By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Timothy (Sonny) Crowley NT Ballylin, Ardagh peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday May 1st. Tim was the retired Principal of Ardagh N.S. and one of seven in family and sixty four years old. Tim received his education in Ardagh N.S. under Mrs Ambrose, and Johnny Danaher.  Next he went to Copsewood College in Pallaskenry for 5 years, and Saint Patrick’s Training College for 2 more. His first teaching post was in Kilcormack N.S in County Offaly and his next stop was Adare for 5 years, where
Brother Dwane was a guiding influence.  Tim’s wish to teach in his native village was realised in 1978 when he was appointed to Ardagh N.S.  He succeeded Michael Noonan as Principal in 1996 and his easygoing manner endeared him to all until he retired in 2013.
Tim was a founding member of Ardagh Development Association in 1992 and the Chairman that oversaw its transformation into a very pretty village. He gave over thirty years service to the Hall Committee and helped in running the weekly card game. He was a promoter of the
Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA Club lottery that helped fund the work done by both. Tim was a dedicated community worker and he was blessed with vision and forward thinking which was used for the betterment of others. He invested a lot of time and made a big contribution to so many clubs and organisations over the years,
and this was recognised in December 2013 when a tribute night was held for him in Saint Molua’s Hall in Ardagh.
He lay in repose at his home on Sunday May 3rd from 4pm to 8pm and large crowds attended to pay their final respects and offer sympathy to the well known family. His remains arrived at Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh on Monday for 12pm Mass concelebrated by Fr Tony Mullins, Fr Dan Lane, Fr Tom Mangan, Fr Paddy Bowen, and Canon Frank Duhig. The Saint Kieran’s Club members shouldered his coffin through the street and formed a guard of honour for their former player and official along the way.  A large crowd awaited as Fr Duhig met the remains and the Church was packed and many more unable to gain admittance. Family members participated in the ceremony and the hymns and music from the local choir was uplifting. Symbols associated with Tim’s life were taken to the altar before the
Mass commenced. They included a family photograph, a football, book of poetry, a community award and a pint glass. A copy book that was to be taken up was forgotten and left at home. Tim and Maura enjoyed many years as a very united couple and family meant a lot to him, He gave years of dedicated and loyal service to his club as a player mentor and officer. He liked poetry and taught so many children during his
teaching career. He enjoyed the social scene with family and friends including quizzes, drama, the game of golf and horse racing. The award was presented to Tim to recognise the work done by the Ardagh Development Association of which he was Chairman and a founding
member.
Fr Tony, Fr Dan and a teaching colleague from Wexford with him in Saint
Patrick’s Training College paid fully deserved tributes to Tim, Poetry was recited and his son Diarmuid, on behalf of the family, paid tribute and thanked everybody. Tim was laid to rest as raindrops fell in the adjoining cemetery on Monday May 4th. The Village Schoolmaster was recited and Raglan Road was sung in a final and fitting farewell.  The
large crowd adjourned to the nearby Community Centre where they were
well catered for.
We extend our sympathy to his wife Maura, daughters Niamh, Eadaoin, sons Diarmuid, Ciarán, Rónán and Brian, son -in-law Barry, sisters Bridie, Mary and Ita, brothers Joe, Pa and Kevin, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.   Tim will be sadly missed by all who were lucky to
have known him but were enriched by his presence. And may he rest in Peace.
We extend our sympathy to Mary Mangan and family Glensharrold, Carrigkerry on the death of her brother Patrick (PJ) Mc Mahon, Clareview Park, Ballybane, Galway. A native of Ballyguiltenane, Glin he passed away peacefully on Friday May 1st. He lay in repose at The Holy Family Funeral Home, Mervue on Monday May 4th from 5pm followed by removal to adjoining Church. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 11am followed by burial in the New Cemetery, Bohermore. Heis survived also by his partner Mary sons, sister Eileen Healy, (Corrandulla) brother John (Limerick) nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
Congratulations and best wishes to Damien Shannon, Skehanagh, Ardagh and Niamh O’Connell who were married recently in Saint Mary’s Church, Feohanagh.
Congratulations and best wishes to the children of Coolcappa N.S. who received their First Holy Communion in Saint Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa on Saturday May 2nd.
Congratulations and best wishes to the pupils of Ardagh N.S. who received their First Holy Communion in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday May 9th.
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday May 4th. The numbers drawn were 2, 5, 13, 20, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 Tara Flaherty c/o Josie. €60 John Murphy, c/o Ed Lynch. €60 A and D c/o Denis Greaney. €30 Angela Enright, Main Street, Ardagh €30. Eileen Fitzgerald c/o Denis Greaney. €30 T. Costelloe, Ballykenry, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in the Thatch Bar, Newbridge, and the Jackpot will be €11,400.
The annual Bodhran Competition was held in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale as part of the Fleadh by the Feale over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Congratulations to James O’Connor, Kilcolman who won the junior event, Mike Barrett, Rooskagh 2nd and Patsy Nolan, Kilcolman 3rd  in the senior event.
The annual Bone playing Competition was held in Abbeyfeale as part of the Fleadh by the Feale over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Congratulations to Paddy Donovan, Glenastar, Ardagh, who won 1st prize in the event.
Limerick ladies lost to Offaly 3-7 to 1-8 in the National Football Division 4 Final at Parnell Park Dublin on Saturday May 2nd. Alva Neary and Mai Kennelly from the Old Mill club were involved.
Limerick defeated Clare by 6-6 to 3-6 in the Munster U-14 C Final at Castletownroche Cork on Saturday May 2nd.Iris Kennelly and Sophie Hennessy from the Old Mill club were involved.
Carrig Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday May 3rd. Ray Cahill scored the goal and the team stay in deep relegation trouble with two matches to play. Old Mill drew 1-1 at home to Glantine in Division 1 and they
are relegated to Division 2 after finishing bottom of the table with 2 points from their 18 matches played.  Creeves Celtic finished third from the bottom of Division 2 with 21 points from their 18 matches played.
Congratulations to Mike Kearney and Martin Flynn, Mike Kiely and Mary
Aherne O’Connor who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game
held on Wednesday April 29th.
The Rosary will be recited each evening at 7pm for the month of May at
Churchtown Grotto in Newcastle West and all are welcome to attend.
The annual Parish Clerk’s collection will be taken up in Ardagh/ Carrigkerry on Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th May. People are asked to be generous with their donations in appreciation of the work that is done in both Churches.

A benefit night in aid of Baby Orlaith Geoghegan will be held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday 16th May at 8,30pm. Orlaith and family are in London at present where she is receiving the necessary treatment. 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 /Carrigkerry Wren 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. A raffle will be held for valuable prizes and there will be refreshment breaks around 11pm.Tickets are available around the locality and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The annual May Fair and Vintage Rally in aid of Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre takes place on Sunday 17th May. A great day is promised with lots to see and do and all are welcome.