By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Michael Downes, 15 Lios Na Ri, Ballycasey, Shannon, late of Woodview Park and the Old Mill, Newcastle West. He lay in repose at his residence on Sunday May 29th from 5pm to 7pm. Arriving for Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am to St John and Paul’s Church, Shannon. Burial took place afterwards in Illaunamanagh cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his partner Mary, son Barry, daughter Amanda, daughter-in-law Clare, son-in-law Gordon, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and extended family. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Ellen Walsh, Tralee and late of Lisbane, Shanagolden. She lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden on Wednesday June 1st from 6pm with removal at 8pm to Coolcappa Church. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12.30pm followed by burial afterwards in Kilbradern Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her brothers Jimmy and John, sister Ita, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace

The death has taken place of May O’Donovan, Tubrid, Creeves, Shanagolden, peacefully at St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, on Sunday May 29th. She lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden, on Tuesday May 31st from 6pm followed by removal to Saint Senan’s Church, Shanagolden. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at Shanagolden Church on Wednesday at 12.00 noon followed by burial afterwards in Kilbradern Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, cousins, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great grand-nieces and great grand-nephews and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Pat Sheahan, Dairygold, Ardagh on the death of his father James Sheahan, Glenmore West, Strand who was laid to rest in St Ita’s Cemetery, Killeedy on May 24th.

Congratulations to Patrick O’Dwyer, Rooskagh, who won the Republic of Ireland strongest man title in Armagh on Saturday May 28th. He was one of thirteen contestants and by winning he became only the second man in the history of the event to retain the title. The thirty year old only took up the sport about four years ago and his next big event will be the All-Ireland Finals on Sunday 26^th June. Patrick, who works in the construction industry, relies on sponsorship and support from family and friends to fund his ambitions. We wish him well in his pursuit of further titles.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh. The numbers drawn were 17, 18, 24, 25, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners who each won €40. Stephen Kennelly, Shanagolden, Majella O’Connor, c/o Nora Dineen. Pat Ambrose, Dunganville. Jean Browne/o Curley’s. Siobhan Buckley, c/o Peadar’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,000, and the draw will be held in Reens Bar, Ardagh.

Johnny McCarthy, Darragh Treacy and Sean McSweeney were members of the Limerick team that lost by 0-16 to 0-13 to Clare in the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Sunday May 29th.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Kildimo/Pallaskenry by 0-18 to 1-11 in Round 3 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship at Askeaton Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday May 31. They trailed by 0-7 to 0-6 at half time, but their opponents with wind advantage, had the better of the second half. They led by seven points, but a late goal from a close in free, left four between the sides at the final whistle. Johnny McCarthy and Darragh Treacy lined out after their tough match against Clare two days previous. TEAM: John Greaney, James Windle, Paudie McCarthy, John O’Connor, Brendan McCarthy, Mike Flynn, Mike Windle, Jack Ben Harnett, 0-2 Darragh Treacy, 0-1 Seamus Mangan, Johnny McCarthy, 0-1 Donal Nolan, 0-6 Anthony Molyneaux, 0-1 Jonathan Ruttle, 1-0 Mossie Shine, Subs Danny Collum, Killian O’Connor. The team face a relegation fight after three defeats to date. They play Knockaderry, and Dromin/Athlacca, in their final matches when the championship resumes in July.

Cathal McEnery, Ardagh N.S and Thomas Murphy, Kilcolman N.S. were panel members of the West Limerick team that participated in the Mackey Cup Interdivision Competition held in the Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday May 25. The West were defeated by South Limerick by 1-12 to 2-4 in the semi-final and Cormac Behan, Carrigkerry and Ahalin N.S. was a selector for the West team.

Congratulations to Seamus Mangan, Ardagh and Creeves Celtic soccer club who received the Desmond League Division 2 Player of the Year Award at a recent function. The youthful Seamus has become a key player for the club since he joined them in the 2012/13 season. His favourite position is striker and with his express pace he has scored many vital goals for the club. Seamus is also a duel player with the Saint Kieran’s GAA club.

Carrig Celtic defeated Abbeyfeale Utd B 3-1 at home in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Sunday, May 29th. Ray Cahill scored all three goals. Creeves Celtic were defeated 1-0 by St Ita’s in the final of the Division 2 League Cup played in Ballingarry on Friday May 27th.

Congratulations to all involved with West Limerick who won the Eithne Neville Primary Schools Interdivision Camogie Championship at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Thursday May 26th. Leah Hayes, Kilcolman N.S. was a member of the team and Caitrín De Bhal, was manager.

Congratulations to West Limerick 102 Community Radio who recently received a Merit Award in the Category Social Benefit Music from Craol. Their entry was a seven minute segment from the Stations 10^th Birthday Party held on May 23rd last year. Congratulations again to Bernadette and all the volunteers for their work which made winning the award possible.

We extend best wishes to all the students who are doing their exams at present. It is a difficult time for parents who are supporting them as well.

The annual National Sunflower collection will be taken up this Friday 10^th and Saturday 11^th June. Sunflowers will be available to purchase, and all the proceeds will go to Milford Hospice in Limerick. Volunteers are always needed and if interested in assisting contact Pat at 069-62306

Carrigkerry National School Parents Association are holding a fundraising Quiz at Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Friday 10^th June at 9pm. Tables of four and €20 per table and all support will be greatly appreciated. First Prize €100, Second Prize €50, Third Prize Wine.

The Joanne McMahon thanksgiving presentation night will be held in the new Hall, Castlemahon on Friday 10^th June. It is the culmination of 131 days of fundraising events which raised a large amount of money which will be disclosed when the cheque will be presented to Oran Shelly of the Burns Unit at St James’ Hospital in Dublin. The presentation will be at 8pm and it will be followed by lots of entertainment and all are welcome.

The Old Mill club are holding a clothes collection on the week-end of 10/11/June. They can include all dry clean clothes, paired shoes, paired trainers, handbags and belts. Please do not include duvets, pillows, bedding or sheets. More details from Moira McEnery on 086-8110634.

A sponsored 5k walk in aid of Kilcolman Creche will be held on Saturday 11^th June, commencing at the Crèche at 11.30am. The entry fee is €15 for adults, €5 for teenagers and children are free. All support for this fundraising walk will be greatly appreciated by the committee.

The following Mass time changes for Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish will be introduced this coming weekend. Mass will be celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday 11^th June at 6.30pm and in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Sunday 12^th June at 11am. This change is for the foreseeable future.

West Limerick 102 FM Community Radio are holding their next car boot sale and indoor market in the Community Centre, Newcastle West on Sunday 12^th June from 8am. To book a stall contact the Station at 069-66200. The other monthly dates for the year are Sunday 10^th July, Sunday 7^th August, Sunday 4^th September, Sunday 2^nd October, Sunday 30^th October, Sunday 11^th November and Sunday 11^th December.

West Limerick 102 Community Radio will hold their first Rambling House in Monagea Hall on Monday 13^th June, commencing at 8pm. An All-star line-up of artists will be on stage to entertain the large crowd expected.  The special guests will include Elle Marie O’Dwyer, Emily Clarke, Billy O’Brien, William Reidy, Big Maggie, Nora Kennedy, Donie Walsh, Pa Quaid, The Harty Brothers and The Nightingales. Tickets cost €5 and all are welcome especially musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers.

The annual Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Tuesday 21st, to Sunday 26^th June. Contact the Lourdes Pilgrimage Office on 061-314111 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Early booking is recommended as prices vary with the different hotel choices.

Coolcappa Parents Association will hold a used clothing collection from Tuesday 21^st to Thursday 23^rd June. Bags can be dropped into the school (before or after school) on any of these dates.