By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of John Guinane, Ballyvoughan, Ardagh,  peacefully at his residence in his 99th year, surrounded by his loving family, beloved husband of 67 years to the late Catherine. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday, November 10 from 6pm to 8pm. His remains arrived on Saturday morning to Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman for 11.30 am Requiem Mass. It was Concelebrated by Fr. Tim Curtin, Fr. Michael Noonan and Fr. Dan, and Fr. Toby, family friends, and Maura, and Donie, supplied very appropriate hymns and tunes. Family members participated in the Readings, Prayers of the faithful, Offertory and taking up life symbols, which were a big part of John’s long life. They included a sod of turf, potato, his cap, rosary beads, and family photograph. Fr. Tim traced John’s path through life during his uplifting homily, and daughter Marie, on behalf of the family paid a touching tribute, during the well attended ceremony.

John was born on Christmas Day 1917 the eldest of 11 in family and he attended the local school. He worked in service with local farmers from the age of 13, and full time from 15 and he met his wife Catherine when both were in service at Cremins of Ballykiely. They were married in Monagea Church, and were a very united couple for 67 years. John also worked with the ESB and the Board of Works, as a foreman who was highly regarded by all. He was a man of the land who lived close to nature, and he  liked tending to his farm, gardening and working in the  bog. He was very religious and a regular church attendee, and the Rosary was said each night. He was witty and wise, and very knowledgeable on local history and shared with people, including myself who called seeking information. He will be sadly missed by all but his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. John was laid to rest afterwards in Kilcolman cemetery beside his late wife Catherine. We extend our sympathy to his  sons, Sean, Mike, James and Patsy, daughters, Marie and Bridget, daughter in law, son in law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sister in law Mary O’Connor and a large circle of friends. May he rest in peace

The ADRSC promoted Lip Sync Battles held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine last weekend were spectacular shows that had the eleven hundred plus audience, captivated by their movement and execution. The massive build up despite the wet misty windy weather did not stop people, who responded in true community spirit to support their family members and friends, displaying their unique talents for the good of the project. From the opening group dance it was riveting and edge of the seat entertainment, as each of the 15 acts conjured up their own version of the hit songs. The background scenery helped to create a real time atmosphere as the songs  from Raining Men to YMCA, were Lip Synced to. The colourful costumes, and lighting created a stars in your eyes feeling and the buzz and atmosphere created had to be seen to be believed.

For a high number of the participants it was a new experience to take the stage, and they took to it similar to a duck to water. The judges comments were witty and amusing and greatly enhanced the entertainment factor, which MC Kenny Davey generated with his professional presentation. The audience also played a huge part in cheering on, banner waving, phone lightning, and hand clapping  in support of all the acts. The voting cards of the judges, Fr. Tim Curtin, Kathleen Hayes, Paul O’Connor, Marie Hennessy and Timmy (Cabs) O’Donoghue, were very high and voting for the individual acts was very brisk all through. The top four acts from both combined on Friday night were The Chalice Chicks, The Hairy Babies, The Bellas, and the Village People. The honours  went to the eight girl member Bellas group Arianne Reidy, Katelyn Hayes, Geri Mai O’Kelly, Aishling McEnery, Kate Ambrose, Kate Downes, Cathy Ambrose and Roisín Ambrose.

The top five acts on Saturday night were  The Chalice Chicks, The 4 Long Blondes, The Bellas, The Stunners, and the Village People.  A crescendo of passionate and elated joy greeted the announcement that the Village People, whose members included Martin Geraghty, Seamus Ambrose, Jimmy Duggan, Leonard O’Connor, and Ger Duggan, had claimed victory. Chairman of ADRSC David Woulfe thanked everyone who were involved in the massive event since last February and presentations were made, and also to Derlene Cleary Choreographer, who won the hearts of all the 67 participants, who were the real stars of the show. The night/morning concluded with a lively Disco, as the performers let their hair, or wigs down. Thursday nights (practise time) will be a lot quieter around the locality from now on.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s  Bar Ardagh on Monday November 6. The numbers drawn were 5,8,9,and 18, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the  five lucky dip winners who won €40 each Nancy Daly Ardagh, Luke, and Nana, c/o Mackessey’s, Helen Relihan, Ardagh, B.B. c/o Hair Craft and Darragh Ronan, c/o Foley’s.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €8,600 and the draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting in Coolcappa Community Hall on Thursday November 9. Present were eight members, and it was mainly a discussion meeting covering a large range of subjects. Entries have been received for the Heritage calendar, which will be launched in good time for the Christmas market.  The Fenian DVD will also be available for sale in the run up to Christmas. Efforts to get a new entrance in Ardagh into the West Limerick Greenway seems to be a non runner at present. The Heritage Face book page will be upgraded in the coming weeks, for people to follow the events, of interest. To date 43 people have signed up for the Dublin trip to visit the Museum and  Dail, on Tuesday January 23. A limited amount of seats are left so if interested contact Mary Kury. The next meeting  and calendar launch will be advertised shortly in these notes.

Carrig Celtic defeated Castleisland 1-0 at home in Round 4 of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday November 5 to advance to the open draw section, with Ray Cahill scored the all important goal. Creeves Celtic defeated Pallaskenry AFC 2-1 at home in Round 2 of the Reidy Cup with goals from Mark Hennessy and an own goal. In Division 1 of the Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated  Newcastle West Town 2-0 away. Ciara O’Donnell, and Kelly McClean, scored the goals that moved  them four points ahead at the top of the table. Creeves Celtic drew  with Askeaton 2-2  at home  with both  goals coming from Avril Dalton. Carrig Celtic received a walk over from Kilbehenny Celtic.

Saint Kieran’s club will hold their A.G.M. in the Community Hall in Ardagh on Friday November 17 at 8pm. All club members are asked to attend and new members will be most welcome to attend. The past year will be reviewed and plans put in place for next season. It would be a nice gesture if the club could see their way to honour the team that won the West Limerick Junior Hurling Championship in 1977. Time moves on and this panel of players gave great service paving the way for the glory years of hurling in the 1980s. They defeated Knockaderry after a replay in Askeaton by 4-11 to 1-7 forty years ago this month.

The Chalice Chicks, one of the acts who performed at the recent Lip Sync Battle in the Devon Inn Hotel are selling packs of Christmas Cards around the locality at present. They cost €5 per bundle of six assorted scenes which include the Ardagh Chalice, The Ardagh Hoard, and Saint Molua’s Church. They are lovely scenes, and are ideal to send to people who are domiciled away from the locality.

People who have passed on in the Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish over the past twelve months will be remembered at special masses, in Saint Mary’s on Thursday November 16, and Saint Molua’s on Friday November 17, at 7.30pm. People, who have lost a loved one in the past 12 months, will be invited to bring a special candle to the altar, and parishioners will bring a candle in memory of their own family members, who have died over the years.

The switching on of Noonan’s Christmas Lights will take place this Friday 17th at 7pm. A very special guest will be in attendance, and an open invitation to all to come along and to see the night light up  for charity. The light display will be open to the public from 6pm to 10pm daily.

Mass will be celebrated in Kilbradern Cemetery on Sunday November 19 at 11am, and at Clounagh cemetery on Sunday November 26 at 11am.

The Remembrance Mass for deceased residents, staff, and their relatives, will be held in the  St, Itas Hospital Community Hospital Chapel, Newcastle West  on Sunday November 19 at 2pm. All family members, and their friends will be welcome to attend.