By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Marie Purcell, nee Reidy, Kilcolman, Ardagh, on December 1 peacefully at Adare and District Nursing Home. She was the retired postmistress of Kilcolman Post Office, and 87 years old. She lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home Shanagolden on Saturday December 3 from 6.30pm followed by removal to St Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Marie’s Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin on Sunday December 4 at 12.30 pm and the opening hymn was Ave Marie. Family members took part in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory gifts, which included a small scrapbook compiled by her granddaughter. Fr Tim, in his well-presented homily, traced Marie’s caring path through this valley of tears. She was born on May 8 1929 and she received her primary education in Kilcolman N.S. Marie attended Bruff Convent as a boarder, and she received a very good education from the nuns.

Marie spent 10 years working in the Civil Service in Dublin, in the Social Welfare department. She was bright and articulate, with lovely handwriting and served under several Ministers. She enjoyed trips to the Concert Hall and the Abbey Theatre. She was an accompanist piano player. She sacrificed her budding career to return home to care for her aged parents, John and Nora. When they passed on she became a carer for her aunt Bride and later still her sister Anna. She married Dick Purcell in 1966 and three years later, June 1969, she was appointed postmistress, as the Post Office moved from Kenrick’s and  was incorporated into their general grocery shop. She served the members of the community with distinction well into her retirement years until May 25 2011 when they retired and closed the doors.

Marie was laid to rest on a dry, cold afternoon in the local cemetery across the road from her residence. The attendance was large and representative, on both days, which was fitting and well deserved for a person who served others and whose presence brightened their daily lives. We extend our sympathy to her husband Dick, sons John, Colman and Francis, daughter in law Denise, granddaughters Ruth and Fiona, brother in law, sister in law, relatives and a large circle of very kind friends and neighbours. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Bridie Kiely, nee Mangan, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, in her 94^th year peacefully at home in the loving care of her family on Saturday December 3. Beloved wife of the late Michael, and the last member of the Mangan family of twelve. Bridie was born on February 20 1923, and she attended Carrigkerry N.S. and helped out on the family farm. Mike Kiely from Limerick City was the love of Bridie’s life and romance blossomed when Mike came to live and work his uncles  farm in Glensharrold. They were married in Saint Joseph’s Church O’Connell Avenue Limerick on August 29 1951, and went to Dublin for their Honeymoon. They worked side by side on the farm and were a very united couple. They were blessed with a family of three, Mary Ann, Michael and Willie. They enjoyed 55 years of married life, until sadly Mike passed away on Sunday September 3 2006. 

Bridie had an outgoing personality and she kept in touch with all her neighbours and friends.  The occasional phone call and a card to mark a special event was a given. She loved all the old traditions of music, song dance and chat.  She had great faith and devotion to the church and listened to Mass on Radio up to her final days. Bridie loved attending The Social Club in Ardagh, the Flag Floor in Glensharrold, the Christmas parties and special events. She would sing and play the Bodhrán, in the true Mangan spirit, and recently sang a duet with her neighbour Mary O’Connor at her bedside. She liked watching Winning Streak,  Telly Bingo, and snooker on TV and Ronnie O’Sullivan was her favourite player.

Bridie lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Sunday from 5pm, followed by removal to St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. Her nephew Fr Tom Mangan concelebrated her Funeral Mass, with Canon Tony Mullins, Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Dan Lane, Fr Tim Curtin and Fr John Duggan on Monday December 5 at 2pm. Family members brought symbols that meant a lot to Bridie to the altar before Mass commenced. They included framed family photographs, her Bodhran, her granddaughter Siobhan and Sean’s wedding invitation, a statue from Lourdes and a phone. Family members participated throughout the ceremony and Orla and Darren Kiely joined Donie, and Maura in the music and hymns, which Bridie would have enjoyed. Fr Tom gave all present a recall of Bridie’s path through life during his homily. The mass was a celebration of a long life well lived in her native Glensharrold surrounded by good neighbours and lifelong friends. Her popularity was very evident by the large crowds that attended to pay their respects on both days.

Bridie was laid to rest beside her late husband Michael in Templeathea Cemetery as the fog descended, the leaves fluttered downwards and the light began to fade. The local wren groups bid her a musical send off and neighbour and friend Stephen Murphy sang one of her favourite songs, The May Morning Dew. It was a fitting way to end the final chapter of a rich and fulfilled life, and she will be sadly missed. We extend our sympathy to her daughter Mary, sons Mike and Willie, sister in law, brothers in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters in law, son in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends. May she rest In Peace.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association, held their sixth meeting on Thursday December 8, in Coolcappa Community hall and 13 people were present.  Chairperson John P O’Sullivan welcomed everybody and Secretary Mary Kury read the minutes, and correspondence, dealing with funding sources. The Quiz held at Neary’s Bar in Ardagh was successful and the money collected amounted to €470 which will go towards the Fenian re-enactment next March. The size and wording on the medals to mark the attack by the Fenians on Ardagh Barrack was discussed and decided for ordering. This medal will become a prized possession, and will be on sale in the run up to the event.

A lot of discussion took place on what events should be held to mark this historic event on March 5 to mark the 150^th anniversary. It is hoped to have the street laid out similar to 150 years ago with people in period dress, and stalls, and entertainment. A 3km walk around the village loop and a re-enactment of the attack will take place.  The unveiling of a plaque on the wall and a talk about the Fenian attack will also form part of the commemoration. The West Limerick Heritage Journal with items of local interest is on sale in Newcastle West Bookstore, and O’Connor’s Churchtown. It costs   €10 and would make a lovely Christmas gift for a friend at home or abroad. The next meeting will be held in Ardagh Community Centre on Wednesday January 4 at 8pm. The Heritage committee would like other interested people to get involved in the events, and all are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Ciara Colbert, Kilcolman and Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, who was awarded her silver Gaisce medal by Olympic silver medallist Gary O’Donovan, at UCC on Thursday December 1.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Monday December 5. The numbers drawn were 7, 9, 25, 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each, Tom Brosnan, c/o Josie,  Mary Kenrick, Ballyine,  Ann Mullins, Ardagh,  Dave Connelly c/o Bus Eireann, Kieran Lillis c/o Ned Lynch.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €11,400, and the draw will be held at Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-0 away to Evergreen of Kilkenny in Round 5 of the FAI Junior Cup on Saturday December 3. Creeves Celtic defeated Kildimo Utd 4-0 away in the Quarter Final of the Reidy Cup, with Darragh O’Connor, 2 and Mark Hennessy, and Seamus Mangan scoring their goals. John Hayes, Dylan Moloney, and Luke Gleeson, from Carrig Celtic were involved with the Desmond League team who defeated North Tipperary 3-1 in Round 4 of the U-16 Munster Inter League Competition at Bally Rovers ground on Sunday December 4. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Carrig Celtic 3-0 away in Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League, with goals from Dora Bury, 2 and an own goal.

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.

The County finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh hosted by the Murroe/Cappamore branch will be held on Sunday December 18. These competitions are strictly confined to Comhaltas members, with a maximum of three entries from the branch in each competition.

Ardagh Community Centre are holding a fundraising Bingo night on Wednesday December 21, at 8.30pm. The prize fund is €2,200, and a raffle will also be held on the night. Anyone wishing to donate spot prizes for the raffle can give them to members of the committee. All support will be appreciated and the proceeds will go to help with the running costs of the centre for the year.

Saint Kieran’s are running a Christmas draw at present and tickets are on sale from committee members and players. The tickets cost €2 each and a book of three costs €5 and the draw will be held on Thursday December 22 at Ardagh Community Hall. The top prize is € 500 and there are numerous other prizes on offer and support will be appreciated.