By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Patrick (Paddy) Duggan, No 12 The Cross, Ardagh, peacefully at his residence, on Thursday January 1^st in his 93^rd year. He was predeceased by his wife Nan, and son Michael. He was one of the most senior citizens of the parish and the last surviving member of his family predeceased by his sister Mary and brother Johnny. He was born on August 13^th 1922 and came from Coolcronogue outside the village. Paddy was a former workmate of mine for many years at Patrick Mc Cormack’s Joinery Works Ardagh. He was a father figure to the young apprentices imparting his knowledge and wisdom to all. We may not have taken it at times but it was always well meant and appreciated. A lot of heavy timber passed through his hands on a daily basis and he was a loyal and dedicated worker. He was softly spoken friendly and down to earth and good to converse. He was interested in sport and followed his family involvement in Gaelic games soccer, and other sports.  He had a fine view of the Ardagh sports field from his house and he was a Manchester Utd supporter.

In retirement he was to be seen out and about walking around the village, with his late wife Nan and later on his own. Paddy was always ready for a chat on various subjects and politics whenever we met up. He had a great recall for tracing relations and of past events up to the end and this knowledge will be a great loss to the community. He liked gardening and reading and enjoyed the company of his grandchildren. Paddy as one of the most senior citizens’ of the parish performed the unveiling of the Ardagh Chalice Monument beside Saint Molua’s Church on August 30^th last. Paddy also enjoyed his visits to the Social Club and he was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed by all.

Large crowds attended Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Friday where he laid in repose from 6pm, followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh. Fr Tony Mullins, Dromin/Athlacca, and Fr Richard Keane, Newcastle West concelebrated his Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11.30am. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful offertory gifts reflection, and thanks. Family members brought symbols associated with Paddy’ long life to the altar before mass commenced. They included a Limerick Jersey, wedding photo, his cap walking stick, garden plant, history book deck of cards, and holy items Rosary beads/Prayer book as Paddy was a regular church attendee and he had deep faith.

Fr Tony a relative and neighbour paid tribute to Paddy’s long life which was an inspiration to his family and friends. He grew up in a different Ireland that tested people financially and people of his generation had to make many sacrifices to provide for their families. The hymns and music from Michael, Fiona, and John enhanced the occasion, and a large crowd was in attendance. Paddy was laid to rest beneath a rain filled sky in Saint Molua’s Cemetery on January 3^rd. We extend our sympathy to his sons Jimmy, Pat, Ger, daughters Maria, Mairéad, and Mary grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephew, nieces, relatives, and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Loretta Barr (nee Aherne) Baunlusk, Kells Road, Kilkenny and formerly of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry peacefully at home. Funeral Prayers on Thursday January 1^st at 6.30pm in  Johnston’s Funeral Home, John’s Green, Kilkenny followed by removal to Saint Patrick’s Church.  Her Funeral Mass was celebrated there on Friday January 2^ndat 11am, followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband George, children Marguerite, John, Aisling, and Yvonne, sisters, brothers, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday December 22^nd. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 10, 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners. €60 Noel Woulfe c/o Neary’s. €60 Martin Loftus c/o Curley’s. €60 Shane Sheehy c/o Peadar’s. €30 Teresa Flavin, c/o Noonans. €30 Moira Donovan, Ardagh. €30 Noreen Murphy c/o Curleys. The Christmas 2014 lucky dip draw results are as follows €40 each to Ita Kirk, Reens. Amy Magner c/o Neary’s. Tommy Greaney c/o Curley’s. Connie O’Donnell c/o Moloney’s. Neilus Brouder c/o Peadar’s. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €8,000.

Congratulations to the following local prize winners in the Rathkeale GAA Club Christmas Draw held in the Community Centre, Rathkeale on December 18^th. 6^th Prize a pair of Bedside Lockers, Pat Dillane, Glenastar, Ardagh. 9^th Prize 3 Month Membership Leisure Centre, Sheila Dillane, Killaheen Reens, Ardagh. 11^th Prize Christmas cake Tommy Dillane, Reens, Ardagh. 19^th Prize Bottle of Brandy Philip O’Donnell, Reens, Ardagh.

Congratulations to Carol Ruttle, Ardagh, who received awards at the Irish Pony Society annual awards night held in Kilashee, House Hotel in Naas, Kildare on Friday January 2^nd. She had a very successful 2014 with her ponies and picked up several awards during the course of the season. Her pony ‘’Bronheulog Sunny Boy’’ was awarded “Showjumper Pony of the Year” for 2014.

Carrig Celtic defeated Killeaney 2-1 at home in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday January 4^th with Ray Cahill and an own goal making up the total. Old Mill lost 6-3 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd B.

In the Desmond Ladies League Division 1 Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1 at home to Kilbehenny with Sandra O’Connor scoring their goal. Creeves Celtic who was under strength lost 7-0 away to Breska Rovers, and Carrig Celtic had no fixture.

Set Dancing resumed in the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Tuesday January 13^th at 8.30pm. It is a great social outlet and good exercise for mind and body. It continues each Tuesday at 8.30pm and all are welcome

Ardagh Parents Council are holding a Clothes Collection on Thursday 15^th January. The bags can be dropped to the school on the morning of the collection, or to any committee member before that date.

Shanid Comhaltas Group will resume music lessons on this Thursday 15^th January at the usual time and place. More details can be got from Christy at 086-3106503 or Joan at 086-1963847

The Carrigkerry/Old Mill Fianna Fail branch will hold their annual meeting in the Community Centre Carrigkerry on Monday 19^th January at 7.30pm. All members are asked to attend and new members welcome.

The Kilcolman senior citizen’s party will take place in the Shannon House, Foynes on Sunday 25^TH January at 1pm.People who wish to attend are asked to forward their names to Joan Hayes, 069-60307 or Mary O’Connor, 069-60149. 

Canon Donacha O’Malley will give what promises to be a most interesting talk on Limerick Postcards, ‘A Journey’ on Monday night 26^th. January at 8pm at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. All are welcome. For further information contact Pat O’Donovan P.R.O. 087 9977340.

I would like to offer my deep sympathy to the Brosnan family Knocknagorna on the passing of Pat, a fellow correspondent, who was a gentleman and a scholar, a most talented person and a wonderful writer. May he rest in Peace.