By Tom Aherne

Carrigkerry playground committee recently received the good news that funding has been allocated under Leader for their proposed playground development next to the primary school. The journey began back in 2012 when a committee was put in place, and fundraising began. A lot of difficulty has been encountered along the way with planning and lack of grants being available. The committee persevered and kept their focus, and reapplied for grants, which finally paid off. The outlook is now much clearer and the dream of a playground for the children of Carrigkerry and the surrounding areas is much closer to realisation.

The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday September 3. The numbers drawn were 3,8,10 and 12, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Thomas Costello, Coolcappa, Theresa Danaher, Ardagh, Margaret Sheahan, Ardagh, Claire Sheehy, Newcastle West, and Loretta Hayes Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €10,600 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Askeaton/St Kieran’s were defeated by Granagh/Ballingarry 0-19 to 1-12 in the West Minor B Hurling Championship Final at Quaid Park Coolyroe on Sunday September 2. The teams were level on seven occasions, and their opponents led by 0-10 to 0-6 at half time. It was competitive all through, but the Knockfierna based team were little sharper and better strikers, and they hit four points in succession in added time to retain their title. TEAM: Kevin Walsh, Sean Hanley, Eamon Ambrose, Edward Fitzgerald, (Vice Captain) Alan McGrath, Sean McMahon, Eoin Condon, Luke Gammell, Eoin Bourke, Mikey Conlon 0-2, Michael Murphy, Stephen Lyons, Kevin Barry 0-0-8, Evan Donovan 0-1, Alex Ryan 0-1. Subs Liam Kennedy, and Eoin McEnery 1-0 Panel Sam Duggan, Ray Kelly (Vice Captain) Dan Duggan, Aaron O’Connor, Eoghan Heffernan, Jack Enright,  Tomas Sheahan, William Clifford,  Daniel Geraghty,  Tomas Treacy,  Daniel Hayes, Shane Murphy. Management: Ian Mackessy, Eamon Barry, Paul Condon, John Aherne.

Carrig Celtic lost 6-1(Seanie King) at home to Rathkeale AFC in the opening match in the Desmond Premier League on Sunday September 2. Creeves Celtic drew 6-6 away to Pallaskenry AFC in Division 2, with goals from Seamus Mangan 3, Richard Hayes 2, and Tom Shanahan.

Congratulations to Jack and Gerard Mulvihill who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday August 31.

West Limerick 102fm would like to thank everyone who supported their recent church gate collection which yielded, Carrigkerry €160-85, and Ardagh €56-58.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association official launch of the Ardagh Chalice 150 Festival will be held at 8pm, on Friday September 14 in Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome. Meetings are being held weekly on Tuesday’s at 8pm in Ardagh Hall/Neary’s Bar 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 social media pages.

This Sunday September 16 could be described as a super Sunday of events for the people of the locality. Róisín Ambrose and fellow players on the Limerick team will meet Louth in the All Ireland Junior Football Ladies Final at Croke Park at 11.45am. Saint Kieran’s will meet Newcastle West in the County Senior Football Championship at Knockaderry (time to be confirmed) with a semi-final place on offer for the winner.  A recording of the very popular R.T.E. Céilí House programme will be held in Ardagh Community Centre (time to be announced). The concert will feature local musicians and singers from Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch and guests. A feast of entertainment to savour and best wishes to Roisín and Limerick.

Set dancing classes resumed in the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Tuesday September 11, and are resuming in Monagea parish hall on Thursday September 13 from 8.30pm. The tutor is Fiona Buckley, a native of Kilcolman, and the usual sets plus some new sets will be danced. All are welcome to attend including beginners, and no partner is needed. Dancing is a great weight bearing exercise, and is good for soul and body.  It is also a wonderful social outlet with likeminded people in a relaxed class environment. For more information please phone Fiona on 086-3510774. Dancing classes with John Joe Tierney in Colbert Hall Athea also on Tuesday evenings.

Kilcolman community Creche are holding a scrap metal collection on September 14, 15, and 16. Contact 087-7752853 for pick up and drop off points and additional information. All support will be greatly appreciated.

Newcastle West Film Club present The Diving Bell and The Butterfly at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday September 14 at 8pm. The club are celebrating their 10th anniversary and the entrance fee on the night is €5 and refreshments are free. The films are for over 18, and season 21 will commence on Friday October 5. They guarantee a night not to be missed and all are welcome.

The annual mass will be celebrated in Relig Mhuire cemetery on Sunday September 16 at 3pm. People who have family members buried there are asked to attend to their graves.

SSE Airtricity is inviting applications from community based projects in the locality of their Tournafulla, Rathcahill, Dromada and Athea Wind Farms in County Limerick and Leanamore Wind Farm in County Kerry. Applications will be accepted within a 20km radius of the wind farms for projects that have an energy efficiency or sustainability theme; however preference will be given to projects within 5km of the wind farms. The closing date for this year’s Community Fund application is Friday, September 21. To find out more about how to apply, please contact their Community Development Officer Anne Reynolds. Tel: 01 655 6556 Email: Anne. Reynolds @ sse.com

An 11 day Marian Pilgrimage and a fully escorted tour to Italy will take place from September 18 to 28 with spiritual director Fr Tom Mangan. The cost is €1,180 per person, and places to visit will include Rome, Assisi, Lanciano, San Giovanni, Rotondo, Pietrelcina, Romania and Sorrento.

The National Ploughing Championships will be held in Screggan, Tullamore Co Offaly from September 18 to 20.

Congratulations to Siobhan Moloney Sharwood Newcastle West, who won €210 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday September 7. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.