By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Jack Egan, Ballinena, Old Mill, peacefully in the loving care of the staff, Orchid Unit, Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Friday March 6^th. He was a well known character who lived past the four score year mark. He was renowned for his numerous witty sayings, and his rare and infectious laugh. Jack worked for different farmers over his working life and was known as a hard and committed worker. He had a lifetime involvement with the G.A.A. as a player and clubman and he attended all the big hurling games. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Sunday March 8^th from 6pm to 8pm, followed by removal to Newcastle West Church.

His Funeral Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception was concelebrated by Fr John Mockler, Fr Patrick O’Donovan, and Fr Brendan Murphy, on Monday at 2pm, and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, and offertory gifts. Fiona, and Michael supplied appropriate hymns and music, and Fr O’Donovan delivered the homily which included a tribute to his old friend and colleague on the playing fields. Denis Noonan on behalf of the Newcastle West G.A.A. Club paid tribute to his involvement in the club.

He was a player with Newcastle West, and in later years with Ardagh. Jack was a tough tackling back but he was known also to have picked off a few scores as a corner forward. The honours were scarce during those years but the participating and enjoyment made up for it. He was a selector with many Newcastle West teams and enjoyed success with the junior hurlers in the late 1990’s. He was a grounds man and a noted worker on the fields committee, and a fundraiser during his time involved.

Jack was laid to rest in Churchtown Cemetery on Monday March 9^th. We will all retain our own personal memories of meetings and chats with Jack. I will picture him on his motorbike with a fag clenched between his teeth, and a bag of Hurley’s on the carrier of the bike. His popularity   was evident by the large crowds that attended on both days, and he will be sadly missed by all. We extend our sympathy to his sister Nell Lenihan, The Cross Ardagh, brothers Joe, and Jim, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Edith Teskey, wife of the late Harry, Avondale, Reens, Ardagh. She lay in repose at O’Grady’s Funeral Home, Ballingarry on Thursday March 12^th from 6.60pm, followed by removal to Holy Trinity Church, Rathkeale. Her Funeral Service was held on Friday at 12.30pm followed by burial in the Church grounds. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Sylvia, Yvonne, Ruth, sons-in-law Mike, John, Brendan, granddaughters Merle, Kay, Jane, Kirsten, grandsons Evan, Harry, great grandchildren Bonnie, Vega, niece, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and good friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Maureen Reidy, Cooltomin, Newbridge, on Tuesday March 10^th at Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West. She lay in repose at Magner’s Funeral Home, Rathkeale, on Wednesday from 6pm followed by removal to Coolcappa Church. Her Funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, and Fr Willie Russell, in Saint Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa, on Thursday at 11am. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. Fr Tim described Maureen as a kind and loving person, and a good neighbour to all during his homily.  She always had a warm welcome and lots of sweets for her young relatives. She was a great fan of singer Daniel O’Donnell and attended his concerts.

Michael-John on behalf of the family thanked everybody for their kindness and expressions of sympathy before the final prayers. Maura was laid to rest in Kilbradern Cemetery as the rain fell and she will be greatly missed by family and all who knew her. We extend our sympathy to her brother Michael-John, sisters Kitty, and Helen, their families, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Ann and Jimmy Lodge and family Coolcappa, on the death of Ann’s mother Margaret (Peg) Leahy Abbeyfeale on Friday March 6^th. May she rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday March 9^th. The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 21, 25, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the following lucky dip winners. €60 Bernie O’Connell, Ardagh. €60 Tom Harnett, Ardagh. €60 Helen Byrnes, c/o Denis Greaney. €30 Margaret Sheahan, Ardagh. €30 Fitzsimons Printers crew, Shanagolden. €30 Niamh Bardon, Ardagh.  Next week’s draw will be held in Reens Bar Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €9,800.

The Carrigkerry Wrenboy Group held a presentation evening at the Flag Floor Rambling House on Friday March 6^th. They presented cheques to the following organizations: Ardagh/Carrigkerry senior citizen’s fund, Kilcolman N.S. fundraising association, Milford Care centre, and the rehab unit at Saint Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West.

Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick team that lost to Wexford by 1-16 to 2-12 in Round 4 of the National Football League Division 3 at Wexford Park on Sunday March 8^th.

Askeaton/Saint Kieran’s lost by 2-9 to 1-9 to Alluaghaun Gaels in the West Under 21 B Hurling group match on Friday March 6^th at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale.

Saint Kieran’s lost away to Na Piarsaigh 3-12 to 1-3 in Round 1 of the County Senior Football League on Sunday March 8^th.

Congratulations to Carrig Celtic team and mentors, who won the Desmond Under 16 Division 2 League title on Saturday March 7^th. They drew 2-2 away to Athea with goals from John Hayes, and Liam King. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 away to Shountrade in Division 2 of the Desmond League on Sunday March 8^th. In the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic and Carrig Celtic drew 1-1, and Kilcolman Rovers and Charleville drew 3-3.

Congratulations to Mike Kiely, and John Sheehy who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday March 4^th.

West Limerick Bowls club meets each Thursday at 7.30pm in Halla Tadhg Gaelach Tournafulla, and new members are always welcome to try out the game.  Please contact 069 -81936 or full details.

West Limerick 102 FM are holding a fundraising race night in Cleary’s Bar, Newcastle West, on Friday 20^th March, to raise funds to upgrade the transmission equipment  in Abbeyfeale, and all are welcome. 

West Limerick 102 FM Community Radio are holding a car boot sale and indoor market in the Community Centre Newcastle West on Sunday 22^nd March from 8am to 1pm. The gates open from 7.30am and contact 069-66200

Stephen Goulding Deputy Principal of Listowel Community College and Carrigkerry native has been in touch with the following. North Kerry College of Further Education formerly Listowel Community College are holding an Open Day, on Wednesday, 25^th March from 2pm-6pm. All are welcome to talk to the staff about all the courses on offer here at the College such as Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses and our VTOS programme .The college has many courses such as, Hairdressing, Animal Care, Business, Nursing, Art Pre-University Arts, Horsemanship, Music Technology Web App Development & many more at both Level 5 & 6 .Apply online now – www.northkerrycollege.ie or ring the school 06821023for further details.

Daffodil Day will be held on Friday 27^th of March this year. People who wish to volunteer on the day or to donate daffodils please contact Kate Buckingham Glenastar, Ardagh on 069- 76148.

Ardagh N.S Parents Association is having a bag packing event at Tesco Supermarket Newcastle West on Saturday 28^thMarch, and all help will be appreciated.