By Tom Aherne
A happy retirement is wished to Sister Bridie O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry west who has retired from Dromcollogher Respite Centre after 16 years of dedicated service. A mass and reception was held in Dromcollogher on Friday February 16 to mark the day she retired. A number of tributes were paid and presentations made to Sister Bridie to mark the occasion. We thank her for the wonderful service she has provided to so many at home and abroad during her vocation. We wish her continued good health and happiness in the future.
Congratulations to Leah Hayes, Kilcolman who played in goals for the Republic of Ireland U15 team soccer team in Dublin on Saturday February 17. They defeated Northern Ireland by 2-1 and Leah made a number of important saves. Congratulations also to Sophie Liston, daughter of Stephen, Carrigkerry who represented the Republic of Ireland U16 team in the UK.
The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry on Monday, February 19. The numbers drawn were 2, 20, 28 and 30, and there was no lucky Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: John Woulfe, Ardagh, Noel and Mary Woulfe, Ardagh, Jason Thong Ardagh, Louise Moriarty, Ardagh, and JR O’Kelly, Carrigkerry. Next week’s Jackpot will be €5,000 and the draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.
The Carrigkerry First Responders would like to thank all who contributed to their recent church gate collection. The collection raised the fine sum of €504.55. The contact details are phone 087-7930692, email st.kierenscommunity games@gmail or on Facebook.
The Friends of Saint Vincent’s Lisnagry held their annual collection in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on February 11/12. The total amount collected was €510 which will go towards the refurbishment and upgrading of residential facilities in the centre. They would like to thank all people for their support.
Congratulations to Paddy D. O’Connor, and Peter Fitzsimons, Bridie Sheehy and Bill Downes, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday February 14.Congratulations to Jack Woulfe and Mike Robinson, who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday February 16.
The Saint Kieran’s GAA club held a very enjoyable Presentation evening on Saturday, February 17 in Ardagh Hall. It was a special occasion to honour the achievements of the junior hurling teams of 1956, 1964, and 1977 who contested and won West Limerick Championship honours. It commenced with Mass for deceased members of the club in St Molua’s Church Ardagh. A get together for the surviving members followed in Ardagh Hall from 7.30 with a good attendance present to pay tribute to the players involved. The teams were seated at three separate tables, allowing them a chance to relive those memorable days, and catch up on current issues. A lot of attention centred on the photos covering the 21years that were displayed on TV. All the players looked very trim and fit and ready for action as in days of old when they pulled on the green and gold.
Owen Hayes was a very informative and entertaining MC and he got the proceedings underway at 8pm. Liam Lenihan Vice-Chairman of the Munster Council was the special guest and he made the presentations, after his inspiring address to the club. His speech was wide ranging paying tribute to the former great players, and the importance of honouring them. The work being done at grassroots level, and the contribution of the late Tim Crowley, who he had been friends with for 46 years.
The first team to be presented with the very attractive trophies were the 1977 team led by their captain Pa O’Connor, who spoke on behalf of the team thanking the club for bringing them together 40 years after their success. Owen supplied snippets of each player’s careers as they accepted their trophies. Players honoured were Jim Coughlan, Mike O’Sullivan, Denis Greaney, Johnny Kennelly, John Windle, Tom Ahern, (Broadford who worked at McCormack’s Joinery) Patrick Mullins, Mike Mullins, (who travelled from England) Peter Mullins, Pa Crowley, Pa Leahy, Maurice Windle, Michael O’Connor, Mike O’Brien, Johnny Nash, Sean Mc Carthy, John O’Connor, Mike O’Connor, Sean O’Sullivan, and Tom Neary.
Next up was the 1964 team who contested the West Final against Adare, after winning the B Championship. They trained under Jerry Mc Mahon for four week’s beforehand and only succumbed to defeat in the final stages. Presentations were made to John Egan, Tom Mackessy, Mike Sweeney, Tommy Kelly, Sean McCarthy (also on the 1977 team) Danny Sheahan, Noel Wilmot, Patsy Hartnett, John Mulvihill, and Jody Heffernan. They all played with distinction for the club during the lean years, when honours were scarce, but enjoyment cherished.
Timmy Woulfe from Athea who hurled for the club for six years was first up for the 1956 team, who lost the West title following an objection by Banogue. He spoke fondly of the dedication of the players and club members with a special mention for John Joe Fitzgerald, Bill Enright, Paddy McCormack and Bill Enright. John Roche came from Dublin for the occasion, and he recalled his sporting interests after leaving Ardagh at an early age to work in the Capital. He played with Wanderers Rugby club for a number of years, and he also keeps active by playing golf at present. He took the opportunity to visit old friends, and catch up on current affairs during his visit.
John Mullins who immigrated to England at a young age spoke about his time playing in London and some of the opponents he opposed. He was chairman of the hurling club when he returned and has been very involved in the development Association and the Hall committee.
The Old Mill trio started playing with teams from Rooskagh, Carrigkerry and Ardagh and won West football titles with Kilcolman, before their switch to Newcastle West. Jack Kelly is very involved with the greyhounds; Tom Danaher and Jim Kelly are legendary figures around the Old Mill. They all shared some wonderful memories from that era with us during the evening. The people who were unable to attend were also remembered during the night.
Chairman David Woulfe thanked everyone involved in organising the event, past players, and all in attendance. He had one more presentation to make to recently retired Johnny McCarthy from the Limerick inter county scene. Johnny received rapturous applause as he accepted the fine trophy and Tom Aherne read out details of Johnny’s career.
Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry 5-0 at home in the first round of the Desmond Cup on Sunday February 18. Seanie King, 2 Denis Greaney, Liam Upton, and Liam King scored their goals. Creeves Celtic and Carrig Celtic B had no games. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Carrig Celtic lost 5-0 away to Rathkeale, and Kilcolman Rovers, and Creeves Celtic had no fixtures.
A benefit night in aid of Milford Hospice will be held at Jim’s Rambling House Newbridge on Friday, March 2 from 8.30pm. All musicians, singer’s dancers, storytellers, are very welcome, and lots of spot prizes to be handed out.
Newcastle West Film Club presents their film In Between, in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday March 2 at 8pm. The entry fee is € 7 and refreshments will be available.
The Limerick County Senior Scór Finals will be held at the Community Hall in Cappamore on Friday March 2 at 8pm.
The March céilí will be held in Halla Tadhg Gaelach Tournafulla on Friday March 2 at 9.30pm. Music by Taylor’s Cross and all are welcome and teas will be served.
Meabh Mulcahy from Coolcappa is travelling with the UCC Dental Outreach Programme volunteering in a remote village of Nepal this summer. She will travel with classmates and treat patients of all ages. Meabh will hold a church gate collection in Coolcappa on Saturday March 3. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas will hold an awards night in Ardagh Community Hall on Saturday March 3 at 7.30pm. The All Ireland medals will be presented to the members of the Plearacha group who will also perform. All entertainers are welcome to attend what promises to be a very interesting event.
Saint Kieran’s GAA Club are holding a fundraising table quiz in Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday March 3. The minor and U-21 football teams who won West and County Championship titles in 2017 will be presented with their medals during the night.