By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Jacqueline O’Connor, Boughilbo, Kilcolman and Páidí Berkery Killoscully, Newport, Co. Tipperary who were married in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday October 29. The ceremony was performed by Fr Bobby Fletcher and Fr Tim Curtin and the reception was held at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare.

Congratulations to Daisy Kearney from Ballyhahill who was honoured by the West Limerick Singing Club for her contribution to storytelling in Abbeyfeale on Sunday October 23. A native of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Daisy has won four All Ireland titles in storytelling and set dancing and is a long-time member of Carrigkerry Wrenboys, with whom she has won a further eight  All Ireland titles.

The following are the Lottery results from Reens Bar, Ardagh on Monday October 24. The numbers drawn were 4, 5, 13, 29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Kitty Moloney, Ardagh, John Dineen, Ardagh, Jamie O’Connor, Ardagh, Dave Connolly, c/o Bus Eireann and Willie Treacy, Ardagh. Next week’s draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh for a Jackpot of €10,200.

Carrig Celtic defeated Mastergeeha, from the Kerry League, 2-0 at home in Round 3 of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday October 23. Ray Cahill and Anthony Molyneaux, scored their goals. Carrig Celtic B advanced to the second round of the Reidy Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Glin Rovers B away after a 1-1 draw. Mike Dore scored their goal. Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 away to Newcastle West B in Division 3 of the Desmond League.

John Hayes, Dylan Moloney, Darren Kearns, and Luke Gleeson, from Carrig Celtic were members of the Desmond League team that defeated Limerick District 4-0 in the U16 SFAI Inter League Competition, played in Bally Rovers grounds, also on Sunday. John Hayes was the captain and he also scored their third goal.

In Division 1 of the Ladies League, Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton 1-0 away to move to joint top of the table with AK Utd. Dora Bury scored their goal.  Creeves Celtic defeated Kilbehenney Celtic 3-2 at home, with goals from Sandra Larkin, Emily Ruttle, and an own goal to gain their first win.

Saint Kieran’s will play the winners of Pallasgreen, and Bruff, in the County Minor B Football Championship Final.

Brian Nolan the former Saint Kieran’s player is Manager of the Gerald Griffins team that has reached the County Junior A Football Championship Final. Best wishes to Brian and the team, and club when they play the winners of Croom and Kilteely-Dromkeen in the final.

Darragh O’Grady was the captain of the Rathkeale team that lost to Monaleen by 2-7 to 1-7 in the County Premier Minor Football Championship Final played in the Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday October 19. Darragh who is highly rated in boxing and soccer, is the son of Kathleen Mangan, Glensharrold and Paddy O’Grady the former Shannon and Munster rugby player.

Congratulations to Paddy Molyneaux and Con Enright, who were prize-winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday October 19. The card game commences at 9pm, and tea served and all are welcome. The card game continues each Tuesday in the Community Centre Ardagh at 9pm sharp and all are welcome.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for October was held during the sports programme at the Limerick Live 95 FM studio on Saturday October 29. The Saint Kieran’s club had no winners, after their recent run of good luck. The next draw will be held on the last Saturday of November.

Carrigkerry national school has seen their number of pupils fall below the cut off point for three teachers. When the school reopens after the Halloween break it will be a two teacher school. The loss of a teacher from a small rural school, due to falling numbers, is a major worry for all concerned. Kilcolman School on the other hand has seen major rises in numbers in recent years, due to the community crèche in the village.

It is great news that a Limerick person has been selected to be the Grand Marshall of the Saint Patrick’s Day parade next year. Limerick native Michael Dowling is the Grand Marshal for the 2017 New York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. His brother Joe lives in Ballinabearna and is the current Chairperson of the Carrigkerry/Old Mill Development Association.

The Old Mill ladies football club are still seeking volunteers to sign up for Defibrillator training which will benefit the club and the wider community. The Defibrillator will be based in the Old Mill and the volunteers should be based close by. The training will commence shortly and please contact Moira, on 086-8110634 if interested. The club lottery continues at The Ballintemple Inn each Saturday night. It costs €2 per line, with the proceeds divided in half between the club and the bonus ball winner.

Volunteers are needed to set up a First Responder group in Ardagh in the coming months. Interested people must be over 18 years and training will be provided locally. An information meeting will be held shortly and further information from Deirdre Ambrose, 087-9509218 or Patsy Duggan, 087-1352722

We mark Best Will Week from last Monday to this Friday November 4, and a will is one of the best gifts you can leave for your loved ones in the event of your death. By making a will, you ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and you will also spare your loved ones from unnecessary trouble in the Court application to enable the administration of your estate. It is not that expensive, and it will leave people with ease of mind knowing that their wishes will be carried out following their death.

The launch of Billy Keane’s book The Best of Billy Keane will be launched in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Friday November 4, at 8pm. Son of the legendary John B Keane, Billy is a very talented writer, whose column in the Irish Independent is well worth a read

Joe Coleman from Meelick, in Clare, recently launched a book about the Railway routes that served Limerick in times past. It is self-published and titled Falling Gradient, and it is available to buy in The Book Shop in Newcastle West. It has some lovely photographs, and stories, and has over 450 pages, of light reading.

Newcastle West Film Club present The Commune, in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, on Friday November 4, at 8pm. The entry fee is € 7 and refreshments are available, and early arrivals can enjoy a chat in a relaxed manner.

West Limerick singing club meet on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn in Abbeyfeale. All singers, storytellers, and interested listeners are very welcome to attend.

The annual Athea Fair will be held on this coming Saturday November 5. The village will be the place to be if people are selling or interested in buying livestock or items from the many stands around the street and hall. Hopefully the good weather will continue for the age old festival which should attract a big crowd to the village by the Gale.

The West Scór Na Nóg finals will be held in Ardagh Community Centre on Friday November 11 at 8pm. All clubs in the West Division are asked to participate in at least two of the events. Entries to Jim Enright Askeaton, on 087-2436080.

The monthly céilí will be held in Halla Tadhg Gaelach Tournafulla on Friday November 11 from 9.30pm. The music will be supplied by Uí Bhrians, and refreshments will be available. This will be the final céilí for 2016 as the annual parish social will be held there on Friday December 9, with music by the Michael Collins band.

Saint Senan’s Parish present Strictly Come Dancing in the Devon Inn Hotel on Saturday November 12 at 8pm. The tickets cost €20 and are available from members of Shanagolden Community council, local businesses, and the dancers. It promises to be a fun packed night and all for a great cause.

West Limerick 102 FM are holding an Afternoon Tea Dance in Abbeyfeale on Sunday November 13. Teas will be served plus a raffle, and Mike Condon will supply the music. Tickets are on sale for €5 and all support will be greatly appreciated.

St Senan’s and District Community Alert will hold their AGM, in Shanagolden on Thursday November 17 at 8pm.

The Saint Kieran’s Community Games AGM will be held on the week ending November 18. The date, time, and venue, is to be confirmed and all are welcome to attend. The area is promoting the National Jubilee Draw at present, and tickets are available at € 10 each.  It is an ideal opportunity for raising money, as 70% of the funds raised are retained by the area. Contact Secretary Catherine Hayes, if interested in helping out with sales: Text 087-2941098  or email [email protected]