By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Michael Lane, late of 12 Bishop’s Court,  Newcastle West and Grouse Lodge, Kilcolman, on Sunday April 22, peacefully in the loving care of the staff at St. Ita’s Community Hospital. He was a retired farmer in his early seventies, who was also employed by others in the construction industry. Mike also worked with greyhounds and enjoyed some successes. In retirement he moved to live in Newcastle West, and he was a familiar figure around the town. Mike’s body lay in repose in Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Monday from 5pm followed by removal to St Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Fr Tim Curtin celebrated his Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Ardagh cemetery.  We extend our sympathy to his sister Sadie, brother-in-law Moss, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death has taken place of Nora Barrett (nee Sexton) Rooska West, Athea, and formerly of Camas, Monagea, Newcastle West,   in her 93rd year. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday April 25 in the loving care of her family. She was predeceased by her husband Mick in 1985. Nora was born on May 20 1924 one of nine in family in Camas, Monagea. She attended Monagea N.S. and Newcastle West Technical School. She moved to work in England and Wales during the 2nd World War. She married Mick in 1946 and moved to Rooska West the last house in Athea parish adjoining Ardagh/Carrigkerry where she resided for 71 years.

She worked long and hard indoors and outdoors and they were blessed with Eileen, Mike, John and Donie. She cut turf with a sléan and made sure it was properly clamped and secured for the winter. She sailed through all outdoor work despite the climate challenges of the Rooska region.

Nora  was jovial with a warm personality and a sharp mind and she had a warm welcome for all who called to her home, and she enhanced the wider  community with her presence. She supported all events, and participated in music, song and dance which was so close to her heart. She was a step dancer in her youth and she was a regular attendee at Carrigkerry Lounge Bar during the 1970s, and 1980s, where she displayed her numerous dancing skills. She loved playing cards, and attending Flag Floor events, and the Tuesday Social Club. She was recorded for Radio (Ceili House) and TV (Ear to the Ground) and the wren boy tradition was close to her heart.

Nora’s body lay in repose in Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea on Friday April 27 from 6 o’clock to 8 o’clock. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Brendan Duggan and Canon Tony Mullins on Saturday, April 28 at 1.30 p.m. in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Athea. Family members participated in the ceremony and Maura, Donie, Donal and Mike supplied hymns and music. Fr Brendan accepted symbols that defined Nora before mass commenced. They included cake of flat bread, concertina, hand crafted piece from her grandchildren, dancing plaque (won with Liz King) and sod of turf. 

The readings and reflection were well chosen, and during his homily Fr Brendan who would visit Nora once a month paid her a lovely tribute. Son Mike on behalf of the family recalled her path through, life and the part Liz King and family played  (visits overseas and to events ) since her husband Mick died, and Kit Flynn who took her each week to collect her pension. The family thanked all who helped them along the way with a special mention to daughter in law Kay who was like a daughter to Nora.

Nora was laid to rest afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery, Athea, receiving a great send off from the Carrigkerry wren group and friends. We extend our sympathy to her sons, Donie, Mike, John, daughter Eileen and her partner Tom, daughters-in-law Kay, Noreen and Josephine, sisters Ita and Bridgie, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and a very large circle of friends. May she rest In Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Denis and Gertie O’Brien, Tenekilla, Ballyhahill on the sudden death of their daughter Edel in London. She was laid to rest in Kilfergus Cemetery on Sunday last. May she rest in Peace

The cuckoo has arrived around the locality and I heard the welcoming call on Friday, April 20 which was a lovely warm sunny afternoon.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday April 23. The numbers drawn were 2,4,21, and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Eddie O’Mahony, c/o Denis Greaney’s, M. Sheehy c/o Tom Neary, Joan Bridgeman, Ardagh, Michael Liston, Glenastar, and Eileen, and Mike, c/o Josie. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,800 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar Newbridge.

The Limerick GAA club draw for April was held during the sports programme on Limerick Live 95 radio on Saturday morning last. Congratulations to Eileen Kelly from the St Kieran’s club who won €100.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Father Casey’s 3-10 to 2-4 in the County Premier Minor Football Championship played in Coolcappa on Friday April 13.

Saint Kieran’s drew with Castletown /Ballygran 1-10 to 0-13 in Round 1 of the All County Hurling League at Coolcappa on Saturday April 21.

Askeaton/St Kieran’s defeated Tournafulla/Killeedy by 3-7 to 0-7 in Round 2 of the West Minor Hurling Championship in Askeaton on Friday April 20.

The Cúl Camp will take place in Coolcappa from Monday July 2 to Friday July 6 from 10am to 2.30pm. The attendance is open to primary school children aged 6 to 13, and the cost is €60 per child and family discounts are available. For more information contact camp coordinator on 087-9509218.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-1 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in the Desmond Premier division League Cup Quarter Final on Sunday April 22. They drew 1-1 away to Newcastle West Rovers in the Premier League on the previous Friday evening. Creeves Celtic defeated Broadford Utd Reserves 5-0 away in Division 3 with goals from Seamus Mangan, 2 Tommy Dillane, Mark Hennessy, and Darragh O’Connor.

Congratulations to Creeves Celtic who defeated Kilcolman Rovers 3-2 on penalties (0-0 after extra time) in the Desmond Ladies Division 1 League Cup Final played in Clounreask on Sunday April 22. TEAM: Ciara O’Grady, Rachel Naughton, Marion Nash, Deborah Dalton, Siobhan Guinane, Sarah O’Meara, Sandra Larkin, Tara Rocca, Linda Kennelly, Avril Dalton, Angela Sheehan, Sub Shannon Ruttle, also Emer Feehan, Olivia O’Keeffe, Lyndsey Curtin.

Carrigkerry N.S. are now enrolling for next September, and forms are available by calling to the school or by ringing 069 -76229.

The First Holy Communion will take place in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday May 5, at 11am, and St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday May 19 at 11am. The First Holy Communion will take place in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Saturday, May 5 at 11am, and in St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday May 26 at 11 am.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association will hold their next meeting on Thursday May 17 at 8pm in the Heritage room in Ardagh Community hall. A Table Quiz to raise funds for the Ardagh Chalice 150 Festival will be held at Reen’s Bar on Saturday May 19. A church gate collection will be held in Coolcappa/Kilcolman on Saturday 25/and Sunday 26 May

The tea day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society Ireland takes place on Thursday May 3. Joan Callaghan and friends will host a Tea Day and Cake Sale in the Red Door Newcastle West on Thursday May 3 from 10am to 4pm. All support will be appreciated.

Thanks to John Joe Tierney and his friends who provided a wonderful nights entertainment at his céilí on Saturday night in the Con Colbert Hall. There was a great atmosphere present, lovely music, delicious food, lots of spot prizes, and a warm welcome to all. It was much appreciated well done all and enjoy the summer sun.