By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Joan O’Mahony nee Roche Corbally Kilcolman and formerly of Glensharrold Carrigkerry peacefully at St Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Sunday February 17. Joan who was 90 years old was predeceased by her husband Con on March 22, 1993. She lived through hard times war, emergency, rationing and emigration, witnessed  great change over her long life, which began beside the Metal Bridge over the White River in Lower Glensharrold. My earliest memories of Josie as we knew her was her visits to Kennelly’s house where I grew up. Con and Josie who lived over a mile away close to the White River, would attend the Wren nights, Gambles, and House dances, which provided enjoyment for all the locals. She helped with the catering during the all-night long Wren nights and enjoyed the music song and dance. She was a kind and gentle person who had a great welcome for all who called to their house. Joan went on lots of outings and trips and enjoyed the social events after moving to her  adopted parish.

She lay in repose at Ferris’s Funeral Home Shanagolden on Monday from 6pm, followed by removal to St Colman’s Church Kilcolman. Fr Tim Curtin Concelebrated her funeral Mass with Fr Pat O’Brien, Caherlistrane/Headford  Galway on Tuesday at 12 noon. Family members participated in the ceremony and Maura and Donie supplied hymns and music . Fr Tim traced Joan’s path through life during his homily. She was born on November 29, 1928 and had six sisters and two brothers. The family attended Carrigkerry School taking a shortcut by the old road to Glensharrold cross. She met her husband Con who came from Athea  at a dance in the Old Mill Hall. They brought up their family Nora, and John, in Glensharrold and provided them with third level education which was scarce in the country at that time. When Con passed on, she moved to live with Nora and Joe in Kilcolman, and since 2012 was a resident in St Ita’s Hospital.

Her grandson Conor paid her a very nice tribute, thanking her for all the knowledge she imparted to himself and family before the ceremony concluded. Joan was laid to rest afterwards in Ardagh cemetery . We extend our sympathy to her daughter Nora Walsh, son John, son in law Joe, daughter in law Mary, grandchildren, great grandchild, sisters Kathleen, Bridie, and Joan, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Breda Collins nee Battles, Glensharrold in University Hospital Limerick. She was the wife of the late John Joe who passed away on February 28, 2008. She was a hard worker whose living came from the land.  Her remains lay in repose at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Tuesday February 19 from 7pm. Fr Michael Noonan celebrated her funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11am, and Breda was laid to rest afterwards in  the local cemetery beside her late husband. We extend our sympathy to her son Bernard, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes to Peter and  Helen Fitzsimons, Barnigue, and Paddy and Eileen Flaherty, Glenbawn who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries.

Carrigkerry Cardiac First Responders would like to thank all who supported their church gate collection in Carrigkerry on Sunday February 17. They  have a new contact number now 069-31031. In an emergency first phone 999 followed by their number.

Congratulations to Sam King Carrigkerry who won €500 in the Killoughteen National School fundraiser  to build a new general-purpose room.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Monday February 18. The numbers drawn were 9,11,18, and 29 there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Tom Brosnan c/o Josie, Mixey and Matso Ardagh, Donie Mc Grath Glin, Mike Magner Ardagh, and Mike Lynch Carrigkerry. Next week’s Jackpot will be €15,000 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar Newbridge.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Askeaton by 2-9 to 3-5 in round 2 of the West U-21 B Hurling Championship at Athea on Saturday February 16. The Old Mill Ladies Football Club held their presentation night at Ardagh Hall on Sunday February 17.

Carrig Celtic defeated Creeves Celtic 5-1 in the second round of the Desmond Cup at Newbridge on Sunday February 17. John Hayes, Anthony Molyneaux, Seanie King, Ray Cahill, and Ray Brouder scored their goals and Richard Hayes replied for Creeves. In the Desmond Ladies Premier League Kilcolman Rovers lost 3-0 away to Breska Rovers, and Creeves Celtic lost 3-0 away to Newcastle West Town in Division 1.

Congratulations to Mike Robinson and Jack Woulfe who were prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday February 15.

The West Limerick Charity Wrenboys would like to thank the people for their support on St Stephen’s Day which is much appreciated. The proceeds from the day went to the following charities: St Ita’s Alzheimer’s Orchid Unit, Dromcollogher Respite Centre, Ardagh Tuesday Club, and the Oncology Unit UHL.

The Ardagh/Carrigkerry Social Club resumed in Ardagh Hall on Tuesday February 19 after the Christmas break. This is their 22 year in operation, and they meet from 2pm to 4.30pm. They participate in bingo, music song and dance, and new members are always welcome. They would like to thank the West Limerick Charity Wrenboy Group for their donation of €350 which will go towards the running of the club.

John Cremin from Ballykiely Ardagh and Shannonside Macra branch has put his name forward to contest the position of Munster Vice-President of Macra Na Feirme.  He has been a member of Macra since October 2014 and is the current treasurer of the Shannonside branch. He has represented his club and county in numerous competitions since, gaining valuable experience on the workings of the organisation. We wish John all the best in his quest for the position of Vice-President.

Coolcappa N.S. is now enrolling for September 2019. Those wishing to enrol their child can contact the school on 069-76493 or by email at [email protected]. To enrol in Kilcolman N.S. contact 069-60005 or email [email protected] Completed forms must be returned by February 28.

On Sunday March 3 Bishop Leahy will visit Coolcappa Church for Mass at 12 noon. To celebrate the official opening and blessing of Coolcappa National School which was totally renovated  and extended during the summer of 2018. A display of old photographs of pupils and staff down the years will be on display. You are cordially invited to join the celebrations and take a tour of the school. On the following Thursday March 7 Bishop Leahy  will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at 1.30pm in Coolcappa Church.

Transport Minister Shane Ross has announced details of significant funding which has been allocated to a number of high priority road projects across Limerick. A total of €35,000 has been allocated to the L1222 at Ballylin, Ardagh.

Congratulations to Muiris O’Connor Ardagh who won €236 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday February 22. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.