By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place peacefully in the loving care of her family of Margaret Breen, nee Shanahan, Main Street, Ardagh, (late of Monagea) on Saturday, March 30.She was wife of the late Connie and sister of the late Paddy and John. She came from Monagea to marry Connie and they set up home and raised their family at Ardagh Cross. A very creative and talented lady who excelled with her hands. She was a homemaker, dressmaker and art and craft person whose life revolved around  her family. On a personal note I enjoyed our many chats, observations on life and her beautiful flower garden, while working in the village. She was a founding member of Ardagh ICA and her crochet work and baking talents  brought joy to many. Her final years were challenging with ill health, but she received great care from Moira and her team of carers.

She lay in repose at her daughter Moira’s residence Main Street, Ardagh on Sunday March 31 from 5pm to 8pm. Her remains arrived at St Molua’s Church on Monday for 11.30am Mass which was concelebrated by family friend Canon Tony Mullins and Fr Michael Noonan. The symbols of Margaret’s life  brought to the altar included  a flower, cookery book, rosary beads and family photo, which gave the attendance a flavour of her talents. The hymns and harp music enhanced the ceremony and family assisted with the readings, offertory and prayers. Canon Tony recalled his youthful visits to Breen’s which had a warm welcome for all. Their trips in the family green Volkswagen car to many dancing events around the county.

Her son Gerard, on behalf of the family, paid her a lovely tribute as the ceremony concluded. The large crowds that attended on both days showed the esteem Margaret and the Breen family are held in the local and wider community. She will be sadly missed by family and her select group of close friends. Margaret was laid to rest afterwards beside her late husband Connie who died on February 16, 2004 in the adjoining cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her daughter Moira and son Gerard, son-in-law Patsy, daughter-in-law Ber, grandchildren Jason, Darragh, Claragh, Caoimhe and Ronan, grand-daughter-in-law Mareta, sisters-in-law, nephews and niece, extended family and close friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Raymond Brouder, Gortnadroma, Ballyhahill peacefully on Saturday, March 30 at Saint Catherine’s Nursing Home, Newcastle West. He was 86 years old and he had been a patient there for over three years. He was a warm and engaging person who was very involved in community work over the years. He was obliging with his time, getting things done and a supporter of Saint Kieran’s teams. He was a lifelong Pioneer, Eucharistic Minister, founding member of the Gortnadroma Action group and interested in sport and history. In his young days he was a member of the Knockfinisk Wren Group and a noted step dancer. He lay in repose in Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Monday from 4pm to 8pm, and large crowds attended to pay their respects, as they also did for the mass and burial the following day.

His Requiem Mass was Concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane, Fr Brendan Duggan, Fr Austin McNamara, and Fr Tom Leane, Dromtariffe, on Tuesday at 11am. Symbols of Raymond’s life were brought to the altar before the ceremony commenced. They included  a copy of the Brouder Family Tree that Raymond  compiled and led to a very successful re-union of members,  Flowers as he was very interested in gardening, and he also had a fine tillage garden across the road.  His fishing rod which gave him endless hours of enjoyment along the  bridges and banks of the White River, A C.D. of music showing his love for traditional music and set dancing, A sod of turf which kept the home fire burning, and family photos to show his love for family. The hymns and music enhanced the ceremony and family assisted with the readings, offertory gifts, and prayers. Fr Tim gave us an insight into Raymond’s life during his homily. He was born on January 23, 1933 and he attended nearby Monamohill School, and Shrulawn, Foynes for two years. He married Nancy Woulfe from Athea in Slough England on July 19, 1954, and after returning to Ireland was employed by Limerick County for 30 years. He suffered declining health in recent years, leading to entry to St Catherine’s. Raymond was laid to rest afterwards during a rain shower in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to his wife Anna (Nancy) sisters Peggy and Philomena, daughters Margaret and Rose, sons Neilie, Tom, Patsy, Raymond, and Christopher, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren,  great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Ann, and Con Lawlor, and family, Knocknagun Carrigkerry on the death of Ann’s mother Margaret O’Connor, nee McAuliffe, Lower Athea on Sunday, March 24.Her remains lay in repose at Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea on Tuesday, March 26. Requiem Mass is St Bartholomew’s Church Athea on Wednesday followed by burial in Holycross Cemetery. Sympathy also to all other members of the family and may she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future  to Timmy Madigan, son of Catherine and Timmy, Lisgordan, Ardagh and Denise Ryan, Borrisoleigh, Tipperary  who were married in St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday, March 16. The happy couple held their reception in the Ballyseedy Hotel Tralee.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Tricia O’Connor, daughter of Nora and Pa, Glenastar, Ardagh and Micheál Downey  who were married in St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday April 6. The happy couple celebrated with family and friends at a reception in the Devon Inn Hotel.

The following are the results of the fourth 300 club draw in aid of Carrigkerry Playground: First Prize €1,000  Patrick Brouder, Kilcolman, Second Prize €250  Deirdre Hayes, and three €50 prizes were won by  Eileen Falahee, Sonny and Teddy Liston and Haulie Finucane.

Saint Kieran’s Community Alert committee would like to thank all who supported their  church gate collection, outside Ardagh, Carrigkerry, Coolcappa, and Kilcolman to offset the costs of setting up the scheme on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31. Forms are still available in local shops if people wish to join up.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar on Monday April 1. The numbers drawn were 10,17,21, and 29 , and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Laura Mai Woods, c/o Moloneys, Fiona Hogan, Cappagh, Patsy Donovan, Ardagh,  Ber Browne, Glenville, and John J O’Connor, Glensharrold. Next week’s Jackpot will be €16,200 and the draw will be held in Moore’s  Bar, Carrigkerry.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Na Piarsaigh by 2-16 to 0-10 in Round 1 of the County Senior Football Championship at wet and bitterly cold Mick Neville Park on Tuesday, April 2. Only the faithful supporters were present to witness a good start to the season. No scoreboard was in operation and no linesmen to add to the discomfort of patrons. St Kieran’s led by 1-8 to 0-5 at the interval in a match that saw John Hayes make his senior championship debut. TEAM Robert Bradley, Diarmuid  Mulcahy, Johnny McCarthy, Kevin Meade, Anthony Mullins, Brendan Mc Carthy,  Liam Kennedy, Darragh Treacy, Paudie McCarthy 0-2, Noel Callanan 0-2, Anthony Molyneaux 0-2,Ray Cahill 1-0, Sean McSweeney 0-7, Seamus Mangan 1-0, John Hayes 0-3 SUBS Killian Enright, John Doyle.

Creeves Celtic defeated Knockaderry 5-1 away to return to the top of the Desmond Division 2 League table on Sunday March 31. Carrig Celtic had no match. In the Premier Division of the Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers lost 6-1(Mary Lynch) away to Abbeyfeale Utd.

An 80s-themed disco in aid of Milford Hospice will be held on Friday April 12 in Rathkeale House Hotel commencing at 9pm with DJ Ray Hogan. Prizes for best dressed individual, and best dressed group, door prizes,  plus a raffle. Tickets cost €10 and can be got  from Mary Roche Cremins on 087-7473550 or Deirdre Hough on 087-6415449. All support will be appreciated, and proceeds will go to Milford Hospice.

A finishing up class set Céilí will be held in Con Colbert Hall, Athea on Saturday, April 13 commencing at 9pm, and all are welcome.

Joan and Kathleen Sheehy are holding a coffee morning in Barrett’s Bar, Glin on Sunday, April 14 at 11.30am, to raise funds for Deel Animal Action Group. D.A.A.G, are a registered charity made up of volunteers from West Limerick who rescue and re-home stray dogs and cats. All support will be greatly appreciated and all are welcome.

Tournafulla Development Association are holding a fundraising bingo in Halla Tadhg Gaelach, Tournafulla on Sunday, April 14 at 3pm sharp, with €2,100 in prize money. A double book and two sheets are €15, A single book and one sheet is €13, and half books are available for €5. Your support greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to Helen Woulfe, Abbeyfeale, who won €210 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday April 5. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated.