By Tom Aherne

Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s community games members and mentors on their county success on Saturday January 17^th. The U-10 girls won the Gold medals in the County Indoor Soccer Competition. They will represent Limerick in the Munster Finals at UL in July. The members were Gracie Cummane, Jessica McGrath, Olivia O’Connor, Paula Ahern, Molly Murphy, Antonia Madigan, Sinead Kelly, and Leah Quinlivan.

The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday January 19^th. The numbers drawn were 14,18,28,30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Maggie, and Sarah, O’Connor, Glensharrold.  €60 Sean Ryan, Ardagh. €60 John Woulfe, Grouse Lodge, Ardagh. €30 Peggy Conway, Ardagh. €30 Patsy Duggan, Ardagh. €30 Josie O’Connor, Glensharrold. Next week’s Jackpot will be €8,400 and the draw will be held at Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.

The death has taken place of James (Jim) Cregan, Avondale Crescent, Tipperary and late of Cappagh and retired C.I.E. employee. He lay in repose at his residence on Tuesday January 13^th from 5 pm to 7pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated at Saint James Church, Cappagh on Thursday at 12 noon. He was buried in Ardagh Cemetery on Thursday January 15^th. We extend our sympathy to his son Paul, daughters Patricia, and Rosin, brother Joe, sister Ita, and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Noel O Connor the bard of Dually, Newcastle West  who recently celebrated his 70^th birthday with family and friends. Noel who comes from just outside the border of the parish is a well known figure in sport and the written word. The amount of voluntary work he does for the clubs around Newcastle West is legendary with all benefitting enormously from his expertise and sporting knowledge. His Gaelic games and camogie reports are always positive and interesting to read and his poetic verses sublime. He has numerous ties with the parish through family and sport and we wish him continued health and happiness to wield his pen.

This year’s Athea Parish Journal hit the bookshelves in time for the Christmas market, and it is on sale in the local shops around the region. This is the 26^th edition of the popular Journal which has 112 pages and costs €12.There is a wide variety of articles, poems, and club reports to read through with over 200 photos to look at. A good way to pass away these long and cold winter nights.

Saint Kieran’s held their AGM in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Thursday December 11^th and a good crowd was in attendance to review the past year. The various officers gave their reports, which were well received, and lively debates took place, on a wide variety of club activities. The club is planning a race night in the spring to raise funds as well as the annual church gate collection.

The club held a very successful 8km fun run/walk around Ardagh on Sunday December 28^th. Well done to the organizers and to all who participated in the event.

The County U 21 A Football Championship Final was held in Clarina on Saturday January 10^th. Saint Patrick’s defeated Shannon Gaels by four points and Jason Mullins from the Saint Kieran’s club was the referee.

The weather was the real winner on Sunday January 18^th with all the Desmond League soccer matches called off due to the adverse conditions.

The Desmond Cup 1^st Round Draw took place at Rathkeale House Hotel on Wednesday January 21^st. Carrig Celtic are away to Askeaton B, Old Mill are away to Rathkeale A, Creeves Celtic are at home to  Feenagh A, and Carrig Celtic B are away to Shannonside FC B.

The Glensharrold Wren Group and friends were amongst the guests who performed at the Rambling House in Monagea Hall on Monday January 19^th. Their performance was much appreciated by the good attendance on a cold and wet January night. It is an ideal venue for events being spacious and comfortable with secure parking provided. The committee provided a great spread of food and tea at the interval. The Rambling House is held on the third Monday of each month, and it is well worth a visit.

Community projects within 6km of the Grouse Lodge Windfarm are being invited to apply for money available as part of a new fund provided by the ESB. The windfarm community funds have been developed to build on existing local initiatives and support activity programmes that address local needs and opportunities in relation to energy. SECAD has been appointed by the ESB to manage the administration of the funds. The closing date for applications is February 18^th. More details can be got at www.windfarmcommunityfunds.ie

Accord Newcastle West provides Marriage Preparation courses for couples choosing to get married in the Catholic Church. The course information for 2015 can be obtained by logging on to www.accord.ie or by ringing 069-61000.

A reminder that Sacred Space can be heard each Sunday morning on West Limerick 102 Community Radio from 10am to 11 am. John Keily from Ardagh, Ann, Lorraine, and their guests present a very interesting faith programme with a look into the Gospel of the day. John can be contacted at 087-6751795.

The Brothers of Charity Newcastle West would welcome donations of old Christmas and other cards. They also accept used postage stamps which they put to good use to help run the premises that is now 30 years in existence.

Carrig Celtic will hold a presentation night, at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Friday 30^th January. The team won the Desmond Premier League Cup for the first time last season, and the team members will receive presentations to honor this achievement. The third draw in the 300 Club Draw will also be held on the night, with prizes of €1,400 to be won. First prize is €1,000 and interested people who wish to join can contact any club member.

The very popular A Story and a Song series on West Limerick 102FM is now in its 5^th year. On this coming Saturday 31^stJanuary from 3pm-4pm and repeated on Sunday morning 1^st February at 7am the programme will feature an interview with RTE presenter Donncha O’Dulaing and will also include the singing of well known singers Robbie McMahon RIP, Gary McMahon RIP, Murt Downes RIP, Ella Marie O’Dwyer, Annemarie O’Riordan, Willie Relihan etc. Anyone who would like to take part in this programme please contact Pat O’Donovan on 087 9977340.

The annual parish clerk’s collection for Coolcappa/Kilcolman will be taken up on this coming week end Saturday 31^st January and Sunday 1^st February.

The Munster final of Ceol an Gheimhrhidh will be held at Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher on this coming Sunday 1^stFebruary. The best of luck to everybody who are taking part.

The annual general meeting of Saint Kieran’s Bord na Nóg will take place in Ardagh Hall on Monday 2^nd February at 9pm. All are welcome.

The West Limerick Mental Health Association branch will hold its monthly meeting at Maple Lodge Gortboy Newcastle West on Tuesday 3^rd February at 8pm. New members are always welcome and a guest speaker will attend and all members are asked to attend.

Mary Kury will launch her new book about Ardagh Graveyard in Ardagh Hall on Saturday 28^th February following the 7.30pm Mass in Saint Molua’s Church.