By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Kathleen Buston, nee Conway, 13 O‘Connor Park, Ardagh, on Friday August 3, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick, surrounded by her family. Her sudden passing in her fifties caused widespread shock around the locality and she will be sadly missed by all she encountered to date. She was the third member of the Conway family to depart this life in the last 18 months. A native of Ardagh, she attended school there and worked in Newcastle West in her young days. Her life resolved around her daughter and grandson, and she will be sadly missed by all her family.

Kathleen lay in repose at her residence at O’Connor Park on Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. Her remains were brought to St Molua’s Church for 11.30am Mass on Bank Holiday Monday.  It was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan, and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts.  Before Mass commenced life symbols that were dear to Kathleen were brought to the altar. They showed her love for family, cooking, animals, singing, music and looking out for people. A family member paid tribute to Kathleen and thanked everybody before the final prayers. Kathleen was laid to rest in Ardagh cemetery afterwards. We extend our sympathy to her daughter Sheila, grandson Daven, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to the following couples; Aidan O’Keeffe, Park, Ballyhahill and Elaine Pierce, Dromcollogher who were married in St Bartholomew’s Church, Dromcollogher on Saturday August 4, and they held their reception at Ballyseedy Castle Hotel in Tralee.

Mairead Geoghegan, Rooskagh and Pat Hurley, Newcastle West who were married recently and held their reception in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine. Marie McCarthy, Ducateen, Newcastle West and Thomas Blessing who were married in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday August 4.

Congratulations to Pa O’Dwyer, Rooska, Ardagh who became the first Irishman to claim the title of the strongest man in the UK. He took the title following three days of competition in St Alban’s North London over the last weekend of July. Pa, now aged 32, has been Ireland’s strongest man for the past three years. In the past 11 years he has gone from 11 stone up to 23 stone, and educated himself in diet and fitness to become stronger and stronger.

The international line-up had 15 strength and endurance tests to perform including Tractor pulls, bar bends, and tyre flipping. Pa consumes a vast amount of food on a daily basis to maintain his position. Following his win he extended thanks to his family, friends and fans that supported him. Word has it that he is to be performing on Up for the Match on RTE 1 on Saturday August 18. Pa is due to perform in Ardagh during the 150 Festival in late September.

Congratulations to Darragh McCormack, Mark McCormack and Johnny Dillon who won the Mermaid National Championship aboard “188 Innocence” on Sunday August 5. Foynes Yacht Club hosted the four day event and it was the first time ever that a boat from Foynes won this Championship which commenced in 1953. The McCormack family from Cahermoyle, Ardagh have a long and successful association with Foynes Yacht Club, and James is the present Commodore, and Patricia the hard working hostess.

The annual Mass was celebrated at Ballyine Mass Rock on Thursday August 9 and a good crowd was in attendance.  Fr Noonan celebrated and welcomed all to this special spot, outlining the sacrifices made by people attending mass during the troubled years, when faith was put to the test. The evening was dry and cool and the choir member’s presence enhanced the occasion with uplifting hymns. Well done to the Leahy family and all involved in staging the mass.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Tuesday, August 7. The numbers drawn were 8, 15, 21 and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Alma O’Sullivan, c/o Neary’s, John Mullins, Ardagh, John Connelly,

c/o Neary’s, Ml O’Connor, c/o Moloney’s, and Des Hanley Coolcappagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €9,800 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Come on Limerick is the battle cry from our little corner of the county. The majority of houses and premises are flying the green and white colours and most conversations mention the upcoming All Ireland final and discuss their prospects against Galway. In the All Ireland minor final Galway player Michael Flynn from Ballygar can trace his roots back to the Flynn family in Glenastar.

Connors goes to Croker is the name of a song in praise of Limerick which can be heard on youtube. It was put together by Jacki and John O’Connor musicians from Kilcolman. Joining them on the recording is their cousin James O’Connor, Tadhg Maher All Ireland traditional singer from Offaly, and Martin O’Malley. The non profit song was composed to create some atmosphere and fun on the run up to the final.

Róisín Ambrose, Ardagh and the Old Mill club lined out for Limerick who defeated Carlow by 6-10 to 1-3 in Round 3 of the All Ireland Ladies Junior Football Championship in Askeaton on Saturday August 11. Best of luck to Róisín and the team in the semi-finals.

The Ardagh/Carrigkerry branch of St Vincent De Paul have organised their annual trip to Knock on Sunday, September 8. Please ring John Joe at 069-76280 or 087-4402148 as only a few seats remain to be filled in the bus.

The Liam Duggan Memorial Golf Classic will be held at Newcastle West Golf Club in Ardagh on Friday/Saturday August 17/18. The entry for the three ball scramble is €150 per team. The entry fee for the Junior 9 hole competition is €15. For bookings contact 069-76500 out of hours 087-0661345, 087-6577541,085-1064592.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, August 21 at 8pm in Ardagh Community Centre. On Thursday August 23 a talk by Dr Bill O’Brien U.C.C. will be held in the Community Centre Ardagh at 7.30pm. The title is Ballylin Hill Fort the Bronze Age Capital of Limerick and it will be followed by tea and cake. This event is in association with Heritage week, which runs from Saturday, August 18 to Sunday August 26.

A recording of the very popular R.T.E. Céilí House programme will be held in Ardagh Community Centre on Sunday September 16. The concert will feature local musicians, and the programme is due to be broadcast on Saturday September 22 at 9pm.

Congratulations to Charlie Sheehan, who won €206 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw held on Friday, August 10. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.