By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Maureen McCarthy, nee O’ Connor, St. Dymphna’s Terrace, Mulgrave Street, Limerick and late of Knocknagun, Carrigkerry, peacefully at Millbrae Lodge Nursing Home. Beloved wife of the late Paddy. She lay in repose at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate on Saturday, August 13th from 5.30pm followed by removal at 7pm to St. John’s Cathedral. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday at 1.30pm followed by burial in Kilmurry Cemetery, Castletroy. We extend our sympathy to her children John, Margaret, Kevin, Noel, Declan and Tony, sisters, brothers, daughters-in- law, son-in-law and sisters-in-law, brothers-in- law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  May she Rest in Peace.

Anne Leahy from Creeves retired from the County Library service on Thursday, August 4th after 22 years of dedicated service.  She was a permanent member of the staff in Newcastle West Library and she was also based in Adare Library in recent years. Anne, a native of Kilcolman, was held in high regard by her work colleagues and by members of the general public. Her customer care was excellent and she had great IT skills, and she was most helpful to all. We thank her for the wonderful service she provided to all age groups and to all sections of the community. She was a perfect host at the many exhibitions, launches and special events in the library over the years.  May her retirement be filled with many more chapters of interest that will give her lots of enjoyment.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday August 8th. The numbers drawn were 7,10,13,23, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners, who won €40 each. Jim Sheehy, Croagh, Nancy Daly, Ardagh, Alva Neary, Ardagh, Nora Ambrose, Dunganville and Angela O’Connell, Ardagh. Next week’s Draw will be held in Reens Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be €8,000.

The organisers of the Cuan Mhuire collection held in Coolcappa/Kilcolman on the weekend of Saturday 6th/Sunday7th August issue a sincere thanks to all who contributed the sum of €450.

Yvonne O’Connor from Carrigkerry participated in the recent Remembering Zoe Relay Run to Dublin. 400 kilometres were covered over the three day run which commenced in Abbeyfeale.

Con Cremin from Kilcolman and Adam Teskey from Reens were contestants in the Baron of Strand which was held during the Strand Harvest Festival which was held last weekend.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Knockaderry 0-19 to 0-9 in Round 4 Group 2 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship in Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Friday August 12. They trailed by 0-8 to 0-7 at half time, but Knockaderry were far superior in the second half. TEAM: John Greaney, James Windle, Paudie McCarthy, John O’Connor, Brendan McCarthy, Mike Flynn, 0-1 Mike Windle, Jack Ben Harnett, 0-2 Mossie Shine, 0-1 Seamus Mangan, 0-1 Johnny McCarthy, 0-1 Sean McSweeney, Anthony Molyneaux, Donal Nolan, 0-3 Danny Collum. Subs: James O’Connor, Owen Hayes, Declan Greaney, Kealan O’Connor. Management Chris Madigan, Tony Butler. They play Dromin/Athlacca in the final group match and face a relegation play off with the bottom team in Group 1 to remain in the Intermediate grade for 2017.

A team from Saint Kieran’s took part in the Limerick Big Ball Club 7s Football tournament dedicated to the memory of GAA referee Shane Hourigan. It was held at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Saturday, August 6th and the team bowed out to Rathkeale, at the group stages

The County Leagues in football and hurling are nearly completed in time for the knock out stages of the Championship. Saint Kieran’s finished in seventh place in the eight team group in Division 1 in football. In hurling they are in a relegation tussle with Feenagh/Kilmeedy in Division 4. They have two more matches to play against Feohanagh, and Feenagh/Kilmeedy before they know their fate.

Alva Neary from the Old Mill Club was a member of the Limerick team that lost to Clare by 5-16 to 2-7 in the Ladies All Ireland Intermediate Football Championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday August 7th.

Congratulations to Donie Donovan and James Bridgeman who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday August 5th. Congratulations to John Mulvihill, Vinny Wrenn, Paddy Sheehy and Mai Wall, who were prize winners at the card game held In Ballingarry Hall on Saturday August 6th.

Congratulations to the Desmond League U-15 soccer team who won the plate competition at the 2016 Galway Cup. They played five matches and defeated NEC 2-0 in the final played on Saturday August 6th. It was their third piece of silverware winning this season, and John Hayes, from Carrig Celtic was captain of the side.  Other local players on the team were Dylan Moloney, Mikey Conlon and Darren Kearns. The 2016/17 junior soccer season commences on Sunday 21st August and best of luck to all the local teams.

The Rose of Tralee Festival is taking place this weekend with lots of entertainment and events lined up. The crowning of the Rose next week will be the highlight and we have special interest this year with Marie Hennessy from Rooskagh, Carrigkerry carrying our hopes. The Limerick Rose is a proud Rooskagh woman and from our parish and not Athea as has been stated. We know she will do the parish proud and every good wish in the contest. A once in a life opportunity for Marie and her family so enjoy every minute of it.

Students received their Leaving Cert results this Wednesday. It has been an anxious wait and here’s hoping that all received the results they wished for. Best wishes for the future be it further study or work related the World is your oyster, and enjoy same.

Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish has issued an appeal for Liturgy Readers for weekend Masses in both Churches as the list of volunteers has dwindled. The rota can be arranged to suit people who would be willing to join the Readers List for a short period or for certain dates. If interested or to enquire, contact Ann on 086-3794646.

West Limerick FM community radio are holding a Social Dance in the Community Centre, Monagea on Friday 19th August from 9.30pm to midnight. Music by the Mike Condon band from Ballyduff and admission is €10. A raffle will be held and tea/coffee and light refreshments will be on offer. Contact Benny Thade McCarthy, one of the very popular presenters, for more details. All support will be greatly appreciated at the station who provides a wonderful service to the people of West Limerick and beyond.

Nora Madden is retiring as Principal of Coolcappa N.S. after 37 years of dedicated service. The Board of Management/Parents are holding a special Mass and retirement party  for her as a mark of appreciation for her hard work and dedication on Sunday 21st August. The Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon in St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa followed by refreshments in the Community Centre. All parents, pupils, past pupils, past Board of Management/Parents and parishioners are invited to attend.

The following are the dates for the annual cemetery and graveyard masses in the locality  Loughill graveyard on Friday 19th August at 7.30pm, Reilig Mhuire, Askeaton, on Sunday 21st August at 3pm, and  Kilscannell Cemetery on Friday 26th August at 7.30pm.

The Old Mill Sports Club was set up on Friday, June 14th 1991 and a quarter of a century later plans have been unveiled to mark the 25thanniversary of the club, nestled between Ardagh, Carrigkerry and Newcastle West. An action packed weekend of events is planned from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th of August. They include family sports day, underage girl’s football blitz, ladies football and soccer matches, Pub Quiz, Entertainment and lots more.

The St Vincent de Paul parish annual pilgrimage to Knock goes ahead on Saturday 10th September. To book a place please contact John Joe Kennelly on 069-76280

Knockfierna Heritage Society Outing to Clonmacnoise (Pattern Day) and Birr Castle on Sunday 11th September. Details from Pat O’Donovan 0879977340 or Mary O’Keeffe 087 6990816 and all are welcome.