By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Josie Conroy (nee Meehan) Ballyann, Askeaton, and late of Knockaderry, who died on Nov 8, peacefully at Milford Care Centre Limerick. She was a native of Knockaderry and only fifty five years old. She was a mother figure to her four sisters and three brothers following the death of her mother at a young age. Her life revolved around her love for family, singing pets, nature, sports, travel and fundraising. She was a long time employee at the Jewellery Factory in Rathkeale and a very popular person.

She lay in repose in Saint Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Tuesday November 10 from 6.00pm until 8.00pm. Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane and Fr Willie Russell concelebrated her Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 11.00am. There was an overflowing attendance for the moving ceremony. Symbols associated with Josie’s life were taken to the altar before Mass commenced. They included a model vintage car, guitar, model robin, Munster jersey and a Butterfly Club jersey.

Dan Gallahue from the Drive to Survive fundraiser spoke about Josie and Bill and the work they did to raise money for deserving causes in recent years. Family and friends participated in the Mass which was a celebration of her life and the hymns and music added to the ceremony. Her nephew and others paid heartfelt tributes, outlining her good qualities, concerns for people and her interests in life. Songs and hymns were sung and tears were shed as tributes touched all present, including a small girl who clapped during an emotional version of Galway Bay.

Josie travelled far and wide to vintage events and had her own special red Mercedes car. She entertained people with her singing and her guitar playing in Rathkeale Arts Centre and other venues. She had numerous pets around her house including a well fed fox. She followed Munster rugby and when her favourite player Paul O’Connell got injured she decided to hang up her boots. The work of the Butterfly club was close to her heart and she raised funds for different charities. Josie was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Heaven holds all of our treasures and Josie is the latest addition to its lofty heights. We extend our sympathy to husband Bill, father Dave, brothers, sisters, extended families and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Pat Sheedy Rooska on the death of his uncle Sean Sheedy, Kilburn, London. Sympathy also to his extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy also to Kathleen Liston and family Coolcappa on the death of her brother Con Carmody Drominbeesom, Newcastle West, at Beechwood House Nursing Home, on Tuesday November 10. Reposing at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Thursday, November 12 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, arriving at Newcastle West Church at 8.30pm.  The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday, November 13 at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in Churchtown Cemetery. Sympathy also to his brother Pat, brother-in-law Tony, (sacristan Coolcappa/Kilcolman), nephews and niece.  May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Sean Flynn Carrigkerry who celebrated his twenty first birthday at a party attended by family and friends at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Friday November 6.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday November 9. The numbers drawn were 7,16,21,24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Donal O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry. €60 Michael Curley, Reens. €60 Dan Ryan, Coolacokera. €30 Tom O’Grady, Carrigkerry. €30 Michael Sheehy, Newcastle West. €30 Luke and Nana Mackessey, Coolanoran. Next week’s draw will be held in Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €8,200.

The West Limerick Cumann Na mBunscol finals were held in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Thursday, October 22. Congratulations to Kilcolman N.S. who were Division 4 Football 9 Aside winners over Kilfinny N.S. by 3-6 to 2-8. Ardagh N.S. lost to St Mary’s Boys School, Abbeyfeale by 2-2 to 0-5 in the Division 1 Football 15 Aside Final. Cormac Behan from Carrigkerry was over the Ahalin N.S. who defeated Mahoonagh N.S. by 6-10 to 2-2 in the Division 3 Football 9 Aside final.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Ballybricken/Bohermore by 2-7 to 2-5 in the County Minor B Football Championship Final, played under lights, at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Friday, October 30. Lack of space prevented me from including the team in last week’s notes. TEAM: Robert Bradley Eamon Ambrose, Anthony Mullins, John Byrnes, Liam Upton, Diarmuid Mulcahy Daniel Barrett, Noel Callanan, 0-1 Darragh O’Connor, 1-3 Kealan O’Connor, 1-0 Pa O’Connor, John Buckley Brian Mc Carthy 0-1 Cillian Ambrose, Killian Enright, Subs Liam Kennedy Josh Enright, Denis Cronin, Colm Copse, Denis Fitzgerald, Tomas Mullins, Evan Donovan, Stephen Hennessy, JJ Cronin, Darren Kelly Darragh Breen, Larry Ward, Daniel Power. Selectors John Dineen, Noel Hennessy and John Enright.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Saint Senans by 3-14 to 0-10 in Round 1 of the West U-21 B Football Championship at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Saturday November 7

Carrig Celtic defeated Glantine 3-2 at home in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Sunday November 8. Ray Cahill, Anthony Molyneaux, and Sean Mc Sweeney scored the goals. Creeves Celtic defeated Kildimo Utd B 5-0 away in Round 2 of the Reidy Cup, Mark Hennessy, 2, Brian Nash, 2, and James Naughton scored the goals. Old Mill and Carrig Celtic B had no fixtures.

In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Charleville, with Sandra Walsh on target. Kilcolman Rovers lost 3-1 away to Glin Rovers, with Erin Hennessy scoring their goal. Carrig Celtic at home to Kilbehenny was called off.

Congratulations to Catherine, and Ann Madigan, John Sheehy and Donie Nolan, who were prize-winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday, November 4. Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill and Jim Lynch who were prize-winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, November 6.

Carrig Celtic are holding their annual 300 Club Draw in the coming weeks, and promoters are signing up members at present. It costs €10 a month or €50 for the five months. First Prize €1,000, second Prize €250 and three prizes of €50 each month. There is a special once off prize of a €200 shopping voucher at Moloney’s Shop for fully paid up members.

Saint Kieran’s GAA Club are holding a Christmas draw this year and tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks. There will be lots of prizes on offer and the proceeds will go towards the field development. People who are interested in contributing sponsorship or prizes for the raffle are asked to contact Secretary Ivan Neary on 087-6577441

A new dancing class will be held each Wednesday night in Carrigkerry Community Centre by the McCormack Kelly Academy for beginners or improvers, children and adults alike. Step dancing at 7pm, and Sean Nós dancing at 8pm and all are welcome.

The Noonan family in Tullig North, Templeglantine are holding their spectacular display of Christmas lights once more this festive season. The decorations will be open to the public from Friday 20^th November to Sunday 10^th January. The Mayor of Limerick Liam Galvin, from Abbeyfeale, will switch on the lights. A children’s party will be held on Saturday 5^th December at 5pm, with Santa as a special guest. Any contributions towards the hosting of this party or donations from the enjoyment of the lights will go to local charities.

The annual collection for the upkeep of Kilcolman Cemetery will be taken up in Saint Colman’s Church this coming weekend. The cemetery is kept in pristine condition all year and the people’s support for its upkeep would be greatly appreciated.

A table quiz in aid of The Children’s Ark Fund at University Hospitals Limerick will be held in Foynes Yacht Club on Friday 20th November. It will commence at 8pm and a table of four will cost €20. For more details contact: Gerard Reidy 087-2582963, Mary O’Shaughnessy 087-4165422, Martin Geoghegan, 086- 8365171.

Kilcolman Rovers are holding a fundraising quiz in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Saturday November 21 at 9.30pm. All are welcome and all support will be appreciated.

The 35^th edition of the Castlemahon/Feohanagh parish annual will be launched by Liam Irwin, Professor of Irish History at Mary Immaculate College Limerick, in the new hall in Castlemahon on Saturday 28^th November at 8.30pm. All are welcome

Ardagh Community Centre will hold a Monster Christmas Bingo in aid of funding for the Community Centre upkeep on Wednesday 16th December at 8pm. There will be €2,100 in prize money and lots of spot prizes on offer. A double book and two sheets will cost €15. A single book and two sheets will cost €13. A half book will cost €5, and extra sheets will cost €2 each. Your support will be greatly appreciated and all are welcome. The event will recall many happy memories of a time when Ardagh Bingo was a must place to be of a Monday night.