By Tom Aherne
Congratulations to Cormac Long from Rooskagh, who won his 10th National Boxing title at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday May 30. He defeated Brian Kennedy a multi Irish champion in the final. It is a tremendous achievement for Cormac, his family and coaches, and trainers at Rathkeale Boxing Club.
Congratulations to Aoife King, Carrigkerry who recently received the Desmond College Newcastle West Student of the Year award.
Congratulations to all the local athletes from Scoil Mhuire Agus Ide, Newcastle West who won medals at the North Munster Championship’s.
Ardagh/Carrigkerry senior citizens Christmas Party committee would like to thank most sincerely the West Limerick Set Dancing Club for their very generous contribution, towards the annual Christmas Party. It is greatly appreciated by us all.
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh, on Monday June1. The numbers drawn were 3, 4,6,29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows. €60 John Joe Meade, Rathreigh, Ardagh. €60 Maggie and Paddy c/o Josie. €60 M and W c/o Denis Greaney. €30 Tony Mullins, Glenville, Ardagh. €30 Geraldine Woulfe, Farran Ardagh. €30 Theresa, and John, Glenville, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar, and the Jackpot will be €12,200.
Poets and Dreamers is the title of a book by the Sliabh Luachra Writers Group which was launched at the River Island Hotel in Castleisland on Sunday May 24. It contains material from 24 of the 35 writers in the group who first came together at a creative writer’s workshop in October 2011. We congratulate Ann Keily, from Ardagh who is a member of the writers group.
The Limerick GAA Club draw for May was held on Limerick Live 95FM on Saturday May 30. Congratulations to John O’Donovan, from the Saint Kieran’s club who won €250. The next draw will be held on Saturday 27th June, at the Limerick Live 95FM Studio.
Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Knockaderry by 0-10 to 0-8 in Round 2 of Group 1 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship played at Dromcollogher Gaelic grounds on Saturday May 30. A tricky wind and rainfall left ground conditions difficult for both sides who produced an exciting and keenly contested encounter. Saint Kieran’s trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 after facing the strong breeze at half time. They were the more dominant team in the second half but they failed to take their chances. The teams were level entering the closing stages but 2 late points gave Knockaderry the win.
The standard of referring has to be questioned with decisions met with amazement by players and supporters alike. TEAM: Ian Mackessey, James Windle, Paudie McCarthy, Mike Breen, Sean Windle, Anthony Molyneaux, 0-3 Brendan McCarthy, Michael Windle, Darragh Treacy, 0-2 Jack Ben Harnett, Johnny McCarthy, 0-1 Donal Nolan, 0-2 Danny Collum, Jonathan Ruttle, Ray Cahill, Subs Maurice Shine, Michael Enright, Michael Flynn.
Congratulations to Ryan Moloney and John Hayes who received player of the year awards at the 2014/15 annual Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League Player of the year in Rathkeale House Hotel on Monday June 1. Ryan who plays with Kilcolman Rovers received the U-12 Division 4 Award and John who plays with Carrig Celtic received the U-14 Division 2 Award.
Leah Hayes Coen from Kilcolman FC was a member of the Desmond Gaynor Cup Squad who participated in the recent Gaynor Cup Tournament in UL.
Pat King from Carrig Celtic was the referee for the Desmond Cup Final between Abbeyfeale Utd and Rathkeale B played in Clounreask, Askeaton on Saturday May 30. We congratulate Pat as it was his first time doing the final.
Congratulations to the Ward brothers, Carrigkerry and Bryan Mortell whose Sean Nós dance act won the West Limerick got talent final at the Bridge Bar, Newcastle West on Thursday May 28.
Congratulations to Eileen Mc Sweeney, and Mary Aherne O’Connor, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday May 27.
Congratulations to Mike Robinson, and Jack Woulfe, and Anthony Mc Mahon, and Donie Donovan, who were prize winners at the Shanagolden card game held on Friday May 29.
The cold and inclement weather has continued into the month of June, following a very disappointing May. The cold temperatures and rainfall has led to poor growth and difficult ground conditions for the farming community. The silage harvesting is behind schedule which could have a knock on effect as we progress through the summer. The turf cutting season was suspended after the early start at Easter and the fine month of April. A good number of households are still waiting to get their supply of turf cut as we enter the second week of June.
People are watching with interest and concern the ongoing talks about the proposed development at Gortnadroma dump. It is in its infancy at present, and facts will become known as time passes. The health of the people, additional jobs, and revenue for the Council are the issues people need to reflect upon. The opening hours at the centre from June 2, are as follows: Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm, including lunch time. Closed Friday to Monday inclusive. Payment is by cash or cheque. The minimum charge is € 20 per car, and all other vehicles pay by weight.
Ardagh Development Association have entered the Dulux Let’s Colour 2015 Competition. It was set up to help any project that aims to brighten up the community around them by donating free paint and painters. Ardagh have submitted a video which can be viewed on the Dulux Facebook page. The project which receives the most votes will win the contest. People can vote every day until midnight on Friday 12th June. People can vote for Ardagh County Limerick onwww.letscolour.ie/nominate-a-project/
A clean up around the Coolcappagh area will be held on Saturday 13th June. People interested in participating are asked to meet up at 10am, outside the Community Hall. People are asked to bring gloves, and bags and pickers will be provided.
ADAPT is a charitable organization based in Rosbrien, Limerick and it offers a range of services to women survivors of Domestic Abuse and their children. The annual Church gate collection is a vital source of funding to enable ADAPT to maintain the level of service and your support would be much appreciated. The collection takes place this year in County Limerick on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June. Sincere thanks to all the local volunteer collectors who help us out every year
West Limerick 102FM Community Radio are holding a car boot sale and indoor market in Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday 14th June, from 8am to 1pm. More details from 069-66200.
The pastoral area trip to Knock which includes Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish will take place on Sunday 14th June. People who are interested in the trip are asked to contact the parish office in Newcastle West on 069-62141
Mass will be celebrated in Calvary Cemetery Newcastle West, on Tuesday June 16, at 7.30pm, and in the Famine Cemetery Newcastle West, on Tuesday June 23, at 7.30 pm.
Shanagolden Community Hall celebrates its 65th Anniversary this year, and they are holding a Showband Concert to mark the occasion on Friday 19th June. The line-up will include Tommy Drennan Trudy Lawlor, Ronan Collins, Sean O’Dowd, Lorraine and the Conquerors. It is an all ticket event and they cost € 25 each and they are available from Community Council members and also in the local shops. A great night is promised and bar facilities will be available.
Liam O’Mahony from the Great Southern Trail, has been in touch with the following item which is published in the May Newsletter of the European Greenway Association:
The developed 40km section of the Great Southern Trail (GST) greenway, between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, is being made more cycle-friendly thanks to investment of almost €100,000 by the Irish Government. These funds will be used by the local administration, Limerick City & County Council, to provide bike stands, replace gated crossings with cattle grids and to erect additional route signage. This signage will incorporate the Irish language version of the EuroVelo logo and the GST is the first greenway in Ireland to use it.
A 50km extension to the GST, along the old railway, awaits development in the adjoining administrative area of County Kerry where objectors have delayed the continuation of the greenway to the towns of Listowel, Tralee and the Atlantic port of Fenit. However, the railway company, CIÉ, is in the process of transferring ownership of the line to Kerry County Council and a start has been made on the conversion of a 2km section of old railway into a greenway in Tralee.
The 5th annual 36km Big Walk along the Greenway will take place on Saturday 20th June at 10.30am.