By Tom Aherne

People will be delighted to hear that Lip Sync Legends will be held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine on Saturday November 10. It will be the main fundraiser again for the ADRSC project which is up and running in Ardagh. Work commenced on Saturday June 9 and is progressing well with a new entrance opened up and the field being levelled where the Astroturf is to be laid. The committee held an information meeting in Ardagh Hall on Tuesday June 19. The Chairperson David Woulfe gave a brief review of last year’s progress, and fundraising which was a tremendous success, and he outlined plans for the coming months. Donal Mc Enery informed the good attendance on what was being put in place at present and future plans for a walkway around the field.

Deirdre Ambrose spoke about grants and fundraisers and the costs involved in completing the ambitious project which will benefit all. The Astroturf should be ready for use by October, depending on the progress made by the different contractors. The Lip Sync Legends will be on the same lines as last year which was so successful. The committee would like to see new participants and acts involved as well as last year’s more seasoned competitors.  The rehearsals will commence in September, and those interested in taking part are asked to inform committee members, over the summer months.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday June 18. The numbers drawn were 5, 15, 17, and 22, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each Mike Molyneaux, Ardagh, Laura Mullins, Ardagh, Timmy Madigan, Ardagh, S and Mike, Ardagh and Mary Steele, Ardagh.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €8,400 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar, Newbridge.

The Desmond League finished up as Shield runners-up in the Kennedy Cup in UL. They played six matches in total and Dean Quaid, and Lorcan Murphy from Kilcolman Rovers saw lots of action, with Dean scoring two goals.

Congratulations to Sean Moriarty and Moss O’Connor who were prize winners at the card game held in Monagea Hall on Wednesday, June 6.

West Limerick 102fm community radio held their annual general meeting on Tuesday, June 13 at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West. A small crowd was in attendance to hear Chairperson Pat O’Donovan give a positive message in his address. The popular station made a profit for the second year running and also reduced its debt level.  Long term debt continue to be a worry as it uses profits which are needed to upgrade the equipment to be able to present good quality programmes. Pat appealed for more people to get involved in the day to day running of the station. New energetic volunteers are needed in all areas to cover research, production, fundraising and general office duties. All listeners and volunteers were thanked for their continued support, and supporters of the 50/50 draw, which is keeping the station on air.

Cahermoyle House has recently being put on the market by Savills Dublin for a price guide of €900,000.The 19th century house and 43 acres of land is attracting a lot of interest as it can be used for many different things. It was the original home of William Smith O’Brien, who was MP for Limerick from 1835 to 1848. The Oblate Brothers took it over in 1919 and it operated as a working farm as well as a place of study for students. They moved out in 1988 and 200 acres of the land was sold and the house was turned into a nursing home. It was a successful venture and provided work for locals until it closed in 2016. It is a beautiful residence situated in a tranquil setting and we look forward with interest to the next chapter of its history.

Congratulations to Charlie O’Connor Newmarket, who won €323 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 22. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.

All ages of musicians, singers, dancers, and entertainers, are welcome to Jim’s Rambling House Newbridge on Friday, June 29 from 8.30pm. A great night of music song and dance is promised.

Pat McLoughlin from Newcastle West is launching his first book in the Longcourt House Hotel on Friday, June 29 at 8pm.  Minister, Patrick O’Donovan is performing the launching of the book which is entitled To Weave with Words. It’s a book of short stories (15 stories) and is published by Limerick Writers’ Centre Publications.  Pat is a former employee of the ESB and he has been involved in writing verse and prose in retirement. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Old Mill Club will hold its annual Sports Festival on the weekend of Friday/Saturday June 29/30. A table quiz will be held at Neary’s Bar Ardagh on the Friday night. An Under 12 Girls Football Tournament, sports races, and novelty games, will be held on the Saturday. A Barbecue and refreshments will be available on the day. The summer raffle draw will also be held on Saturday with some great prizes on offer. The tickets cost €2 each or 3 for €5, and they can be got from John Liston, 087-2643490, and Timmy Donoghue 087-2633599.

The third annual Limerick Big Ball Club Sevens will be held on Saturday, June 30. Rathkeale will host the event (in memory of Shane Hourigan, who died in a road accident in 2014) which will be played in Mick Neville Park. Registration from 9-15 am with the group matches commencing at 10am. The overall winners will receive the Shane Hourigan Cup and a €500 voucher.

The Ratfredagh Garden Fete will be held at their premises on the Bruff Line on Sunday, July 1 from 12 noon. All donations of items are greatly appreciated and pickups can be arranged. Contact 069-83100/069- 83268 for additional details.

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.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association will hold their next meeting in Ardagh Heritage Centre on Thursday, July 5 at 8pm, and all are welcome.

A musical coach will depart from Sheehan’s Road Newcastle West at 9am on Saturday July 7 for the Willie Clancy Festival taking place in Milltown Malbay, and Spanish Point in Clare. It will be a day of music song and dance in the various venues, and all are welcome to come on board. Names with € 10 deposit to Ita Mc Quinn, Monagea Telephone 087-2593415.