By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Joan Molyneaux (nee Brouder), No 2 The Cross, Ardagh on Friday January 4 peacefully at her residence. She was a native of Ballinabearna and one of nine in family and married to Paddy for 59 years. Joan, who attended Carrigkerry School, was a homemaker and a wonderful community activist and volunteer; whose involvement benefitted the majority of clubs and organisations. Every parish needs people like Joan who do a lot of unseen work for the good of all without much acknowledgement. She was a straight talker and you knew where you stood with her, and if Joan said she would do something she always delivered. She was a great ticket seller and promoter for the Mackey Stand draw and the local Lottery and involved in running the Tuesday card game in Ardagh Hall over many years. She contributed the Ardagh notes for the Desmond News, and sold it outside the church for many years. Joan hosted and catered for the West Senior Scór and Scor Na Nóg competition held in Ardagh hall down the years. She did this work unselfishly for the love of all in the community and will be sadly missed by all.
Her remains lay in repose at Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Sunday from 5pm to 8pm, and the attendance was large and representative, with the stewards working hard to keep the traffic moving. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated on Monday, January 7 at 11am by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Tom Mangan, Fr Paddy Bowen, Canon James Ambrose, Canon Tony O’Keeffe and Canon Tony Mullins. Her remains were welcomed into the church by Fr Michael, and life symbols related to Joan’s four score years were taken to the Altar by her grandchildren. They included baking utensils,and Odlums flour as Joan loved to bake a fine selection of goodies, including the odd Wedding or special occasion cake. The Saint Kieran’s jersey showing her love for the local club which she was associated with since her arrival to the village in the 1960’s. She was doing first aid for the club before the term was even invented. She had her own unique rub and used Sloan’s Liniment, and Embrocation to get the players back into action quickly. Passing her house it was rare that a set of jersey’s were not seen drying on the line, as she took care of all the washing for many years. She was a very passionate supporter of all club teams, and was also handy with an umbrella when the occasion demanded.

A Bingo card was taken up as she enjoyed her nights out at the local Bingo venues and enjoyed many wins. A photo of Padre Pio was also taken up as she had great devotion to the saint, and to her faith being a regular church attendee. Her cleaning equipment to acknowledge her cleaning of the School, Church and Hall over many years. Joan was a lifelong member of the Pioneer movement and had received her Silver and Golden Pens. Fr Michael paid tribute to Joan during his homily and family members participated in the ceremony and Sinead’s solo singing added to the occasion, and Katie thanked all and recited a touching tribute poem.

The Saint Kieran’s GAA club formed a guard of honour as her coffin, with the club jersey, was shouldered out the gate as a light shower descended. Joan was laid to rest before a large crowd in Ardagh cemetery on home ground she served so well. Going Home sung at the graveside was a final salute to a special person who was known far and wide as Mrs Molyneaux. All present were invited to join the family for refreshments in the nearby Hall that Joan was caretaker of for 43 years. We extend our sympathy to her husband Paddy, sons Patrick, Mike and Jim, daughters Josephine and Bridget, brother Jimmy, sisters Theresa and Nancy, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Denis Dowling, London and late of Coolanoran, Ardagh on December 22. Denis, who was 75 years old, had resided in London for the last 60 years. He will be laid to rest in London on Thursday, January 17. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Frances and Tom Ahern and family, Coolcappa on the death of Frances’ mother Doris Phelan, Garryowen, Limerick

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to the following couples who were married. Siobhan Harnett and Sean Halligan in St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa on Thursday, December 27. Geraldine Lynch and Declan Looney in St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa on Thursday January 3. Leona Muckell and Declan Sparling in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday, January 5.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday, January 7. The numbers drawn were 6, 13, 14 and 29 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Maggie and Josie O’Connor, c/o Josie, Pat Collins, Glensharrold, Helen Relihan, Ardagh, Breda Hayes, Shanagolden, and Elaine and Kate Downey, Tournafulla. Next week’s Jackpot will be €13,800 and the draw will be held in the Old Mill Bar.

Darragh Treacy and Sean McSweeney from the Saint Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick football team defeated by Cork by 3-15 to 0-7 in the McGrath Cup semi-final played in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Sunday, January 6.

The local CE Schemes in Athea/Carrigkerry/Old Mill and Ardagh do great work in the locality and there are always vacancies coming up as other members fulfil their time. People who are interested in joining a scheme (19.5 hours per week) can contact their local Social Welfare office to see if they qualify. Male and females who may have school going children can fit in their hours while the children are at school. Carrigkerry/Old Mill have a number of vacancies at present and would welcome people interested in getting back into employment.

The Old Mill Ladies football club held their annual celebration evening in the Ballintemple Inn on Friday, January 4. Presentations were made to all the players who enjoyed a very successful year on the playing fields. A special presentation was made to Róisín Ambrose following her All Ireland junior football success with Limerick.  A number of the past committee members had their birthdays acknowledged and Noel O’Connor recited a very appropriate poem for the occasion. The Old Mill Ladies Football Club AGM will take place in Ardagh Hall on Thursday February 8.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association will hold their first meeting of the New Year in Neary’s on Thursday, January 17 at 8pm. A schedule for 2019 will be discussed and a date for the AGM announced. New members are always welcome to get involved in the activities.

The Deel Ramblers Walking Group will meet at Abbeyfeale Town Park entrance on Sunday, January 20 at 2pm. They had a very enjoyable walk around the Carrigkerry area on Sunday, January 13 with 21 members participating. This energetic group are in existence for a number of years and new members are always welcome to join them on their weekly walks.