By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Donie Collins, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, peacefully in Milford Hospice on Thursday, January 11. He was predeceased by his wife Esther (nee Cregan) from Cappagh. The popularity of Donie and the Collins family was very evident by the large crowds who attended on both days. Donie was a good neighbour and friend whose talents he shared with family and friends, in a pleasant and unhurried manner.
Donie was born in 1953 the second eldest of four boys and two girls, and he attended Monamohill School. He commenced work aged 13 years at Patrick McCormack’s Joinery Works in Ardagh cycling the five miles each way daily. He also worked at Wilmot’s Tyres Rathkeale, where he met his wife Esther, from Cappagh. Donie worked on a CE Scheme in Ardagh, and Newcastle West, where his talents were utilised to good effect. He also worked as caretaker in the Community Centre in Newcastle West. He lay in repose at Kieran Madigan’s Funeral Home, Askeaton on Saturday, January 13 from 5pm, followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church in Carrigkerry
The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Tim Curtin, and Canon Frank Duhig, on Sunday at 1pm, and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory and tributes. Before the Mass commenced family members brought symbols that meant a lot to Donie during his lifetime. They included a toy red tractor, similar to the 35 he used for his farming work. An egg box as he kept hens and fowl and shared their eggs with neighbours and friends. A spirit level and a trowel as Donie laid blocks and did plastering. A family photograph to show their closeness, as he was a father and a mother to Trevor, Mark, and Lisa, following the passing of Esther after only fourteen years of married life. A western DVD as he loved watching westerns and movies. A sod of turf as a symbol of his hard days spent harvesting their winter fuel. A sliotar as he loved sports and was very proud of his family involvement and achievements.

The singing and music enhanced the ceremony and Lisa joined in to sing Caledonia, which was one of Donie’s favourite songs. Mark, on behalf of the family, paid him a lovely tribute, before the final prayers, saying he was always there for them no matter what time or discussion was needed. Donie’s final journey went by his home, and he was laid to rest in Kilcolman Cemetery.
We extend our sympathy to his sons Trevor and Mark, daughter Lisa, daughters in law, brothers, Pat, Mike, and Billy, sisters, Lily and Mary,  brother in law, sisters in law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a large circle of friends. May he Rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday January 15. The numbers drawn were 1, 11, 18, and 28 and there was no lucky Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Paudie Kennelly c/o Josie, Michael Liston Glenastar, Richard Dineen, Ardagh, Willie Treacy, Ardagh and Paddy Harnett, Old Mill.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €4,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Saint Kieran’s are participating in the GAA National Club Draw2018. Tickets for the draw cost €10 and all the money collected will be retained by the club. The names will be entered in the National draw for very valuable prizes, and all support will be appreciated.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-4 on penalties after extra time to Ballymun United in Round 5 of the FAI Junior Cup played in Dublin on Saturday January 13. The match ended 4-4 with Ray Cahill scoring a hat trick and Anthony Molyneaux finding the target. Well done to team and management, on a fine performance against highly rated opponents. No other domestic matches were played in the Desmond men’s and ladies leagues.

Congratulations to Moss O’Connor, and Pat Dalton, who were prize winners at the card game held in Monagea Hall on Wednesday January 10, and Peg Mulvihill and Jim Lynch, prize winners in Shanagolden Hall on Friday January 12.

West Limerick 102 community Radio are promoting their 50/50 draw 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. All support weekly to keep the station on air will be greatly appreciated.  The latest winner was the Men’s Shed Newcastle West who won €220. 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.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held the first meeting of 2018 in Ardagh Community Hall on Wednesday January 17. A good crowd was in attendance, and a lot of discussion took place. The arrangements and details about the trip to Dublin were outlined and a large crowd will be travelling. The Ardagh Chalice weekend in September was discussed at length and ideas for events to be held were aired.  The Heritage Calendar 2018 which includes the photo competition winners is on sale in all local outlets, and every household in the locality are urged to buy one, as it will be a lovely keepsake. The Ardagh History book by Mary Kury is on sale at Moloney’s Daybreak, Carrigkerry, Greaney’s shop, Ardagh and Newcastle West Book shop.

The news that all of Limerick’s 142 national schools are to benefit from a recently announced government grant is to be welcomed. Each school will receive a flat rate minor works grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil, attending a special school or special class. The Minor Works Scheme grant is worth €6,425 for a 50-pupil school. The funds can be used for improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of IT -related equipment, the purchase of window blinds, or the purchase of floor covering, or the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment.

The Sean Nós dancing classes continue each Wednesday in Carrigkerry Community Centre, with children’s classes at 8pm, and adult classes from 9pm.

On this Thursday, January 25 the ninth definitive series of stamps ‘A History of Ireland in 100 objects’ will be issued. Included in the eight stamp series will be the Ardagh Chalice, which is timely with the 150th anniversary taking place next September.

The annual walk for Rathfredagh Cheshire Home will be held on Sunday January 28. It commences at 10am from Barna to Rathfredagh Cheshire Home along the Southern Trail Greenway and at 11am from the Longcourt Hotel. Transport will be provided from Rathfredagh to both Barna, and the hotel and refreshments will be provided.  All details about the walk can be got by contacting Rathfredagh Reception on 069-83100

The annual Milford Hospice 10k run/walk will be held on Sunday January 28 at the University of Limerick commencing at 11am. It is open to all runners and walkers of all levels and abilities, and all the proceeds will go directly to support the work of Milford Hospice, across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. Early bird registration is now open with a fee of € 20. Participants can register on the Milford Care website on www.milfordcarecentre.ie or phone the Fundraising Department on 061 485860.

All local associations and individuals are invited to attend a meeting in the Heritage Centre Ardagh Hall on Sunday January 28 at 7.30pm. Proposals on how best to commemorate the finding of the chalice 150 years ago will be discussed.

The AGM of the Old Mill Ladies Football Club will be held in Ardagh Community Hall on Thursday, February 1 at 8.30pm, and all members are invited to attend and new members will be very welcome also.