By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Caroline Ahern, daughter of Bridget and Mike, Knockfinisk and Donie Wallace, Glin who were married in Adare on Friday, May 4. The reception was held in the Dunravan Arms Hotel, and enjoyed by family and friends.

The death took place recently in Birmingham of Hannah Hehir, nee Moore, late of Rathreigh, Ardagh. Her funeral was due to take place on Thursday May 10 at St Ann’s R.C. Church, Alcester St, Birmingham.

We extend our sympathy to Hilary Mulvihill, nee Hough, Ballyvoughan, Ardagh, sons Stephen and John, daughter Maeve, mother in law Peg and family Ardagh on the death of Hilary’s husband Martin Mulvihill, Parkboy Carney Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and late of Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co Kerry who passed away at Milford Hospice on Monday April 23. His remains were removed from Ryan’s Funeral Home Nenagh on Wednesday April 25 to Puckane Church. Following Requiem Mass on Thursday he was laid to rest in Cloughprior cemetery. Sympathy also to all extended family members, and may he rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Lesley Ann Danaher, Croagh, and a native of the Old Mill who was one of the five players that appeared on the Winning Streak show on RTE on Saturday, April 28. She won €33,000, and a holiday worth €3,000.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar Newbridge on Monday April 30. The numbers drawn were 1, 4, 5, and 22, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Barry and Ian Mackessy Coolanoran, John Brennan c/o the Thatch Bar, Robert Kelly c/o Denis Greaney, Ann Mullins Ardagh, and Tommy Greaney Kilcolman. Next week’s Jackpot will be €7,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar.

Glensharrold Wren Group members made a donation to the Leanne Bennett committee on Sunday April 22. The presentation was made by group members Johnny Kennelly, Mike Ahern, Mike Dunne, Denis Smith, Johnny Ahern, and Tom Aherne, to Geraldine (aunt) and Bobby Woulfe in Ardagh. Leanne is undergoing treatment at present and is remembered in our prayers and  wished well.

A Rambling House was held in Jims House Newbridge on Friday March 23 in aid of Milford Hospice. The total raised on the night was €1,230 which they presented recently to the Hospice. A big thank you to all the musicians, singers, and dancers, who provided the entertainment, all who donated spot prizes, and all who helped out.

The Buston family from Coolcappa recently presented a cheque for €4,825 to the Stroke Unit at University Hospital Limerick. The proceeds were collected at a hunt meet in Coolcappa on Sunday January 21.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish collected a total of €1,520 during the Lenten Trocaire appeal. Thanks to all who contributed this sum which will go to assist the good work Trocaire, are doing in the third World.

Congratulations to Carrigkerry primary school, one of six from Limerick, who have been named regional finalists in the prestigious annual Our World Aid Awards. They will showcase their projects alongside those from nine other schools, at the Regional final event taking place in Limerick on Wednesday May 16.

The Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish clerk’s collection will be taken up on this Saturday/ Sunday May 12/13. Bernard and Mary are providing a great service, and support to parishioners, and to all who attend services in both churches. This collection provides an opportunity to all to show their appreciation for their work over the 52 weeks, by contributing as generously as possible.

Askeaton/St Kieran’s defeated Granagh/Ballingarry by 3-15 to 0-18 in Round 3 of the West Minor Hurling Championship played in Ballingarry on Friday April 27.

Newcastle West defeated St Kieran’s by 2-10 to 1-8 in Round 1 of the West Intermediate Hurling Championship at Sunny Askeaton Gaelic Grounds on Friday May 4. It was close and competitive all through with only a couple of points separating the teams, until an injury time goal sealed victory for the town team.  A Killian Enright goal on 19 minutes and Anthony Molyneaux’s points helped Saint Kieran’s to be level at half-time 1-4 to 0-7. The teams were still level 1-6 to 0-6 after 12 minutes of the second half. A Newcastle goal on 15 minutes gave them a winning lead despite late pressure and a brace of points. The team is in transition and showed several changes from last year’s lineout. TEAM: Cillian Ambrose, Billy Breen, Paudie McCarthy, John O’Connor, Eoin Burke, Brendan McCarthy, Anthony Mullins, Jack Ben Harnett, Ian Mackessy, Anthony Molyneaux 0-7 Johnny McCarthy 0-1, Killian Enright 1-0 Ray Noonan, Evan Donovan, John Buckley. Sub Tommy Mullins.

Congratulations to Creeves Celtic who were crowned Desmond Division 3 champions on Sunday April 29. They defeated Carrig Celtic B by 3-0 at home with goals from Seamus Mangan, 2 and Jerome O’Connor. Well done to all the players and their managers Brian Nash, and Noel O’Donnell. Carrig Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Broadford Utd and they remain third from bottom of the Premier Division.

John Keily from Ardagh is the programme editor and main producer of Sacred Space on West Limerick 102fm. It is broadcast every Sunday morning from 10am to 11am and repeated on Sunday nights between 11pm – 12pm.  The programme includes inspirational music, chat, interviews, what’s on locally and not so locally including radio and TV and reflection on the Sunday gospel reading of the day. It is presented by John Keily, Lorraine Buckley, and Shane Ambrose, the regular panellists, with input each week from invited guests. All programmes are available around the world on www.sacredspace102.blogspot.com and on ITunes by searching for come and see inspirations. Text a comment/request to 087-6088667.

The Rosary will be recited each evening during the month of May at 7pm at Churchtown Grotto Newcastle West, and all are very welcome.

We extend get well wishes to Fr Michael Noonan P.P. Ardagh/Carrigkerry who has been in hospital in recent weeks. A speedy recovery to him and to all others around the locality who are recovering from illness at present. Thanks to Fr Tim Curtin, Coolcappa/Kilcolman who has been looking after the parish ceremonies.

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

Kilcolman Rovers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the club commencing on Saturday May 12 in Ardagh with a U8/10 Girls Blitz. On Friday May 18 the 1998/99 junior men’s team will play a challenge match. On Saturday May 19 Desmond Cup team 2011/2012 will play the present Kilcolman Rovers ladies team, plus underage matches, and fun games. This will be followed by a presentation evening and entertainment in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

The Darkness into Light fundraiser for Pieta House will take place on Saturday May 12 in Newcastle West.

St Senan’s and District Community Alert will hold their AGM in Shanagolden hall on Wednesday, May 16 at 8pm, and all are welcome.

Congratulations to Lynda Mc Eligott Philips who won €254 in the West Limerick 102 fm 50/50 draw on Friday May 4. Tickets cost € 2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.

A fundraising Céilí  for Sarah O’Doherty, Dually who will be volunteering in Fiji, in July with Volunteer Eco Students Abroad will be held in Con Colbert Community Hall, Athea on Saturday June 2 from 9.30 pm to 12.30am. The entrance fee is €10 and a raffle will be held and refreshments provided. The sets will be called and all support will be greatly appreciated.