By Tom Aherne
Congratulations to Eileen Shields, Sacristan of Askeaton Church, who received the Benemerenti medal from Bishop Brendan Leahy on Sunday, April 28. It is a papal award for people who have given tremendous service to the Catholic Church. She has been involved in the role for over 30 years and has given sterling service since. Eileen was the former Eileen Ahern from Barnigue, Carrigkerry, daughter of the late Bridget and William. She was one of six in family and she met her husband John from Conigar in Askeaton, when she went working there. They were married in 1968 and have lived at Plunkett Road since 1971. They have three daughters Antoinette, Elaine, and Marese, and members of her family travelled from all over the country to be with her on such a special occasion. Continued good wishes to Eileen and family in the future.
Shauna O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry and Ciara Brouder, Ardagh, travelled to Kolkata for a week during their Easter holidays. They were part of the Desmond College students Team Hope six who travelled to India to experience the way of life for children there. They are to be complimented as Ambassadors for their service and fundraising efforts, to bring some joy to the poverty-stricken street children.
The Downes brothers Mike from Castlebar and Liam from Templeglantine recently participated in a 300kms tractor road run from Dublin to Mayo. Their mode of transport was a 61-year-old Massey Ferguson 35. The brothers are Old Mill natives, and they would like to thank everybody who contributed to their collection. The organisers of the run hope to raise over €100,000 for three chosen charities, The National Rehabilitation Centre, Dun Laoghaire, the Special Baby Unit, Mullingar, and the Special Baby Unit Castlebar.
The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar on Monday April 29. The numbers drawn were 4,14,21, and 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Sarah Treacy, c/o Neary’s, Tommy Conway, c/o Neary’s, Loretta Hayes, c/o Eileen Collins, Kieran Conway, c/o Neary’s, and Luigi Hancassola, c/o Foley’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €17,000 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar Ardagh.
Congratulations to Mike Mahony and Mike Young who were prize-winners at the Flag Floor card game on Wednesday, April 24.
Creeves Celtic defeated Glantine 6-1 at home in the Desmond Division 2 League on Sunday April 28. Tommy Dillane 2, Seamus Mangan 2, Richard Hayes, and an own goal. Carrig Celtic had no fixture. In the Desmond Ladies Premier League Cup Kilcolman Rovers defeated Breska Rovers 1-0 at home with Dora Bury scoring their goal.
St Kieran’s Heritage Association held their May meeting in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Thursday, May 2, with fourteen people in attendance. Chairman John P O’Sullivan opened proceedings and Secretary Mary Kury read the minutes. The items discussed in matters arising included the local Schools Bird Survey, which will run over the month of May. Members would like to see a statue dedicated to Jim Quinn and Paddy Flanagan (finders of the Ardagh Chalice) erected in Ardagh village. The cost location and material were all discussed and further information is needed before a decision is reached. The Chairman informed the meeting about the Hen Harrier Grant which he has applied for, and a project for the old Railway Station premises was discussed.
The Ballyloughane School Re-union which will be held on the last weekend of June, Saturday 29/Sunday 30. The trip to Dublin to see some historical sights has been put on hold as it is hard to book suitable dates. It was suggested to visit local sites instead with Glenastar Waterfall, Black Hill, Knockfierna, and a bog outing mentioned. Compiling a DVD of last year’s events is still ongoing, and actors are needed to put on an outdoor play this Summer. The Smith O’Brien weekend will be held from September 13-15. Contact has been made with relations of the family who hope to attend. It is planned to do a cleanup of Rathronan graveyard and the O’Brien tomb. News from the West Limerick Heritage meeting was aired and discussed, and the next meeting was fixed for Carrigkerry Community Centre on Thursday June 6 at 8.30pm, and all are welcome.
Iris Kennelly, and Sophie Hennessy from the Old Mill club were members of the Limerick team that lost to Clare by 5-5 to 0-6 in the Munster Minor B Football Championship final at Ballybrown on Sunday April 28. Ciara Mann from the same club was a selector. Roisin Mann and Iris Kennelly (0-2) from the Newcastle West team were members of the Limerick team that drew 0-8 to 1-5 for Laois in the All Ireland Minor B Camogie final at Mc Donagh Park Nenagh on Saturday April 27. Meabh Kelly Ardagh NS is a member of the West Limerick Neville Cup panel who are participating in the inter-divisional semi-finals on Wednesday May 8.Derry O’Connor Ardagh NS, and Jack O’Sullivan Kilcolman NS are on the West Limerick Mackey Cup panel who play South Limerick on Wednesday, May 8.
The Ardagh Astro Turf Committee are included in the current round of Tesco Blue Tokens in Newcastle West. It started Monday, April 29 and continues for eight weeks. All support greatly appreciated.
The members of Ardagh ICA will hold their AGM on Thursday, May 9 at 8pm in the Community Centre Ardagh. New members are always welcome.
The Patsy Sheahan Memorial Darts Cup 16th annual singles open competition will be held at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Friday May 10 with registration and draw at 7.30pm sharp. A raffle will be held on the night and all proceeds to the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses. Contact Ivan Neary on 087-6577541 or Lisa O’Sullivan on 086-4036464 for more details.
All musicians singers’ dancers and storytellers are invited to Jim’s Rambling House, Newbridge on Friday, May 10 at 8pm. It promises to be a great night of music song and dance, and all are welcome.
The children of Ardagh NS will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Saturday, May 11 at 11am. Best wishes to all involved on the day.
Mass will be celebrated in Kilmoylan cemetery Shanagolden on Sunday, May 12 at 2.30pm, and all are welcome. The name derives from the Irish Cill Maoláin, meaning the church of (St) Maolán. The Maolán remembered in the name may be the St Miolan, or Melan whose feast is celebrated on April 16. The ruins of the old church of Kilmoylan are of hammered stones, with a flat lintel resting on corbels. It measures 35 feet by 18 feet (say10.5m by 5.5m) The west gable fell on the Night of the Big Wind-January 6, 1839.
The West Limerick branch of the Mental Health Association of Ireland will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at Maple Lodge, Gortboy, Newcastle West at 8pm sharp. All members are asked to attend, and new members are welcome.
Congratulations to Eileen Mullane, Monagea, who won €334 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday May 3. Tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, or from the radio station. All support is very much appreciated. New volunteers to get involved in all aspects of the station are needed at present. The roles available include research and studio work, fundraising and lots more. Contact the station if interested.