By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Timothy (Tim) Ahern on Thursday July 30 (unexpectedly) at his residence Long Island, New York and late of Rooskagh, Carrigkerry. He attended Ballyloughane, School in the 1930s and Jim Kelly and Tom Danagher were amongst his class mates. He emigrated to America at a young age and became well known in the construction and painting business.  The painting of the Brooklyn Bridge was one of the family’s biggest painting contracts. Tim and family provided work for a lot of Irish people over the years and looked out for their interests. He is deeply regretted by his family and friends. His Funeral Mass and burial took place in Long Island, New York on Tuesday August 4. We extend our sympathy to family members, relatives and friends at home and abroad. May he rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Reens Bar, Ardagh, on bank holiday week end. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 21, 22 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Gerry Kelly, c/o Bus Eireann. €60 James Hough, Glenastar, Ardagh. €60 Maureen Noonan, Ardagh. €30 John Joe Meade, Ardagh. €30 Eileen Fitzgerald, c/o Denis Greaney. €30 Luke Corrigan, Kilrodane, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €5,400.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Na Piarsaigh by 2-13 to 1-5 in Round 4 of Group 2 of the County Senior Football Championship at Clarina, on Friday August 7. They trailed by 1-5 to 0-3 after playing against the sun, wind and hill at half-time. The best movement they produced all evening resulted in a fine goal scored by Brendan Mc Carthy, but that was as good as it got. The absence of a few key players did not help the cause, and Na Piarsaigh were deserving winners on the night. TEAM Patrick Histon, John O’Connor, Paudie McCarthy, Kevin Meade, Diarmuid Crowley, Johnny McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, 1-0 John Doyle, Sean Windle, Jack Ben Harnett, Anthony Molyneaux, 0-4 Shane Lynch, Mossie Shine, Niall O’Shea, Seamus Mangan, 0-1 Subs Brian Crowley, Ian Mackessy, James O’Connor.

Congratulations to Mick Robinson and Jack Woulfe who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday July 31. Congratulations also to John Mulvihill and Vinnie Wrenn, who were prize winners at the card game held in Ballingarry Hall on Saturday August 1.

I always enjoy my visits to Newcastle West Library and especially the warm welcome that awaits from Aileen Dillane and the other staff members. The place has a homely feel about it and a person can feel very comfortable and relaxed in these surroundings. They are all very helpful and time spent there is always interesting and informing.

The Library Services provides for the culture, education, information, learning, recreation and study needs of people of all ages in the country. The aim of the Library Service is to act as a focal point for social and cultural life by extending the joys of reading, lifelong learning and discovery to all. All the above aims were well catered for by Aileen and staff over the years.

The news of Aileen’s retirement on July 24 after a long career serving the public caught us by surprise. I would like to thank her for the wonderful service she provided to all age groups and to all sections of the community. She was always most helpful, kind and courteous in looking after the needs of the members. She was the perfect host for so many events, including book launches, exhibitions, talks, women’s day celebrations, writers workshops, films, lectures, rambling house sessions, and lots more.

We will miss seeing Aileen behind the counter and imparting her words of wisdom into the future.  She has been a loyal and faithful servant to the public and is very deserving of her retirement. We wish Aileen happy days and the opportunities that retirement will bring to pursue other interests.

The Desmond Castle, Newcastle West, remains open for the next few weeks and visitors should avail of this opportunity to pay a visit. It is an interesting building with a lot of history attached to it. The banqueting hall, courtyard and the view from the roof are all included.  A number of events will be held there during Heritage Week at the end of August. They include free guided tours, uilleann pipe recital by David Power, concertina recital by Tim Collins, lecture on the Desmond Rebellion by John Dorney and the Irish Revolution by Brian Hanley. Dates and times can be viewed on the Heritage Week website,www.heritageweek.ie

Mass will be celebrated in the following venues, Borrigone, Holy Well on Saturday 15th August at 3pm, Coolcappa graveyard on Sunday August 16th and Reilig Mhuire, Askeaton, Cemetery on Sunday 30th  August, at 3pm.

A special mass of Remembrance will be celebrated in Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Dromcollogher, on Sunday, August 16 at 7.30pm. The mass is to remember all the people who have spent time at the Respite Care Centre over the past 13 years and have now passed on. There is an open invitation to family members, friends and neighbours to attend and join in remembering their loved ones.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio are holding a summer holiday raffle in conjunction with ACE Travel South Quay, Newcastle West. The tickets cost €10 and they are on sale at the station. The draw takes place live on air on Wednesday August 19.

The annual open air mass at Gortnaclohy Mass Rock, Killeedy will be held on Sunday August 23, at 3pm.

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 who are involved in religious life 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.  Relatives are asked to supply the person’s name and the name of the order they were in. All the information can be dropped into a box at the rear of both churches. Please do so before Sunday 30th August.

West Limerick Resources in co-operation with Barnardos is offering a one day Child Protection Training Course on Saturday, September 5th in Newcastle West from 10am to 4.30pm.  The aim of this training is to equip community groups involving children with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with child protection issues in line with the Children First Guidelines. After taking part in the training participants will understand their legal responsibilities and be aware of the need and procedures to record concerns appropriately.  Free of charge to members of community groups (excluding sporting organisation) operating in the West Limerick area. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or [email protected]. Funded under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 which is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative.

The annual Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Saturday 12th September. For additional information and booking please contact John Joe at 069-76280.

Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society trip takes place to Northern Ireland on Monday 14th September & returning Thursday 17th September. Visit includes briefly, Downpatrick, Belfast Titanic Experience, Stormont Castle, Antrim coast drive, Carrick-a-Rede, Bushmills, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Armagh.   Staying in the Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk.  For further details contact Pat O’Donovan PRO as soon as possible to ensure your place. Tel: 087 9977340.