By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Mike Mullins of Knocknagun, Carrigkerry, Ardagh, and Rose Glen, Colindale, London peacefully on October 11 in London surrounded by his loving family. Mike had many strings to his bow and he accomplished a lot throughout his life. He was a skilled tradesman and builder, whose work can be seen on both sides of the Irish Sea.  He was renowned for his skill at cutting the timber by hand for roofs of houses before the trusses became the standard way. When the Stack family retired from business and moved from Carrigkerry to Kilmeedy around 1980 it was Mike and company that build their magnificent house that was later owned by singer Sean O’Dowd.

He played Gaelic games at under age and adult level with St Kieran’s and soccer with Kilcolman Rovers in his young days. He was skilful and a stylish operator and he won a West Limerick Junior Hurling medal with St Kieran’s in 1977. They defeated Knockaderry in a replay by 4-5 to 1-7. He played mostly in attack but also lined out in goals during those years when they were one of the top teams in the division. The club held a reunion for the team on February 17 this year and Mike attended and received a presentation along with his brothers Peter and Patrick.

He was a member of the Glenside Céilí Band and also the New Glenside band who played at all the leading Cabaret and Lounge Bars during the 1970s. He played guitar and accordion and also featured on vocals.  He put great life into playing the polka set which was so popular in most venues and especially in Stacks Carrigkerry. He also attended Wren dances around the locality (Kennelly’s Glensharrold) with his accordion and he often teamed up with his parents Mick and Madge members of the original Glenside Céilí Band. He was also a publican in Ardagh village for a number of years, before his departure for England where he was domiciled for many years, but he made regular trips home to family and friends.

Mike lay in repose at Patrick Ryan and Daughter Funeral Directors, 6 South Ealing Road, Ealing, London W5 4QA on Thursday Evening Oct 18th from 6pm to 7pm. Prayer Service at 6.30 pm. Mike lay in repose at his residence in Carrigkerry on Saturday (Oct 20) from 4pm to 8 pm. Funeral arriving at St. Molua’s Church, Ardagh for Requiem Mass on Sunday (Oct 21) at 1.30pm. Mike was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Catherine, daughter Eva, son-in-law John, grandchildren Tara and Rachel, brothers Thomas, Peter, Patrick and Fr. Tony, sister Mary (Steele), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends in Ireland and England. Mike will be sadly missed by all he encountered throughout life and may he Rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Frances and Seamus Kelly and family Kerrikyle, on the death of Frances’ brother Noel Mullane, Killeedy Ballagh. May he Rest in Peace.

Pa O’Dwyer, son of Lena and Sean, Rooskagh and the UKs Strongest Man was one of three people (Martina McMahon Croagh and James Chawke Rathkeale) honoured recently by the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District branch. Cathaorirleach Adam Teskey from Reens, Ardagh presented him with a certificate to mark his achievements at the Civic Reception held at Aras Sean Finn Rathkeale.

A large crowd was present in Coolcappa on Saturday evening last to welcome the Liam McCarthy Cup and the West County Hotel Cup. Nickie Quaid and James O’Meara from the Limerick hurling team and Roisín Ambrose from the Limerick Ladies team were also present. Lots of photos were taken and all present celebrated this wonderful occasion.

St Kieran’s defeated Clan Na Gael by 2-21 to 2-4 in Round 2 of the West U-21 Football Championship at Feenagh on Saturday October 20.

Jason Mullins from the St Kieran’s club was the referee in the Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock County Senior Hurling Championship semi final played in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Sunday October 14.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar Newbridge on Monday October 15. The numbers drawn were 7, 20, 23, and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Margaret Sheahan, Ardagh, Peg and Aine O’Connor, Ardagh, Mike Donovan, Ardagh, Donie Dineen, Ardagh and Jennifer Mulqueen Foynes.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €11,800 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Congrats to The Old Mill ladies on winning the Limerick Junior Football League title at UL on Friday June 12. They defeated Groody Gaels by 2-9 to 0-6 to add to their Junior Football Championship win for 2018. They will play in the Intermediate competition in 2019.

Carrig Celtic lost 2-1(Seanie King) away to Glin Rovers in Round 1 of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday October 14. Creeves Celtic lost 3-1(Dave Dunne away to Ballysteen AFC in Round 2 of the Riedy Cup. In Division 1 of the Ladies League Creeves Celtic drew 2-2 at home with Newcastle West Town with Dymphna O’Brien scoring both goals.

Congratulations to Jim Dalton and Francis Woulfe who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, October 12. Congratulations to Maura Crowley and Loretta Hayes and Martin Flynn and Michael Kearney, who were prize winners at the Flag Floor Card game on Wednesday, October 10.

St Kieran’s Community Games which covers Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Kilcolman/Coolcappa areas are holding their AGM on this Thursday October 25 at 8pm in Coolcappa Hall. People who are interested in promoting community games are encouraged to attend and all are welcome.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Parish Mass times will change from the weekend of October 27/28 as follows: Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday evening at 6.30pm, and Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Sunday mornings at 11am.

Theresa Aherne Hayes and family, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry are holding a Coffee Morning at Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday October 28 at 11.30am. All the proceeds will go to the Bumbulance Children’s Ambulance Service, who was so kind to Conor during his final illness. Bumbulance is the most modern children’s ambulance service and also is the world’s first interactive ambulance purposefully designed for children, with the capacity to operate the latest medical equipment and inter hospital communication systems. Bumbulance helps families bring children to and from hospital and also provides angel journeys. The majority of people who work with Bumbulance are all volunteers and they rely on donations and funding to update their services. They will be selling merchandise namely key rings, wristbands, and pens. All support will be greatly appreciated.

A Fancy Dress 70/80s Disco will be held at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Sunday October 28 from 9pm ’till late.  Fancy dress is optional but please wear something relating to the era. A raffle will be held and sponsorship cards will be available and all support will be appreciated.

The annual Halloween children’s disco will now be held on Bank Holiday Monday, October 29 in Coolcappa Hall from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

The annual Remembrance Masses for those who died during the last 12 months will be held as follows: St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Thursday November 1 at 7.30pm. St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Friday November 2 at 7.30pm. St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Friday November 2 at 7.30pm. Saint Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Thursday November 8 at 7.30pm. The following is the Ardagh list: Francis Brouder, Mary Leahy Moriarty, Thomas (Tom) Wright, Maureen Egan, Kathy Casey Byrne, Frank (Thomas) Fitzgerald, Mary Kate Sheahan, John O’Connor, Kathleen Buston, Leanne Bennett, and Joseph Harrold. The Carrigkerry list is Helen Ahern, Donie Collins, Mary (Lane) O’Connor, Conor Hayes, Patsy Barrett, John Goulding, Con Herbert, and Bridget (Bridie) Flynn. If any person is omitted from the list their relatives are asked to contact the parish office at 069-76678 to rectify the records.

The annual Rambling House tour of Britain is fast approaching and the Tour 2018 – Dates and Venues  have been announced as follows: November 1 – Manchester Irish World Heritage Centre. Tickets – 0161 205 4007, November 2 – Birmingham Irish Centre Tickets – 0121 622 3763, November 3 – London Irish Centre Camden Tickets – 020 7916 2222, November 4 – Milton Keynes Irish Centre Tickets – 07999 352512.Our exiles always look forward to the visit of the Irish Rambling House tour and readers might pass on the details to their relatives living near the tour venues. Tour details can also be had from

00353 (0)87 285 3570
or e-mail  [email protected]

Congratulations to Tom O’Connor, who won €343 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday October 19. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.