By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Margaret Conway, née Ryan, wife of the late Bill, Ministerland, Cahermoyle, Ardagh, on May 7 peacefully at St John’s Hospital Limerick. She lay in repose at her residence on Wednesday May 10 from 5pm with removal at 8pm to St Molua’s Church, Ardagh. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on  Thursday at 11am with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her sons, daughters, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Siobhan Geoghegan, Rooska, and Brian McGuinness,  who were married in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday April 29.

Down Syndrome Limerick wishes to thank everyone who contributed to their recent church gate collection which was held in Coolcappa, which raised €194. The Irish Cancer Society wishes to thank all who supported their recent church gate collection in Coolcappa/Kilcolman, which raised €470.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Monday May 8. The numbers drawn were 5,6,8,and 22 , and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, John Duggan, Ardagh, Claire Green, Newcastle West, Joan Bridgeman, Ardagh, Martin Kenrick, Carrigkerry, and Breda Enright, Ardagh.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €15,400 and the draw will be held at Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Congratulations to Daniel Madigan from Saint Kieran’s community games, who won a silver medal in the U-16 50m Backstroke in swimming at the National Sports Campus in Dublin on Saturday May 6.

Congratulations to Commodore of Foynes Yacht Club James McCormack Glenville, Ardagh, and his family who oversaw an eventful day of activities at the club on Sunday May 7.

Saint Kieran’s heritage Association held their 18th meeting in Coolcappa Community Hall on Wednesday May 10. Twelve people were present and Chairperson John P O’Sullivan welcomed all and secretary Mary Kury read the minutes. Matters arising were discussed and correspondence read. The upcoming closure of Cahermoyle Nursing Home was discussed as was the Post Office, and shop closure in Ardagh village. West Limerick Heritage are seeking articles for their next magazine due out shortly. The main discussion during the meeting was the Ardagh Chalice weekend of events due to take place in September 2018. A presentation of a proposed re-enactment of the Ardagh Chalice story was presented to the attendance. It was impressive and well received by all present and if it goes ahead it will be a great attraction, for the village and beyond.  The next meeting will be held on Thursday June 8 in Carrigkerry Community Centre at 8pm.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Dromin/Athlacca by 3-18 to 1-16 in Round 2 of Group 1 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship at Ballingarry Gaelic Grounds on Friday May 12. They gave a very  committed display despite lining out without a few regulars, against one of the top sides in the championship. The teams were level after the first quarter with five Donie Nolan points from frees. A scoring burst of 2-2 midway through the first half saw Dromin/Athlacca lead by 2-8 to 0-10 at half time. Donie Nolan with a point from play cut the lead to three points on resumption. It was 2-13 to 0-15 after the third quarter, after points from Donie Nolan, and Ian Mackessey cut it to four. Dromin Athlacca hit 1-3 in another scoring burst to extend their lead with ten minutes to play. Saint Kieran’s  never gave up and Donie Nolan with a goal and a point cut it to two goals with five to play.  A couple of attacks and a free, were cleared and Dromin/Athlacca hit two points to close out the game. It was a very encouraging display following on from last week’s match with Newcastle West, when a disputed 65 in injury time denied them the win.

A number of players gave outstanding displays, with the rest giving their all against a good stylish hurling side.  A number of young players have made their championship debuts, and a more committed approach is evident, and hopes are high that success can come from their three remaining group matches. Team Ian Mackessey,0-1 Billy Breen, Brendan McCarthy, John O’Connor, Michael Windle, Darragh Treacy, 0-2 Mossie Shine, Jack Ben Harnett, Captain Anthony Molyneaux, John Buckley, Johnny McCarthy, 0-1 Sean Mc Sweeney, Seamus Mangan, 0-1 Donie Nolan, 1-10,  Anthony Mullins, 0-1 Subs Pat Quaid, Killian Enright, Owen Hayes. Management Seanie Hayes, Pat Ryan, Cathal Breen.

Eoin Burke, Liam Kennedy, Noel Callanan, and Diarmuid Mulcahy sub from the club were members of the Limerick footballers that lost out to Clare by 3-13 to 0-12 in the Munster Minor Football Championship semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Wednesday May 10. Saint Kieran’s gave a walkover to Drom/Broadford in Round 1 of Group 1 of the West Junior B Football Championship.

Creeves Celtic defeated Newcastle West B 5-3 at home in the Desmond Division 3 League Cup on Sunday May 7. Seamus Mangan,2 David Dunne, and Darragh O’Connor, scored their goals. Carrig Celtic B defeated Glantine B 3-0 at home in the same competition, and Carrig Celtic had no fixture.

Congratulations to Peg and John Mulvihill who were prize winners at the card game held in Rathkeale on Wednesday May 3. Congratulations to John Mulvihill and Vinny Wrenn who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden on May 5.

Dromcollogher Co-op Mart celebrated their 50th anniversary on Thursday May 4. A number of the local farming community will be familiar with the venue, which has provided a great service during those years.

An exhibition of paintings by Pauline Sharp from Ballyhahill are currently on display in Newcastle West Library. Pauline from Sussex in England  is an acclaimed and internationally recognised artist with many awards to her name. She works mainly in oils on canvas, and animals are her main subject matter. She produces magnificent art and has won numerous awards, and has held many exhibitions since her move to Ireland. In this exhibition her subjects are equine, and exotic animals, and all 35 paintings are for sale.

West Limerick 102fm community radio are holding a fundraising dance in the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Friday May 19 at 9pm. The music will be supplied by the very popular Paddy Quilligan, and there will be a raffle also for numerous spot prizes. The fundraising committee will launch their 50/50 weekly draw at the station on Tuesday May 23 at 7.30pm. All help and support will be appreciated.

The Coolcappa/Kilcolman student exam mass will be held in Saint Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Saturday May 20 at 7.30pm.

The First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday May 20 at 11am. The parish Confirmation will be held in Saint Mary’s Church  Carrigkerry on Tuesday  May 23 at 1.30pm.

The annual Dromcollogher Mayfair and Vintage Rally will be held on Sunday May 21. The organisers would  welcome the following items for their sale; books, bags, jewellery bric-a-brac, plants , kitchen utensils,  bottles for the stalls, and items for the auction. They welcome traders, car boot stands and friends and supporters. Additional information can be got by calling 087-935 4090.

The Old Mill Ladies Football Club are holding a Coffee Morning at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday May 26 from 9am to 1pm. All donations of buns and cakes will be greatly appreciated as well as support on the day. The sponsored walk and the used clothes collection will be held on June 25/26.