By Tom Aherne

The Ardagh Chalice 150 festival concluded on Sunday night last after three brilliant weekends of diverse entertainment. It was a festival to celebrate the finding of the Ardagh Chalice on September 17 1868, 150 years ago. It was hosted by St Kieran’s Heritage Association, with support from clubs, organisations, and numerous individuals, who did Trojan work to present such a full program of events. The festival catered for all age groups, which generated an upsurge of community spirit amongst all participants, whose talents shone through in providing entertainment for all who attended the various events. Finally thanks to all who provided sponsorship, looked after social media, guest speakers, and volunteers who gave of their time freely (John and Owen for the Sam Maguire Cup) in supporting the festival. The Heritage Association was founded only two years ago, and by hosting the Fenian Anniversary last year, and the Ardagh Chalice this year they have made a big impact to date.

The Lip Sync Legend Fundraiser in aid of the Ardagh District Recreational and Sporting Company (ADRSC) will be held in the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine on Saturday November 10. The rehearsals are being held in Ardagh Community Centre and they commenced on Wednesday September  26. A lot of the shining starlets are back again plus a number of new and eager participants. Positions still available for people who wish to join a group and there are still a few places for group acts so feel free to come along. The rehearsals will be held on Friday evenings at 7.30pm. Work on the community all-weather 80 by 50 metre playing facility in Ardagh is progressing very well with the hurling wall being built and kerbing being laid and the good weather has been a blessing.  It is due to open on October 20 and it will be a great asset for all age groups to avail of.

The first fundraiser, a scrap metal collection, will be held in Ardagh on Saturday October 6. A collection service will be available, and people with unwanted scrap metal are asked to contact committee members to make arrangements. A Coffee Morning will follow in early November, and the remainder will be held after the big night in the Devon Inn. The support of the community for this major fundraiser will be much appreciated by the ADRSC, as the cost of putting this facility in place is high. Last year’s event was a tremendous success, and provided two wonderful nights of entertainment.

The death has taken place of Francis (Francie) Meade, Five Cross Roads,
Blossom Hill, Rathkeale, on Saturday, September 22 peacefully at Cork University Hospital after a short illness bravely borne. He lay in repose at Magner’s Funeral Home, Rathkeale on Tuesday from 5pm until late, to cater for the massive attendance. The Funeral arrived at St. Mary’s Church Rathkeale on Wednesday for Requiem mass at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Croagh new cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Geraldine, sons Bryan and Andrew, sisters Mary, Catherine (Crowley Knockfinisk, Athea), Ann (Falahee), brothers Bill, Paddy, Mikie Coolcappa, uncle John O’Donnell, nieces, nephews, mother-in-law Marcella (Enright), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbour’s, staff, and a large circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.

The friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital wish to thank the collectors and everyone who contributed so generously to their church gate collection in Coolcappa/Kilcolman on September 2. The amount collected was €212.90 which will go towards the ongoing improvements for the patients in the hospital in Newcastle West.

The Deel Action Group would like to sincerely thank all who contributed to their collection outside St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday September 22. The total amount taken in was €191.35, which will be put to good use caring for all the animals.

Congratulations to Hannie O’Connor, Glensharrold Carrigkerry who won €10,000 in the Telly Bingo show on RTE 1 on Tuesday September 25. The ticket was bought at Moloney’s Shop.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for September was held in the Kerry Bar, Foynes on Friday, September 28. Congratulations to Ann Holyhead from the St Kieran’s club who won   €500.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday, September 24. The numbers drawn were 6,9,13, and 16, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Donal Dineen, Ardagh, Claire Sheehy, Newcastle West, Breda Enright, Ardagh, Niamh Daly, Ardagh, and Katie and Sean Mullins c/o   Patrick Mullins. Next week’s Jackpot will be €11,200 and the draw will be held in Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry.

Congratulations to Old Mill lady’s football team and mentors who defeated Mountcollins by 3-7 to 1-5 in the County Junior Championship Final at Mountcollins on Friday September 21.  They led by 3-5 to 0-3 at half time and contained their opponents well on resumption to take the title. Alva Neary was the captain and Player of the Match and great celebrations followed after she received the cup. TEAM: Sophie Hennessy, Róisín Mann, Erin Hennessy, Keira Carroll, Meabh Mulcahy, Alva Neary, Arianne Reidy, Cathy Ambrose,  Róisín Ambrose 0-2, Iris Kennelly 1-4, Aoife Danaher, Emma Donovan, Ide Trant 2-1, Aisling McEnery, Noreen Barry. Subs: Méabh Ambrose, Gemma Barrett. Management Jimmy Duggan, JP Aherne, Ivan Neary, and Mai Kennelly.

Carrig Celtic lost 5-3 at home to Newcastle West Town in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday September 23.  Sean Mc Sweeney 2 and Seanie King scored their goals. Creeves Celtic defeated Rockhill Rovers 5-0 away in Division 2 with goals from Danny Coleman 2, Seamus Mangan 2, and Tom Shanahan. In the Premier Division of the Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 0-0 at home to Rathkeale.

Saint Kieran’s were defeated by Monaleen by 3-13 to 2-9 in the County Senior Football Championship quarter final played at Fitzgerald Park Kilmallock on Saturday September 29. They trailed by 1-8 to 2-3 at half-time and the power and pace of the city side proved too high a hurdle to climb. TEAM: Robert Bradley, Paudie McCarthy, Johnny McCarthy (Captain) Kevin Meade, Liam Kennedy 1-0 Brendan McCarthy, Anthony Mullins, Darragh Treacy, Jack Ben Harnett, Noel Callanan 0-1, Ray Cahill, Sean McSweeney 0-5 Anthony Molyneaux 0-3, Seamus Mangan 1-0, Killian Enright, SUBS John Doyle, Niall O’Shea, Brian Crowley, Diarmuid Mulcahy. MANAGEMENT Noel Broderick, Paul Woulfe, Kieran Madigan, Mike Barrett, Mícheál Reidy.

Saint Kieran’s club were overjoyed to receive their share of the €100,000 donated by JP McManus to Limerick County Board to be divided amongst all the clubs in the county. The over generous businessman donated the same amount to all 32 County Boards in Ireland to be divided equally amongst its clubs.  

Congratulations to Darragh McCormack, Glenville, who was named Sailor of the Month for August (Classic) in the Afloat Magazine.

The annual Rosary at Churchtown Grotto will be recited each evening during the month of October at 7pm, and all are welcome. The caretakers are to be congratulated for situation this wonderful place of worship in our midst.

Newcastle West Film Club presents The Divine Order in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday October 5 at 8pm. This is season 21 for the club who recently celebrated their tenth anniversary. Admission is €10 and refreshments available.

The Old Mill Sports Club will hold their annual sponsored walk on Sunday October 7 from Ardagh Community Centre at 12 noon. Sponsorship cards are available from members and support will be really appreciated.

Congratulations to Ger Marshall, who won €228 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday September 28. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.