defeated Athea Utd 3-1 away in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday November 30^th. Podge Mc Carthy 2 and Seanie King scored the goals. Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 away to Granagh Utd in Division 2. Old Mill and Carrig Celtic B had no games.

In the ladies Desmond League Division 1Creeves Celtic lost 5-2 away to Kilbehenny with Eimear Foley and Rachel Naughton scoring their goals. Carrig Celtic lost 2-0 at home to Adare Utd in the Desmond Cup 1^st Round. Kilcolman Rovers had no match.

Saint Kieran’s are holding their annual general meeting in Carrigkerry Community Centre on this Thursday evening at 8pm, and all interested in the running of the club are asked to attend.

Congratulations to the local players who assisted West Limerick to a double in the Primary School’s Finals held in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Tuesday November 27^th. West Limerick defeated East Limerick by 1-6 to 0-7 in the boys Sarsfield Cup Final  and West Limerick defeated Limerick City by 2-6 to 1-3 in the girls Larkin Shield Final. Aaron Heffernan, and Daniel Geraghty from Ardagh N.S.were members of the boy’s team, and Leah Hayes, and Emma Donovan, from Kilcolman N.S. were members of the girl’s team.

Jason Mullins was the referee for the West U-21 A Football final played in Foynes Gaelic grounds on Saturday November 29^th. Shannon Gaels defeated Deel Rangers by 1-10 to 1-4. Jason and his officials have enjoyed a successful season taking charge of a number of very high profile games in 2014.

Congratulations to Mike O’Sullivan, who was re-elected secretary of the West Limerick G.A.A. Board at their Convention held in the Devon Inn, Templeglantine on Wednesday November 26^th.

Saint Kieran’s are holding their third annual charity road hurling competition in Ardagh village on Saturday 3^rd January at 1pm.

The Limerick GAA Club Draw for November was held at Limerick Live 95FM during the Sports Programme on Saturday November 29^th.  The Saint Kieran’s club had no winner, and the final draw for 2014 will be held on Saturday 13^th December at Limerick 95FM from 10am to 11am.

Packets of Christmas Cards featuring a number of local and winter scenes are for sale in Moloney’s Shop in Carrigkerry. With two weeks to go to Christmas it is time to buy the cards which cost €5 per pack. The proceeds of the sale will go towards the proposed Children’s Playground which is on hold at present due to planning and grant issues. A card depicting scenes from their local village always brings cheer to the receivers especially if they are living abroad.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio is holding the following fundraiser at present. A monster Christmas Hamper Raffle is ongoing and tickets costing € 5 are available at the West Limerick Community Radio Station in Newcastle West.  It is a prize well worth winning and the draw will be held on Thursday 18^th December during the Exchange Programme hosted by Sheila O’Regan.

A car boot sale and indoor market will be held in aid of West Limerick 102 FM Community Radio in Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday 14^th December, from 8am to 2pm.  This is a chance for people to do a winter clear out of items they would like to sell and earn some spare cash for the Christmas, which is close at hand. To book a stall please contact the Station on 069-66200. This is the final car boot sale of the year and all support will be appreciated.

The annual Saint Vincent De Paul Christmas collection will take place in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on the weekend of Saturday 13^th/Sunday 14^th December. This can be a very difficult time of the year for many people who depend on a little support to see them through what should be a happy and joyous time for all. The generosity of the people will allow the members to bring this about for the needy.

The annual Coolcappa Sale of Work will be held in the Community Centre in Coolcappa on Sunday 14^th December, from 1.30pm. Santa will be present with presents for all the children and photographs can be taken.

Carrig Celtic AFC presents Santa in the Community Centre in Carrigkerry on Sunday 14^th December at 3pm. It will be followed by lots of fun and games with prizes, and a mini disco.

The annual Milford Hospice Light up a Light ceremony will be held on Sunday 14^th December at 6pm. This is the 15^thanniversary of the event to remember someone special who has passed away.  People can sponsor a light by visitingwww.milfordcarecentre.ie or by calling the fundraising department at Milford Care Centre on 061 485859 or 061 485860

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas are holding their annual Christmas Concert in Ardagh Community Centre on Sunday 14^thDecember at 6.30pm.

Kilcolman School Fundraising Committee are holding a Christmas Raffle at present with good prizes on offer. 1^st Prize a framed signed Munster jersey, 2^nd Prize a Kindle, 3^rd Prize meat vouchers, and other prizes. Tickets are available from the school and from the following committee members Marian 087-7901425 Julia 087-6565989, and Linda 086-8886065.

The annual Christmas Raffle in aid of Coolcappa Community Hall will be held on Wednesday 17^th December. This is the main source of income for the hall to pay insurance, heating electricity and water. The raffle cards will be available throughout the parish at € 2 per line and support will be much appreciated.

The annual Christmas 45 drive will be held in the Parish Hall Shanagolden on Friday 19^th December at 9pm. A raffle for generous cash prizes will be held and teas will be served and admission is € 10. All card players are welcome and 80% of the door takings will be paid out.