By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Leanne Bennett, 102 Castleview, Newcastle West, and late of Ardagh, on Friday, August 17 peacefully at her residence in the loving care of her sisters. She was only 27 years old and her passing caused deep sadness within the communities she was well known in. She lay in repose at her home in Castleview, Newcastle West on Sunday, August 18 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Her remains arrived at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Monday morning for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. It was concelebrated by Fr, Joseph Cussen, Newcastle West and Fr. Sean Sheehy, family friend. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts.

Before Mass commenced life symbols that were dear to Leanne were brought to the altar. They included photographs with family and friends and children she took care of. A medal won for her run in the Dublin City Marathon and her mobile phone, which she never went without. Fr. Joseph Cussen described Leanne as a person who lived life to the full enjoying her running and interaction with family and friends. She was also a member of West Limerick Athletic club and participated in their activities. Playing games with her club Roger Casements in Toronto, Canada and being the life and soul of the party in defeat as well as victory. She made a huge impression with her fellow players during her years there. The club held a small ceremony in Toronto on Wednesday last to say goodbye to Leanne.

Her sister Karen, on behalf of the family, paid a deeply moving tribute to Leanne, and thanked everybody for their support following the final prayers. Burial took place afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our deep sympathy to her sisters Lisa, Karen, Danielle and Patrice, nieces Ava and Lily, nephews Thomas and Darcy, brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Patricia Danaher, nee O’Gorman, Woodcliff, Loughill, peacefully in the loving care of the staff of St. Ita’s, Newcastle West, and predeceased by her husband Pat. Reposing on Monday August 20 at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden, from 6 o’clock with removal afterwards to the Church of Our Lady Wayside, Loughill. The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday at 1pm, with burial afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Therese, Margaret, Mary and Eva, son Matt, grandchildren Laoibhse, Sine, Eile, Ide, Maebh, Orlaith, Jack, Marie, Nicola, Eoin and Paidi, sons in law Ronan Breslin, Dan Hennessy, Nick Kennelly and John O’Keeffe, sisters Ita Cremin, Chrissie Daly and Anna Lane, brother John, brothers in law, sisters in law, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil was held in Drogheda two weeks ago and large crowds attended and enjoyed the wonderful entertainment on offer. Congratulations to the members of the local Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch who had a very successful time winning All Ireland medals.

This year’s Newcastle West Flower and Cake Show was held in the Community Centre Newcastle West from August 14 to 16. Congratulations to all the local exhibitors and prize winners.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association presented a talk by Dr Bill O’Brien U.C.C.  in the Community Centre Ardagh on Thursday August 23. The title was Ballylin Hill Fort the Bronze Age Capital of Limerick and it was very well supported. The event was in association with Heritage week and Bill was very informative, and delivered a most interesting talk. He spent a few months with colleagues surveying Ballylin Hill Fort in 2012 and his talk was partly based on their findings. Meetings are being held weekly on Tuesday’s at 8pm in Ardagh Hall in the run up to the Ardagh Chalice 150 Festival commencing on Friday September 21. People who are interested in getting involved are asked to attend the meetings for up to date news, and to check out the face book page.

Coolcappa National School are asking customers to put their blue tokens into the slot provided for Coolcappa at Tesco supermarket. All support for this fundraiser will be greatly appreciated.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar on Monday August 20. The numbers drawn were 5, 10, 20, and 21, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Caroline O’Donovan, Ardagh, Anne Kellet, The Thatch, Bridget King, Ardagh, Mickey and Matso, c/o Neary’s, and Paul O’Connor, Ardagh.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €10,200 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.

St Kieran’s defeated Oola by 0-17 to 2-7 in group 2 round 3 of the County Senior Football Championship at Kilmallock on Saturday August 25. It was dry cool and windy and the win guarantees a quarter final place at least. They play Newcastle West in the final game in the group to decide who advances to the semi final. They led by 0-10 to 1-3 at half time, and were never led, though Oola pressed them hard in the second half. It was a good result as they were under strength as Darragh Treacy, Jack Ben Harnett, Sean Mc Sweeney, and John Doyle were unavaible for selection. TEAM Robert Bradley, Paudie McCarthy, Johnny McCarthy, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Anthony Mullins, Brendan McCarthy, Kevin Meade, Anthony Molyneaux, Liam Kennedy 0-4, Diarmuid Crowley, Ray Cahill 0-2, Noel Callanan 0-3, Killian Enright 0-1, Seamus Mangan 0-5, Ian Mackessy. Subs Brian Crowley 0-1, Niall O’Shea 0-1, Liam Upton.

St Kieran’s defeated Monaleen by 1-10 to 1-4 in the Premier County Football Championship in Monaleen on Friday August 17.

The staff and parents of Kilcolman N.S. are organising their first Golf Classic fundraiser on Friday August 31 (1pm to 4.30pm) and Saturday September 1 (2pm to 4pm). The general public can involved by providing donations and prizes, helping to provide sponsorship for the tee boxes, and sponsoring a team of three. The organisers would appreciate all the support of the community. To get involved contact Catherine on 087-1941255 or Ian on 087-7448848 or email [email protected], or by post to Kilcolman N.S. Kilcolman.

The Old Mill Sports Club will host a tea morning in Ardagh Hall on Saturday September 1, from 10am to 2pm. It promises to be an enjoyable event and all are welcome.

West Limerick 102fm community radio will be holding their annual collection in Ardagh/Carrigkerry on Saturday/Sunday September 1/2. Support from the public would be very much appreciated.

The annual Mass will be celebrated in Clounagh graveyard on Sunday September 2 at 12 noon. It is one of our ancient burial places, entry in a field opposite Larkin’s house.

The annual Milford Hospice Harvest Fair will be held on Sunday September 2 at the University of Limerick. The usual stalls and fun activities will be in place, with live music and food outlets in place. The Milford Care Centre plays a vital role in family life around the communities of Limerick Clare and north Tipperary. All support will be appreciated and the proceeds will go towards the new enhanced facilities in the new in-patient unit.

The McCormack/Kelly Academy of Dance will resume in Ardagh hall on Monday September 3 at 7pm, for returning dancers, with enrolments for new dancers at 6.45pm. A €5 fee for insurance will be collected on the night. The Irish step dancing and Sean Nós dancing classes will resume in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Wednesday September 5 .At 7pm step dancing,8pm junior Sean Nós, and 9pm adult Sean Nós dancing.

Congratulations to Joe Carr Ballinabearna, who won €206 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday August 24. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.