By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Ellen Enright Histon, late of Carnagh, Ballyhahill and St Catherine’s Nursing Home Newcastle West peacefully on December 8 in University Hospital Limerick. She lay in repose at Kieran Madigan’s Funeral Home Askeaton (6-8) on Monday, December 10 followed by removal to Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning followed by burial in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband Tom brothers Paddy, Donal and Mike, sisters Margaret, Patricia and Nora, extended family members and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Seamus Corrigan, of Friary Court, Askeaton, and late of Monemohill, Ballyhahill on Monday, December 10. His remains arrived at Saint Mary’s Church Askeaton on Thursday, December 13 for Requiem Mass. Seamus was laid to rest afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his brothers Tom, John, and Bernie, and nephew Brian, other relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Leesha and Mike Foley and family, Old Mill on the death of Leesha’s mother Bridie McCarthy, nee Dowling, Gurtdromasillihy, Moyvane, Co Kerry on Monday December 3. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Mike Scanlon, Kilcolman, Ardagh and Ciara Hogan, Holycross, Bruff who were married in Saint John’s Church, Knockainey and held their reception in the Springfort Hall, Mallow on Friday, December 7.

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar, Newbridge on Monday, December 10. The numbers drawn were 2,4,17 and 23 and there was no Jackpot winner.  Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Gerard Sheehy, c/o Moira, Timmy Madigan, Ardagh, Helen Relihan, Ardagh, Pat Condon, Newcastle West, and Ailish Enright, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €13,400 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.

Ardagh Community First Responder Group operates in the Ardagh, Coolcappa and Kilcolman areas. The aim is to provide assistance and support until the arrival of the Emergency Services in the event of a medical emergency. The responders will give assistance from the hours of 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday and from 7pm Friday to 7am Monday. Responders can give assistance in the event of Heart Attack, Stroke Collapse and Choking. In an emergency call Ardagh Community First Responders on 083 8889963. In the Carrigkerry area the number to call is 087-7930692

Creeves Celtic defeated Saint Ita’s 4-2 away in Division 2 of the Desmond League on Sunday December 9. Damien Lacey, Richie Hayes, Tom Shanahan and Darragh O’Connor scored the goals that keep them at the top of the table. Carrig Celtic had no fixture. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 away to Broadford United. Kilcolman Rovers had no fixture. Leah Hayes from Kilcolman has been called up to the Republic of Ireland Girls U-16 squad and will be in training with them during January.

Saint Kieran’s GAA Club are collecting their membership fees at present, and they have the following attractive rates on offer: Full family membership € 150, Family Membership € 60, Full senior/adult player membership € 130, Senior adult player € 40, Adult full (non player) including Development Draw € 110, Adult/non player € 20, Students € 20, Juvenile € 20. The club would appreciate a quick response from all players who have to be members to play due to insurance purposes, and other intended members. The club had no winner in the December Limerick GAA Club draw held at the County Board Convention in Bruff on Saturday last.

Congratulations to Paddy Sheehy and Mary Lynch who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, December 7.

Time has flown since September and dates have been set for the Christmas end of season dance classes. Monagea Hall will be the venue on Thursday December 20 at 8.15pm, and Con Colbert Hall, Athea on Saturday December 22 at 9pm. Raffles will be held for numerous prizes, and tea and cake will be served. All are welcome to come along and enjoy two great nights of fun and dance in an enjoyable homely atmosphere.

On Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated in Coolcappa, at 6pm, Ardagh 6.30pm, Kilcolman 7.30pm, and Carrigkerry 8.30.pm. On Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated in Kilcolman at 9.30am, Ardagh 10am, Coolcappa, 11am, and Carrigkerry at 11.30am.

The Charity Road Hurling competition will be held on Thursday, December 27 from 11.30am 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.

The annual Christmas walk along the Great Southern Trail Greenway on Thursday, December 27. Walkers are asked to assemble at the large car park behind Len’s Hotel, Abbeyfeale between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. The walkers will be transferred by Coach House Travel courtesy shuttle coach from there to Tullig Wood/Devon Road for the start point. Walkers will have a choice of either a 9km or a 7km stroll mainly along the old Railway track back to Leen’s Hotel. Seasonal mince pies, whipped cream and tea/coffee will be provided.

The Friends of Saint Ita’s and West Limerick 102fm, presents a snooker exhibition between 2 legends of the game Steve Davis (6 time World champion) v Ken Doherty (1997 World champion) at the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West on Thursday January 10 2019. The exhibition will also include Trick shots, Q and A session and a fun night with humour and stories! Tickets are available from WLR 069 66200/ Adrenalin Sports 069 77027/ Longcourt Hotel 069 25300/ O’Donovan and Associates 069 62713. The Standard tickets cost €20 (Doors 7.30 / Show 8pm) / VIP Tickets €50 (Doors 6.30pm / Reception @ 7pm sharp).It would make a fantastic Christmas Gift, and they are strictly limited, and admission by ticket only.

Readers have plenty of choice again this year if they want to support the numerous houses that are lit up to donate to charity for Christmas.  They include the Noonan family in Templeglantine, Hayes family in Shanagolden, McCarthy family in Askeaton, and Carroll family in Bruree. A visit is always a delight and if people can donate a little it will help many people in 2019. The houses will remain lit up until Little Christmas, and the owners will be delighted to welcome you.

Congratulations to Betty Newman Dromcollogher, who won €286 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday December 13. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers at home and abroad and fellow correspondents, and Donal and Lilian and all involved in the newsletter  a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and a bright and cheerful New Year.