By Tom Aherne

The concert held in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Friday, February 26th, in aid of the Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fund was an outstanding success. A good crowd was in attendance, despite a lot of counter attractions being on around the locality. The weather was also inclement and people had to cast their vote in the General Election. The people who missed out were the losers as the entertainment provided was top class and suitable for all musical tastes and age groups. The Church was warm, candle lit and daffodil bedecked for the occasion with cushions provided for seating. Seamus Hunt, the Newcastle West piper, marched up the Church aisle to get the action underway at 8pm.

The joint hosts on the night were Fr Tony Mullins and Seamus Hennessy and an impressive line-up of entertainers performed.  They included The Limerick Tenor Michael Nash, who sang some of Thomas Moore’s Melodies, Charlie Reynolds the well-known musician from Leitrim, displayed his talents on Piano, and Piano Accordion. Jean O’Brien accompanist and Sinead O’Brien soprano. Michael, Fiona and Darragh Collins,   Emmet Daly, Rathkeale, of The Voice fame and Theresa Doyle McMahon. Fr Tony, on home ground, sang a number of John Denver songs and the very appropriate Grace, associated with the 1916 Rising. Michael Nash and Theresa, Doyle McMahon, came together to sing the very popular The Old Rugged Cross. Sinead O’Brien, sang four songs ranging from an Eva Cassidy number to Ave Maria. The Collins family added a traditional element to the night with a haunting version of The Lark in the Clear Air. Canon Sidney McEwan’s Flower of the May received a great airing from Michael Nash with all present joining in.

Seamus Hennessy added his own brand of humour to the proceedings which went down very well with the audience. Liam Woulfe, on behalf of the Joanne Mc Mahon Thanksgiving Fund Committee, in his address, gave an overall progress report on the campaign to date. He thanked everybody associated with the Concert and especially main organiser Theresa Doyle McMahon. The talented Ardagh Choir and all the entertainers closed the proceedings at 10.20pm with a rousing rendition of How Great Thou Art. The fundraising continues with a lot of diverse events lined up in the coming weeks.  People who have ideas or wish to hold a fundraiser in their area should contact Liam on 087-2410606

The Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Concert held at the Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday, February 6th was featured on County Limerick Matters on Irish TV on Channel 191 on Wednesday February 24th. The ten minute slot featured a number of interviews with Joanne and Mike McMahon and Coolcappa Music Group members Maurice Kennedy, John Joe Moran and MC Joe Carrig. It also showed members of the organising Coolcappa Music Group and others performing at the sell-out Concert.

Congratulations and best wishes to Bridie Kiely Glensharrold who recently celebrated her 93rd birthday. She is in good health and enjoys the company of family neighbours and numerous friends and she is wished continued health and happiness.

Carrig Celtic held the second draw in their 300 Club Draw on Sunday, January 31st, at Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry. Congratulations to the following lucky winners. €1,000 Dave Noonan, Clounleharde. €250 Peg Kiely, Knockfinisk. €50 John O’Connor, Kilcolman €50 Liam Ward, Carrigkerry. €50 Frank Moore, Carrigkerry.  To join contact members of the committee.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, on Monday February 22nd. The numbers drawn were 12,16,21,25, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Darragh Ronan, Reens. €60 N +D c/o Denis Greaney. €60 Paddy O’Sullivan, Abbeyfeale. €30 Declan Condon, Foynes. €30 Aaron Mulqueen, Ardagh. €30 John Dillane. Ballinabearna. Next week’s Jackpot will be €10,800 and the draw will be held in Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry.

Alva Neary from the Old Mill club was a member of the Limerick team that defeated Carlow by 13-29 to 0-0 in Round 3 of the Ladies National Football League Division 4 at Martinstown on Sunday, February 21st.

All the Desmond League matches were called off due to the heavy rainfall on Sunday, February 20th. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 2-2 away to Charleville. Sandra O’Connor and Marie Balfe scored their goals.

Congratulations to Mike Kiely and Mary Aherne O’Connor who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday, February 17th.

Newcastle West Film Club will show the award winning 45 Years on Friday 4th March in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West commencing at 8pm. The film is about a letter arriving on the eve of a 45th wedding celebration that reawakens troubling and long hidden memories. The people usually gather beforehand for a chat and some refreshments in the comfortable venue. All are welcome from 18 years to retirees and admission is €7.

West Limerick singing club will hold their monthly singing session in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale on Friday 4th March at 9pm. All singers, storytellers and interested listeners are welcome. They will hold their annual fundraising variety concert in Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale, on Saturday 12th March at 8pm. Tickets cost €10 and the concert will include traditional musicians, singers, storytellers and dancers.  The Singing Club will have a special night of songs to mark the 1916 Easter Rising at their monthly session in the Ramble Inn on Friday 1st April.

Limerick City and County Council will be distributing a limited number of free tree saplings, (Beech, Rowan, Birch, Oak and Alder) as part of National Tree Week which takes place from Sunday 6th to Sunday 13th March. They can be picked up at the Newcastle West Recycling Centre, Station Road on Saturday 12th March from 10am to 4.45pm.

Friday 11th March is Daffodil Day this year and a number of collections and events will be held around the locality. Volunteers will be out and about in Newcastle West as well and the organisers would appreciate fresh Daffodils. To find out more contact Kate Buckingham Glenastar on 069-76148

Maireád Ambrose and friends are holding A Coffee Morning in aid of The Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Burns Unit in Ardagh Community Centre on Saturday 12th March from 11am to 1pm. All support will be greatly appreciated.

Ita McQuinn and friends are holding their next Rambling House in Monagea Parish Hall on Monday 14th March as a fundraiser for the Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fund. All musicians, singers, dancers and story tellers are asked to attend and to perform at the very popular Rambling House. All support for the fundraiser will be greatly appreciated.

Following the huge success of Team Limerick Clean-Up last year we are delighted to announce that the event will take place again this year on Good Friday 25th March. It was great to see Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Coolcappa/Kilcolman parishes playing such a big part in last year’s clean-up and we are hoping that all who participated will once again become involved this year. The event is titled Team Limerick Clean Up 2 this year and the date is Good Friday 25th March from 10am, to 1pm. Communities, and groups can register on www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie Join The Clean Team and be part of history again this year.  For further information please email [email protected] or call 061496200

The Mass times in Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish will change from the weekend of 2nd/3rd April. Mass will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday evenings at 7.30 pm and in St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa on Sunday mornings at 10am.

Ardagh N.S. will hold a used clothes collection from Monday 4th April to Friday 8th April. All support for this fundraiser will be greatly appreciated.