By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Patsy Barrett (Better known as No. 7) of Rooskagh, Carrigkerry at Saint Catherine’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West. Patsy had passed his four score year, having celebrated his 80th birthday at a family and friends get together in Newcastle West last spring. Patsy was a very popular person which was very evident by the crowds that attended his removal and mass. His nickname was picked up from the TV series Grizzly Adams, which featured No 7, Mad Jack’s ornery mule. His working years were spent on building sites and farm work being highly regarded for his hard work ethic. He worked with Murphy’s in England in his young days but the top of Rooskagh which was his favourite place called him home. The view from Rooskagh cross is amongst the finest to be seen in Ireland. He was a great neighbour, and much sought after when help was needed around the farm and in the bog, where he was a legendary figure.
A sod of turf, a bottle of Guinness and a Bodhrán were amongst the symbols which defined his life that were taken up to the altar. The bodhrán was his instrument and he went on the wren with Con and Maureen Greaney, John Kiely, Mick Barrett and others over the years. Patsy enjoyed a game of cards and 41 was his favourite, though he might not always play by the rules. He enjoyed the social interaction with his friends in Stack’s Carrigkerry, Old Mill and Newcastle West pubs down the years. Patsy was a great follower of Saint Kieran’s teams over the years, and enjoyed their many successes. He took great pride in the achievements of his family members, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Patsy enjoyed a life well lived going through it in his own way and he was liked by all sections of society and good company to be with. He lay in repose at Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Wednesday March 7 from 6pm, followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. He was laid to rest following 11.30am Requiem Mass Concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Canon Frank Duhig in Calvary Cemetery Newcastle West. We extend our sympathy to his sisters Peg and Betty, brothers Mike and Jane, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death has taken place of John O’Connor, Castlematrix, Rathkeale, and late of Ruan, County Clare, at University Hospital Limerick on Tuesday, February 27. Following Requiem Mass in Saint Mary’s Church Rathkeale on Saturday March 3 he was laid to rest in Killscannell Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Phil, daughter Mary, grandchildren Séan, and Carol, brothers, nephews, nieces, son-in-law David, and extended family members, neighbours, and friends. May he rest in Peace.
We extend our sympathy to Liam and Mary Steele and family Ardagh on the death of Liam’s brother John (Sean) Steele, Rivers Castletroy and late of Howmedica on Wednesday February 21 peacefully at Milford Hospice Limerick. His remains were removed from Griffins Funeral Home, John’s Gate, on Friday February 23 to Mary Magdalene Church Monaleen. He was laid to rest after Requiem Mass in Abington Cemetery Murroe on Saturday February 24. We extend sympathy also to his wife Catherine, son John, daughter Susan Shortt, sister Bridget, brothers Donal, Jim and Tom, and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.
We extend our sympathy to Theresa McMahon, and family, Coolanoran, Ardagh and Helen and Joe Mulcahy and family, Kilscannell, Ardagh on the death of their sister Maura Sparling, nee Doyle, Embury Close, Adare and late of Main Street, Rathkeale, at Adare and District Nursing Home on Friday March 2. Her remains lay in repose in the hall at Embury Close on Saturday March 3 with funeral arriving at Ballyagran Methodist Church for service and burial on Sunday March 4.May she rest in Peace.
We extend our sympathy to Peg and Tom Heffernan and family Kilrodane, Ardagh on the death of Peg’s father Willie Mulcahy, Meenoline, Templeglantine, on March 1 (peacefully), at home, surrounded by his loving family, in his 92nd year. His remains were removed from Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Sunday March 4 to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Templeglantine. He was laid to rest after Requiem Mass in Reilig Na Tríonóide Templeglantine, on Monday March 5. We extend sympathy also to his son Seamus, daughter Nora and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.
The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar Newbridge on Monday March 5 The numbers drawn were 11, 14, 23, and 27, and there was no lucky Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Kathleen Ryan, Ardagh, Julia Greaney, Ardagh, Ann Molyneaux, Ardagh, Eamon O’Connor, Glenastar, and Christina Mackessy, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €5,400 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.
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 Jim Long, Feenagh who won €312.
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.
The Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival takes place across Limerick City and County from Monday March19 to Sunday 25. With over 200 free events in this year’s programme there is certainly something for everyone to choose from, with a diversity of activities that includes dance, art health and science, business and developing career options. Shanagolden Further Education and Training Centre are holding a Come Draw with Me event from 10am to 12 noon. It will be a creative morning with VTOS learners, who will be available to show some drawing techniques to visitors. Relax with a cup of tea afterwards, and all are welcome. Contact Melanie Casey on 069-60106 beforehand.
The ADRSC committee are holding a night of Bingo in Ardagh Hall on Wednesday March 21 to raise funds for the Astro Turf Development. The prize money is €3,000 and the game commences at 8pm. A Raffle will also be held with lots of prizes to be won. The committee would welcome the donation of spot prizes, as well as support for this fundraiser.
Knockdown Vintage Club and Estuary Macra, are to hold a fundraising draw in aid of local causes in the Knockdown Arms on Sunday March 25 at 6pm, following the vintage car and vintage/modern tractor run. Tickets cost €2 each or €5 for three, for the valuable prizes on offer. The Variations will provide music from 4pm to 6pm, and all support will be appreciated.