By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Michael Foley, Knocknagun, Carrigkerry at University Hospital Limerick on Sunday, December 6th.  He was a member of the farming community, honest, hard working and a good neighbour. He was in advancing years, but was to be seen out and about with his brother Patsy looking after the cattle. He also spent a period of time working in England. Over the years Mike liked to attend matches and other events and he also enjoyed meeting people for a chat and a social drink. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Tuesday, December 8th from 6pm, followed by removal to St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 11am. Burial took place in Ardagh Cemetery on Wednesday, December 9th. We extend our sympathy to his brothers Patrick and John, sisters Mary, Nora and Ann, sister-in-law Eileen, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The Coolcappa Parents Association would like to thank everyone that supported their annual Bazaar in Coolcappa Community Hall on Saturday December 5th.

 

There was a blanket cancellation of matches in the Desmond League on Sunday December 6th due to the inclement weather.

 

The launch of the Joanne McMahon walk/run/cycle fundraiser in aid of the National Burns Unit of St James Hospital Dublin was held in the new hall Castlemahon on Monday December 7th. A large crowd was in attendance to show their support for the family. The event will be held in Castlemahon, on Sunday 17th April 2016 in appreciation for the excellent treatment and care she received following a freak accident in May 2014. A number of other fundraisers will be held also and all the money received will go to the Burns Unit Foundation.

 

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday December 7th. The numbers drawn were 8,21,27,28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners as follows €60 Jack Ahern, O’Connor, Park, Ardagh. €60 DOD and Denis c/o Peadar’s. €60 Marion Murray c/o Noonan’s. €30 Angela O’Connell, Ardagh. €30 Jim Geaney, Toorendonnell. €30 Maurice Harnett, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in The Thatch Bar, Newbridge and the Jackpot will be €9,000.

 

Jacki, and John O’Connor presented Milford Care Centre with a cheque for €8,005 on Thursday, December 10th, from the sales of “The Hills of Old Kilcolman” the Irish Traditional Music Album”. The CD has been on sale around the West Limerick area since mid-September. Jacki, and John would like to thank everyone, who has played a part in the CDs success to date.

 

There is a lot of concern within the community following the temporary closure of Ardagh Post Office a month ago and the transfer of business to Newcastle West Post Office. In the local catchment area we have already seen the closure of Post Offices in Carrigkerry, Kilcolman and Reens and the inconvenience that this has caused to people. It is vital that the service is restored as soon as possible allowing people to do their business in their own area.

 

Saint Kieran’s GAA Club are holding a fundraising Christmas Draw at present. The tickets cost €2 each and a book of three costs €5.  There is a large list of prizes on offer and all support will be appreciated. The draw will be held on Tuesday 22nd December in Ardagh Community Centre. 

 

The arrival of winter and the return of old time can be a difficult time for many but a welcome time for book lovers to engage in one of their favourite pastimes. The month of December sees the arrival of the annual Old Moore’s Almanac, The Cork Holly Bough and Ireland’s Own Anthology along with the many parish journals and magazines. Missing from the book stands this year will be the Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal which served the community since 1977.

 

This is the sixth year of the Ireland’s Own Anthology which includes the prize-winners from their annual short story competition. It is a very interesting publication, with a selection of stories, along similar lines as the weekly Ireland’s Own Magazine. It can be ordered by post or by bookshops and details are to be got in the weekly magazine. This year we also saw a number of local books launched which would make ideal gifts or presents to give in the run up to Christmas.  Newcastle West Bookshop and local shops will satisfy all tastes in reading material.   

 

“The Hills of Old Kilcolman” the Irish Traditional Music Album” from Jacki and John O’Connor, Kilcolman,  is currently for sale at Moloney’s Daybreak, Carrigkerry; Curley’s Post Office and Shop, Ardagh; Buckley’s Shop, Devon Road, Templeglantine; The Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale; Mullane’s Costcutter, Shanagolden; MACE, Shanagolden; Trade Electric, Newcastle West O’Connor’s Londis, Churchtown, Newcastle West. Five Roads Shop Rathkeale, Mullane’s Glin, Brouder’s and Collins’ shops Athea, and Ann Lyons, Shop Abbeyfeale. It is also on sale at the Mazenod Social Club Kilburn in London. Readers of these notes might spread the word to family members and friends living there. Net proceeds in aid of Milford Hospice, Limerick. It would make a nice Christmas gift for a person interested in traditional music and song. All support greatly appreciated.

 

Christmas cards are now on sale as a fundraiser for SOS (Suicide or Survive) the Irish charity focused on breaking down the stigma associated with mental health and suicide. The much loved tradition of sending Christmas cards has declined in recent times due to the popularity of texts and emails. I think this is a pity as receiving a card can be special and can create a feel good factor. Christmas is a time for caring and giving, and the arrival of the cheerful card can brighten up the spirits of a person who may be a little down. The pack of 10 SOS cards cost € 6 or 2 packs for € 10. To place an order contact the team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1890 577 577 All the proceeds from the sale of cards will go directly into the running of the SOS programmes throughout the country.

 

Carrigkerry cards in aid of the Playground development are still on sale in Moloney’s Shop.

 

Kilcolman N.S. are collecting brown coins (or larger if you wish) for the school. All donations would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped at the school.

 

A reminder that Christmas wreaths for graves and to be used as door hangers are available locally. They can be ordered from Moira at 069-76256 or 086-2123560, and all the proceeds will go to charity.

The annual collection in aid of Carrigkerry/Old Mill Development Association will be taken up in Ardagh/Carrigkerry over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 19th/20th December All support will be greatly appreciated and the money collected will go towards the running of the C.E. Scheme in both areas. The appearances of both has improved immensely in recent years due to their efforts.

Ardagh N.S. school pupils will present an evening production of The Wizard of Oz in Ardagh Community Centre on Monday 21st December at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale for €5 and can be purchased from the school office or at the hall on the night.

 

The Celtic Tenors will perform in Concert in Shanagolden Church on Wednesday 23rd December at 8pm, Tickets cost €25 and they are available from members of the Community Council and local business. It promises to be a very enjoyable night of top class entertainment.

 

The annual New Year’s Day walk will commence from the Rambling House Knockfierna, at 2.30pm and all are welcome to attend. People are asked to meet at Ballingarry Hall at 2.15 and after the walk a rambling house session will be held. This event will mark the 30th anniversary of the first session held there in 1986.