By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Chris O’Donnell, Coolcappa and Sinéad O’Sullivan, Knocknaire, Tournafulla who were married in Saint Patrick’s Church, Tournafulla on Friday May 18.  The celebrants were Fr. Tim Curtin and Fr. Denis Mullane. They held their reception in the Great Southern Hotel Killarney.

Congratulations to Carrigkerry N.S. School and Kilcolman N.S. School pupils, who received the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Saturday, May 19 and Saturday, 26.The six Carrigkerry pupils who received it in St Mary’s Church were Sarah Doyle, Robbie Guina, Daithí Hennessy, Ellie Liston, Holly O’Sullivan and Brian O’Sullivan.

The  17 Kilcolman pupils who received it in St Colman’s were Sam Donovan, Ronan Enright, Cian Greaney, Cillian Greaney, Sophie Keane, Kayla Madigan, Gwymn McDonnell, Aisling McMahon, Killian Neville, Tara Nicholl, Christopher Nolan,  Aisling O’Connor, James Michael O’Connor, Eoin O’Donnell, Cian O’Mahony, Alex O’Sullivan, and Victoria Paczynski.

We extend our sympathy to Michael and Mary Collins and other family members on the death of their brother Donal from Skehanagh Ardagh. The burial of ashes took place after 9.30am Mass in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday May 23.

We extend our sympathy to Frances and Tom Ahern, and family Coolcappa, on the death of Frances’ father Patrick Phelan, late of Garryowen Limerick on Saturday, May 19. He was laid to rest in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery  on Wednesday May 23.

We extend our sympathy to Peg and Paddy O’Sullivan and family Carrigkerry West on the death of Peg’s brother Seanie Quinn, Templeathea which took place on Friday, May 11. He was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery on Sunday May 13. May they all rest in Peace.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar on Monday May 21. The numbers drawn were 4, 18, 19, and 26, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Sheehan family Ballyhahill, Timmy Copse, Glensharrold, Liam Steele, Ardagh, Barry and Ian Mackessy, Ardagh and Gemma O’Connor, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €7,600 and the draw will be held in Reen’s Bar Ardagh.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting in Ardagh Community Centre on Thursday May 17 and twelve people were present and apologies received from three more. The Minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Mary Kury and matters arising dealt with. The date for the fundraising Coffee Morning was suggested as Saturday June 9 at Ardagh Community Centre.

West Limerick Heritage was attended by two Marketing personnel who gave a short demonstration of a 3D video. Members were asked to submit three suitable locations from their parish as a starting point for this project.  Maps and pictures of Ballylin Hill Fort, Rerasta Fort and the Ardagh Chalice and Ardagh Village were entered for St Kieran’s Heritage Association. The Quilt and Children’s art competition are both ongoing.  Ardagh, Carrigkerry and Coolcappa schools have been visited and there is a lot of interest. The next Sewing Bee will be on Saturday June 9 from 11.00 – 1.00 at Ardagh Community Centre.

The Bingo July date to be confirmed and John Aherne to be asked to organise this with Anthony Fitzsimons. The Tree Planting, location was raised and the Church ground or School ground was proposed and Fr Noonan to be consulted. Reerasta Fort, access to be raised with Local politicians, and a picture of the stile to be sent to TD’s. The Programme for the Ardagh Chalice 150 anniversary festival in September was discussed and continues to be updated. The date of the next meeting is Thursday June 7 at 8.00 in Ardagh Community Centre.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for May was held on Friday May 25 and announced on Limerick Live 95fm Radio on Saturday May 26. The Saint Kieran’s club had no winner.

Saint Kieran’s players Darragh Treacy, and Sean McSweeney were members of the Limerick team that lost to Clare by 1-23 to 0-14 in the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Saturday May 19.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Na Piarsaigh by 2-23 to 2-6 in Division 1 of the County Senior Football League.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-0 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Thursday May 17. Creeves Celtic lost 1-0 away to Ballingarry B in Division 3 on Friday May 18. Congratulations to Kilcolman Rovers who recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their foundation with a number of outdoor and indoor events in Ardagh.

The learners of VTOS Shanagolden are holding their Annual Art Exhibition at Newcastle West Library from Thursday May 31 to Friday June 29. There are over 60 drawings from 10 mature students, on display which they produced from their weekly class with tutor Maureen Barry Fitzgerald. The exhibition titled In the Making shows the works completed by first and second year adult learners as part of their Level 5 Painting/Drawing Module. All are welcome to come along on Thursday May 31 from 7pm, for the official opening   by Triona Lynch of VTOS.

VTOS Shanagolden are currently enrolling learners for the next Academic Year QQI-Level 5 Information Processing) which will commence in September. Participants must be over 21 years and in receipt of Social Welfare for at least six months. Mature learners will be taught new skills in Computers, Communications, Accounting, Work Experience, and Art. People who join the programme can retain their Social Welfare entitlements, and receive travel and meal allowance, Childcare support under CETS, and Career Guidance.  Contact Melanie Casey on 069-60106 for more details.

The County Limerick Fleadh Cheoil takes place in Kilfinane from Friday June 1 to Sunday June 3. Best of luck to all the local competitors.

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.

Congratulations to Josephine Kiely Kilcolman, who won €355 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday May 25. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.

Friday and Saturday June 8/9 have been allocated as Sunflower Days in aid of Milford Hospice. All the money raised will be used locally to support the increasing number of people seeking to use this service. To volunteer or donate please visit www.sunflowerdays.ie.

West Limerick 102fm community radio are holding their Annual General Meeting  on Tuesday June 12 at 8pm in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West, and all are welcome.

Saint Kieran’s are holding their Cúl Camp in Coolcappa from Monday July 2nd to Friday July 6th from 10am to 2.30pm. It is open to primary school children from 6 to 13 years. The cost is €60 per child and family discounts are available. For more details contact the camp co-ordinator Deirdre Ambrose on 087-9509218.