By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Mary Treacy née Enright, Kilreash, Ardagh, unexpectedly at her residence on January 31, pre-deceased by her loving husband Tom, and two sons Aidan (2008) and Patrick, in stillbirth. Mary was a native of Ardagh and attended Ardagh and Newcastle West schools. She attended Sion Hill, where she picked up her cooking and baking skills, which Mary was renowned for. With her husband Tom they raised their family of nine on the family farm, and Mary worked hard inside and outside. Mary was a regular church attendee and had a devotion to the saints, and especially Mary. The family values including reciting the Rosary were handed down to the family and a welcome awaited all who called. She also liked cycling and gardening and her real friends, unlike the likes found on social media. Mary was blessed with a long and illness free life, and was out and about to the end. She had a great devotion to her grandchildren, and they were in receipt of her culinary skills, and chocolate cakes.

She lay in repose at Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh from 4pm to 7pm on Friday February 3. Her Requiem Mass was Concelebrated on Saturday at 12 noon, by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Larry Madden, and Canon James Ambrose, and a large crowd was in attendance. Her granddaughter Emily brought the project she assembled for grandparents school week, to the altar before Mass commenced. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory reflection, and tribute, during the ceremony enhanced by the lovely hymns, and music. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery close to her home. We extend our sympathy to her children Willie, Mary, Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret, Thomas, Fiona and Joyce, 18 grandchildren, sister in law Nora, sons in law, daughters in law, nephews, nieces and a large circle of dear friends, relatives and neighbours. Mary will be sadly missed by all and may she rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Nora Brouder nee Guina, late of Rooska, and Clounsherick, Camas, Newcastle West, wife of the late Tommy, and mother of the late Pat. She passed away peacefully at her residence on January 29. She lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 8pm. Her remains arrived at Monagea Church on Wednesday morning for 12 noon Requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her her sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law, daughters in law, sisters in law, other relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Aislinn O’Sullivan from the Old Mill, who recently celebrated her 18^th birthday with family and friends.

The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday January 30. The numbers drawn were 5, 15, 19, and 27 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won € 40 each; Susan Moriarty Ardagh, Sarah O’Connor, Carrigkerry, Denise O’Connor, Carrigkerry, Geraldine Ambrose, Old Mill, and Mike, and Eileen, Carrigkerry. Next week’s draw will be held at Peadar’s Bar, Ardagh and the Jackpot will be € 12,600.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their 11^TH meeting on Wednesday February 1 in Ardagh Community Centre. Chairman John P O’Sullivan, was absent and Gerard Greaney stepped in and Secretary Mary Kury read the minutes, and 21 people were present.  The Fenian Uprising booklet written by Mary Kury was highly praised and it was available to buy. It is available from members and in the local shops, for € 5. The special crafted medal to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Fenian Rising is also available to buy at € 5 each.

Councillor Michael Collins was also present and he has secured € 2,000 for the Heritage Association, which will go towards funding the weekend events. The local schools are involved in their own competitions to mark this historic date. Their art and writing work will be displayed in Ardagh Community Centre in the run up to the weekend. People are asked to source clothing similar to what was worn at the time, to wear on the day. It is planned to have an old style shop operating and a pig on a spit to recreate the old style cooking method.  A Farrier will give demonstrations on how to shoe a horse, and a pet corner is being discussed.

A lot of discussion took place around the Fenian Re-enactment weekend events, which are being worked into a time frame and continue to take shape. The games committee are busy sourcing all they need for the churn rolling, bowley racing, pitch and toss, horse shoe throwing ring throwing and others. A traffic management plan, plus a wet weather plan, are a work in progress at present. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday February 8 at 8pm in Ardagh Community Centre, and new people who wish to become involved are most welcome.

Ray Noonan, from the Saint Kieran’s club lined out in goals for Limerick in the Peter Mc Nulty Under 21 Football Final played at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Sunday January 29.  Clare won by 1-12 to 0-12.  The total from the Charity Road Hurling fundraiser held on December 27 has now reached € 2,121. Milford Hospice in Limerick will benefit and the money will be handed over shortly. Gemma Barrett from the Old Mill club was introduced as a substitute for Limerick who lost to Leitrim by 5-5 to 0-8 in the Ladies National Football League Division 3 game in Ballinamore GAA Grounds on Sunday January 29. Saint Kieran’s club will hold their Bord Na Nóg awards night in Ardagh hall on Sunday February 19 commencing at 7pm.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-1 away to Broadford Utd in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday January 29. Carrig Celtic B lost 1-0 at home to Ferry Rangers in Division 3, and Creeves Celtic match was off. The ladies matches were all called off due to unplayable pitches.

A Valentines Ball will be held on Sat Feb 11, 2017 at Rathkeale House Hotel, in aid of Milford Hospice and The Alzheimer Society.  It commences with a reception at 7pm, followed by a five course meal and complimentary wine. The tickets cost €50 each or € 450 per table of 10. It is great value for a fun filled night packed with pop-up entertainment, with Coolcappa Music Group, Leah Cunningham, Mc Cormack Kelly Academy of Dance, Jean O’Brien, and special guest Emmett Daly plus a Mr and Mrs Quiz. Tickets are available from Mary Roche Cremins on 087 7473550. Music by Keep in Touch, and all the proceeds go to the two very worthy causes. Please support and enjoy a great night.

The annual Sacristians collection will be taken up in Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish on this coming Saturday/Sunday February 11/12, and people are asked to show their appreciation for the work that Joan and Tony do all year round.

A Church gate collection in aid of the Lisnagry Association will be held on this coming Saturday/Sunday February 11/12, and all support will be appreciated.

The next monthly rambling house will be held in Monagea Community Centre on Monday February 13. All musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers are welcome.

Ardagh drama group will perform The Odd Couple by Neil Simon in Castlemahon Community Hall on Thursday February 16 at 8pm. Tickets for the 2 act comedy cost € 10 for adults, and € 5 for children. The proceeds will go to Limerick West Special Olympics Club. The group will also be performing at the same venue on the following nights; Friday 17, Sunday 19, Thursday 23, Friday 24, and Sunday 26.

A social dance in aid of West Limerick 102 FM radio will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on Wednesday February 22. Music by the popular PJ Murrihy from West Clare and admission is € 10.  A Variety Concert will take place on Wednesday March 8 also in the Rathkeale House Hotel. The line-up of artists will be announced nearer the time. The AGM will be held on Thursday March 2 and only paid up members of the Station will be allowed to vote. Membership costs € 20 and is available from the Station.