By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place unexpectedly of Elizabeth Byrnes of St Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry and formally of Killscannell, Ardagh. Daughter of the late Jack and Elizabeth Byrnes she passed away at University Hospital Limerick on Wednesday, October 21st. Liz was born on January 25th 1963 the year of the heavy snowfall that lasted well into the spring. She was the youngest of six children and she attended Ardagh N.S. Her father Jack died when she was only 6 years old and her mother Elizabeth when she was 15 years old. Liz moved to her sister Peg O’Connor’s residence in Glenastar in 1978.

Liz, in her early days, worked in Shannon Meats, Rathkeale and Castlemahon Poultry Factory but her real calling was farming. She was as good as any person to do the work associated with this country occupation, be it in the meadow, bog or farmyard. She had a great love for animals and walking and tending to greyhounds and attending track meetings were all taken in her stride. She was loving, kind and generous with her time and talents, hardworking, dependable and good humoured. Liz liked her cigarettes, tea and coffee, music, games of cards, and visits to the local pubs. She married Joe Quinn, from Glensharrold in 2004, and they lived in St Mary’s Terrace Carrigkerry. She loved visiting family and friends and her car was always available to ferry people around.

She lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday from 6pm to 8pm followed by removal to Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh. Fr Tim Curtin celebrated her Requiem Mass on Saturday, October 24th  at 11.30 am and a large crowd was present. Before the Mass commenced life symbols close to Liz’s heart were taken to the altar. They included a CD, pack of cigarettes, deck of cards, greyhound trophy and family photograph. Fr Tim, and family member Mary recalled the life and times of Liz’s far too short 52 years during the ceremony. Family members participated in the ceremony and Maura and Donie, supplied hymns and music.

Liz was laid to rest on a showery and sunny Saturday afternoon in the local cemetery. She will be sadly missed by Joe, family and friends and may her talents forever shine and entertain those in Heaven. We extend our sympathy to her husband Joe Quinn, sisters Peg O’Connor and Bernie Hartnett, brothers Mike, Moss and John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

I, Fr Madden, am glad of the opportunity to pen a few words of appreciation and gratitude to you on this occasion. The Parish Pastoral Council made a presentation to me on your behalf, recently. I sincerely thank you, the people of the parish and the surrounding area for your exceptional generosity at this time. I also want you to know that the seven years I spent with you in the parish were by far the happiest in my time as a priest. I would like also to express my thanks to everyone who helped in any way with the smooth running of the parish in my time here. I have many happy and treasured memories that will remain with me for a long time. Again, may the Lord reward and bless you many times over for your generosity and kindness.

Congratulations and best wishes to Nora and John Joe Kennelly, Ardagh, who recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Both are tireless workers for the good of the parish.

A presentation of the Tricolour and the 1916 Proclamation to Kilcolman N.S. took place on Wednesday October 14. Private Paul Hickey and Captain Rory O’Donovan did the honours.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday October 19. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 10, 16, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 O’Connor family, Ardagh. €60 A and D c/o Denis Greaney. €60 Helena King, Carrigkerry. €30 Mike Hanlon, Newcastle West. €30 Shauna and Lauran, c/o Peadar’s. €30 Tom Mackessy, Coolanoran, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar and the Jackpot will be €7,600.

Congratulations to Mike Kearney and Martin Flynn who were prize winners at The Flag Floor card game on Wednesday, October 14. Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill and Jim Lynch who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, October 16.

Carrig Celtic defeated Rockhill Rovers 5-0 away in Division 1 of the Desmond League, on Sunday October 18. Ray Cahill, 3 Donal Nolan, and Raymond Brouder, scored the goals that put them top of the table. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 away to St Ita’s, and Old Mill lost 2-1 at home to AK Utd, in Division 2. Carrig Celtic B defeated Askeaton B 2-0 at home in Division 3.

In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic defeated Askeaton 4-0 at home with goals from Angela Sheehan, Deborah Dalton, Sandra Walsh, and Siobhan Guinane. Kilcolman Rovers, and Carrig Celtic, had no fixtures.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Deel Rangers (Castlemahon, Knockaderry, Monagea,) by 3-12 to 5-5 in the County U-16 Division 2 Football Final at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Saturday, October 17. A great start saw them lead by 2-2 to no score after about 15 minutes. A brace of debatable penalties and a close in free helped to bring the opposition back into the game. Saint Kieran’s went on to lead by 2-5 to 2-4 at half time.  They continued to press ahead and were 7 points up entering injury time only for their opponents to score 2-1 to level the match. Evan Donovan won a 21 yard free in the 7^th minute of injury time, which John Hayes pointed to claim a fantastic victory. Great credit to the team and management on their success in defeating the team who had beaten them earlier in the competition. Diarmuid Mulcahy was presented with the cup afterwards, to signal wild celebrations.

TEAM Edward Fitzgerald, Eamon Ambrose, Daniel Power, Dylan Moloney, Tommy Mullins, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Captain, Michael Shanahan, Liam Kennedy, Noel Callanan, John Hayes, John Buckley, Owen McEnery, Michael Conlon, Evan Donovan, Shane Murphy, Subs: Liam King, for Shane Murphy and Charlie O’Doherty for Owen McEnery Dan Duggan, Tomas Treacy, Jack Enright. Not available were the injured Denis Cronin, and Michael Murphy and Stephen Hennessy under suspension. Management: John Ahern, Mike Meade, Mike Flynn, Donie Murphy, Tommy Mullins and Sean O’Sullivan.

The AGM of Ardagh National School Parents Council was held on Wednesday, October 14. The Chairperson welcomed the attendance and the past year was reviewed and discussed. The following officers were elected for the coming season: Chairperson Mary Barrett, Secretaries Moira McEnery and Sandra Murphy, Treasurer Carmel Power, Ass-Treasurer John Doyle, Committee: Maire Madigan, Lynda Daly and Paul Daly. The council members would welcome suggestions and more involvement.

The time has arrived to submit material for this season’s parish magazines, which are being compiled at present. Athea Parish Annual, ABC News, Askeaton and Feohanagh/Castlemahon Parish Annual would welcome suitable material this week. A lot of people look forward to their arrival in the shops around the start of December.

The arrangements for the Feast of the Holy Souls, on Monday 2nd November, are as follows: St Molua’s Church Ardagh 9.30am, St Colman’s Church Kilcolman 7.30pm. The masses for the faithful departed are as follows: Coolcappa Friday 13th November at 7.30pm, Ardagh Saturday 14th November at 7.30pm, Carrigkerry Sunday 15th November at 11.30am, Kilcolman Friday 20th November at 7.30pm.

A Fancy Dress Night will be held at Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Friday 30^th October in aid of Temple Street Hospital. Music by Sean Carrig, spot prizes galore and a great night is guaranteed.

West Limerick 102FM Community Radio will hold a car boot sale and indoor market, in Newcastle West Community Centre, on Sunday 1st November. All support appreciated.

A vintage bring and buy sale will be held in Dromcollogher Mart Yard on Sunday 1st November at 10am. Items can be sold and bought and all the proceeds will go to the Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre. For more details call 087-1018228 or 086-8837828

The Mental Health monthly meeting will take place at Maple Lodge, Gortboy, Newcastle West on Wednesday 4th November at 8pm. New members will be most welcome to attend.

On Saturday 7th November from 1pm to 3pm there will be an ‘Open House’ at the Desmond Complex, Gortboy, Newcastle West to celebrate 25 years of achievement by the Great Southern Trail. A DVD will be launched which provides a pictorial compilation of the many stages in the campaign which resulted in the old railway being converted into a greenway in Co. Limerick (with the effort still ongoing in Co. Kerry). All supporters and activists are invited; you might even see yourself on the screen! It will be a relaxing afternoon for a chat with old friends along with a cupán tae and refreshments. Then at 3pm the Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr. Liam Galvin will officially start a 5km (3 mile) walk/cycle from the Desmond Complex along the GST Greenway to Ardagh. It was in May 1990 that the very first organized walk along the old railway took place along the exact same route. At Ardagh there will be further refreshments at Neary’s Bar and return transport to Newcastle West will be provided courtesy of Coach House Travel. 

A fundraising night will be held at the Top of the Town Athea on Saturday 7th November, commencing at 9.30pm. The music will be supplied by Paddy Quilligan, complimentary food supplied and lots of spot prizes on offer. The proceeds will go towards the Noonan Lights Charity Fund in Templeglantine, and all support will be greatly appreciated.