By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Tom Scanlon, Knockfinisk, Athea, at St Ita’s Community Hospital Newcastle West. Tom was a retired member of the farming community and was in his early nineties. He was a patient in St Ita’s for a number of years and one of the last traditional farmers from his era. Tom and Peg did their farming in the old style and never embraced the modern methods. He was a tall and well-built man who made hard manual work look easy. He had great strength which he used to great effect in the meadow and around the farm. He was a regular at the fairs and marts and a well-known personality in the area. There is a fine portrait painting of Tom hanging up on the wall in Newcastle West Library. It was painted by Keith O’Rahilly art teacher in Desmond College. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Monday March 13 from 6pm, followed by removal to St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Holycross Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Margaret (Peg), nephews Seamus and John, family relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Patricia Wilmott, Lismakeera, Askeaton, She lay in repose at Kieran Madigan’s Funeral Home, Askeaton on Monday March 13 from 5 to 8pm. Her remains arrived at Coolcappa Church on Tuesday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. She was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her loving family, son Robert, daughters Debbie, Chloe and Jodie, grandchildren Caithlin, Josh and Jamie, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a close circle of friends. May she rest In Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Noreen Flaherty, Glenbawn, Carrigkerry and Timmy Hennessy, Abbeyfeale, who were married in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday March 18. They held their reception in The Devon Inn Hotel.

Congratulations to the children of Coolcappa/Kilcolman who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Thursday March 16. 

Mary O’Sullivan from Rooska Court Carrigkerry is currently fulfilling the role of Church Sacristan in Saint Mary’s Church in Carrigkerry. She commenced duties following the retirement of Eileen O’Connor, last December, and Mary and her family are wished well in this demanding position.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar Newbridge on Monday March 13. The numbers drawn were 8,18,19,22, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each; Mary Kiely, Lisgordan, Ardagh, Sean B Adams, Ardagh, Tom Mackessy,  Coolanoran, Ardagh, Hannah Greene, Ardagh, and Emma and Maureen, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €13,800, and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Newcastle West 2-10 to 0-13 in the quarter final of the West Senior Football Championship at Athea Gaelic Grounds on Saturday March 11. They trailed 0-9 to 1-4 at half time but upped their performance to claim a good win.

The club has drawn Society St Riddle in the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Puppy Stake that is in progress at present at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

The club are promoting the Limerick GAA Club draw at present and the first draw will be held on Saturday March 25. The cost is €10 per draw or €100 for the year, and there are thirty cash prizes each month, with a top prize of €10,000. The club retains half of all the subscription fees collected during the year.

Congratulations to Sophie Liston who scored the winning goal for the Republic of Ireland in their 2-1 win over England in the U-15 John Read Cup at the AUL Complex on Sunday March 12. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton 5-0 in the Desmond Division 1 League Cup quarter final on Sunday March 12. Patrice Downing, 2 Dora Bury, 2 and Erin Hennessy scored their goals.

Carrig Celtic defeated Killeaney 2-0 away in the quarter final of the Desmond Premier Division League Cup on Sunday March 12. Sean O’Connor, and an own goal made up the scores, and they will meet Rathkeale in the semi-final. Creeves Celtic defeated Feenagh 5-0 at home in the Riedy Cup semi-final, with goals from Tom Shanahan, 2 Seamus Mangan, 2 and Brian Nash. They will play Shountrade in the final.

Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s Aine Nolan, solo music, and Eileen Collins, solo singing who qualified for the finals of the talent competition in Askeaton on Saturday March 11.Congratulations to Coolcappa NS senior pupils who qualified for the county final of the primary school Community Games quiz final on Saturday March 11. The members were Craig Mac Inness, Fionn Gleeson, Marisa Hayes, Darragh Nolan, Con Enright, Andrew Cronin, Sarah O’Grady, and Kate Nolan.

Congratulations to Mike O’Mahony and Mike Young who were prize winners at the Flag Floor Rambling House on Wednesday March 8. The card game takes place each Wednesday at 9pm and all are welcome.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association participated in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade held in Newcastle West on March 17. A total of 23 members represented the association, with 16 pike men two drummers, and five flag and banner carriers. The new St Kieran’s Heritage banner made its debut, and it is colourful and eye catching. A large crowd was present despite the wet conditions, and it was good that a parade was held in the county town.

The Noonan family Tullig North Templeglantine raised €26,700 from their Christmas Lights fundraiser this year. The cheques were presented to the following charities on Wednesday March 8 at the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine; The Brothers of Charity Newcastle West and Foynes, The Alzheimer’s Day-care Centre Adare, Milford Care Centre, CRY Monagea, and Recovery Haven Tralee. Tony Hannah and Siobhan, would like to thank everybody for their continued support each Christmas for their spectacular display of lights for charity.

The annual Daffodil Day fundraiser will be held countrywide on Friday March 24. Kate Buckingham, from Glenastar, and her team are appealing for people to donate fresh daffodils. The volunteers will be out selling at the usual venues, and the collection point will be at Dooley’s Super Value. Kate can be contacted at 069-76148

Jackie Geoghegan, and Sharon Kinehan (Madigan) are holding a coffee morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day on Friday March 24, from 10am to 3pm, in Jackie’s house in Lisgordan, Ardagh. Your support would be greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause. Any queries contact Sharon on 086-8106522.

Kilcolman Rovers soccer club are holding a fundraising walk on Sunday March 26. All support will be greatly appreciated.

A fundraising charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick (DSL) will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday March 31. This is the second annual dance following last year’s very successful event and all monies raised will be kept in Limerick for the great work done by DSL for the kids/adults with DS in the area. The music is by Mountain Road and there will be a mix of sets, two-hands and other dances, with something for everyone, and all support will be greatly appreciated. More details from Liam on 087-9882055

West Limerick 102 are holding a Market and car boot sale in the Community Centre Newcastle West on Saturday April 1 from 7.30am. Spaces are available to hire inside and outside, and bargains will be available, from all the different stalls. Your local radio station can do with all the financial support at present.

A pub quiz in aid of the Hope Foundation will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday April 1 at 9.30pm.

Knockdown Vintage Club and Estuary Macra are holding a raffle and a Vintage/Modern Charity Run on Sunday April 2 at the Knockdown Arms. A number of local causes will benefit from the day including community groups, charities, young and old. Tickets costing €2 each or 3 for €5 are on sale now. First prize is €100 hamper, second €75, cash and third €50 fuel voucher, and numerous spot prizes. All support will be appreciated.

Coolcappa Music Group are holding a fundraising social dance in aid of Milford Hospice on Friday April 7 at Rathkeale House Hotel. Music by Taylor’s Cross, from 9.30, and admission is € 10. All support for Milford Hospice who do wonderful work in the community will be greatly appreciated.