By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Una O’Flynn, Lisgordan, Ardagh and Jack O’Connor, Glenastar, Ardagh, who were married in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman, on Saturday March 28^th. They held their reception in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine.

The Glensharrold Wren Group held their presentation evening at Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday March 22^nd. Johnny Kennelly on behalf of the group welcomed all present and thanked the people who welcomed them into their homes on Saint Stephen’s Day. He thanked everybody who contributed to the group on the day which they enjoyed so much despite it being wet and very windy. The proceeds left after their Wren Nights made it possible for the presentation to continue again this year. Members of the group made presentations to the following: Ardagh/Carrigkerry Senior Citizens Committee, Ardagh/Carrigkerry Tuesday Social Club, and Kilcolman Senior Citizens/Parish Committee;    All the groups thanked the Glensharrold Wren Group for the donations which will be put to good use in these austerity times, when money is hard to come by.

Kate Buckingham Glenastar wants to thank all who contributed to the Daffodil Day Collection held in Newcastle West on Friday March 27^th. A very successful coffee morning was held in Coolcappa Hall which raised €658 and thanks to all who organised and supported the event. Thanks also to all who supported events at Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry and at Lisgordan, Ardagh

The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday March 30^th.The numbers drawn were 9,12,19,22, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Ivan Neary, Ardagh. €60 Ann Mullins, Ardagh. €60 Alice, Daniel, and Michael Barrett, Glenastar. €30 Kate and Séan Mullins, c/o Patrick Mullins, Glenville. €30 Sophia Ryan, Bus Eireann. €30 Nora Geoghegan, c/o Curley’s. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €10,400.

Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick football team that defeated Clare by 2-10 to 1-5 in Round 6 Division 3 of the National Football League at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Sunday March 29^th. Both players performed very well with Darragh scoring a fine point in the first half. It was disappointing that no amplification was in place and no team line outs were announced and no National Anthem was played.

Alva Neary, and Mai Kennelly from the Old Mill club, were members of the Limerick football panel that defeated Offaly by 1-13 to 2-6 In Round 5 Division 4 of the Ladies National Football League at Banagher on Sunday March 29^th. The team is now through to the semi-final scheduled for 19^th April.

Congratulations to Francis Woulfe and Jim Dalton who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday March 27^th.

The Ardagh Graveyard book compiled by Mary Kury is selling well with three quarters of the copies now sold. It is a fine detailed history with excellent facts and figures and all houses should secure a copy.  It can be got at Curley’s Post Office and Shop Ardagh.

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.

The death has taken place of Margaret (Peg) Moloney (nee Griffin) Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, peacefully at her daughter Breda’s residence on Sunday March 29^th. She was in her one hundred year and the wife of the late Joe, who died in 1996. She was a native of Knocknagun, Carrigkerry and she was aged 99 years old being born on March 18^th 1916. She was the last surviving member of the family of Tom and Margaret Griffin, and she was predeceased by brothers John, Charleville, and Michael Reens, Ardagh, and sisters Bridie Fitzgerald, Glensharrold and Ita, Knocknagun.

Peg was educated in Carrigkerry N.S. and after leaving she helped her father Tom who was a tailor with his work before entering the retail business. While working in Abbeyfeale she caught the eye of Joe Moloney from Knocknasna. They were married in 1950 and were blessed with four children, Breda, Michael, Tom and Martina. Peg worked both inside and outside on the farm assisting in the farm work milking the cows, feeding the calves, washing the milk containers, and any other jobs needing doing. She integrated very well and thought highly of the neighbours and friends in her adopted Abbeyfeale.

She lay in repose at Harnett’s Funeral Home, Abbeyfeale on Tuesday March 31^st from 6pm with removal at 8pm, to the local church. Peg’s Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr John O’Shea, Fr Joe Foley, Fr Tim Curtin, and Canon Neville, at the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday at 11am. Family members brought symbols of Peg’s life to the altar before Mass commenced. They included items that represented her love for cooking, farm work, baking and deep faith. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory reflection prayer and tribute.

Fr John in his homily paid tribute to her long life and her faith.  She attended Mass and received the Sacraments each week, and he would visit her in her home in later years when she was unable to attend. She would have everything ready for the First Friday visits. Her granddaughter, on behalf of the family, thanked everybody who helped and assisted them. She paid a lovely tribute to Peg   who was the fulcrum of the family and always had gifts for them. Peg lived a long and healthy life and lived independent until a few years ago when she moved in with her daughter Breda and family who gave her wonderful care. Large crowds attended on both days to pay their respects to the family.  

Peg was laid to rest in wet and cold conditions but her life radiated brightness and light in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday April 1^st.We extend our sympathy to her sons Michael and Tom, daughters Breda Collins and Martina O’Connell, sister in law Mary Griffin and family Reens, Ardagh, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, Tom Fitzgerald and family Glensharrold and nieces, Ita Mullane and family Knockdown, Athea, Nuala O’Connell and family Limerick, relatives and friends. Peg will be sadly missed by family and all who knew her and may she rest in Peace.

Saint Kierans Community Games are holding their annual church gate collection this coming weekend in Ardagh, and Coolcappa on Saturday 11^th April and Carrigkerry, and Kilcolman on Sunday 12^th April. This is their main fundraiser of the year and all support will be much appreciated. Congratulations to U-16 Group Irish Dance silver medal winners Aine Nolan, and Eileen Collins, and U-14 Solo Dancing 3^rd place Aine Nolan, and 4^th place Cian Ward at the talent competitions in Askeaton on Saturday March 28^th.

Over the next number of weeks, people in the parish will be offered the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on how the Catholic Church will operate in the Diocese in the next decade and beyond. For the first time in two generations, a Limerick Synod will take place during Easter 2016.  A major part of this process is to listen to the opinions of people within the Limerick Diocese.

This Synod represents an once-in-a-lifetime chance for people to voice their opinions on how the Church will operate within the Limerick Diocese over the coming years.

Falling vocations and the aging profile of existing priests and religious orders present significant challenges to the church into the future. Currently, there are a number of parishes in the Diocese that have no priest.

A central principle of the Synod is to listen to the views of all within the diocese, be they regular mass-goers or people who don’t feel connected to the Church. Either way, the Synod is equally interested in hearing your viewpoints.

All that is being asked of you is to complete a simple questionnaire containing three main questions.  You can collect a copy at the back of Ardagh or Carrigkerry Churches or in the local shops. When completed all you need to do is to drop the questionnaire back into the boxes provided.  You may instead choose to fill out an online questionnaire on the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Synod 2016 Facebook Page. The results of the questionnaire will be compiled and submitted to the Synod as a basis for setting out an agenda for Easter 2016. It is important to note that the questionnaires are confidential (you are not requested to sign your name).

The main questions are: What are the topics you would like to see on the agenda for the Diocesan Synod in 2016? What is it that encourages you to participate in the life of your local Church? Or what is it that you find difficult about participating in your local Church? Where in everyday life do you experience love, truth, goodness, hope and joy?

In any parish, there are a variety of views on how people relate to the Church currently and how it’s going to take shape into the future. This is your chance to have your say. Please make it count; your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Questionnaires will be available from next weekend (11^th/12^th of April) to be completed by the following weekend.