by Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Bridget (Bridie) Buston Hayes, 5, The Cross, Ardagh, at home on Thursday February 5^th. She was blessed with a long life and in her eighties and known as a hard worker. She was a homemaker who looked after the needs of her family. She liked cooking and gardening and followed the fortunes of Limerick and Munster teams.  Bridie was outgoing and good company and she will be sadly missed by family neighbours and friends. She lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Saturday February 7^th from 6pm followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh. Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Horan, Templeglantine, family relative and Fr Keane, Newcastle West in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, at 12 noon on Sunday. Family and friends assisted in the readings, life symbols, gifts, and prayers of the faithful and Maura, Donie, and Marie supplied the hymns and music.

The life symbols taken to the altar represented Bridie’s love for Country and Western music, devotion to Our Lady and Padre Pio, her favourite colour pink, and her love for Limerick and Munster sports. Fr Horan gave us an insight into Bridie’s long life during his homily. Bridie was laid to rest in Coolcappagh Cemetery on Sunday February 8^th. We extend our sympathy to her son’s daughter’s grandchildren, and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The West Limerick Charity Wrenboys held a Presentation Night at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh, to distribute funds of €1,500 which they collected out in the wren on Saint Stephen’s Day. The members made presentations to Nora Kennelly and Chrissie Greaney for Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club, Mary Balfe for the Alzheimer’s Unit in Croagh Nursing Home, Sister Bridie O’Sullivan, for the Respite Centre in Dromcollogher, and Donie Clancy for Ballingarry Senior Citizen’s.

Congratulations and best wishes to Gráinne O’Connor, Glenastar, Ardagh, and Connie Mc Coy, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry who were married in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday February 7^th.  The reception was held in the Devon Inn Templeglantine, and a large crowd attended.

Cois Sionna Credit Union held their annual Credit Union Schools Quiz in Askeaton Hall on Saturday February 7^th. Well done to all the students and teachers of the schools who participated. Congratulations to Kilcolman N.S.who won the A Competition for the under 11 age group. The members were Gráinne Hartigan, Darragh Mc Mahon, Conor Colbert, and Padraic Downey.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday February 9^th. The numbers drawn were 2,14,17,23, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Mary Keane, Old Mill. €60 Séan Ryan, Ardagh. €60 Mike Liston, c/o Greaney’s. €30 Louise Culhane, c/o Moore’s Bar. €30 Mary Harnett, Ardagh. €30 Sarah O’Connor, Carrigkerry. Next week’s draw will be held in Moore’s Bar and the Jackpot will be €9,000.

Congratulations to Mike Young, and Mike O’Mahoney who were prize winners at the Flag Floor Card game held on Wednesday February 4^th. Congratulations to Donie Donovan, and James Bridgeman, who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday February 6^th. Congratulations to John Mulvihill, and Vinnie Wrenn, who were first prize winners at the card game held in Ballingarry Hall on Saturday February 7^th.

Old Mill lost 6-0 away to Kildimo Utd in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Sunday February 8^th. Carrig Celtic B lost 2-0 away to Shannonside F.C. B in Round 1 of the Desmond Cup. Carrig Celtic and Creeves Celtic had no fixtures.

Johnny McCarthy, and Darragh Treacy, from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick football team that lost to Tipperary by 1-14 to 1-2 in Round 2 of Division 3 of the National Football League played at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Sunday February 8^th.

The Bord Na Nóg annual general meeting took place in Ardagh Parish Hall, on Monday February 2^nd, and the following were elected for 2015. Chairman: Donal McEnery, Vice-Chairman: Mike Ruttle, Secretary: Deirdre Ambrose, Treasurer: Catherine Hayes, Children’s Officer: David Woulfe, PRO: Donal McEnery. Mentors for the various age group teams were put in place.

Alva Neary, and Mai Kennelly, from the Old Mill ladies club are members of the Limerick ladies football squad this year. Limerick defeated Wicklow by 2-9 to 0-11 in the opening round of the National League played in Wicklow on Sunday February 8^th.

Old Mill Foxhounds held a fundraising event in aid of the Alex Ott fund on Saturday February 7^th on the lands of the Leonard family in Ballinoe, Castlemahon.

Limerick Diocese launched their Synod to parishioners around the parishes’ on Sunday February 8^th.  The delegates for Ardagh/ Carrigkerry are John Ahern, Ardagh, Cormac Behan, Carrigkerry, Kitty Hayes, Ballyloughane, Pat Lawlor, Knocknagun, and Noreen O’Callaghan, Ardvone. Noreen and Pat spoke at the week end masses to introduce what the Synod means. The future of the Church is under review at present and all parishioners’ views will be sought in the coming months when meetings will be held. Huge changes are on the way with an ageing priest population, leaving parishes without a resident priest. The role of lay people will be crucial in the future of the Church in every parish in the Diocese.

To book anniversary masses and other church events it is advisable to meet the priest at the church as the booking diary is kept in the sacristy. The earlier in the year a person books for anniversary masses is  the best option as the diary fills up fast due to the reduced number of masses celebrated as a result of the shortage of clergy. Two anniversaries per mass is the ideal so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Coillte plans to carry out forest operations, clear fell and regeneration plans in the following townlands/properties in our locality during 2015. Moyreen, Templeathea, Glenagower, Ballinloughane, Knocknaclugga, Rooskagh, Barnigue, Kerrikyle, Ballyine and Park. The regeneration plans including landscape design where appropriate have been prepared for these areas. Interested parties who wish to view these plans may make an appointment by contacting Kieran Quirke, Coillte, Back of the Forge, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Ring 066-7163377 or e-mail [email protected]

West Limerick 102 FM is holding their first car boot sale and indoor market in Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday 22^nd February at the usual times. All support appreciated.

This coming Sunday 22^nd. February at 4.45pm opposite the Catholic Church in Ballingarry is the place to be when the Knockfierna Heritage Society will take you on a short trip to Kilmacow which is under the shadow of historical Knockfierna hill to view a flock of over 300,000 starlings in various formations which really has to be seen to be believed.  No photograph will catch this unusual phenomenon. For convenience car sharing will be arranged.  No charge and pray for a fine evening.

Thomond Archaelogical & Historical Society will hold a lecture on the Life & Travels of Mary Frances Dickson on Monday 23^rd. February by Dr. Joachim Fischer who is Director of the Centre for Irish-German Studies in the University of Limerick where he is a Senior Lecturer in German. at Room T.1.17 Tara Building, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick at 8pm

The 15^th annual charity céilí in aid of Chernobyl Children International will be held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine, on Friday 27^th February at 9.30pm. The music will be supplied by Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band with numerous spot prizes on offer and admission is € 10.  Your support will be greatly appreciated.

The Limerick County Senior Scór finals will be held in the Community Hall Askeaton on Friday 27^th February at 8pm. The committee is asking all clubs to commence preparations for the eight events.  All clubs are invited to take part and enter two of the events to qualify.

A Gala Fashion Show will take place on Friday 6th March at 8pm in Tinteán Theatre Ballybunion.  It will feature models by Ursula Stokes Agency Limerick, school students and local children.  There will be a Cheese and wine reception with musical interval and door and spot prizes. The tickets cost €10, and they are on sale at the school, from students, also Mary Chute087 6986744, Maxine Brown 087 6268503 Listowel, Rita O’ Shea, 087 7941471 Glin, Pat Noonan 087 2331568, Loughill, and all members of Parents Association. This is the school’s main fundraiser so your support is gratefully appreciated.

Congratulations to all the members of Athea Drama Group on an excellent production of their recent play The Real Mc Coy.