By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Maureen Copse, Ardvone, Ardagh, and Conor O’Mahoney, Kilrodane, Ardagh, who were married in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman, on Saturday March 21st. They held their reception in the Castleoaks Hotel in Castleconnell.  Maureen and Conor have been involved in Gaelic games as players with the Old Mill and Saint Kieran’s clubs over the years.

Christy Moloney recently retired from the position of caretaker at Saint Molua’s School in Ardagh. He was a loyal and dedicated worker over many years at the School. The neat and tidy and well maintained School and grounds were a credit to his talents. We wish Christy a long and happy retirement.

We extend our sympathy to Margaret Breen and family Main Street, Ardagh, following the death of her brother John Shanahan, Barnagh, Newcastle West, suddenly at his residence on Monday March 16th. Following repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Wednesday his remains were received in Monagea Church for Requiem Mass on Thursday March 19th followed by burial in the local cemetery. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Eileen Collins from Saint Kieran’s community games who won the County Gold medal in the U -14 Solo Singing talent final in Askeaton on Saturday March 21st.

Mike Ruttle from Newbridge, was the guest featured on a Story and a Song with Pat O’Donovan on Saturday March 14th. Mike is well known around the region through his past work erecting hay barns, and sheds over many years. He is also involved in farming and with Saint Kieran’s GAA Club as chairman of Bord Na Nóg.  He attends the rambling houses and recently took up singing and playing the tin whistle. He likes all the old traditions and the conversation in between singing reciting and playing was most interesting.  To take part in the programme contact presenter Pat O’Donovan at 087-9977340/069-62713.

 

Tony Hannah and Siobhán Noonan from Templeglantine have been in touch with an update from their Christmas Lights Display which raised the wonderful total of €17,640.This was the largest yearly total collected and the money was distributed to six local deserving charities. The family thanked all the people involved in raising this total.  The event is growing each year and the family deserves great praise for sharing their home over the Christmas time which in turn helps so many other people the following year.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday March 23rd. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 23, 26, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Joan Molyneaux, Ardagh. €60 Tom Harnett, Ardagh. €60 Tommy Greaney, Kilreash, Ardagh. €30 Richard Ambrose, Dunganville, Ardagh. €30 Billy Liston, Glenastar, Ardagh. €30 Timmy Hennessy, c/o Moloney’s. Next week’s draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar, and the Jackpot will be €10,200.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Castlemahon by 1-11 to 1-3 in the Quarter Final of the West Senior Football Championship at Knockaderry Gaelic Grounds on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Dromin/Athlacca by 2-12 to 3-8 in Round 1 of the All County Intermediate Hurling League at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale, on Friday March 20th.

Carrig Celtic defeated Shountrade 5-1 at home in Round 3 of the Desmond Cup on Sunday March 22nd. Ray Cahill 3, Sean Mc Sweeney, and an own goal made up the total. Creeves Celtic defeated Bally Rovers 3-0 at home in Division 2 of the Desmond League with Paul O’Connor, 2 and Seamus Mangan, scoring.

In the Desmond Ladies Division 1 League Cup semi-final Creeves Celtic defeated Carrig Celtic 2-1 away with goals from Avril Dalton, and Siobhan Guinane, and Bridget Liston replied for Carrig Celtic.

Congratulations to Kilcolman Rovers club players and mentors on their recent successes in the Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League. They won the U-14 Girls Division 2 Shield Final at Clounreask on Saturday March 21st.  They defeated Broadford Utd 1-0 aet with Sophie Hennessy scoring the vital goal.  Kilcolman Rovers B won the U-12 Division 4 League after defeating Abbeyfeale Utd B by 1-0 away on Saturday March 21st with Con Enright scoring the important goal.

Congratulations to Ann and Catherine Madigan, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday March 18th.

Carrigkerry/Old Mill Development Association have a number of upcoming vacancies on their C.E. Scheme for general workers. People who may be interested in a position can contact the social welfare office in Newcastle West to check if they are eligible to apply.

Ardagh Drama Group presents The two loves of Gabriel Foley by Jimmy Keary in Rathkeale Arts Centre on Wednesday 1stand Thursday 2nd April at 8pm.

Team Limerick has organized a major clean up around the city and county for Good Friday 3rd April. It is open to community groups, voluntary group’s schools and sports clubs as well as individuals. A lot of local groups will be participating on the day and individuals are welcome to do a cleanup of their own area.

Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh have announced their opening hours for 2015 as follows.

April 3rd -30th Tuesday-Saturdays 9.30am to 1.30pm.

May 1st -15th Tuesday –Saturday 9.30 am to 1.30pm.

August 22nd -30th Saturday and Sunday 9.30 am to 1.30pm.

September 1st -26th Tuesday-Saturdays 9.30am to 1.30pm.

The admission rates are €5 students €3 children and old age pensioners are free.

The Holy Week ceremonies are as follows. Holy Thursday Carrigkerry 6pm, Ardagh 8pm.

Good Friday Ardagh Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm. Carrigkerry Stations of the Cross followed by adoration of the cross at 7,30pm.

Holy Saturday Ardagh Easter Vigil at 9pm. Easter Sunday Carrigkerry Mass at 11.30am.

Kilcolman Holy Thursday 7.30pm. Good Friday 7.30pm. Easter Sunday Dawn Mass at 6.30am.  Sunday Mass at 10.30am.

Coolcappa Good Friday at 3pm. Holy Saturday Easter Vigal at 8pm.

Trocaire boxes can be handed in to the local churches from Holy Thursday and over the Easter ceremonies. People are asked to be as generous as possible with their donations which will be used to help the poorest of the poor. Every euro given will help to improve their living conditions and to save many lives. All households should contribute if it is financially possible as these people have nothing and little means of getting it.

A committee has been set up to raise much needed funds to assist with the cost of sending baby Orlaith Geoghegan and her parents to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in the coming months for treatment of Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI). It is a rare but potentially serious condition which is characterised by inappropriate and unregulated insulin secretion from the beta-cells of the pancreas. It is only one in forty thousand children that will be affected and it is hard to diagnose. Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is one of the leading specialists in the treatment of children with CHI.

Orlaith was born in November 2014 and lives with her parents in Lisgordon, Ardagh. Her mother Jacqueline is employed with the Brothers of Charity in Foynes, and her father Martin is employed with Shannon Foynes Port Company. They would like the general public to be made aware of the condition. The fundraising campaign has been set up to ensure that Orlaith is able to access the best specialised care and treatment which is available at Great Ormond Street.

A benefit night will be held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday 16th May at 8pm. Music will be supplied by  the well known Stevie Donegan from Lisselton. A number of guests will also be present to entertain the crowd throughout the night. They will include the Glensharrold Wren Group, Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas, Jacqueline, and John O’Connor, Denis Mangan and friends, and others to be confirmed. The master of ceremonies on the night will be Seamus Hennessy from Newcastle West who will add his own unique talents to the proceedings.

The tickets cost €10 and are available from shops in Ardagh, Carrigkerry Ballyhahill, Shanagolden and Foynes and from members of the committee. Gerard Reidy Chairman 087-2582963 Mary O’Shaughnessy Secretary 087-4165422 Sharon, and Robert Kinehan, (Ardagh) Nancy Barrett, (Carrigkerry) Margaret Reidy, Evelyn Adams,  Patrick Finucane and Fr Tony Mullins. All support will be greatly appreciated and a wonderful night’s entertainment is guaranteed.