By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Michael P Flynn, Glenastar, Ardagh who died peacefully in the loving care of St Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West on Wednesday June 15th. He was the brother of the late Sean, Dan, Bridgie Ahern, Norah O’Kelly and Eily Flynn. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Thursday June 16th from 6pm followed by removal to Carrigkerry Church. His Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Friday at 12 noon. Burial took place afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brother Paddy in Newbridge, Co Galway, sisters Madge Maune in Essex, Hannie O’Connor in Glensharrold, May O’Rourke in Portumna, Co Galway, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and friends.  May he rest in Peace.

The Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving cheque presentation took place at Castlemahon Community Hall on Friday, June 11th before a large attendance.  It was the culmination of 131 days of fundraising in support of Joanne who received life threatening burns following a barbecue accident in June 2014. Joanne promised the hospital that she would run a fundraising campaign for them in thanks for the fantastic care she received during the 131 days she was a patient there.

A special committee was set up to fundraise for St James’ Hospital in Dublin, and it was launched last December and over the 131 days a large selection of events were held. They included concerts, dances, a golf classic, cycle/run/walk, cake sales around the West Limerick area and many overseas fundraisers as well. Odhran Shelley, the National Burns Unit Director of St James’ Hospital in Dublin, was present on Friday night last and he accepted a cheque for €209,976 from the organising committee. Chairperson Liam Woulfe, on behalf of the Thanksgiving Fundraising Team thanked all for their marvellous support and generosity.

Congratulations to former Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Priest Fr Patrick Bowen who celebrated his Golden Jubilee celebrating mass in St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea on Saturday June 18th. Congratulations to Fr Tony Mullins, a native of Glenville, Ardagh and Dromin/Athlacca parish, who was ordained on June 12th 1983 and celebrates 33 years in the priesthood. Congratulations also to Fr Tom Mangan, a native of Glensharrold and Donaghmore/Knockea parish, who was ordained on June 7th 1986 and celebrates 30 years in the priesthood.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday June 13th. The numbers drawn were 11,13,27,29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who each received €40. Ann Relihan, Ardagh c/o Curley’s. The Donovan family, Shanagolden c/o Curley’s. Shane O’Reilly, Shanagolden. Denis Woulfe, Kilcolman c/o Neary’s. Mike Magner, Coolanoran, c/o Neary’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,400 and the draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar.

Saint Kieran’s played two matches against Father Casey’s and Monaleen, in the County Senior Football League in recent weeks. Father Casey’s defeated them by 3-11 to 2-9 in Abbeyfeale on Tuesday, June 7th. Saint Kieran’s and Monaleen drew 1-7 each in Askeaton, on Saturday, June 11th. Saint Kieran’s lost to Dromcollogher/Broadford by 6-18 to 1-3 in Group 2 of the West Junior B Football Championship.

Neary’s Bar Ardagh sponsored the West Junior B Hurling League Final which was played in Coolcappa, on Saturday June 11th. Granagh/Ballingarry defeated Askeaton by 1-11 to 0-13 and Ivan Neary presented the cup to winning captain Michael O’Rourke. Ivan presented the Man of the Match Award to Mark Snow at a social gathering in the bar after the match.

Congratulations to Iris Kennelly, Ardagh and the Old Mill Ladies football club, who finished fourth in the All Ireland Feile Skills competition held in Dublin on Saturday June 11th

The West Primary School hurling finals were held in Neville Park, Rathkeale on Friday, June 10th. Cormac Behan was involved with Ahalin, who defeated An Gaelscoil by 4-7 to 2-5 in the Division 1 final and Teresa Lawlor, was involved with Croagh, who defeated Raheenagh. Cormac was also involved with Ahalin who won the Division 1 Camogie final defeating Gaelscoil O Doghair by 4-9 to 1-5 the previous Thursday at the same venue.

Foynes Yacht Club hosted the Munster Mermaid Sailing Championships over the Whit weekend. Congratulations to Commodore James McCormack from Ardagh who oversaw the event which was held in summer sunshine. Congratulations to Darragh McCormack, Mark McCormack, Vincent McCormack and Roisin McCormack who were amongst the prize-winners. The Yacht Club provides people interested in water sports great opportunities to enjoy themselves over the summer months. They run sailing courses for children and teens, also over the summer, in the scenic Shannon estuary which provides commanding views of Clare and Kerry.

Congratulations to Carrig Celtic players John Hayes and Dylan Moloney who received awards at the Desmond Schoolboy’s/Girls League Awards Night held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday, June 10th. John was captain of the U-15 team that won the All Ireland and Dylan won the U-15 Division 1 Player of the Year award.

Saint Kieran’s were represented at the County Limerick Community Games finals held in Mungret from Friday, June 10th to Sunday, June 12th. Well done to all the competitors and mentors who were involved in competition. Congratulations to all the medal winners including Conor Power who won gold in the U-16 discus and progressed to the National finals in Athlone in August.

This week is Independent Bookshop Week and events are taking place in local bookshops to mark the occasion. It is challenging times for independent bookshops who provide a wonderful service and they would appreciate your support.

The Irish Palatine Heritage Centre in Rathkeale is currently open at certain times to visitors, during the month of June. It will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm. It will be also open each Sunday during the months of July and August, at the same hours and all are welcome.

The Mount Trenchard house and garden will be open daily for the months of June, July and August  from 9am to 1pm.

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

The All-Ireland U-14 Feile Peil Competition will be held from Friday 24^th June to Sunday 26^th June. It will be hosted by clubs from West Limerick, North Kerry and North Cork and Old Mill ladies football club will be participating.  They will play a number of visiting teams and also host a club from Waterford. With over 250 clubs taking part it is now considered the largest sporting event for children in Europe.

West Limerick 102FM Community Radio are holding their annual Flag Day in Newcastle West on this Saturday 25^th June from 9am to 6pm. Volunteers will be collecting outside Dooley’s, Sheehan’s Stores and The Square and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The Comhaltas Summer Seisiun traditional entertainment shows commence at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine on Thursday 30^th June. They will continue each Thursday during July and August. The best of traditional music, song, storytelling and dance will be on display and all are welcome to attend.

The annual Rathfredragh Cheshire Home Fete will be held on Sunday 3^rd July and donations for the various stalls, will be greatly appreciated. More details from Catriona at 069-83279