Tom Aherne

The Carrigkerry Community First Responders team was set up earlier in the year and the contact number is 087 7930692. From last Monday December 4 that number is active, and their services are now available during the following hours: From 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday, and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. People are advised to keep the number saved on their mobile phones, or near their land-line. All details of the service provided by them have been circulated to households in the locality. People who are interested in being trained to perform CPR are asked to contact Denise Flynn at 069 76011 or 086 8750253.

The contact number for Ardagh Community First Responders group is Tel 082 8889963.

The 2017 County Burial Ground Awards were announced recently in the Woodlands House Hotel. Congratulations to Clounagh burial ground in Reens, who were awarded first place in the Ancient Category in the Rathkeale/Adare area. Congratulations also to Kilcolman burial ground who were awarded third place in the Modern Category.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Jacqueline Mangan, Rathgoonan, Ardagh who marked her 50th birthday with a party at the Yacht Club in Foynes, on Saturday November 25.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday November 27. The numbers drawn were 1,6,10 and 27, and there was one lucky Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to Kay Moloney Ballinoe, Castlemahon, who matched the numbers and claimed the €9,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the  five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Den Joe Doran, c/o Josie, Michael Liston, Glenastar, Eleanor Fitzsimons, Printers, Paudie Kennelly, Camas, Newcastle West, and Angela Enright, Ardagh.   Next week’s Jackpot will be € 9,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Michael O’Sullivan, the former Saint Kieran’s club member and West Board secretary, stepped down after his five year term, at the Convention which was held in the Devon Inn Hotel on Wednesday November 22. He began as Assistant Secretary in 1980 and continued to 1992, when he took over from Paddy Brown. He served up to 2007 when he moved to the County Board. He returned as West Board Secretary from 2013 to the present , adding up to 38 years service to both West and County GAA Boards. Saint Kieran’s are holding their annual collection next week.

Congratulations to Old Mill ladies  who defeated Oola by 3-12 to 0-5 in the County Minor A Shield Final played in Patrickswell on Sunday November 26.

Creeves Celtic defeated Carrig Celtic 2-1 at home in Division 3 of the Desmond League on Sunday November 26. Darragh O’Connor, and Seamus Mangan, scored the goals which moved them to joint top of the division on goal difference. Carrig Celtic v Athea Utd in the Premier division was off due to weather conditions. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic defeated Broadford Utd 2-0 at home with Angela Sheehan, supplying both. Kilcolman Rovers, and Carrig Celtic matches were off due to the weather.

West Limerick 102 community Radio are promoting their Christmas Hamper draw at present. The tickets cost €5 and are available  from the Station. This  is a very important fundraiser for the Radio, and the draw will be held live on air on Christmas week.   The 50/50 draw is continuing also  at present. The tickets cost €2 and are available in local shops around west Limerick  and from the Station. This is a weekly fundraiser for the Radio, and the draw will be held live on air each Friday at 12.45pm. The winning ticket holder receives half of the money collected that week and the Radio Station receives the other half. The latest winner was Tom Cahill, Cregg, Abbeyfeale who won  €538. All support weekly to keep the station on air will be greatly appreciated.  Radio presenters are also needed on an ongoing basis to introduce new ideas and shows. People interested in a very rewarding pastime are asked to contact Pat O’Donovan on 087-9977340.

Social dancing continues  in Ardagh Community Centre each Wednesday with Eileen. Learn how to jive quickstep waltz foxtrot slosh line dance etc, from 8pm to 10pm. No partner required and the fee per class is € 10 each. New steps are being introduced each week to the music of Nathan Carter, Michael English, Derek Ryan, Jimmy Buckley and other well known artists.  It is a great way to meet people of similar interests, and to keep fit at the same time, as it is a fun filled and action packed two hours. Wednesday December 13 will be the final night this year as Bingo will be held on Wednesday December 20 for €3,000 prize money.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association are having a launch night in Ardagh Community Centre, on this Saturday night December 9 from 7.30pm.The prizes for the 2018 Heritage Calendar photo competition will be presented first. The lovely Calendar with local scenes,  plus The Fenian DVD will also be available for sale.  Mary Kury’s book will be launched at 8pm by Liam Irwin. Tea and cakes will be served and all are welcome.

Congratulations to Mary Kury who has compiled a fine history of her native village Ardagh. The 400 plus page book cover all the important events from early pre-Christian days and will be a very valuable source of information for future  researchers. The book has over 400 illustrations including pictures, maps documents, stories, poems and lots of history. Appendices include a survey of forts taken between 1960 and 1980, a list of town lands mentioned in the text with heads of household in the Tithe Applotments, Griffiths Valuation, 1901, 1911 Census and land registry deed where available, West Limerick Brigade, School Rolls, Fenian statements and songs. The book will be launched on Sat December 9  at 7.30pm in Ardagh Community Centre by Liam Irwin. The book will be available for sale on the night at € 30 a copy.

Coolcappa Parents Association are holding their annual Sale of Work in Coolcappa Hall on Sunday December 10 from 12 noon. All the usual stalls will be in place with plenty of variety to choose from.

The annual Milford Hospice Light Up a Memory ceremony will be held this Sunday December 10 at 6pm. People are invited to sponsor a light which can be dedicated to a living or a deceased person. The lights will shine bright on the tree  in honour of this special person over the Christmas period. To sponsor a light contact the fundraising department on 061-485859 or 061-485890.