By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Tom McCrave, Mill Street, Dundalk, County Louth, suddenly at the Mater Hospital Dublin on Monday March 30^th. Tom and family lived in the New Houses in Ardagh during the 1970s and 1980s and he worked at Paddy McCormack’s Joinery Works. He was employed as a foreman in the furniture section and he was a skilled craftsman. Tom also had his own business for a number of years before moving back to Dundalk. He was still involved in the business and was taken ill on his way to work.

He lay in repose at home on Wednesday April 1^st with removal on Holy Thursday at 10.30am to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral arriving for Funeral Liturgy at 11am. Tom was laid to rest in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery on April 2^nd. We extend our sympathy to his wife Betty, children Leonard, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Susan, and other extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Joseph Wilmott Liskileen, Ardagh, peacefully at Milford Care Centre, Limerick on Tuesday April 28^th. He was a well known businessman and a butcher by trade. He worked in Shannon Meats and later in their own meat factory in Holycross, Rathkeale. He was very interested in horse racing and owned numerous horses and enjoyed much success over the years. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Thursday from 5pm followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh.

His Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael O’Shea, Fedamore, Fr Edwin Irwin, Fr Tony Mullins, Fr Willie Russell and Canon Frank Duhig, on Friday at 11.30pm. Family members participated in the ceremony and the hymns and music was uplifting. Symbols associated with Joe’s life were taken to the altar before the Mass commenced. They included his cap and pipe which he was seldom seen without. A copy of the Irish Independent which he got daily and a copy of the Racing Post to keep him up to date with the horse and greyhound scene, and family photos.

Fr Michael, a native of Rathkeale, in tribute traced his path through life during his homily He was born on July 1^st 1941 in Rathkeale and he was one of 10 in family five brothers and four sisters. He married Kathleen in 1964 and they were blessed with five children. He was a good husband and father and a kind and generous man who was devoted to his family and eight grandchildren. He had strong faith and received the sacraments and looked forward to the visits from the clergy when he was sick over the past year. A family member paid tribute to Joe at the conclusion of Mass. Both tributes included stories about Joe’s successes with his horses and his generous and warm personality.

The large crowds that attended over both days showed how popular Joe was. Joe was laid to rest in Kilscannell Cemetery not far from his residence on Friday May 1^st the feast of Saint Joseph. We extend our sympathy to his wife Kathleen, sons Declan and PJ, daughters Eithne, Sandra and Karen, brother’s sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He will be sadly misses by all and may he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Myles Vaughan and family, Carrigkerry on the death of his sister Sheila O’Riordan, Briar Rose House, Appletown, Feohanagh, and late of Upper Dirreen, Athea, peacefully in her home on Wednesday April 29^th, in the loving care of her family. Reposing at her residence on Friday from 5pm to 8pm.Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church Feohanagh, on Saturday at 12.30pm followed by burial in nearby Aughlish Cemetery. We extend our sympathy also to her husband David, sons Killian, and Christopher, father-in-law Moss, sisters, brothers and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Karen King, Carrigkerry daughter of Helena and Sean, and Declan Greaney, Kilcolman son of Julianne and Patsy who were married in Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Friday April 24^th. They held their Reception in the Ballyroe Hotel Tralee.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Monday April 27^th. The numbers drawn were 11,16,27,30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners: €60 John Sullivan, Ardagh, €60 Connie Kennelly, Shanagolden. €60 Seamus and Mike, Ardagh. €30 B Ryan, c/o Bus Eireann. €30 Ann Relihan, Ardagh. €30 John M O’Connor, Glensharrold. Next week’s draw will be held at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €11,200.

Congratulations to Patrick Molyneaux, and Con Enright, who were prize winners at the card game held at the Flag Floor on Wednesday April 22^nd.

Carrig Celtic defeated Newcastle West 4-2away in the Desmond Premier Division League Cup semi-final on Sunday April 26^th. Ray Cahill, 2 and Anthony Molyneaux, and Podge McCarthy scored the goals. They will meet Abbeyfeale Utd in the final. Old Mill drew 1-1 away to Pallaskenry in Division 1 and Creeves Celtic lost 3-1 away to Askeaton in Division 2.

The County Cross Country Community Games finals were ran off in Neville Park, Rathkeale, on Friday April 24^th. Saint Kieran’s had five competitors Daniel Geraghty Lorcan Murphy Cathal McEnery Patrick Ambrose, and Tomas Mann and all finished high up in the placing. Daniel Geraghty was third in the U-14 600 Meter event and Lorcan Murphy fourth, in the U-12 600 Meter event. Daniel was awarded a gold medal and he will represent Limerick in the All Ireland Finals in Athlone in August.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Drom-Broadford by 4-9 to 0-16 in Round 1 of the West Minor B Football Championship at Coolcappa, on Thursday April 23^rd.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Croagh/Kilfinny by 2-17 to 3-12 in Round 1 of the West Intermediate Hurling Championship at Knockaderry on Sunday April 26^th.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Caherline by 1-11 to 0-10 in Round 1 of Group 1 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship at Clarina on Friday May 1^st. It was a dull misty and windy evening which made hurling difficult and the team trailed by 0-7 to 0-5 facing the wind at half-time. A more committed performance in the second half saw the team draw level entering the closing minutes. A goal and a point from two frees by Donal Nolan secured the two points. TEAM John Greaney, James Windle, Paudie McCarthy, Mikey Breen, Sean Windle, Captain Brendan McCarthy, Mike Windle, Darragh Treacy 0-1 Jack Ben Harnett, Ian Mackessy, Johnny McCarthy 0-1 Donal Nolan, 1-7 Danny Collum, 0-1 Jonathan Ruttle, 0-1 Seamus Mangan, Sub Ray Cahill.

Donncha O’Dulaing presented his final Fáilte Isteach programme on Radio 1 on Saturday April 25^th. He had built up a devoted following amongst his large listernship over the years and his softly spoken voice will be missed. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

The Vincent Browne People Debate on TV 3 covered the Limerick County Constituency on Wednesday April 29^th. It was pre-recorded on the previous Monday evening in the Rathkeale House Hotel. It was a very interesting 90 minute programme that covered the issues raised by members in the audience. A number of local people were in attendance and Con Cremin, Kilcolman, and Mike Hayes, Templeathea, contributed to the debate.

Congratulations to Alley Cuts Hair Saloon Bishop Street Newcastle West who received a 5 Star rating in the good Saloon Guide. The proprietor Siobhan Bourke is a daughter of Carrigkerry native Mike O’Connor who lives in Ballingarry.

George Langan from Glenagraga, Athea and Artane Dublin the well-known singer and songwriter has a new album on sale since last Thursday April 29^th. It is his first album recording since 2006 and it includes many of his own compositions which has 13 songs in total. George has written two lovely tributes to the late Tom McCarthy from Rooskagh, and Murt Downes from Ahalin, Knockaderry which are included in the CD which costs € 10. The slopes of Old Knockdown, and the Cold facts of Life which is the title of the CD are also receiving good air play on the local Radio Stations.  The CD is on sale in Mullane’s Shop Knockdown, Collins’ Bar, Athea, Mairead Langan, Glenagagra, or from George on 086-3186629

A fundraising Irish night in aid of Baby Orlaith Geoghegan Support fund will be held in the Flag Floor Glensharrold on this Thursday 7^th May at 9.30 pm. Orlaith and family are in London at present where she is receiving the necessary treatment. It promises to be a very entertaining evening with lots of music song dance and fun and tea and refreshments will be available. All support will be greatly appreciated.

The annual tea day in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland takes place on Thursday 7^th May. All the money that will be raised locally stays local and supports services in Limerick. It is the largest fundraising campaign in the Alzheimer Society of Ireland calendar, and support will be greatly appreciated.

West Limerick Vintage Club are holding a charity vintage car and tractor run in aid of the Butterfly Club in Rathkeale on Sunday 10^th May departing from the Rathkeale House Hotel at 12.30pm. Further details from Gerry on 087-6995904

A benefit night  in aid of Baby Orlaith Geoghegan will be held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday 16^th 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/CarrigkerryWren Group, Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas, Jacqueline and John O’Connor and friends, Mike Power and friends and Full Schilling. The master of ceremonies on the night will be Seamus Hennessy from Newcastle West who will add his own unique talents to the proceedings.