By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Kieran Scanlon, Kilbradren, Shanagolden, on Thursday December 8, peacefully at Adare and District Nursing Home. He was 96 years old and a retired member of the farming community. He lay in repose at St Kyrans Church, Coolcappa  on Friday December 9 from 4.30-6pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, on Saturday at 10.30am, and a good crowd was in attendance. Fr Tim recalled his life and times during his homily and paid tribute to all his kind neighbours, and friends who looked out for him in recent times. Kieran was born on August 24 1920 and baptised four days later in the local church. He attended Nutgrove Primary School, and moved into farming after leaving there. He was quietly spoken, and a man of few words, but when he spoke people listened and took notice. He enjoyed playing cards at home and at many other venues around the locality. He also liked dancing and attending matches and other social events. He was a regular church attender and attended Mass in Coolcappa, and also in Robertstown.

His health declined in recent months and he had to stop driving his car which limited his independence. He spent time in Saint Ita’s and Dromcollogher Respite Centre and hoped to return to his own home, but his final days were spent in Adare and District Nursing Home. He was the oldest person in the Coolcappa parish and his passing closes the final chapter in the life of his family. Kieran was laid to rest in Kilbradren cemetery on Saturday December 10. He was predeceased by his brother Denis and sister Mary and will be sadly missed by his relatives, kind neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Martin, Ann and Isobel Cournane, Ballysten, Shanagolden on the death of Martin’s mother Mary (nee Fox) Bank Place, Hospital, and formerly of Rinroe, Castleconner, Co Sligo on Monday December 5, at University Hospital Limerick. Following repose at Daverns Funeral Home, Hospital on Wednesday December 7 her remains were removed to St John’s the Baptist Church. She was laid to rest after Requiem Mass the following day in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Fr Michael Daly, Parochial House, Ardagh and late of Lacka, Broadford peacefully at Milford Care Centre on Thursday December 8. He lay in repose at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday December 11 from 4pm to 5.30pm. His Requiem mass was concelebrated by Bishop Leahy and priests of the Diocese on Monday at 12 noon, Burial took place afterwards in the Church grounds.  Brother of the late Mossie, he was a former Curate in Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish. We extend our sympathy to his brother Ted, sisters Mary and Helen, brothers in law Jeremiah, Eamonn, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, Bishop and clergy of Limerick Diocese, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of William Egan of Ballykenry Ardagh, and formerly of Dromcollogher, peacefully at his residence on Thursday December 15. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home on Friday December 16 from 6pm followed by removal to St Bartholomew’s Church Dromcollogher. His Requiem mass was celebrated on Saturday December 17 followed by burial in Dromcollogher cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Margaret, son Chris, daughters Helen and Rita, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother, sisters, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Annette Brouder, daughter of Geraldine and Patsy, Kerryline, and Liam Flavin, Carrigkerry, son of Maureen and the late Patjoe, who were married in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman, and held their reception in the Bunratty Castle Hotel, Co. Clare on Saturday December 10.

Congratulations and best wishes to Alva Neary, daughter of Marie and Tom, Main Street Ardagh, and Thomas Quaid, Effin, son of Breda and the late Tommy who were married in St Molua’S Church Ardagh and held their reception in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine, on Friday December 16.

Congratulations to Noel Madigan, Skehanagh, Ardagh who was recently conferred with a Batchelor of Engineering in Mechatronics at the Institute of Technology Sligo. He was also awarded the silver medal for first place. Noel is a former pupil of Kilcolman National School.

Eileen O’Connor, the sacristan in Carrigkerry Church, recently announced she is to retire after 21 years of dedicated service. Eileen and her late husband Sean and family took over the position when they returned home from abroad.

Congratulations to Ardagh native Liam Woulfe, managing director of Grassland Agro, who were awarded the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce Awards by Taoiseach Enda Kenny at a banquet in Dublin recently. Based in the Dock Road in Limerick, Grassland Agro is a joint venture company created in 2013 with the merger of Grassland Fertilisers and Groupe Roulier.

The local concert committee handed over a cheque for €2,700 to Nora Conway from Pieta House. proceeds from the recent concert. The Committee Marie Neary, Sean Moriarty, Fr. Tim Curtin and Theresa Doyle McMahon  wish to thank all the artists,  sponsors, and supporters and Christmas greetings to all. There are still a few copies of the DVD of the concert left at Curley’s and at Neary’s.

The following are the Lottery results from Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday December 12. The numbers drawn were 11,16,23,28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who each received €40, Mike O’Donovan, Ardagh c/o Eileen Collins,  Peg Flynn, Carrigkerry c/o Moore’s Bar,  Nancy Langan, Carrigkerry c/o Moore’s Bar,  Conor, Emma and Mike Daly, Ardagh c/o Ailish, and Barry and Ian Mackessey Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €11,600, and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

The December Limerick GAA Club draw was held during the Sports Show on Limerick Live 95 FM on Saturday December 17. Congratulations to Oliver and Fiona Heffernan, members of the Saint Kieran’s club, who won €250. The draw will resume in March 2017.

Congratulations to the following locals who won prizes in the Athea GAA Club draw which was held in Collins Bar on Saturday December 3, €150 Mike and Majella Dalton, Glenagore,  €150 Tom and Grainne, Ahern, Glenagore, €100 Billy and Catherine Crowley Knockfinisk.

Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry by 2-1 in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday December 11. Seanie King, and Ray Cahill scored their goals. Carrig Celtic B lost 3-0 at home to Adare Utd in Round 2 of the Reidy Cup. In Division 1 of the Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 3-3 at home to Askeaton. Ide Trant, 2 and Dora Bury scored their goals. Ger O’Connor, from the Creeves Club was the referee for the Munster League Champions Trophy Final between Abbeyfeale Utd and St Michael’s of Tipperary on Sunday December 11. The game was played in Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale won 3-

Darragh Treacy from the Saint Kieran’s club was a member of the Munster football panel that played Ulster in the Interprovincial semi-final played at Parnell Park Dublin on Sunday December 11. He was introduced after 29 minutes, in place of Aidan O’Mahony who received a black card.

The club are holding their annual road hurling day on Tuesday December 27, and all proceeds go to Milford Hospice. Last year’s event raised €1,400 which was presented to the Joanne Mc Mahon Thanksgiving fundraiser.

On Christmas Eve mass will be celebrated in Coolcappa, at 6pm, Ardagh 7pm, Kilcolman 7.30pm and Carrigkerry 9.pm. On Christmas Day mass will be celebrated in Kilcolman at 9.30am, Ardagh 10am, Coolcappa, 11am and Carrigkerry at 11.30am.

Tony, Hannah, and Siobhán Noonan from Templeglantine invite people to come and see their charity Christmas wonderland each night from 6pm to 10pm until Sunday January 8. A donation would be appreciated if possible but no pressure on people to do so.  The Noonan lights have collected and distributed large sums to several charities over the years. The charities to benefit this year will be The Brothers of Charity in Foynes, and Newcastle West, the Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre, Milford Care Centre, Recovery Haven, and CRY in Monagea.

The annual Knockfierna New Year’s Day walk, will depart from the Rambling House at 1.30pm. It will be followed by music song and story at the Rambling House, and all are welcome to bring in the New Year.

West Limerick 102 FM Community radio will hold a fundraising dance in Rathkeale House Hotel on Wednesday January 4, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. The music will be supplied by Peter Burke, and special guest will be Willie Relihan from Cork who gave a great performance at the recent Radio Concert.

Normal surgery with Doctor Murphy will resume in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Tuesday, January 10 at 10.30am.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers at home and abroad and fellow correspondents, and Donal, and Lillian, a very happy and peaceful Christmas.