By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Mary O’Connor, nee Lane, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, peacefully at St Ita’s Hospital on Sunday, January 21. She was 91 years old and wife of the late Stephen. She was born on February 3 1926 and attended Carrigkerry School. She married Stephen from nearby Ballyhahill and they raised four daughters, in tough times. Mary was a homemaker, who had a great work ethic, as she also worked on the family farm all her life up to her retirement. She lived a long and healthy life, being blessed with good health until recent years. She was active until her final illness, over the past three months.

She lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Tuesday, January 23 from 6pm followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. Her Requiem Mass was Concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan, and Fr Tim Curtin, on Wednesday at 11.30am and family members participated during the celebration of her life.  Her neighbours Denis, Jacqueline, Willie and the Coolcappa Musical Group supplied the hymns and music, which Mary loved and wished for.

Sharon sang The May Morning Dew, Mary’s favourite party piece, after the priest’s entrance.

Symbols close to Mary’s heart were brought to the Altar before Mass commenced with Shanagolden being played in the background. They included a pair of spoons, which she used to play as a symbol of her love for music, Her hymn book as a sign of her devotion to her faith and the love of the choir, A picture of a donkey and cart as a reminder of her agricultural roots and childhood memories, A sod of turf to represent her love for the bog, A photo of herself and grandson Raymond who visited her before Christmas, but had returned to Australia.

Fr Michael spoke about the Pascal Mystery of the Mass, and paid tribute to Mary during his homily. There is a Place and Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore was sung and Sweet Forget Me Not played during the Communion. Mary on behalf of the family also paid her a loving tribute. It was based on her mother’s great faith, love for all people and music and song. She thanked all who helped out the family over recent weeks.  She had a special thanks for her home help Veronica and granddaughter Celine, Maurice sang Ballybunion, which Mary loved before the final blessing.

Mary was laid to rest beside her husband Stephen who passed away on January 13 1997 in Ardagh Cemetery. The rain held off as she received a  25 person musical and singing send off from the Glensharrold wren group and friends. During the mini concert they played lively marches, and the Battering Ram and Willie sang Barr na Stráide and Noel sang Down by Glensharrold Side. Nora, her daughter, sang A Mother’s Love is a Blessing at the graveside in a final tribute, to a person whose likes are disappearing so quickly in our fast paced world.

Mary had sweetness in her voice, sunshine in her smile and goodness in her heart and she will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Nora, Mary, Julianne and Christina, sister Bridie, sons-in-law, ten grandchildren, great grandchildren, neighbours and a large circle of friends. May she rest in musical Peace
The death has taken place of Catherine O’Connor, nee Madigan, of Lissatotan, Rathkeale,  formerly of Foynes, wife of the late James, peacefully  on Tuesday January 23. She lay in repose at Madigan’s Funeral Home Shanagolden, on  Thursday, January 25 from  6pm, followed by  removal  to St. Kyran’s Church Coolcappa. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday at 12noon followed by burial in Kilbradren Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to  her loving daughter Vanessa, sons  Patrick, John, Cedric and Brian, daughter in law, son in law, grandchildren, sisters  Mary, Margaret, Geraldine and Bridget, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Craobh Naomh Mhichíl who won the Senior Pléaracha All Ireland title in Brú Ború in Cashel on Saturday January 27. This is a great achievement for all the members involved.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar Ardagh on Monday January 29. The numbers drawn were 1,3,12, and 30 and there was no lucky Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each,  Mike Flynn, Carrigkerry,  Siobhán Woulfe, Ardagh, Kate O’Brien c/o Josie, C and  A, c/o Ailish, and Karen, Maggie and Sarah, Glensharrold. Next week’s Jackpot will be €4,400 and the draw will be held in Peadar’s Bar Ardagh.

Darragh Treacy and Sean McSweeney (sub) were members of the Limerick team that were defeated by Laois by 2-12 to 0-9 in Division 4 of the National Football League at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday January 27. Plans are being put in place to honour the achievements of the junior hurling teams of 1956,1964,and 1977 who contested and won West Limerick honours. It will be held on Saturday February 17 with Mass for deceased members of the club in Ardagh Church at 6.30pm. A get together for the surviving members will follow in Ardagh Hall from  7.30, with presentations to the players involved followed by refreshments. Memorabilia and photos will also be on display to browse through and all are welcome to join in and to honour the past achievements of the club.

Nationwide on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday morning last featured a discussion on the new Hen Harrier scheme, which has aroused a lot of interest. Diarmuid McIntyre interviewed Fergal Monaghan, and local Knockfinisk farmer Denis Hayes, who is a participant.

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 Molly Kelly Clonsherick, Newcastle West who won €326.

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. County News on Wednesdays from 9.30pm to 10.30pm, is a new show presented by Pat O’Donovan. A panel will discuss the items making the current news, and people can ring in and have their say on 069-66200.

Muireann and Sheena Donovan, Kilcolman  are holding a tea/coffee morning on Saturday February 10 from 10am to 4pm, in aid of the Hope Foundation in Kolkata (Calcutta). Muireann is going to Kolkata at Easter with the Hope Foundation. She has to raise €2,400 all of which will go directly  to the street children  in Kolkata. They hope you will join them for a cuppa and a chat while also supporting this worthy cause.

The annual Sacristan’s collection in Coolcappa/Kilcolman will be taken up this weekend February 10/11 and people are asked to be generous with their donations.

St Vincent’s Lisnagry will hold their church gate collection in the local churches this coming weekend February 10/11 and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The Munster Ceol an Gheimhridh finals will take place at Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher on Sunday, February 11. Best of luck to all participants.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club resume their activities on Tuesday February 13 from 2pm to 4.30pm, The usual fun and games, Bingo, and  entertainment, and lots more to enjoy and new members will be most welcome. The club would like to thank the West Limerick Charity Wren Group for their donation of €450, and the Carrigkerry Wren Group for their donation of €200, which will go towards the running of the club.