By Tom Aherne
Congratulations to Pa O’Dwyer from Rooskagh who is now officially the strongest man in all of Ireland. He won the title in Newry, Co Down on Sunday June 26th defeating 12 other finalists. The contestants had to flip tyres that weigh a half-ton and lift Jeeps weighing 2,300kg. They included the seven foot tall former champion Sean ‘The Giant’ O’Hagan. At the end of the contest, Pa was awarded the Fionn MacCumhaill trophy becoming the first man from the Republic of Ireland to win the title in recent years. He quit his job in the Fire Service in an effort to win the coveted title and thankfully the sacrifice paid off.
Pa, who is 30 years old, stands 6 ft 2 inches and has just 13 per cent body fat. He takes in between 8,000 and 10,000 calories per day compared to the average man’s 2,500. He eats a pound of horse meat per day because it is full of nutrients that help maintain his muscles. He is now looking forward to a holiday in Corfu before returning to training in the hope of becoming the World’s Strongest Man. The new champion said: I’ll be representing Ireland for the next 12 months and competing in the UK’s Strongest Man competition and the World’s Strongest Man competition. Pa will represent Ireland in the UK Championship in a few months’ time and if successful will move on to the World Championships. The event in Newry will be shown on RTE 2 in the coming weeks.
The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar Ardagh on Monday June 27th. The numbers drawn were 13,16,18,20, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who each won €40. Sheila and Mike, c/o Neary’s, J and M Curley, Ardagh, Caroline Daly, Ardagh c/o Ailish, Tom Corrigan, Askeaton, c/o Thatch and David Ahern, c/o Moloney’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,800 and the draw will be held in Foley’s Bar, Reens.
Coolcappa N.S., has been approved by the Department of Education and Science for the construction of a new water treatment centre (septic tank). The work will begin this month and will be completed in time for the new term in September.
The death has taken place of Eileen O’Sullivan, nee Enright, 17, Liosan Court, Newcastle West, and formerly of Clonmore Dromcollogher, who died on June 30th, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick, predeceased by her son baby Gerard. Eileen was a daughter of the former Nora Kennelly of Barnigue, Carrigkerry and St Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry. Eileen was reposing at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Saturday July 2nd from 6 to 8pm followed by removal to the Church of Immaculate Conception, Newcastle West. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday at 12.30pm with burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband Jer, daughter Mary, son in law Michael Madden, grandchildren Paul, Ryan and Claire, sisters in law, cousins, neighbours, other relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
The Limerick GAA Club Draw for June was held at Limerick Live 95 FM Radio on Saturday July 2nd during the Sports Programme. Congratulations to Angus Gannon from the St Kieran’s club who won €250. A total of six draws remain for 2016 (€60 fee) and interested people can contact the St Kieran’s club members to enter.
Jacqui Mangan from Rathgoonan, Ardagh has retired after a long number of years as Montessori teacher in Ballyhahill. Jacki and husband Denis, who recently retired, also are well known in music circles as well and best of luck in the future to both.
Dairygold Co-Op has joined forces with the Irish Cancer Society in a highly innovative new initiative called Wrap it Pink. The focus of this initiative is designed to raise cancer awareness in rural Ireland as well as raising much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Farmers all over Ireland are being encouraged to wrap their silage bales in pink this summer. Since the silage season commenced fields around the country have featured a new bright colour with farmers using pink wrap to bale their silage. The distinctive high quality, Irish made wrap is available through Dairygold Co-Op Superstores including our local store in Ardagh and for every bale of wrap purchased a donation will be made to the Irish Cancer Society.
Many farming families throughout Ireland have been affected by cancer and the Irish Cancer Society provides terrific support for sufferers and their families said John O’ Carroll, Head of Retail at Dairygold. We’d love to see farmers embracing this initiative with pink silage bales visible in every parish this summer, knowing that in doing this we are not just raising cancer awareness but also helping to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Farmers will be buying the black wrap anyway so why not wrap it pink, brighten up the fields and put a smile on people’s faces. We believe it’s going to be a huge success.
It is our belief that this initiative has the potential to significantly raise cancer awareness in the agri-sector whilst also generating funds to support cancer research and the other very important activities of the Irish Cancer Society. The 2016 silage season is well underway so watch out for fields of pink in your area as a result of this unique partnership between Dairygold and The Irish Cancer Society. This pink silage wrap is available from Dairygold Co-Op Superstores across Munster and also in Ardagh.
Owen Hayes from the St Kieran’s club was a member of the national Féile committee which organised the recent festival. Owen is a past County Limerick Chairman of the Féile and the County Football Board as well as treasurer of the County Board. St Kieran’s and Old Mill clubs participated and played hosts to two visiting clubs. The Féile created a lot of excitement around the locality over the weekend and well done to all involved.
Carrigkerry N.S., are now enrolling pupils for the next term in September 2016 and places are available in all classes. Contact the school on069-76229 or 087-9186556.
The Comhaltas Summer Seisiún traditional entertainment shows continues at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine each Thursday during July and August. The show will be followed by an informal session where visiting musicians, singers and dancers are welcome to participate. The best of traditional music, song, storytelling and dance will be on display and all are welcome to attend.
A musical coach will depart from the top of Assumpta Park, Newcastle West, at 9am on Saturday 9th July for Milltown Malbay for the Willie Clancy Festival. People interested in travelling are asked to hand in their names and deposit to Ita Mc Quinn who can be contacted on 087-2593415
Our Lady’s Pastoral area which includes Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish are organising a Pilgrimage to Ballintubber Abbey, County Mayo on Sunday 10th July. The pilgrimage is to celebrate the Year of Mercy and the day will include a guided tour of the Abbey followed by the Rosary, Stations, Reconciliation, Mass and people will also have some free time. Buses will collect from the following areas: 7.45am, Feenagh/Kilmeedy, Dromcollogher/Broadford and Raheenagh. 8am Castlemahon. 8.30am Newcastle West. There will be a stop on the way up for tea/coffee and on the way home for dinner at the Maldron Hotel Oranmore. The Pastoral area leader is Fr Frank O’Dea and the cost is €30. People from the parish who are interested in travelling are asked to contact Pat Lawlor, Carrigkerry on 069-76703
West Limerick 102fm community radio will hold their next car boot sale and indoor market in the Community Centre Newcastle West, from 8am on Sunday 10th July. This is a great opportunity for people to do a summer clean out and make some welcome money at the same time. Contact the Station on 069-66200 for more details of times and stall charges. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Tournafulla and District Vintage Club, in association with Tournafulla Comhaltas, will hold a vintage run on Sunday 10th July commencing at 11am. It will be followed by a Vintage and Fun afternoon from 2pm in Tournafulla GAA Grounds. Entertainment will be provided for adults and children, lots of stalls on show and a giant raffle. The proceeds will go to Brothers of Charity. For more details contact Seán on 087-9590098
The annual mass will be celebrated in Kilbradern Cemetery on Sunday 10th July at 1pm and all are welcome.