By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place suddenly of John Goulding, Carrigkerry West on Monday, April 9 at his residence. John was a tradesman all his life and up to recently could be seen repairing his own roof as he was very active and energetic. Examples of his work in houses and farm buildings can be seen all over the West Limerick area. He was a familiar figure astride his Honda 50 with the tools of his trade strapped on to the carrier as he drove from place to place doing his work.  John had an unusual way of sitting on the bike which he also used to bring home the shopping. He was very interested in local history and often gave me information, especially for the Saint Mary’s Church book in 2003 to mark the 125 anniversary.

He lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Thursday, April 12 from 6pm, followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry.  The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan on Friday at 11am with family member’s participation in the readings, offertory, prayers of the faithful and reflection. The theme of Fr Michael’s homily was going home, and it was there where he was happiest that John ended his 85 years on this earth. Stephen, on behalf of the family, paid a lovely tribute and thanked everybody for their support over this difficult time.

John attended Carrigkerry National School where he received his primary education and Communion. He got his Confirmation in Ardagh church in 1944 from Bishop David Keane. He served his time with Daffys of Croom, spending some time there, and also in England before settling down. He married Mary Moore (pub) from Carrigkerry and they raised six in family. Stephen described his father as a practical man who loved to engage in conversation with people who visited and when he was out.  He liked local history, geography  and reading and kept up to date with current affairs. He kept a garden for household needs in his younger days, and his faith was important to him. He was a very independent minded man who did not embrace the technology age.

Burial took place afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West. We extend our sympathy to his wife Mary (a resident in Beechwood Nursing Home), daughters Bridget, Siobhan, Eileen and Mary, sons Sean (Dubai) and Stephen, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren Conor, Stephen, Eimear, Sean and Emma, neighbours, relatives and friends. He will be sadly missed by all but his workmanship will remain as a testament of his skills into the future.  I will finish with a verse written by Dave O’Connor, and Dan Hartigan about Carrig Town which mentions Goulding’s lawn. 

Sure Carrig Hill is famous and

commands a pleasant view,

You can see the hills of Kerry and the plains of Galway too,

You can see the Galtee Mountains and the slopes of Knockmealdown,

You can view them all from Goulding’s lawn at the top of Carrig town.

May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Neilly Brouder, Gortadroma, Kilcolman who celebrated his 60th birthday at a party attended by family workmates, and friends at the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West on Friday April 6. Neilly is a very popular businessman who has provided a lot of employment for local workers in his furniture factory in Glin.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday April 9 The numbers drawn were 3, 4, 22, and 26, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Mary Bennett/o N Dineen, Marie Thompson c/o D Greaney, Tom Mackessy Ardagh, Abbie Fitzgerald c/o Neary’s, and Joe Fitzell c/o N Dineen. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,400 and the draw will be held in Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their latest meeting in Ardagh Hall on Wednesday April 11 and present were Paul Ahern, Mary Byrnes, Seamus Callaghan, Fr Tim Curtin, Davy Dillane, Gerard Greaney, Mary Kury, Richard Mc Donnell, Teresa Doyle McMahon, Sean Moriarty, Catriona O’Kelly, Mary O’Kelly, Patrick O’Regan, John P O’Sullivan, and Patrick Sheahan.

Mary Kury read the minutes from the last meeting, and matters arising were: Crowd funding for a replica Ardagh Chalice.  Mark Munson, London Silversmith gave a ball park quote of €3,500 to €35,000 depending on the level of detail required.  The treasurer is to contact CCAD and Adare Manor to check what kind of support they may be prepared to offer.  Ger Greaney has ordered Ardagh Chalice merchandise and will bring the various items to the next meeting.  John Hough is continuing to follow up the GAA officials for the talk on the evening of September 22.

The pub quiz was a very successful and enjoyable evening.  Thanks to John Hough for organising the evening and to Ivan for his support and €475 was raised.  A second quiz will be held on the second or third week in May at Reen’s Bar.  The unveiling of Bishop Lacey’s stone will take place on August 4.  This is also the date for St Molua’s pattern and graveyard Mass.  The running order is to be discussed with Fr Noonan. The growth of ivy on the old ruin in the graveyard is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed and Sarah McCutcheon to be contacted. Work continues in the background concerning the proposed mural for the village.  The Leader grant application is at its second stage, and a meeting with WLR informed the chairman and treasurer that   quotes need to be submitted by the end of this month.  Posters for the September festival need to be put up shortly. The President Michael D Higgins has sent his apologies and will not attend our festival.   Bill O’Brien UCC has offered to attend Ardagh and give a talk (Thursday August 23) on Ballylin Hill Fort. The meeting decided to offer him a slot during Heritage week. Thanks to Dan Madigan for the very generous donation of a Map of Ardagh 1840.  Dan provided the Map which was copied and he then framed it and had a bronze plaque made for it.

John and Ger both contacted the Ray Darcy Show and asked him to cover the Ardagh Chalice 150 Festival. Paul Moriarty’s Bodhran Slam will take place in Ardagh Hall on Friday May 20 at 8pm and all bodhran players are asked to attend. The Children’s art competition has been sent to the schools and the Quilt has been advertised in the Church Bulletin.  Sewing Bees to help with producing squares for the quilt will take place on Saturday April 21and Saturday May 5 from 11-1 and 2-4 in Ardagh Community Centre.   Next Meeting will be on Thursday May 3 at 8.00 in Ardagh Community Centre.

Limerick lost to Clare by 3-13 to 2-9 in the Munster Minor Football Championship in Cusack Park Ennis on Wednesday April 11. John Hayes from the Saint Kieran’s club was captain and he scored a goal from his centre field position. Dylan Moloney 0-4, Kevin Guina, and Michael Shanahan, were all introduced as substitutes in the second half.

The club were out of luck in the Con and Annie Kirby greyhound meeting when their dog was eliminated at the quarter final stage.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Galbally 3-12 to 3-8 in the County Premier Minor Football Championship played in Galbally on Wednesday April 4.

Carrig Celtic lost 3-0 away to Rathkeale in the quarter final of the Desmond Cup on Sunday April 8. Creeves Celtic, and Carrig Celtic B had no fixtures. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Cup quarter final Kilcolman Rovers defeated Kilbehenny Celtic 4-0 at home with goals from Dora Bury 2 Erin Hennessy, and Ciara O’Donnell. Carrig Celtic lost 4-0 at home to Broadford United, and Creeves Celtic had no fixture.

Congratulations to Catherine Kiely and Mike McQuinn, and Mike O’Mahony and Mike Young, who were recent prize winners at the Flag Floor card game.

The Old Mill ladies football club are holding a clothes collection on Saturday April 21 and any clothes can be dropped to a committee member or contact Moira McEnery 086-8110634 prior to that date. Ciara Mann and Sheila Lee are hosting a coffee morning in the Desmond Complex on Friday May 25. All support for the fundraiser will be appreciated.

Congratulations to Theresa King Castlemahon who won €276 in last week’s West Limerick 102 fm 50/50 draw. Tickets cost € 2 and they are available in local shops, or from the radio station.

A charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held in the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West on Friday April 27 at 9.30pm. The Mountain Road Céilí Band will supply the music, and all are welcome, and support will be appreciated.