By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Joseph (Joe) Quinn, 10 St Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry, husband of the late Liz. His unexpected death came after a short illness and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Joe was a native of Glensharrold and he was a couple of years short of retirement age. He lived and worked locally most of his life and would be highly regarded in the community. He was interested in sports and enjoyed a game of cards with his friends at the weekends.

He lay in repose at his residence on Monday April 25th from 5pm to 8pm and large crowds came to pay their respects to family members. His remains arrived for 11.30am Requiem Mass on Tuesday. Joe was laid to rest afterwards in Holycross Cemetery, Athea. We extend our sympathy to his brothers Mike, Sean, Anthony and Tom, sisters Margaret and Bridget, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Hannah Dillane (nee Sullivan) in her 92^nd year, wife of the late Jimmy, Glenastar, Ardagh and Gardenfield, Newcastle West. She was a homemaker and a member of the farming community. She lived a long and healthy life and will be sadly missed by family and all who knew her. She lay in repose at her son Tom’s residence (Reens, Ardagh) on Thursday April 28th from 6pm to 8pm. Her remains arrived at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh, on Friday for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery.

We extend our sympathy to her sons John, Paddy, Dan, James and Tom and daughters Margaret Igoe (Gurteen, Co Sligo) and Norah Hayes (Ennis, Co Clare), son in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Michael (Cherry) Ambrose, Ballylin, Ardagh and late of Middlesbrough, England on April 16th. His funeral Mass was held in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday April 30th, at 2pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brother, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends, and colleagues in Middlesbrough. May he rest in Peace.
The death has taken place of Sister Ann Woulfe, Elm Hill, Ardagh in South Africa. We extend our sympathy to her extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh on Monday April 25th. Congratulations to Eileen O’Connor, Carrigkerry West who matched the numbers drawn and won the Jackpot of €12,400. Congratulations also to the lucky dip winners: €60 Amanda Kinsella, Old Mill. €60 Helen Costelloe, Ardagh. €60 Nora Ambrose, Dunganville. €30 A and D c/o Denis Greaney. €30 Geraldine Dowling, c/o Curley’s. €30 Tom and Helen Nash, Kilcornan. Next week’s draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh for a Jackpot of €5,000.

The Glensharrold Wren Group held their presentation evening at Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday April 17th.  Johnny Kennelly, on behalf of the group, welcomed all present and thanked the people who welcomed them into their homes on Saint Stephen’s Day. He thanked everybody who contributed financially and refreshment wise, to the group on the day which they enjoyed so much despite it being wet and very long. The proceeds left after their Wren Nights made it possible for the presentation to continue again this year. Members of the group made presentations to the following Ardagh/Carrigkerry Senior Citizens Committee, Ardagh/Carrigkerry Tuesday Social Club, and Kilcolman Senior Citizens/Parish Committee. All the groups in turn thanked the Glensharrold Wren Group for the donations which will be put to good use in their clubs.

The local organisers of the Daffodil Day Collection (including Kate and Edward Buckingham, Glenastar) held around Newcastle West last March recently presented a cheque for €13,640 to Lorraine Toner of the Irish Cancer Society.

Saint Kieran’s and Oola, drew 0-11 to 1-8 in Group 1 of the County Senior Football Championship in Mungret Gaelic Grounds on Saturday April 30. St Kieran’s dominated the opening stages and led by four points to no score after the first quarter. Oola took over and led by 1-3 to 0-5 at half time, and continued to dominate, and led by two points entering the final minutes. St Kieran’s with two late points salvaged a draw. It was a good result as Oola dominated possession for long stages, and exerted strong pressure, on the Saints defence, and kicked 13 wides, to just four in reply. TEAM: Ray Noonan, Brendan Mc Carthy, Gavin Hayes, Kevin Meade, Mossie Shine, Johnny McCarthy, James O’Connor, Darragh Treacy, 0-1 Mike Flynn, 0-1 Jack Ben Harnett, Paudie McCarthy, Donie Nolan, 0-1 Seamus Mangan, 0-2 Sean McSweeney, 0-5 Anthony Molyneaux, 0-1. Subs John Doyle, Mike Windle.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Gerald Griffins by 3-8 to 1-11 in the West Junior B Football League at Coolcappagh on Saturday April 23rd.

Noel Callinan from St Kieran’s was a member of the Limerick minor team that defeated Waterford by 1-13 to 1-5 in the Munster Minor Football Championship playoff round in Lemybrien on Wednesday April 27th. He was used as a substitute after starting the two previous matches and he scored one point. Limerick play Cork in the Munster semi-final on Wednesday 11^th May.

Alva Neary, Ardagh and the Old Mill ladies club, was a member of the Limerick team that defeated Antrim by 4-8 to 1-10 in the Ladies National Football Division 4 League Final at Clane, Kildare on Saturday April 30. It was well deserved after a number of disappointing defeats in finals in recent years. Alva was full back and defended well and Dympna O’Brien from Ballyhahill was captain and top scorer. Niamh Richardson from Murroe-Boher at centre field had a tremendous game and was named top player of the final.

Carrig Celtic lost 4-3 away to Athea Utd in the semi-final of the Division 1 Desmond League Cup on Sunday April 24th. Anthony Molyneaux, 2 and Seanie King scored their goals. Creeves Celtic defeated Ballysteen 1-0 at home in the semi-final of the Division 2 League Cup with Jason Ahern scoring their goal. Carrig Celtic B lost 2-1 away to Shannonside B in Group A of the Division 3 League Cup.

Congratulations to John Hayes, (captain) Dylan Moloney, both Carrig Celtic and Mikey Conlon and Darren Kearns, both Creeves Celtic, who were members of the Desmond U-15 soccer team that won the Munster Inter League Championship in CIT Cork on Sunday April 24.

In the Ladies Division 1 League Cup Creeves Celtic defeated Broadford Utd 4-1 at home, with Angela Sheehan, 3 and Dympna O’Brien, scoring their goals. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton, 4-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw, with Ciara O’Donnell on target.

We welcome the setting up of a new cycling club Old Mill Wheelers. It will cater exclusively for women and at present they meet up twice a week for leisurely cycling. Contact Lisa on 087-2471140 for all the details.

Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh is the venue for the Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 11am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm and all are welcome.

The opening hours for Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh for 2016 are as follows. 3^rd -31^st May from Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. 20^th -28^th August, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am to 1.30pm. 1^st-30^th September Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. The admission is €5 with students €3 and children and OAPs are free.

The Irish Heart Foundation will be selling Happy Heart pins around Limerick on this Thursday/Friday 5^th/6^thMay. Research shows that 27 people lose their lives to heart disease and stroke daily and around 300 new cases are diagnosed daily as well. Research also show that 80% of these deaths are completely preventable. Prevention is crucial to stop the disease and save lives, and every €3 donation received from the pins will help people live longer and healthier lives.

A clothes collection to raise funds for Kilcolman N.S. will be held at the following times and dates this coming weekend at the school. Friday 6^th May before and after school. Saturday 7^th May before and after 7.30pm Mass. Monday 9^th May before and after school. All donations will be greatly appreciated and the contact is Marion at 087-7901425.

The Darkness into Light 5k walk/run in aid of Pieta House will be held on Saturday morning 7th May around Newcastle West. Online registration at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/

The First Holy Communion Ceremony for the children of Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish will be held on this Saturday 7^th May at 11am in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry.

The West Limerick Branch of the Mental Health Association of Ireland will hold its annual general meeting at Maple Lodge, Gortboy, Newcastle West on Wednesday 11^th May at 8pm. All members are asked to attend and new members are most welcome.

A Get Together for people who attended the three second level schools in Newcastle West from 1971 to 1976 is being organised for Friday 3^rd June in the Ballintemple Inn. The three schools were the Convent, Secondary (Jim Breen’s) and the Vocational. Now forty plus years later plans are being put in place to recall past pupils and school times. People who are interested can contact any of the following before Friday 13^th May. Nuala (Walker) Browne at 086-6017936, or Betty (Kiely) O’Brien, at 087-6421959, or Eugene O’Doherty, at 086-8440536.

The annual Parish Clerk’s collection will be taken up in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on the weekend of Saturday 14^th/Sunday 15^th May. People are asked to be as generous as possible with their donations to show their appreciation for the work that is done in both churches.