By Tom Aherne

Let’s Fight Cancer Midwest are hosting a Christmas Party at 7pm, in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West on Saturday, December 8. The tickets cost €40 each for a two-course meal with tea/coffee and complimentary wine. Live music will be provided by the Lost Boys and a DJ till the early hours. The MC will be Sean Carrig and there will be spot prizes galore. This is a fundraiser for cancer care services for Milford Hospice and the Midwestern Cancer Foundation. For more information and tickets contact Joan O’Sullivan 086-1625960, Lisa Ruttle 087-9544848, Vicky Murphy 087-2354180 or fundraising [email protected]

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. They will be based outside Dooley’s Supervalu from 9.30am until dark. This energetic group who put on a great performance at the Lip Sync 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. Parking in the Church and Hall car parks, and doors open at 8.30pm. It will be a night of celebration after the Lip Sync and they would appreciate the support of members of the community and beyond.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Society of St Vincent de Paul will hold their annual church gate collection on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9. All support will be greatly appreciated.

The death has taken place of Mary O’Connor, nee O’Brien, beloved wife of the late Paddy, Moig, Shanagolden. She passed away peacefully on Friday, November 23 at St Catherine’s Nursing Home in her 100th year. Reposing at Ferris’ Funeral Home Shanagolden on Sunday, November 25 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Senan’s  Church Shanagolden  on Monday, November 26 at 2 pm. Burial took place afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery. Her grandson is well known singer Patrick O’Sullivan from Cork who won the Glór Tire award on TG 4 a number of years ago. We extend our sympathy to  her loving daughters Mary and Joan, sons James, Pat, John and Michael, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, sister-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.  May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Tim O’Donnell, Kilscannel, Ardagh on Wednesday, November 28 peacefully in the loving care of the matron and staff of Milford Care Centre. Husband of the late Kathleen he operated a mobile home business until his retirement. He was a fine singer who brought joy to all who were in his company. He lay in repose in Saint Kyran’s Church, Coolcappagh on Friday evening from 6-8p.m. followed by prayers.  His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 1 at 10.30am, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.  We extend our sympathy to his daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Tesco Newcastle West is running their 8 week blue coin community fund for €1,000 at present. Carrigkerry Playground is 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.

The following are the Lottery results from Moore’s Bar on Monday, November 26. The numbers drawn were 15, 16, 21, and 28 and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Helen Costelloe, Coolcappa, Mary Steele, Ardagh, Dolores Braddish, Askeaton, Den and Pa, c/o Greaney’s, and Moira O’Donovan, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €13,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.

The Limerick GAA Club Draw for November was held at Devane’s Bar, Hospital on Friday night last, November 30. Congratulations to John Mullins (Junior) from the Saint Kieran’s club who won €1,000.

St Kieran’s held their annual general meeting in Ardagh Community Centre on Friday November 30 before a good attendance.  Chairman David Woulfe welcomed all and the various reports and addresses were dealt with. A good number of items were discussed at length including club finances, the need to increase membership, the decline in hurling and the Astro Turf progress. The following officers were elected to run the club in 2019. Chairman David Woulfe, Vice-Chairman Patrick Windle, Secretary Ivan Neary, Ass-Secretary Owen Hayes, Treasurer Tom Harnett, Ass-Treasurer Ian Mackessy, PRO Owen Hayes, Children’s Officer Deirdre Ambrose, Irish Officer John Hough, Health and Wellbeing Officer Sean Windle. A club committee was put in place and board delegates were appointed and part of the management teams for 2019 were also put in place. The club will be holding their Church gate collection this coming weekend.

The Charity Road Hurling competition will be held on Thursday, December 27 from 11am outside Ardagh Church and follow the usual route by Skehanagh and Cahermoyle and back to the village. All funds raised on the day will be donated to two local charities Milford Hospice and Bumbulance Children’s Ambulance. It is a very enjoyable event and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Roisín Ambrose, Ardagh and Old Mill ladies team, was a member of the Limerick All Ireland team that received a Civic Reception from Limerick Council on Wednesday, November 28.

Carrig Celtic lost 6-0 at home to Abbeyfeale Utd in the Desmond Premier Division on Sunday November 25. Creeves Celtic received a walkover from Ballingarry B in Division 2 to return to the top of the table. Kilcolman Rovers lost 6-0 at home to Charleville in the Premier Division of the Desmond Ladies league. Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 at home to Breska Rovers in the first round of the Desmond Cup.

Congratulations to Pat O’Connor and Peg Murphy who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday, November 21.

The Limerick Council Burial Grounds Awards were held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Wednesday, November 21. Congratulations to Kilcolman Burial Ground who received first place in the Operations West Ancient category.

Team Hope shoebox appeal would like to thank children parent’s teachers and staff of the four local national schools for donating gift filled shoeboxes to needy children throughout the World.

West Limerick 102fm presented their Winter Concert at the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West on Wednesday, November 28 in front of a fine attendance. The concert featured some of Irelands best entertainers including Paddy O Brien from Waterford, Marion Kirby from Caherconlish, Muriel O Connor and Fran Curry from Cashel and formerly of the Bards, Glen Flynn Duo from Tullamore, Michael Barron Offally, Bunratty Trad Group, Eddie and Jackie Carey from Newcastle West, Dermot Lyons TG4 Glor Tire Finalist, and that fine singer Willie Relihan from Churchtown in Cork. A highlight for many present was the performance of the Glenside Ceilí Band members John Mullins, Tom Mullins, Mike Murphy, Tom O’Donoghue, and guest Paul Moriarty on vocals. It was a most enjoyable night with four hours of great entertainment from all the artists who gave of their time and talents free in aid of the Radio.

West Limerick 102 fm are running their annual Christmas hamper appeal to raise funds for the non for profit community station. They have to raise 50% funding as part of their licence obligations. Tickets cost €5 and are on sale locally and at the station, and all support will be appreciated.

The Irish Rambling House group fresh from their successful Tour of Britain will perform in Concert in Siamsa Tire Tralee on Wednesday, December 12. Members of the group include Pat and Alison Curtin, Kilcolman, Chrissie Roche, Castlemahon, Margaret Madigan, Glin, and Doris Shire, Mungret. The tickets cost €27 and are available from Siamsa Tire