By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Thomas Lane, Moyreen Ballyhahill peacefully on February 9 at University Hospital Limerick. He was a member of the farming community. Thomas lay in repose on Saturday February 11 at Madigan’s Funeral Home Shanagolden from 6.30pm followed by removal to Kilcolman Church. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilcolman cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Hannah and daughters Aine and Maria, extended family members, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

The death has taken place of Patricia Sheehy (Patsy) Kilcolman, Ardagh peacefully in the company of her devoted family and the loving care of the staff of St Catherine’s Nursing home. Patsy lay in repose at St Catherine’s Nursing Home Newcastle West on Sunday February 12 from 4.30pm followed by removal to St Coleman’s Church, Kilcolman. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her brother Denis, sister-in-law Kathleen, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and her family in St Catherine’s. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Kevin Magee, Beechwood House Nursing Home, Newcastle West and formerly of the Glebe, Ardagh on February 14. Kevin, pre-deceased by his wife Maura (nee Sheehan), sisters Theresa, Maura and Kathleen, and brother Pearse. Kevin was 98 years old and the Life President of Fianna Fáil Cumman Ardagh. He came to Ardagh Railway Station from Castleconnell as a porter and graduated to Station Master. When the Railway era ended he founded the Glebe Printing Press, which was located in the Station building next to his house in Ardagh.   He printed Posters for all political parties, dance tickets, bill heads, invoice books, etc., and he was a real gentleman to deal with. Kevin was very involved in the Church and parish duties, and he collected the offerings in the church and was a member of the counting team afterwards.  He stood at all charity collections as well as the FF Collection, and he was involved in the Bingo in Ardagh which raised a lot of money for the parish renovation fund.

Kevin and his late wife (Maura Sheehan sister of Mossy RIP from the Devon Inn Hotel) kept a beautiful landscaped garden which was much admired until they retired to Templeglantine around ten years ago. Kevin lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Thursday February 16 from 6.00 pm followed by removal to the church of the Most Holy Trinity Templeglantine. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in Reilig Na Tríonóide, Templeglantine. We extend our sympathy to his nephew Tony and the Kearney and Sheehan families. May he rest in Peace.

The Munster finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh were held in Hazelwood College Dromcollogher on Sunday February 5. Congratulations to the Ardagh/Carrigkerry members Donal de Búrca, Aoife de Búrca, Aine Ni Nullain, Natasha Ni Choisteala, and Niamh de Búrca, who were prize winners on the day.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar Ardagh on Monday February 13. The numbers drawn were 10,18,26,28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each; Martina, and Catherine, Ardagh, Nora Dineen, Ardagh, Tom Ruddle, Newcastle West, Therese Ryan, Coolacokera, Ardagh, and Connie Kennelly, Shanagolden. Next week’s Jackpot will be €13,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Johnny McCarthy Darragh Treacy, and Sean Mc Sweeney from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick team that were defeated by Westmeath by 1-18 to 0-12 in round 2 of Division 4 of the National Football League, at Limerick Gaelic Grounds on Sunday February 12. Drom/ Broadford defeated Saint Kieran’s by 2-18 to 0-3 in the West U-21 Hurling Championship at the Bog Garden Rathkeale on Saturday February 11.

Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry 2-1 away in Round 1 of the Premier Division League Cup on Sunday February 12. Creeves Celtic lost 4-2 at home to Newcastle West B in Division 3 of the Desmond League. Tom Shanahan, and Danny Coleman scored their goals. In Division 1 of the Ladies Desmond League Carrig Celtic lost 3-2 at home to Kilbehenney, and Creeves Celtic gave a walkover to Askeaton. Pat King from Carrig Celtic, was the referee for the Munster Junior Cup 5^th Round match played in Broadford on Sunday February 12. Broadford United defeated Youghal United by 5-0.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their 13^th meeting on Wednesday February 15 in Ardagh Community Centre. Chairperson JP O’Sullivan welcomed everybody and Secretary Mary Kury read the minutes, and a good crowd was present. It was another action packed meeting with lots of discussion, and plans being put in place for the upcoming Fenian Re-enactment on March 5. A number of pikes crafted by John Keane, were present and they can be seen on the Old Mill, and St Kieran’s Heritage Association Facebook page. A Tug a War Competition was discussed and will be finalised if a suitable venue is located. A horse and trap car will be available for short trips for the children, and a farrier will also be available to demonstrate the art of shoeing a horse. Platform Dancing will be held at regular intervals for all ages, and the churn racing is attracting a lot of interest. If the day is wet a number of events will be held indoors throughout the village.  Volunteers to help out on the day will be needed and interested people can contact the committee, for details.

The Saturday evening Mass at 6pm will have an Irish flavour (Sean O’Riada) followed by the Comhaltas Rambling House from 7pm. Junior and senior entertainers are most welcome, and Tea and refreshments will be served and a shop will operate. The Children’s Art work will be on display and the winners of the various categories will be announced. Donations of baking, cakes, tarts, scones will be most welcome, and can be dropped off at the Community Centre on the Saturday from 3pm. The Fenian Uprising booklet and the Fenian pins will be available that evening and they cost € 5 each. A total of 14 people were at the first pike training for the re-enactment on Friday last, and more are expected the next night. They picked up the drills quickly under the direction of Sean Shields, and made good progress. The next training is on this Friday night in the community Centre Ardagh at 7.30pm, and all are welcome.

A press night to launch the weekend programme of events will be held on Wednesday February 22 at 8pm in Ardagh Community Centre. The Fenian Uprising booklet written by Mary Kury, and the Fenian Commemorative Pins will also be launched.  The next meeting of the Heritage association will be held on Wednesday February 22 at 7.30pm in Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome.

The Limerick Person of the Year was announced at a gala ceremony at the Clayton Hotel Limerick on Thursday February 16. Luke Culhane, for his video against cyberbullying, was announced as the winner. Ger Greaney Ardagh, and Ardagh native Joanne McMahon, from Castlemahon, were finalists, after winning monthly awards.

The Odd Couple (Female Version) a two act comedy written by Neil Simon is the 27^th production by Ardagh Drama Group. The play opened before a large and appreciative crowd at Castlemahon Community Hall on Thursday February 16. The cast of six females, and two males, gave a wonderful performance, which saw them receive a standing ovation at the finish. The proceeds from the night went towards the Limerick West Special Olympics.

The Killeedy Wrenboy Concert DVD which featured the Carrigkerry Wrenboys is now on sale at Moloney’s Shop in Carrigkerry costing € 15. It is also available from Sr Bridie O’Sullivan, 087-9354090, and all the proceeds will go towards the Dromcollogher Day Care Centre.

Ardagh Drama Group in association with Feohanagh/Castlemahon Players, are staging their play The Odd Couple in Castlemahon Community Hall on this Thursday February 23 at 8pm. The admission is € 10 and all the proceeds will go to the Declan Lenihan Benefit Fund. The Play will also be held at the same venue, on Friday 24, and Sunday 26.

The West Limerick GAA Awards Banquet will be held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday February 24. Noel Callanan, Julia and Tom Mackessy from Saint Kieran’s will be receiving awards.

The annual sponsored walk in aid of Dromcollogher Respite Care Centre takes place on Sunday February 26. Sponsorship cards are available from the Centre, or by calling 087-9354090. All walkers are welcome, and donations will also be accepted.