By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Paddy O’Keeffe, Loughill West, peacefully at Saint Ita’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West, on Friday July 24. He was predeceased by his loving Anne, from Mayo, who he met in London. The 10th anniversary of her death, takes place this year. Paddy was 94 years old and a native of Park, Ballyhahill. He lived a life of adventure over land and sea, in the navy and railway. He saw many great sights in several continents which he recounted through his talent of storytelling.  He returned to live out his days in Loughill close to the waves and the water. He lay in repose at Healy’s Funeral Home Glin, on Sunday from 6pm followed by removal to Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman.

Fr Tim Curtin, and Fr Austin McNamara, Loughill/Ballyhahill concelebrated his Funeral Mass on Monday July 27 at 12 noon. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory gifts during the ceremony.

Donie and Maura performed appropriate music, hymns and songs. The symbols taken to the altar included his navy hat, book and globe. They represented his days in the Navy, his love for reading and his worldwide travel. His nephew Conor, paid tribute to Paddy touching on his travels, working life, storytelling, family assistance and the support given by his wonderful neighbours in Loughill.

Paddy was laid to rest afterwards, on a misty and windy afternoon in Kilcolman Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, relatives, extended family, very kind neighbours and many friends. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Kathleen, and Denis Sheehy and family Kilcolman, on the death of Kathleen’s father John Kelly, peacefully at his residence, Mauricetown, Upper Ashford, Ballagh. Removal from his residence on Saturday July 25 for 12.30pm Requiem Mass in Saint Ita’s Church, Ashford and burial afterwards in Saint Ita’s Cemetery, Killeedy.  He is survived by his wife Rita, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grand-daughter and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Liam Sheahan, Ballinena, Old Mill, Newcastle West, on Sunday July 26. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Wednesday from 6pm followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 11.30am followed by burial in Calvary cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Maura, children Stephanie, Rachel and Morgan, parents Jerry and Anne, brother Michael, sister Noreen, father in law, mother in law, uncles, aunts, brothers in law and sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Liam will be remembered for his community work down the years around the Old Mill. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Kieran Bennett, Carrigkerry, and Elaine Stack, Loughill, who were married in the Church of the Wayfarer Loughill, on Friday July 31.  They held their reception in The Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday July 27. The numbers drawn were 6,19,27,30 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners, €60 Mary Kenrick, c/o Moore’s. €60 Mary Steele, Ardagh. €60 Connie Kennelly, Shanagolden. €30 Eileen and Siobhán, c/o Peadar’s. €30 Shona, and Lauren, c/o Peadar’s. €30 Mary Bennett, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Reens Bar, Ardagh, and the Jackpot will be €5,200.

The Limerick GAA Club Draw for July was held in Limerick Live 95 FM Studio, on Saturday July 25. Congratulations to Patrick Windle from the Saint Kieran’s club who won €500. The next draw will be held on Saturday 29th August at the same venue.

Welcome to Ardagh signs have been erected on approach roads into the village in recent weeks. A photo of the Ardagh Chalice is displayed on the sign, as well as the wording in English and Irish.

Congratulations to Jim Lynch, and Peg Mulvihill who were prize winners at the Shanagolden card game held on Friday July 24.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Newcastle West by I-12 to 1-10 in Division 1 of the All County Football League, at Coolcappa, on Tuesday July 21.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Feohanagh by 3-12 to 3-7 in the West Intermediate Hurling Championship at Croagh, on Friday July 24.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Granagh/Ballingarry/Banogue by 7-17 to 3-6 in the West Minor B Football Championship at Ballingarry on Tuesday July 21.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Senan’s by 3-9 to 0-9 in the West Minor B Football Championship at Coolcappa, on Friday July 24.

Saint Kieran’s drew with Feenagh/Kilmeedy 3-7 to 1-13 in Round 4 of Group 1 in the County Intermediate Hurling Championship played in Knockaderry Gaelic Grounds, on Wednesday July 29. Feenagh/Kilmeedy were the better team in the first half and they led by 1-4 to 0-4 at the break. The teams matched score for score, in the second half with Saint Kieran’s clawing back a four point deficit to score the equalising point. TEAM John Greaney, James Windle, Paudie McCarthy, Mike Windle, Sean Windle, Brendan McCarthy, Mossie Shine, Johnny McCarthy, Jack Ben Harnett, Ray Cahill, 1-0 Anthony Molyneaux, 1-3 Seamus Mangan, Danny Collum, 0-1 Jonathan Ruttle, 1-0 Mike Enright, Subs Donal Nolan, 0-3 Mikey Breen, The result means they retain their Intermediate status for next year. They play Mungret, in their final match, in the Championship.

Mattie Histon, Kilcolman and Drive wise School of Motoring recently presented the Newcastle West senior camogie team with training tops. He is well known in sporting circles and for his support to clubs over the years.

A special word of thanks is extended to everyone who supported the fundraising night held in Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday May 16, to raise funds towards baby Orlaith Geoghegan’s treatment  at Great Ormond Street Hospital London. We thank the organising committee, individual donations, shops, and businesses, who gave spot prizes, the artists who gave of their time, and performed on the night, ticket sellers, and the staff and management of Rathkeale House Hotel.

The First Friday Mass on August 7 will be celebrated in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh, at 9.30am and in Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry at 7.30pm. Note there will be no Friday evening Mass in Carrigkerry on August 21 and 28, due to priests being away on holiday.

The West Limerick Singing Club will hold their monthly singing session on this Friday 7th August, at 9pm in Philip Enright’s Ramble Inn, Church Street, Abbeyfeale. They meet on the first Friday of each month and all are welcome.

A charity céilí in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held in the Resource Centre Knockaderry on Friday August 7, at 9.30pm. The Striolán Céilí Band will provide the music, teas will be served, and spot prizes on offer, and all are welcome.

Milford Hospice Golf Classic takes place this Saturday 8th August at Ennis Golf Club.  Open team of four, any combination, and €200 per team, includes meal. Proceeds to help towards the building of the new specialist hospice serving Clare, Limerick, and north Tipperary. Reserve your tee time by ringing the fundraising department on 086-0413912

West Limerick 102FM Community Radio, are holding a car boot sale, and indoor market, at Newcastle West Community Centre, on Sunday 9th August, from 8am to 2pm. Contact the station to book a stall, or for more details.

The parish youth choir will be performing in Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Sunday August 9th at the 11.30am Mass.

The dates for the annual graveyard Masses in the locality are as follows, Clounagh, Reens, Sunday August 9 at 12 noon, Grange, Knockaderry Thursday August 13 at 7.30pm, Coolcappa, Sunday August 16 at 12 noon and all are welcome.

The annual Newcastle West Flower Show will be held on Wednesday/Thursday August 12th/13th in the Community Centre. People who are interested in participating need to be getting their exhibits ready at present.  Entries can be submitted for flowers, vegetables, baking, jams, photography, and lots more, with sections for both primary and second level students.

The youth 2000 Summer Festival will take place from 13th to 16th August, and it is a four day Roman Catholic event for youth aged 16 to 35. It takes place in the grounds of the Cistercian College, Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea. The festival brings together young people from across the country to grow in faith and friendship. Moriah Culloty from Monagea, spoke about the Festival, and how she got involved at last week’s Masses. For more information phone 0-16753690, email [email protected] or book on line atwww.youth2000.ie

Pope Francis has dedicated 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life in thanksgiving for the service of sisters, brothers, priests and nuns. Our Lady’s Pastoral area is planning to honour all those from the seven parishes, in the cluster, who have entered consecrated life as sisters, brothers, or priests. They plan to honour them at a special Mass which will be held in Newcastle West Church on Thursday 15th October at 7.30pm. People in the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish are asked to submit their names and current address so that they can be personally invited.  They will also be remembering the religious people that have passed on, at the Mass. The person’s name and the name of the order they were in will be needed. All the information can be dropped into a box at the rear of both churches. Please do so before Sunday 30th.