By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Mary Goulding, nee Moore, Carrigkerry West on Thursday, November 22 at St John’s Hospital Limerick.  She was a homemaker and wife of the late John, and a native of the village. She spent the majority of her life in Carrigkerry apart from 11 years spent in England in the 1960s. She was a resident of Beechwood Nursing Home, Newcastle West in recent years. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday from 6 o’clock with removal to St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry.

The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan on Saturday, November 24 at 11.30am. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, reflection and tribute. Stephen, on behalf of the family, paid her a lovely tribute before the ceremony concluded. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West. We extend our sympathy to  daughters Bridget, Siobhán, Eileen and Mary, sons Stephen and Seán, sons in law, daughter in law, grandchildren Conor, Stephen, Eimear, Emma and Seán, sister Kathleen Nally, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of William (Bill) Bond, Dunmoylan, Shanagolden peacefully on Wednesday November 21. He was the youngest son of the late John and Ellen Bond. Predeceased by his brothers John, Jimmy, Mick and Paddy, sisters Betty, Bridie and Sarah. Reposing at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden on Friday from 6-8pm.The Requiem Mass was held in St Colman’s Kilcolman Church on Saturday November 24 at 11.30am followed by burial in Kilmoylan Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brothers Tom and Frank (London), sisters Eileen (Tobin), Maura (O’Connor) and Celia (Kosak, USA), nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, brother in law, and sisters in law, cousins, kind neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace

Following our meeting with Muintir Na Tíre and a member of An Garda Síochána recently concerning the setting up of a Community Text Alert, we are now appealing to everyone in the Parish of Ardagh/Carrigkerry/Old Mill and Kilcolman/Coolcappa to join our group. The goal is to have as many if not everyone in the community with a mobile phone (doesn’t have to be a Smart phone) registered on our contact list. The idea being that if you see anything suspicious, or there is someone in trouble, or possible unsocial behaviour, even lost property or animals, you will be able to contact the Gardaí direct and they will then verify the complaint is legitimate, They in turn will contact Muintir Na Tíre who will then send out a text to everyone on the list. To get on this list you have to register your name and number on our application form at a cost of €10.

These forms can be obtained from any committee member, the back of any of the churches, the shop in Carrigkerry or the Butcher’s Shop in Ardagh. The bigger the group, the stronger the community alert will be. There is also an app that we will be showing you how to download, and you can photograph any tools ,or equipment serial numbers, put them on the app, and if they ever do go missing you will have proof of ownership if the Gardaí do recover any stolen goods. They recover up to 15 million Euro of stolen property every year but find it very difficult to return to their rightful owners. We will have another meeting on Wednesday evening December 5 in the hall in Ardagh at 7.30pm for anyone that needs more information or who wants to register on the network list.

The family of Conor Hayes, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry would like to thank everyone for their help and support at the Coffee Morning held in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Sunday October 28. A cheque of €6,310 was presented to the Bumbleance children’s ambulance fund that was so kind to Conor.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a presentation evening in Neary’s on Thursday November 15. There were cheques presented to Friends of St Ita’s, Liskennet Autism Therapy Centre, Granagh, Ardagh Hall Committee and Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club.  The association have a number of items for sale at present, including a DVD of the Church Concert which was such a good night. It can be got at Greaney’s Shop Ardagh or from committee members for €15. A CD recording of the Céilí House programme designed edited and produced by Mike Daly can be got for €10. Mike also has a framed and glazed wall hanging of Rerasta Fort with the Ardagh Chalice Hoard for sale for €30. The above items would make ideal Christmas gifts for people at home and abroad. The association are holding a Christmas get together at Neary’s on Tuesday December 4  at 8pm and all are welcome.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar on Monday, November 19. The numbers drawn were 2,9,10, and 18, and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each. Julia Mackessy Ardagh, Thomas Mullins The Commons, Donal and Margaret Ardagh, Ann Madden Newcastle West, and Alan Murphy c/o Roches.    Next week’s Jackpot will be €12,800 and the draw will be held in Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry.

Congratulations to St Kieran’s who defeated St Senan’s by 4-10 to 0-7 in the West U 21 A Football Championship final at Mick Neville Park on Friday November 23. The winning margins flattered the new winners, who were only three points ahead entering the final quarter. Saint Senan’s pressed them all the way and with better finishing could have been in contention for far longer. The wet conditions made life difficult for the players, with passes going astray and movements breaking down. The main difference between the sides at half time was a John Hayes goal from the right that went past the goalie’s outstretched hands and into the top left hand corner of the net. They led by 1-7 to 0-6 at half time and both teams only added a point a piece in the third quarter.

St Kieran’s took over in the final quarter and scored at will with a hat trick of goals to claim the title. Anthony Mullins captain accepted the cup from Jim Enright afterwards, and centre back Diarmuid Mulcahy was named Man of the Match. TEAM Robert Bradley, Daniel Barrett,  John Byrnes, Michael Shanahan, Eoin Burke 0-1, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Anthony Mullins, Darragh O’Connor, Liam Kennedy, Liam Upton, Killian Enright 0-1, Stephen Lyons 1-1, Darragh Breen 0-2, Noel Callanan 1-2, John Hayes 1-2, Subs Dylan Molony 1-1, Kevin Guina, Michael Murphy, John Buckley. Panel Dan Duggan, Eoin McEnery, Eamon Ambrose, Aidan Brouder, Evan Donovan. Selectors Owen Hayes, Paudie McCarthy, John O’Connor, Mike Windle. The club are holding their AGM on Friday November 30 at 8.30pm in Ardagh Community Hall and all are welcome.

In the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers lost 4-1(Ide Trant) at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in the Premier division and Creeves Celtic had no match. In the men’s league Carrig Celtic and Creeves Celtic had no fixtures.

Turas an Dreoilín was shown on TG4 on Friday, November 16. It featured the Carrigkerry Wren group hunting the wren. Donie Nolan and Anita Bennis spoke about the traditions and origins of the St Stephen’s Day Custom in West Limerick. It was produced by Donal Nolan from Kilcolman and very enjoyable.

Tesco Newcastle West are running their 8 week  blue coin community fund for €1,000 at present. Carrigkerry Playground are one of three charities in line for the prize which will be awarded to the one who collects the most tokens. People who do their shopping there are asked to put their blue tokens into the Carrigkerry Playground funnel. At present Carrigkerry are neck and neck for the prize with a few weeks remaining. All support will be greatly appreciated.

St Kieran’s community games will hold their AGM in Ardagh Hall on Wednesday November 28 at 8pm. New members are encouraged to attend as well as coaches and parents interested in helping out participants in the various events they are entering.

Two of the Lip Sync acts are holding fundraisers on Saturday December 8. The Backbog Boys who were the opening act  on the night will do a static cycle in Newcastle West throughout the day. This energetic group would appreciate support and encouragement.

Young and Younger are holding a dance night in Ardagh Community Centre commencing at 9pm. It will be a mix of Set/Céilí, Social and Modern dancing, and teas will be served during the interval. Admission is adults €10 and juveniles €5 and a raffle will be held  for numerous prizes. It will be a night of celebration and they would appreciate the support of all their Lip Sync participants.

Congratulations to Richard Stack Newcastle West, who won €369 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday November 23. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.