By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of David O’Connor, Glensharrold, Carrickerry at his residence, following a number of years battling poor health. He was 74 years old and he made his living from the land. David was born in Carrigkerry village across from the Church and attended the local school. He later moved to the family farm in Glensharrold and farming became his way of life. He lived close to nature and carried out his farming in the old style with horse and cart, hay turner, tumbling jack, raker and scythe. He was tall and strong and made light of the heavy physical work of that time. His mode of transport was his trusty bicycle, making several trips daily from his house to his land in Carrigkerry village. He played football with the local parish teams from the late 1950s until his retirement in 1970. He also played a little hurling but a knee injury curtailed a promising career. He was also a selector with St Kieran’s and a faithful supporter, and their flag draped his coffin.
David was a member of the much acclaimed Knockfinisk Wren group in his youth up to the middle 1970s, when they disbanded. Some members travelled home religiously from England each Christmas to participate and David was one of their bodhrán players. Playing cards was one of David’s favourite pastimes, winning many prizes with friends, John and Peg Mulvihill, Jim Lynch, Moss O’Connor and others in the local venues. He was a highly regarded member of the community who always had time for people, to listen and chat in an unhurried manner. When Stack’s Lounge Bar opened in the early 1970s we used his shed across the road to park our bicycles and later Motorbikes, which was much appreciated in bad weather. In later life we would chat with David after mass at the church wall. He was knowledgeable and an expert at tracing peoples relatives and connections.
He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Saturday from 6pm to 8pm and large crowds attended to pay their respects. His remains were brought to St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Sunday for Requiem Mass at 12.30pm, which was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. Donie and Maura supplied appropriate music and hymns, and Donie, sent him on his way from the church with Carrig Town. Symbols that were important to David and linked to his life were carried to the altar before mass commenced. They included miniature bicycle, horse and cart and medals won with the Carrigkerry and Kilcolman football teams, a bodhrán and a deck of cards. Maurice, on behalf of the family, thanked everybody and paid a lovely tribute to David at the end of the ceremony.
A guard of honour made up of his football companions, fellow wrenboys and the general community was in place as his remains entered and left the church. David was laid to rest in Churchtown Cemetery, Newcastle West on Sunday November 20. The Glensharrold wrenboys and friends came together to give him a musical send off. They played a selection of tunes, marches and jigs and sang Never grow Old and The Vales of New Dirreen. It was dry and cold and a few birds chirped in the nearby branches as the leaves cascaded downwards. David will be sadly missed by family members, neighbours and friends. He was kind, generous and good natured, who will be remembered with fondness for his contribution to family and community life. We extend our sympathy to his sisters Chrissie, Eileen, Anne, Cecilia and brother Maurice, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death has taken place of John Naughton, Nantenan, Askeaton and late of Skehanagh, Ardagh. He passed away on Saturday November 19. He lay in repose at Magner’s Funeral Home Rathkeale on Monday November 21 from 6p.m. followed by removal to Cappagh Church. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning at 11.30am followed by Cremation afterwards at the Island Crematorium Ringaskiddy, Cork at 5.15p.m. We extend our sympathy to his wife Birdie, sisters Eileen, Catherine, Mary, brother Tadgh, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death has also taken place of Paddy Enright of Dromranee, Ardagh, recently in London, where he lived for about 35 years. He was fifth eldest of eight in family and he was born in 1945. He attended Ardagh, Pallaskenry and Ballyfin Schools and he was a bright and intelligent student. He played hurling for the local club and also for Knockaderry at underage when Ardagh did not field a team. He won two West Minor Hurling titles as part of a fine Knockaderry team that won three in a row from I962-64. He spent time working also in Australia and Poland before settling in London. He was described as a quiet and gentle person who practiced his faith and kept in touch with family down the years.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday, November 26. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, reflection and tribute by his nephew John. The Ardagh Choir supplied appropriate hymns and the attendance was large and representative. The burial of his ashes took place afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brothers, Con and Michael, sisters, Bridget and Ailish, extended family and friends. May he rest in Peac
Congratulations and best wishes to Hannie O’Connor, Glensharrold Carrigkerry, who celebrated her 88th birthday with her family at the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine, on Sunday November 13.
The pub Quiz at Neary’s Bar on Saturday November 19 was a great success with 11 tables competing for the first prize, and a tie break was needed to decide the issue. The association would like to thank Neary’s for holding it and providing food, quiz Master John Hough and his helpers, all who provided raffle prizes, and all who supported the quiz in any way it is much appreciated.
The following are the Lottery results from Foley’s Bar, Reens, Ardagh on Monday November 21. The numbers drawn were 2, 13, 18, 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Teresa Flynn, Carrigkerry, David Noonan, Ardagh, Eileen McEnery, c/o Reens Bar, Dan Hartnett, Carrigkerry, and John O’Mahony, Kerrikyle. Next week’s Jackpot will be €11,000, and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.
Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s who defeated Pallasgreen by 1-7 to 0-4 in the County Minor B Football Championship Final at cold and dry Clarina, on Saturday November 19. Pallasgreen showed early promise, as the Saints looked rusty after a six week break after receiving a walk over in the semi-final. Pa O’Connor scored their opening point from play, and Pallasgreen kicked three in reply by the 20th minute. The introduction of John Hayes, transformed their play and he kicked two points from frees to tie up the scores at three points each at half time. Playing uphill in the second half Saint Kieran’s took on a robust Pallasgreen, and their passing and combination play mesmerised their opponents and they kicked four points on the trot. Kaelan O’Connor kicked two fine points from play after delightful passing moves out of defence, and John Hayes, free and Pa O’Connor, play gave them a decisive advantage.
Pallasgreen scored a point to stay in touch, but a goal from John Hayes ended the scoring with over a quarter of the match to be played. John showed maturity well beyond his years, to seize the opportunity to collect the ball, and kick low inside the left upright for a peach of a goal. Robert Bradley and his defence withstood a lot of pressure in the final quarter, and his save from a penalty was top class. Captain Cillian Ambrose accepted the cup from Gerry Phillips afterwards and the team, mentors, and supporters, celebrated a well deserved win. The standard of referring has to be questioned as it left a lot to be desired.
TEAM Robert Bradley, Michael Murphy, Cillian Ambrose, Tomás Mullins, Eoin Bourke, Diarmuid Mulcahy, John Buckley, Darragh O’Connor, Daniel Power, Brian Mc Carthy, Kealan O’Connor, 0-2 Stephen Hennessy, Colm Copse, Darragh Breen, Patrick O’Connor, 0-2 Subs Liam Kennedy, John Hayes, 1-3 Noel Callanan, Eamon Ambrose, Stephen Copse. Panel Dan Duggan, Edward Fitzgerald, Evan Donovan, JJ Cronin, Shane Murphy, Denis Cronin, Larry Ward. Management Mike Flynn, John Enright, Donie Murphy, Mike Meade, and trainer Owen Hayes.
Carrig Celtic lost 8-2 away to Newcastle West Rovers in the Desmond Premier League on Sunday November 20. Sean Mc Sweeney, and Brodie O’Connor, scored their goals. Creeves Celtic defeated Carrig Celtic B 3-1 at home in Division 3 with Seamus Mangan, 2, and Tom Shanahan, scoring their goals. In Division 1 of the ladies league Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 away to AK Utd and Carrig Celtic drew 2-2 away to Broadford Utd with Bridget Liston, and Ellie Moloney scoring their goals. Kilcolman Rovers lost 6-1 at home to Mungret Regional in the Desmond Cup quarter final with Dora Bury scoring their goal.
Youthreach Shanagolden which is based in the old Vocational School will hold their annual Christmas Fair on this Friday December 2 from 10am to 3pm. The stall display will include craftwork woodwork jewellery books, cakes etc., and a pop up coffee shop with fresh scones, and tray bakes available. The hairdressing saloon will also be open for business. This is the only fundraiser the centre holds each year, and all support from the general public will be much appreciated.
The annual Ardagh/Carrigkerry senior Citizen’s Christmas party will be held in the Community Centre, Ardagh on Sunday December 4. It will commence with Mass at 2pm, followed by a hot lunch and entertainment and all are welcome.
A Christmas Raffle will be held in aid of Coolcappa Community Hall on Friday December 16. All the proceeds will go towards the running costs of insurance, heating, and lighting and cards are available. There will be numerous prizes for the winners, and all support will be greatly appreciated.
Light up a Memory, the annual Milford Hospice fundraising event, invites members of the public to sponsor a light on their tree to remember someone dear to them, or as a Christmas gift. The order forms are available in the local newspapers and they should be filled in and returned to Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick. It costs €5 per light and the tree lighting ceremony takes place on Sunday December 11 at 6pm.