By Tom Aherne

BEREAVEMENT: The death has taken place of Helen Ahern, beloved wife of the late Eugene (Jane) Rooskagh, Athea, on Thursday November 30, surrounded by her loving family at the Orchid Unit, St. Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West. She lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Saturday December 2 from 6pm,with removal afterwards to Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh. Her Requiem Mass was Concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, and Fr Michael Noonan, on Sunday at 12.30pm. Family members participated in the Readings, Prayers of the Faithful, Offertory Procession, Communion Reflection, and Tribute Verses.

Symbols that enriched Helen’s life were brought to the altar before Mass commenced. They included a book, to symbolise her love of reading,  deck of cards, to show her love to participate in social occasions with friends, and family photo to show her love for family. She was born on July  18 1932 one of ten in family from Loughill. She left school early and emigrated to England in search of work. Returning she married Jane and they raised six in family.  In later life she helped to raise her grandchildren following the passing of her daughter-in-law Siobhan. She was stylish and outgoing and blessed with a long life, and she will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Helen was laid to rest  afterwards in Churchtown Cemetery Newcastle West. We extend our sympathy to sons James, Eugene, Tim, and Patrick, daughters Helen, and Margaret, grand children, daughters in law, sons in law, her sister Kath (England), brother in law, sister in law, nephews and nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

SPORTS GRANTS: There was good news for two local community based organisations following the recent announcement of the Sports Capital Programme grants. Carrigkerry Sports Association has been awarded € 19,000 for the purchase of a mower, and sand filtration to their grounds. The recently formed Ardagh District Recreational & Sporting Company Ltd are set to receive € 7,500 for erecting security fencing.

RESPONDERS CONTACT: The contact number for Ardagh Community First Responders group is Tel 082 8889963. The Carrigkerry Community First Responders  contact number is 087 7930692.

LOTTERY DRAW: The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar Newbridge on Monday December 4. The numbers drawn were 19, 20, 21, and 28, and there was no lucky Jackpot winner.    Congratulations to the  five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Nora Cronin, Ardagh, BB c/o Ailish, Kieran Brouder, Ballyhahill, Loretta Hayes, Ardagh, and Kieran Lillis, Newcastle West.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €3,200 and the draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.

HERITAGE NEWS: Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held a launch night in Ardagh Community Centre, on Saturday  December 9. John Hough was MC and the prizes for the 2018 Heritage Calendar photo competition were presented and congratulations to all who submitted and won . The attractive Calendar with local scenes,  plus The Fenian DVD from last March were available for sale at € 10 each.  Mary Kury’s book was launched  by Liam Irwin, who gave a fine talk about the book and Mary’s contribution to local history. Tea and cakes was served to the good attendance who supported the event.

GAELIC GAMES: Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Senan’s by 3-7 to 1-5 in the West U21B Football Final played  under lights at bitterly cold Mountcollins ground on Friday December 1. They led by 0-6 to 1-2 at half-time after getting to grips with their opponents early onslaught. A quick fire hat-trick of goals decided the outcome, and a second West title, this year to add to the Minor title won earlier in the season.  Captain Ray Noonan accepted the cup on behalf of his teammates afterwards, and Robert Bradley was presented with the man of the match trophy. TEAM Robert Bradley, Anthony Mullins, John Byrnes, Michael Murphy, Eoin Bourke, Diarmuid Mulcahy, John Buckley, Liam Kennedy, Darragh O’Connor, Liam Upton 0-1, Noel Callanan 1-3, Patrick Liston, Killian Enright 0-1, Ray Noonan 1-2, Stephen Lyons 1-0, Daniel Barrett, Darragh Breen, Evan Donovan, Tomas Mullins, Stephen Hennessy,  Cillian Ambrose,  Eamon Ambrose,  Brian Mc Carthy.

They defeated South Liberties by 3-16 to 2-6 in the County semi final at dry and cold Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Friday December 8. They led by 1-9 to 2-4 at half time, despite conceding a late goal before the short whistle. They increased the lead to five, before their opponents hit back to leave it 1-12 to 2-6. South Liberties had a player dismissed following a flare up and their challenge waned in the final ten minutes. Two late goals and a point extended the margin, as Saint Kieran’s  booked a final place against south champions Ballylanders. Scorers Noel Callanan 0-7, Killian Enright 0-6, Patrick Liston 1-0, Darragh O’Connor 0-3 Ray Noonan 1-0, Darra Breen 1-0. Subs Darra Breen, Stephen Hennessy, Tommy Mullins, Eamon Ambrose. The team played very well at times, moving the ball swiftly from the back to attack. Their pace and competiveness, against a more mature opposition had to be admired  but wayward shooting could be an issue in a close encounter. Best of luck to the team and management in the final fixed for Mick Neville Park on this Friday evening at 7.30pm.

Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s set dancers who won the County Scór Na Nóg Set Dancing event in Askeaton Community Hall on Sunday December 3.

SOCCER NEWS: Carrig Celtic lost 3-2 at home to Athea Utd in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday December 3. Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 away to Shountrade in the Reidy Cup quarter final with Seamus Mangan on target. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton 4-1 away to extend their lead.  Dora Bury 2, Sophie Hennessy, and Kelly Mc Lean, scored their goals.

CARD PLAYING: Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill, and Marie Wrenn, who were prize winners at the card game held in Ballingarry Hall on Saturday December 2.

CARDS/WREATHS: The pupils of Coolcappa National School have designed Christmas cards, and they can be bought at the School. Christmas wreaths for door hangers, and graves can be bought by contacting Moira, at 069-76256 or 086-2123560. Proceeds will go to charity.

RADIO NEWS: 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 latest winner was Mary Clancy, Broadford who won  € 352. 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.

COLLECTION: The National St Vincent de Paul Christmas collection will be taken up on this coming Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th December. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

MASS TIME CHANGE: The Saturday evening Mass in Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh has been moved  to 6.30pm, as from December 9.

CONFESSIONS: Confessions for Christmas with outside priests, will be held in Newcastle West Church on Saturday December 16 from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

COOLCAPPA RAFFLE: The annual raffle in aid of Coolcappa Community Hall will be held on Sunday December 17. The cards are available from the usual outlets and all the profits will go towards the running of the hall. All support will be appreciated.

COOLCAPPA CONCERT: The Coolcappa National School Christmas Concert will be held in the Community Hall on Monday December 18 at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend.

KILCOLMAN PLAY: The Kilcolman National School Play will be held in Saint Colman’s Church on Tuesday December 19, and Thursday December 21 at 7.30pm. The Junior play on the 19 and the Senior play on the 21, and all are welcome to attend.

ARDAGH BINGO: Bingo will be held in Ardagh Community Centre at 8.30pm on Wednesday December 20 for €3,000 prize money. A major raffle will be held and donations will be greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Community Centre.

MONAGEA CEILI: The Christmas end of season Céilí in Monagea will be held on Thursday December 21 at 8.30pm. A raffle will be held on the night and the proceeds will be divided between the Butterfly Club and Youth Helper at Lourdes Pilgrimage. Donations for the raffle will be welcome, and tea and coffee will be served. All are welcome for a good night of dancing, and enjoyment.