By Tom Aherne

The BT Young Scientist Exhibition was held recently at the RDS in Dublin, and Limerick schools were well represented and in the prizes. Congratulations to Jack O’Connor, Kilcolman, and Diarmuid Curtin, Tournafulla, both representing Desmond College Newcastle West who received a Science for Development Award (Worldwide Global Schools, Irish Aid and Gorta, Self Help Africa -€ 5,000 bursary) for their Ergonomic Planter, a hand tool which has been designed to conserve seeds during planting in developing countries to make the job easier.

Congratulations and best wishes to two well-known Gaels Tommy Danaher, and Jim Kelly from the Old Mill, who recently celebrated their 84^th birthdays.

We extend our sympathy to Pat Sheahan who is employed at the Co-op Store in Ardagh on the death of his mother Eileen (Eily) Sheahan, nee O’Sullivan, from Glenmore West Strand in her 97^th year on January 18, peacefully at her son John’s residence. She lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Thursday from 6pm followed by removal to Tournafulla Church. She was laid to rest following 11am Requiem Mass in St Ita’s Cemetery Killeedy on Friday January 20. We extend sympathy also to her other sons  Seamus, Denis, John, Francis, Joe, Gerard, Willie, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar, on Monday January 16.  The numbers drawn were 9,17,28,29, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Ann Dalton c/o Denis Greaney, Hannah Green c/o Reens Bar, Mary Hartnett, c/o Moloney’s,  John Woulfe, Grouse Lodge, and Jim Donoghue, c/o Josie. Next week’s draw will be held at Neary’s Bar, and the Jackpot will be €12,200.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their 9^th meeting on Wednesday January 18 in Ardagh Community Centre. Chairman John P O’Sullivan welcomed all and Secretary Mary Kury read the minutes, and 20 people were present. The main item discussed was the Fenian Rising re-enactment fixed for March 5, and more details of events were made known, and people allocated to take charge of the various roles and jobs involved. The main reason for the weekend is to mark the 150 anniversary of the Fenian attack on Ardagh Barracks, and to give the village, which has seen a decline in recent years a boost. The Fenian Rising in 1867 was a major event in Irish history and Ardagh was one of the few places where the people took action. All is quiet on the national front and Ardagh may be the only place this milestone in Irish history is marked.

Drawings of clothes courtesy of Sean Shields, that were used at the time were circulated to give people an idea of what they should wear on the day. Local people interested in setting up stalls to display their products can contact members of the heritage association. Poles for the pike heads which were expertly crafted by John Keane from the Old Mill are to be sourced and fitted for use in the re-enactment. A small committee were put in charge of the running of the old style games. A list of the people involved in the raid will be available to read in the Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/St-Kierans-Heritage-Association-

A Pub Quiz will be held at Reen’s Bar, on Saturday February 4, to raise more funds for the weekend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday January 25^th at Ardagh Community Centre at 8pm, and all interested people are asked to attend.

Johnny McCarthy, Darragh Treacy, and Sean Mc Sweeney from Saint Kieran’s were members of the Limerick senior football team that defeated Waterford by 0-9 to 0-7 in the McGrath Cup in Lemybrien, Waterford on Sunday January 15. Johnny was full back, Darragh was midfield and Sean kicked a point from corner forward, to give the team a final place against Kerry on January 22.

The club held their Bord Na Nóg annual general meeting in Ardagh Community Centre on Monday January 9. The following officers were elected for 2017: Chairman Donie McEnery, Vice-chairman John Lynch, secretary Deirdre Ambrose, Treasurer Catherine Hayes, children’s officer Deirdre Ambrose, and PRO Donie McEnery. People interested in getting involved can contact any committee member.

The West Limerick GAA All Star Awards night will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday February 24. Congratulations to Noel Callinan, who will receive the Minor B Football award for his outstanding displays during the campaign. Congratulations to Tom and Julia Mackessy who will receive the personality award for their dedicated service and support of the club down the years.

Club referee Jason Mullins was in charge of the Munster Senior Hurling League match between Clare and Kerry played in Austin Stack Park Tralee, on Sunday January 15. Clare defeated Kerry on a scoreline of 2-24 to 1-15

Carrig Celtic lost 7-2 away to Glin Rovers in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday January 13. Carrig Celtic B drew 3-3 away to Glantine B in Division 3 and Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 away to Knockaderry also in Division 3. In Division 1 of the Ladies League Creeves Celtic lost 3-1 at home to Kilbehenney. Olivia O’Keeffe scored their goal and Kilcolman Rovers versus Carrig Celtic was off.

Emily Clarke was the featured singer on a Story and a song on West Limerick Community Radio on Saturday January 14. The former Emily Quinn has a long history in the entertainment industry and people of a certain age will remember her from the showband era. She was a leading singer with Bloody Morgan and the Pirates, and Lucky Numbers, and is currently a solo artist on the local Limerick entertainment scene. Emily from Fedamore now living in Crecora is a writer as well and her song Papa Francis is receiving lots of airplay and it could lead to Pope Francis calling to Limerick during his upcoming visit to Ireland. Thanks to presenter Pat O’Donovan, and Emily for a lovely hour of singing and chat.

Parent’s wishing to enrol their children in St Molua’s National School for September 2017 should contact the school on 069-76353 for an enrolment application form or email [email protected]

Coolcappa N.S. are also enrolling for the New Year in September, and parents and guardians, wishing to enrol their children are asked to contact the school on 069-76493

Weekly adoration is held in St Molua’s Church Ardagh every Monday from 11am to 1pm, and from 5pm to 9pm.

John Kealy from Ardagh presents Sacred Space, on West Limerick 102 FM Radio, each Sunday morning from 10am to 11 am, and it is repeated on Sunday night from 11pm, to 12 midnight.

A night of music song and dance featuring Wren boys from Carrigkerry and Killeedy takes place on Friday night January 27 in Halla Ìde Naofa Raheenagh agus tosnù 8:30pm. Note all proceeds going to the newly renovated Dromcollogher and District Respite Care Centre. The centre is been renovated at a cost of €140,000 so all support is essential for this event, and on the night special guests will also perform from the Sliabh Luachra area including Ella Marie O’Dwyer. Dromcollogher and District Respite Care Centre is a home from home and serves all surrounding communities, caring for the aged infirm, convalescing, the sick and giving a break to the carer. 

To date 5,000 people have crossed the threshold and services will resume when the major renovation works are completed in February. In the meanwhile please support the upcoming concert with tickets € 10 each on sale at Keating’s in Raheenagh also Michael Cunningham’s shop for ACME blinds Maiden Street Newcastle West and Sr Bridie on 087-9354090.

The annual charity walk in aid of Rathfredagh Cheshire Home will take place on Sunday January 29. It commences at 10am from Barnagh, along the Great Southern Trail into Newcastle West. A shorter walk commences at 11am from the Courtenay Lodge Hotel. Sponsorship cards are available by contacting 069-83100. Registration from 9.30am in Barnagh, and transport will be available. All support will be appreciated.

The annual 10k run and walk in aid of Milford Hospice, will be held at UL at 12 noon on Sunday January 29. Milford Hospice is providing care for the past 40 years, and they are appealing to people to come out and support the work they are doing. Registration is open on www.event-master.ie or contact the fundraising department on 061-485860

West Limerick 102FM are pleased to announce a new Saturday Market and Car boot sale. It will commence on Saturday February 4, and will continue every first Saturday of the month in the Community Centre Newcastle West. The gates will open at 7.30am, and the sale will continue until 1.30pm. There are over 50 spaces inside and outside available, and all types of traders are welcome. Further details from Bernadette at the Station on 069-66200