By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of William Cremin, Ballykiely, Ardagh at his residence on Sunday, March 13th. His passing at the age of 61 shocked the community as he was very active and involved in various aspects of daily life.  He was a person of quiet disposition whose love for his family and his faith were central to his life. William was continuing the family tradition of farming at Ballykiely which stretches back many generations. The peace and tranquillity of the place in spring was very evident as people called in vast numbers to offer their sympathy and comfort the family on the eve of Saint Patrick’s Day. His input around the farm was very evident to see and the collage of photos, a reminder of happy times and his ties to his native place. He took great pride in the achievements of his children and was delighted with the arrival of his two grandchildren. William was a Minister of the Word in St Colman’s Church, and a regular card player at the Flag Floor.

A large crowd were waiting for the arrival of the funeral cortege at Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman for his Requiem Mass at 1pm on March 17th. It was concelebrated by Fr Brian McCarthy, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane, Fr Dan Lane, Fr Joe Cussen, Fr Eamon Fitzgibbon and Fr Michael Cussen. A bowl of Shamrock from Ballykiely was placed on his coffin and family members assisted throughout the ceremony. Hymns that William liked were sung by many in the overflowing attendance. He was laid to rest in nearby Kilcolman on a cold, breezy, dry Saint Patrick’s Day. It was ideal drying weather for land and a day he would have enjoyed but God had other plans. William will be sadly missed by members of the community but most of all by Kathleen and family members. We extend our sympathy to his wife Kathleen, daughters Ide, Katie and Elizabeth, sons Liam and John, son in law Declan, grandchildren Maria and James, sisters Mary Mc nery and Helen Van Zyl, brother Con, sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jean Anne Sheehy, daughter of Bridie and John, Barnigue, Carrigkerry and Declan Lenihan, The Forge, Feenagh who were married in Feenagh Church by Fr Pat Bluett on Saturday March 12th. The reception was held in The Devon Inn Hotel.

Congratulations to Adam Teskey  from Killeheen, Reens,  Ardagh who has been co-opted to replace Tom Neville on Limerick City and County Council. 26 year old Adam was selected to be co-opted at a meeting of the Adare Rathkeale Fine Gael members in the Dunraven Arms hotel on Sunday March 13th, beating former councillor Leo Walsh to take the seat vacated when Tom Neville was elected to Dáil Éireann. At a special meeting of the council in Dooradoyle he was co-opted along with two other new members Vivienne Crowley and Joe Pond both from Fianna Fáil. I am open to correction but I think Adam is the first person from Ardagh parish to serve as a councillor in Limerick.

The coffee morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society held at Sharon Kinehan’s house in Lisgordan, Ardagh on Daffodil Day raised €654.45. Thanks to everyone for their support, and to all who helped out.

The following are the Lottery results from The Thatch Bar, Newbridge, on Monday, March 14th. The numbers drawn were 4, 6, 15, 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners €60 Breda Enright, Ardagh. €60 Annette Galvin, Ardagh. €60 Denis Collins, Ardagh. €30 Amanda Kinsella, Old Mill. €30 Joan O’Connor, Glenville. €30 Agatha Barrett, Athea. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €11,400.

Johnny McCarthy, Darragh Treacy and Sean McSweeney from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick team that lost to Westmeath by 3-14 to 0-7 in Round 5 of the National Football Division 3 League at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Saturday March 12th.

Carrig Celtic defeated Glantine 2-1 away in Round 1 of the Division 1 League Cup with goals from Ray Cahill, and Anthony Molyneaux. Creeves Celtic defeated AK United 2-1 away in Round I of the Division 2 League Cup. Old Mill gave Bally Rovers a walk over in Division 2.

In the Ladies Desmond Cup quarter final Creeves Celtic defeated Breska Rovers 2-1 away with goals from Dympna O’Brien, and Angela Sheehan. In Division 1 Carrig drew 3-3 at home with Kilcolman Rovers. Michelle Brouder, 2 and Maggie O’Connor, scored their goals, and Erin Hennessy, 2 and Ciara O’Donnell, replied for Rovers.

Congratulations to Andrew McCormack, Ardagh and Newcastle West Golf Club who recently won the Mid-West Alliance Cup played over four Sunday’s at Dromoland Golf Club Clare.

Congratulations to Mike O’Mahoney and Mike Young who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday March 9th. The annual Good Friday card game will take place at the Flag Floor on 25th March at 9pm and all are welcome.

Coolcappa Music Group have a DVD of their Concert held at Rathkeale House Hotel in aid of the Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fund for sale from the following Patsy Greaney 087-2153685, John Moran 087-6555098, Marion Hough 085-7341675 and Sharon Guina 087-9433496.

Parents who wish to enrol their children in Coolcappa National School are asked to contact Principal Nora Madden on 069-76493. Parents who wish to enrol their children in Ardagh National School are asked to contact the school principal for an enrolment application form. Please phone 069-76353 for more details.

The Census forms (2.3 million) will be distributed to households from Wednesday March 23rd. Householders are asked to fill them up and they will be collected after Census Sunday on 24th April

The following is a list of the Easter Ceremony times in the four local churches: Holy Thursday 24th March: Kilcolman Mass 7.30pm with Adoration until 9pm. Carrigkerry Mass 7.30pm. Good Friday 25th March: Kilcolman Passion at 3pm, Ardagh Passion at 3pm. Coolcappa Stations at 7.30pm. Carrigkerry Stations 7.30pm. Holy Saturday 26th March:  Ardagh Vigil Mass at 8.pm, Coolcappa Vigil Mass 8pm. Easter Sunday 27TH March Kilcolman Dawn Mass at 6am, and Easter Morning Mass at 10am. St Malia’s Graveyard Ardagh Dawn Mass at 7.30am. Carrigkerry Easter morning Mass at 11.30am.

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.ieJoin the Clean Team and be part of history again this year.  For further information, please email [email protected]  or call 061496200. A TLC clean up will be held around Ardagh, and people are asked to meet up at 10am in the hall.

The annual Good Friday 45 card game will be held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday 25th March at 9.30pm. A total of 80% of the door takings will be given out in prizes and a raffle will also be held. The admission is €10 and teas will be served and all are welcome.

A reminder that Trocaire boxes can be returned to your local church from this Holy Thursday. Please be as generous as possible with your donations, which will go to help people in foreign lands who are barely surviving.

A Sunrise Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in Knockpatrick Cemetery on Easter Sunday morning 27th March at 6.30am. This historic venue commands an excellent view of the Shannon Estuary and other places of interest.

Newcastle West Film Club present Tangerines, in the Desmond Complex on Friday 1st April at 8pm. Refreshments available and the entry fee is €7.

West Limerick Singing Club will host a night of songs in remembrance of the 1916 Easter Rising in the Ramble Inn Bar Abbeyfeale on Friday 1st April. The club meet on the first Friday of every month for their normal singing session. All are welcome to attend and enjoy a good night of traditional singing.

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.

The Mass times in Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish will change also from the weekend of 2nd/3rd April. Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry ,on Saturday evenings at 6pm, and in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday mornings at 11.30am.

The Old Mill Community and Friends are holding a traditional night of music, song and story in aid of the Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fundraiser in the Ballintemple Inn, Newcastle West on Saturday 2nd April. The doors will open at 7.30pm, and the entertainment will commence at 8pm sharp. All support will be greatly appreciated.