By Tom Aherne

NEW YEAR WISHES: I would like to wish the editors, staff member’s fellow contributors, and all the readers at home and abroad a very happy New Year. Many thanks to everybody who supplied items for the notes over the past year it was much appreciated. The feedback from people who read them, especially from those living away or abroad, is always positive as it keeps them in contact with their native place. I welcome news items, and can be contacted by phone 069-76143 evenings, or by email [email protected] and items should reach me by the previous Saturday for the following week’s publication.

Christmas came and went without any major incidents in the locality and the people celebrated and enjoyed their time off. A number of people returned to be re-united with family for the holidays, and we hope they all enjoyed their stay. The Christmas Trees lit up the local villages, once again, and a good number of houses, were highly decorated as in previous years. The weather was mainly dry and mild and ideal for travelling. It allowed people to move about to the many attractions that were on, around the locality. The old tradition of visiting the graveyards around the locality was very well observed with lots of people attending to their own plots.

The Church attendances were on a par with the previous year, and we compliment all the choirs, on their performances, and all people who participated in the ceremonies. 

Thankfully we had no major accidents around the locality. We send get well messages to everybody who was sick over the festive holiday and a return to good health for 2019. Congratulations also to a number of people who got engaged and tied the knot over the festive season. Thanks to all the individuals groups and organisations, which enhanced the lives of so many during the past year, due to their unselfish and voluntarily efforts, as it is much appreciated.

The usual number of Wren Groups were out and about calling to the houses and entertaining the people, with their own traditional brand of music song and dance. The present Glensharrold group celebrated their 62 anniversaries, and Carrigkerry their 36. Ardagh Comhaltas, Coolcappa Music group and West Limerick Charity Wrenboys, and a young group from Old Mill were others that visited the locality. A visit from them can brighten up the Christmas for many people who participated in their young days. Saint Kieran’s GAA club held a very successful road hurling competition with 44 teams competing on Thursday December 27 around the Ardagh loop, with the proceeds going to Bumbulance the children’s national ambulance service and Milford Hospice.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Siobhan Hayes, Kerryline, Kilcolman and Liam O’Gorman, Feenagh, who were married in Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Monday, December 31. Fr Tim Curtin performed the ceremony and the reception was held in the Strand Hotel Limerick.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Gráinne Hanley and Paul Smyth who were married recently in Saint Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa.

The death has taken place of Ann Hanley Dooradoyle, Limerick and late of UHL Biochemistry Lab and Creeves Cross Shanagolden. She passed away peacefully on Monday December 31 at Milford Hospice. She was the daughter of the late Tom and Ellen, and sister of the late Sheila. She lay in repose at Milford Care Centre Mortuary on Wednesday, January 2 from 5.30pm followed by removal to Saint Nessan’s Church, Raheen. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilbradern Graveyard. We extend our sympathy to her brothers Pat, Timmy and Thomas, sisters-in-law Sheila, Angela and Marie, nieces Elaine, Ruth, Helena Fiona, Bernadette and Ellen, nephews David and Tommy, cousin’s friends and work colleagues. May she rest in Peace.

We extend sympathy also to Geraldine O’Sullivan, Kilbradern on the death of her sister Eileen Mulcaire in Manchester. May she rest in Peace.

The death has also taken place of Joan Molyneaux, No 2 the Cross, Ardagh on Friday, January 4. More details next week and may she rest in Peace.

The following are the results of the first 300 club draw in aid of Carrigkerry Playground; First Prize €1,000 Michael Lynch, Second Prize €250 Mairead O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry and three €50 prizes were won by Helen O’Sullivan Whelan, Carrigkerry, Jerry McElligott, and John Enright Ardagh. The special one off €200 Shopping Voucher was won by John Sullivan, Ballinakill Transport.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club wish to thank all involved in a donation of €150 which was the proceeds of a Christmas Draw held at Neary’s Bar Ardagh. The money will help boost the weekly running costs of the club.

Due to antisocial behaviour which is distressing people in the village of Ardagh please note the Church Car Park will close every evening at 8.30pm and will reopen in the morning when the church will reopen.

The Charity Road Hurling competition run by the Saint Kieran’s club was held on Thursday December 27 from outside Ardagh Church and followed the usual route by Skehanagh and Cahermoyle and back to the village. To date the grand total of €2,810 which includes €200 from Creeves Junior Wren Group has been collected. All funds raised on the day will be donated to two local charities Milford Hospice and Bumbulance Children’s Ambulance. It was a very enjoyable event with 44 teams participating and all support was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all involved participants stewards bucket collectors caterers and people who donated to the cause.

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. Seamus O’Donnell a former player is wished well in his new role as goalkeeping coach to Limerick Senior Football team for 2019.

Aileen (Sheedy) Nix from Rooska East is passionate about art and creates some wonderful pieces. She is available to take orders for Birthdays, Anniversaries or any little occasion you may have coming up. Contact her and she will create a special gift for that special person in your life. Contact https://www.facebook.com/Artworks-By-Aileen-265588270806396/

Readers were well catered for this Christmas time with lots of books and local magazines to browse through and enjoy. The Feohanagh/Castlemahon and Athea journals provided good reading and Limerick’s All Ireland success was recalled in three books.

The set dancing class with Fiona, resumed in the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Tuesday, January 8, at 8.30pm, and Monagea Parish Hall on Thursday, January 10 at 8.30pm. The class with John Joe resumed in Con Colbert Hall Athea on Tuesday, January 8 at 9pm. The set dancing classes are a great way of keeping fit in good company with great atmosphere and all are welcome with a special welcome for beginners.

The Kilcolman/Coolcappa senior citizen’s party will be held in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on Sunday, January 13 at 1pm. People interested in attending are asked to forward their name to Joan Hayes 069-60307 or Mary O’Connor 087-6110396.

Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish applications for the Youth Pilgrimage are open from January 7 to January 31. Any youths aged 16 and over, interested in going to Lourdes with the Youth Pilgrimage please contact Fr Tim Curtin or Ann Dore.

Congratulations to Paddy O’Connor, Castleview Newcastle West, who won €224 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Thursday December 20. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.  The Christmas hamper was won by Jerome Scanlon from Feohanagh, and thanks to all who supported the station during 2018.

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 New Year Gift, and they are strictly limited, and admission by ticket only.

Limerick GAA season tickets are now available to order for the 2018 club games under the jurisdiction of the Limerick Senior County Board. The price of this ticket is €100 and they can be ordered through the office by phone 061-335516 or email [email protected]

We welcome the news that Athea Comhaltas will be holding the County Fleadh Cheoil in 2019 after a lapse of 17 years. This will be the ninth occasion holding it in the village, and it will be held over the June Bank Holiday weekend (Friday May 31 to Monday June 3).