By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Mary Murphy, nee McCarthy, Rooska East, Carrigkerry, on Saturday, January 12 peacefully at University Hospital Limerick. She was predeceased by her husband Michael and son Thomas. Mary’s passing was unexpected even though she had health problems over the years. She came from a large family and in her young days Carrigkerry was a favourite place for her to socialise. She was quiet and retiring but good company to be with and up for fun and enjoyment. She lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Tuesday, January 15 from 6 pm, followed by removal to Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry. Fr Michael Noonan celebrated her Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11.30am, and family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory gifts. Life symbols relating to her life were taken to the altar before Mass commenced. They included a cross to show her great faith and devotion to prayer. Tea bags as she liked to share tea with family and friends around the kitchen table. A CD as Mary liked song and music which was played a lot around the house.
Fr Michael traced Mary’s path through life during his homily. She was a native of Monagea parish and 65 years old. She worked at various jobs including a spell working in England before her marriage to Michael and setting up home in Rooska East. They raised seven children and Mary was a homemaker whose life revolved around her family. In later years her three grandchildren Meabh, Molly and Emma brought great joy and satisfaction to her life. He got to know Mary well during his First Friday visits. He paid tribute to her faith, devotion to prayer and her hospitality and open door policy. Her son, on behalf of the family, read a tribute before the final prayers. Donie sang Lovely Glenagown, and Maura appropriate hymns before her coffin left the Church. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in Templeglantine old cemetery. We extend our sympathy to sons Michael and Patrick, daughters Bridget, Maryann, Christina and Theresa, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
Congratulations to all the local students who represented their Schools at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition held in the RDS Dublin. They put a lot of work into their projects, and they deserve all the media exposure and awards they receive. Ciara Broude, a Desmond College student, received the Portwest Workplace Safety Award for her project examining the use of safety harness attachment to prevent suspension trauma.
Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their first meeting of the New Year in Neary’s on Thursday, January 17 with sixteen members present. A schedule of events for 2019 was discussed and a date for the AGM announced. It will be held on Wednesday, February 13 at 8pm in Ardagh Hall. New members are always welcome to get involved in the activities.
The following are the Lottery results from the Old Mill Bar on Monday, January 14. The numbers drawn were 10,20,23 and 28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each, Ita Kirk, Reens Bar, Mary Curley, Ardagh, Sean and Oisín Ryan, Ardagh, Marion O’Connor, Creeves and Pat and Beatrice O’Connor, Glenastar . Next week’s Jackpot will be €14,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.
Carrig Celtic defeated Killeaney/Bally Rovers 1-0 ( Darragh Breen) away in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday, January 13. In Division 2 Creeves Celtic defeated Killeaney/Bally Rovers 4-2 away with goals from Chris Hayes, Richie Hayes, Damien Lacey and Tom Shanahan. They lead the table by three points at present.
The West Limerick GAA All Star Awards function will be held at Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday, February 22. An impressive list of award winners has been announced including three locals, Johnny McCarthy from Saint Kieran’s will receive the Senior Football Award. John Hayes Saint Kieran’s will receive the U-21 A Football Award. Roisín Ambrose Old Mill will also be honoured for being a member of the Limerick Junior Football team who won the All Ireland.
Congratulations to John Mulvihill and Vinnie Wrenn, and Moss O’Connor and Joan Fitzgibbon who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, January 11.
Carrigkerry playground committee were approved for a grant to build a playground last year. At present they are raising funds to raise the remainder money needed to meet the cost of this facility. A Go Fund me page has been set up and they are calling on all current and past residents of the village and surrounding areas to help make this much needed amenity a reality. Look up the Carrigkerry Facebook Page and all donations will be most welcome.
The Limerick County Senior Scór Finals will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 7.30 pm at a venue to be announced. This is the 50th anniversary of Scór and Saint Kieran’s have enjoyed much success especially in the early years. It would be great to see the club represented this year to mark the anniversary of Scór which has provided so much entertainment down the years.
The Spring course of night classes in the Desmond College Newcastle West will commence on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm sharp. All the nine courses run for eight weeks and the fee is €90 per course except for the Pilates and Yoga which is €80. The other courses are Healthy Cooking and Baking, Beekeeping, Introduction to Horticulture, Genealogy-Finding your past, Drawing and Painting for Fun, Home Interior Design, and Wellbeing and Mindfullness. For more information contact Sean Shiels, Director of Adult Education Desmond College Newcastle West on 069-62205, or check out the website at www.desmondcollege.ie
The Grouse Lodge Windfarm Community Grants Scheme for 2019 is now open to local groups and organisations for applications. A total of €13,000 is available under categories Education and Skills Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Environment and Habitat Conservation, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability , Culture and Heritage and Recreation. The applications can be made online at https://www.windfarmcommunityfunds.ie/before Friday, March 15.
All musicians singers dancers and storytellers are invited to Jim’s Rambling House, Newbridge on Friday, January 25 at 8.30pm. A good night’s entertainment is promised.
The annual charity walk in aid of Rathfredagh Cheshire Home will take place on Sunday, January 27 with a new route and all support will be welcome. Registration at 1pm in Rathfredragh Cheshire Home. The walkers will leave Rathfredragh and on to Knockaderry village down Ballyallinan and back via the White Forge. The Cheshire Home provides residential , respite and support to people with physical disability. The Deel Ramblers Walking Group will be participating in the walk.