By Tom Aherne

Marie Hennessy, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry handed over her Limerick Rose sash to Kayleigh Maher, from Kilcolrnan, who was selected as the new rose at Bunratty Castle Hotel, on Saturday April 15. Marie enjoyed an incredible year representing her county at so many events and the friendships made and the experience gained no doubt will remain with her throughout her life. Marie described the opening of the Frankfurt Christmas markets, experiencing Belarus with Chernobyl’s Adi Roche, followed by attending the Saint Patrick’s Day festival in New York, as some of the highlights of her year. Marie represented her family, parish and county with elegance and style, which we thank her for, and continued good wishes in the future.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday April 17. The numbers drawn were 4,5,7 and 16 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each; Teresa Flavin, c/o Catherine, Eamon Dillane, Ballinabearna, Pat Hartnett, Creeves, Mary O’Connell, c/o Ailish, Martina and Catherine, Ardagh.   Next week’s Jackpot will be €14,800 and the draw will be held in Reen’s Bar Ardagh.

The death has taken place of Noel Costello, Killester, Dublin and late of Kilmoyley, Co. Kerry on Saturday April 15. He lay in repose at Kirwan’s Funeral Home, Fairview Strand, Dublin, on Tuesday April 18 from 5-7pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at St John the Baptist Church Clontarf at 11.30am and burial took place afterwards in Glasnevin cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his  wife Annemarie and children, sister Breda Fitzgerald and family Glensharrold Carrigkerry, sister Carmel and brother PJ other relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Bridie O’Donnell, Nee Carrig, New Line Grange, and formerly of Creeves, Askeaton peacefully at Milford Care Centre. She lay in repose at Butler’s Funeral Home Bruff on Wednesday April 19, and her Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Patrick and Brigid Church Grange on the following day at 12 noon. Bridie, who was a member of the well known Carrig family from Creeves, was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband Tim, daughters Triona Daly, Edwina Cronin, and son Maurice, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews; nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Woulfe, nee Mulvihill, Riddlestown, Rathkeale, wife of the late Thomas, on Thursday April 20 peacefully after a short illness surrounded by her loving family at her home. She lay in repose at Magner’s Funeral Home on Friday from 5pm until 8pm. Her remains arrived to St Mary’s Church Rathkeale for Requiem Mass on Saturday April 22 at 1pm. Burial took place afterwards in St Kyran’s Cemetery Coolcappa. We extend our sympathy to her sons John, Denis and Thomas, daughters Marie Hanrahan, Ann Madigan, Patricia Lenihan, Collette Sheahan, Philomena O’Connor, Therese Henry, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and her 29 grandchildren, sister Bridget Moloney, sister-in-law Nell Woulfe, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and many friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to James Brouder, son of Margaret and James, Ballinabearna, Old Mill, who celebrated his 21st birthday at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Saturday April 15.

We welcome back the Cuckoo to the locality for the coming months, after the winter spent abroad. The first call was recorded around my locality on Wednesday April 19. The swallows arrived a little early this month and they are busy building their nests at present. Nature is wonderful to observe and we are blessed with the arrival of our feathered friends each Spring.

Congratulations to Mike O’Mahony and Mike Young, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game on Wednesday April 12. Congratulations to Peg, and John, Mulvihill who were prize winners at the card game held in Rathkeale Community Centre on Wednesday April 12.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association members participated in the Easter commemoration in Dromcollogher on Sunday April 16. The Fenian pike men and members marched in the parade from the Church through Pyke Street and the Square to the Garden of Remembrance.  A plaque was unveiled to the local volunteers who fought for Irish Freedom during the troubled years. Ger Greaney from Dromcollogher, now residing in Ardagh gave a fine speech recalling the people and events from that period. The weather was dry and cool and a good crowd attended and it was an enjoyable outing for members of the Association. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday May 10 in Coolcappa Community Hall at 8pm and all are welcome.

Congratulations to Kilcolman Rovers who defeated Carrig Celtic by 2-1 to win the Desmond Division 1 Ladies League Cup Final at Woodfield Estate Newcastle West on Sunday April 16.Noreen Barry and Erin Hennessy scored their goals, and Eillie Moloney replied for Carrig Celtic.  Mike Daly and Donie Donovan, were the managers, and Mattie Histon was their sponsor. Team Liz Lynch, Denise Fitzgerald, Sinead Donovan, Sandra O’Connor, Noreen Barry, Patrice Downing, Ide Trant, Anna McMahon, Ciara O’Donnell, Erin Hennessy, Dora Bury. Subs Alva Neary, Chloe Kennedy, Maureen Noonan, Emma Daly, Mary Lynch, Marie Balfe, Adrienne Cunningham.

Congratulations to Carrig Celtic who defeated AK Utd 4-1 to win the Desmond U-17 Cup Final at Woodfield Estate Newcastle West on Saturday April 15. Sean Kelly, 2 Liam Kennedy, and Darren Ward scored their goals.  Sean Kelly was named man of the match afterwards. and the management team was Séan O’Connor, Jack O’Donoghue, John Greaney, and Ray Brouder. Team Denny Cronin, Brian Folan, Edward Fitzgerald, Darren Kearns, Adam Dillane, Kevin Guinea,  Liam Kennedy,  Dylan Moloney, Luke Gleeson Darren Ward,  Sean Kelly,  Subs Jordan Ryan, Jamie Little, Liam Callanan, Shane Martin, Conor Finucane, Gavin Lynch, Shane King.

Creeves Celtic lost 3-0 to Shountrade in the Desmond Riedy Cup Final at Rathkeale on Saturday April 15. It was their third cup final loss in the past year. Team Robert Bradley, Rob Culhane, Danny Coleman, Paul O’Connor, Tommy Dillane, Mark Hayes,  David Dunne,  Brian Nash, Seamus Mangan, Tommy Shanahan, Darragh O’Connor,  Subs Mark Hennessy,Jerome O’Connor, Dave Cremin, Raymond Noonan,  Brian Mc Carty, Dominic Kearns. Carrig Celtic B drew 3-3 away to Ferry Rangers in the Division 3 League Cup.

Saint Kieran’s  were defeated by Ballylanders by 1-13 to 1-12 in the opening round of the Limerick senior football Championship at Bruff Gaelic Grounds on Saturday April 22. They led by  1-7 to 0-8 at half time, with Seamus Mangan scoring their goal following a cross delivery from Noel Callanan, making his debut at senior championship level. It was score for score in the second half until a goal in injury time gave the Bally boys the victory. TEAM; Ray Noonan, Mossie Shine, Brendan McCarthy, Kevin Meade, Jack Ben Harnett, John Doyle, Donie Nolan, Johnny McCarthy Darragh Treacy ( Capt) 0-1 Noel Callanan, 0-1 Anthony Molyneaux, 0-1 Sean Mc Sweeney, 0-6 Seamus Mangan, 1-1 Paudie McCarthy, 0-1 Niall O’Shea, 0-1.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Athea/ Mountcollins by 7-18 to 0-7 in Round I of the West Minor A Football Championship at Coolcappa on Friday April 14. In round 1 of the West Junior B Football League Knockaderry defeated St Kieran’s by 1-13 to 1-8.

Ardagh District recreational and sporting company will hold a LIP SYNC show in the Devon Inn Hotel on Saturday, November 11. They are currently seeking individuals to get involved and to participate in the show This newly formed company represents Coolcappa/Kilcolman, and Ardagh/Carrigkerry and more details can be got from Patrick Windle 087-9819734 Séan Hayes 087-2663582 or Deirdre Ambrose 087-9509218.

Parkrun is a free, fun, timed 5 kilometre run. Starts at 9.30am each and every Saturday beside the soccer pitch in the Demesne, Newcastle West. Runners, walkers, families and even family pets are welcome! Just register for free at www.parkrun.ie, print out your barcode and come along on Saturday morning.

A gala concert in aid of Saint Mary’s Church Rathkeale will be held in the church on Friday April 28 at 8pm. The admission is € 15, or a family ticket for € 40 and all support will be greatly appreciated. Theresa Doyle Mc Mahon, who continues to do great work for all the local worthy causes, produces, and the all-star line-up features, Michael Nash, Anne Phelan, Jean O’Brien, Eve Stafford, Charlie Reynolds, Michael Doyle, Enda Walsh, Canon Tony Mullins, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Liam Enright, Coláiste na Trócaire choir, and the Hands in Harmony deaf choir.

The late lamented Tim (Sonny) Crowley from Ballylin will be remembered through a Poetry Memorial Night on this Friday April  28 at Neary’s Ardagh. It will be a night of poetry and songs, and all poets and readers welcome.

The sacrament of First Holy Communion will be administered in St Kyran’s Church Coocappa  on Saturday April 29 at 11am, and in  St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on  Saturday May 6 at 11.30am.

The Fleadh by the Feale will be held in Abbeyfeale from Friday April 27 to Monday May 1. Frankie Gavin and De Dannan will be this year’s lead act, and a very exciting line up of events will be held during the weekend.

The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland  will hold their annual tea day on Thursday May 4. To register for a fundraising pack visit www.teaday.ie or call 1800 719 820. All the funds raised locally will stay local and all support will be appreciated.