By Tom Aherne

Congratulations to Sr. Peggy Falahee, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry who recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee in the Sisters of Nazareth. She was born in 1944 and attended Carrigkerry NS. Peg went to St Brigid’s Junioratte, in Mallow in 1959. In 1961 she went to London to do her N.N.E.B. training. She entered the congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth in 1963 and was professed in Nazareth House, Hammersmith in May 1966. Sr. Joseph (Peg) made her final Profession in May 1971 and she celebrated her Silver Jubilee in May 1991. She has worked in Ireland and England over the years and her sister Bridie is a member of the Sacred Heart Sisters.  Her brother Paddy lives in the home place and he is very proud of their achievements. Continued good health and blessing to Sr. Peg in her vocation.

Congratulations to the pupils from Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish  Sam, Ellie, Padraig, Ava, Colm, Melody, Ella,  Adam, Mai, Darcie, Cliodhna, who received their First Holy Communion in St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday May 7th.

Last week’s Eurovision song contest was eagerly looked forward to as it had a local connection. Aidan O’Connor from Knocknagun, Carrigkerry co-wrote the Czech Republic entry with Sara Biglert. The full lyrics are as follows.

I’ve worn the path

I’ve hit the wall

I’m the one who rose and fall

I’ve played my heart

When I played the part

But it got me through the rain

I have felt the strain

I’ve made mistakes

With the monsters in my head

But in the end

You’re standing there

You’re the one who always cares

Cause I stand

I stand

I am standing here

Just because of you

Every part of me is a part of you

I stand

I’m standing tall

I can hold it all

Now I see where I belong

The choice I made

Helped me understand

Now this life is mine to play

I am thanking you, you made me

You are my air

I’ll always care!

I stand…

You never lose hold of me

You always trust and you see

I stand.

The song was performed by 22 year old Gabriela Gunčíková, an experienced singer who is well acclaimed for her exceptional voice. Gabriela was internally selected by a jury of experts to represent the Czech Republic in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest among a field of more than 40 entries. She is a singer who has great experience from abroad behind her and who, above all, possesses an amazing vocal range. Her song for Stockholm, I Stand, was written by an international team, the music by Christian Schneider and Sara Biglert, and the lyrics by Aidan O’Connor and Sara Biglert.

Aidan was very much in demand in the run up to the event with numerous interviews on radio and the print media. He came across very well with his knowledge of Eurovision shining through. The Czech Republic progressed through the semi-final as Ireland bowed out to book their final place in last Saturday’s final. It was a great achievement for Aidan to co-write a song that was performed at the final of the Eurovision Contest in Stockholm on Saturday May 14th.

AWARD WINNER: Congratulations to Joanne McMahon, Dunganville and Castlemahon, who was named Limerick Person of the Month for April. She was presented with her prize by Dave O’Hora from Southern, one of the sponsors. The other sponsors are The Clarion Hotel and the Limerick Leader and the overall monthly winner will be named Limerick Person of the Year next January.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Monday May 9th. The numbers drawn were 5, 6, 16, 27, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners who each received €40. Ann Relihan, Ardagh. Caroline Donovan, Shanagolden. Liam Doherty, Ballyallinan, Rathkeale. Ita Kirk, Reens Ardagh. Julia Greaney, Kilcolman. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €5,400.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Senan’s by 5-8 to 3-12 in round 2 of the West Minor A/B Football Championship

Carrig Celtic drew 3-3 at home to Athea Utd in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Sunday May 8. Ray Cahill scored all three goals. Carrig Celtic B defeated Pallaskenry B 2-1 away in Division 3. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 to Glantine in the Reidy Cup final played in Ballyhahill on Saturday May 7. Paul O’Connor, and Jason Ahern, scored their goals.

In the Ladies Desmond Division 1 League Cup semi-final Carrig Celtic lost 5-1 at home to Charleville, with Kayrn King scoring their goal. In the other semi-final Creeves Celtic defeated Kilcolman Rovers 3-2 away with goals from Dymphna O’Brien, Angela Sheehan, and Mairéad Commane.

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 All Ireland semi-final of the Inter League Championship in Knockdown, on Sunday May 8. They defeated the Mayo League 4-0 and Mikey Conlon, scored two of the goals. Gerard O’Connor, from Creeves Celtic was the referee, and Pat King, from Carrig Celtic, one of the assistant referees. We wish all involved the best of luck in the final against the North Dublin Schoolboys League.

The RAGE committee in Ballyhahill are continuing with their opposition to the proposal for a Gasification Plant at Gortadroma. They have been very busy since the last public meeting held in Shanagolden on February 18th. They have been working with the local Public Representatives and have met with the Management of Limerick City and County Council. They have aired all the concerns of the community and sought documentation relating to the proposal from them. The members are seeking as much support as possible and ask people to stay in contact, and share their Facebook page.

John Keily from Ardagh presents Sacred Space each Sunday at 10am on West Limerick 102 Community Radio. This religious programme includes a look at the Gospel reading, interviews and much more over the 60 minutes. 

CHURCHTOWN GROTTO: The rosary will be recited each evening at 7.30pm at Churchtown Grotto, Newcastle West, and all are welcome.

Milford Care Centre has launched a Peugeot 308 Car Raffle, to help raise funds towards redevelopment work due to commence in September at the Hospice.  The draw commenced on May 1st, and the winner will be announced on Friday 16th December. The tickets cost €20 and can be purchased direct from sellers and at events and on line at www.milfordcarecentre.ie

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. 3rd -31st May from Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. 20th -28th August, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am to 1.30pm. 1st-30th September Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. The admission is €5 with students €3 and children and OAPs are free.

St Senan’s and District Community Alert will hold their A.G.M on Thursday 19th May in Shanagolden Hall at 8pm and all are welcome.

All the students from the Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish who are sitting exams are invited to attend the 7.30pm Mass in Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday 21st May. The Mass is open to anyone doing exams, both within and outside the parish, and also to parents, guardians, relatives, and friends.

Fr Tom Mangan, a native of Glensharrold, is doing a skydive in Abbeyshrule, Co Longford on Sunday 22nd May. He is part of a group of twelve from the parish of Donoghmore/Knockea, who are fundraising to raise funds for a new parochial house in the parish. Fr Tom is living outside the parish since his appointment less than two years ago. Sponsorship cards are available locally and we wish Fr Tom and the others a safe landing.

The Old Mill sports club are holding a sponsored walk around the area on Sunday 22nd May. Sponsored cards are available from Moira McEnery on 086-8110634. The club would appreciate the support of the community for this very important club fundraiser.

The Dromcollogher May Fair/Vintage Rally takes place in the village grounds on Sunday 22nd May. The organisers would welcome bric-a-brac, plants, jams and appropriate items for the auction which will be held in the afternoon.

A Bereavement Support Information Evening will be held in Milford Care Centre Limerick on Tuesday 24th May from 7pm to 8.30pm. The meetings are held every quarter of the year to provide information on normal grief and to inform people of the support services offered by Milford Care Centre.

A special Mass will be held for the students in Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish who will be sitting exams in the near future on Wednesday 25th May at 7. 30pm in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh. An open invitation to students, parents, guardians, relatives and friends.

Newcastle West Film Club will present A Walk in the Woods as part of the Bealtaine Festival in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Thursday 26th May at the earlier time of 7pm. Admission is free, refreshments are available and all are welcome.

Saint Kieran’s club are holding a fundraising dog night at Limerick Greyhound Track on Friday 27th May. Contact Secretary Ivan Neary on0876577541 for full details on how to get involved and support the club.