By Tom Aherne

Congratulations to Pa O’Dwyer from Rooskagh on adding his fourth All Ireland Strongest Man title in Bangor, Co Down on Sunday, April 28. No other man has ever won the competition four years-in-a-row in its thirty-year history. Pa won each of the eight events over the two-day competition, in a field that consisted of past Ireland’s Strongest Man winners. He is competing in the Arnold Classic in South Africa from Friday, May 17. Pa will be captain of Team Ireland for the Battle of Britain which will be held in Doncaster in late June. He will also be hoping to win the UKs Strongest Man title for the second year in a row. We wish him well in his quest for a second UKs Strongest Man title, and further glory. His family friends and neighbourhood will be so proud of his achievements.

Congratulations to Carrigkerry primary school one of seven from Limerick who have been named regional finalists in the prestigious annual Our World Aid Awards. They will showcase their projects alongside those from seven other schools, at the Regional final event taking place in Mary Immaculate College Limerick on Wednesday, May 15.Now in their 14th year the Awards invited children across Ireland to create projects about the challenges facing children in developing countries and the role played by Ireland, through Irish aid the Government programme for international development.

The following are the results of the fifth 300 club draw in aid of Carrigkerry Playground: First Prize €1,000 Yvonne O’Connor, Carrigkerry, Second Prize €250 Ann and Blackie Quinn, Boston, and three €50 prizes were won by Tony Doyle, Ballyloughane, Con Greaney, and Stephanie Guinea, Carrigkerry.

Knockdown Vintage Club members and friends recently presented a cheque for €6,975 to Claudine Herbert from the Paediatric Oncology Patient and Family Support Fund at the Children’s Ark Unit, U.H.L. The money was raised at their recent Vintage Day Run.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar on Monday May 6. The numbers drawn were 3,9,11, and 12, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Peggy Conway, Coolanoran, Eamon O’Sullivan, c/o Downes, Billy Liston, Glenastar, Spud Murphy,   c/o Ed Lynches, and Donal and Todd, Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €17,200 and the draw will be held inNeary’s Bar, Ardagh.

Darragh Treacy and Sean McSweeney (0-1) from the St Kieran’s club were members of the Limerick team that defeated Tipperary by 3-11 to 1-10 in the Quarter Final of the Munster Senior Football Championship at Thurles on Saturday May 11.

Saint Kieran’s drew with Monagea/Knockaderry 2-13 to 3-10 in the West Minor B Hurling Championship at Knockaderry on Friday May 3. In the previous round they lost at home   to Newcastle West by 2-17 to 1-6. The Junior B footballers gave a walkover to Rathkeale in Group 2 of the West League on Sunday, May 5.

Carrig Celtic lost 3-0 away to Ballingarry AFC in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday May 5. Creeves Celtic defeated Broadford Utd Reserves 7-0 away in the semi-final of the Richard Hogan Cup. Tom Shanahan 4, Seamus Mangan, and Darragh O’Connor scored their goals. In the Ladies Premier Division League Cup Final Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-0 to Abbeyfeale Utd at Mick Hanley Park.

Roisin Mann and Iris Kennelly(0-2) from the Newcastle West team were members of the Limerick team that lost to Laois by 4-6 to 2-5 in the All Ireland Minor B Camogie final replay at Mc Donagh Park Nenagh on Saturday, May 4.

Congratulations to Peg Murphy and Joan Madigan who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday, May 1.

A reminder to all that access to patient lists in hospitals is not available anymore to the Clergy. People who would like a visit (for a loved one) from the local priests are asked to contact them with name and details.

A set Céilí will be held in Halla Tadhg Gaelach,  Tournafulla on Friday, May 17 from 9.30pm with music by Striolán Céilí  Band. A raffle will be held, and tea will be served, and all are welcome. A set Céilí will be held in the Parish Hall Milford on Saturday, May 18 from 9.30pm with music by Jerry McCarthy. A raffle will be held, and tea will be served, and all are welcome.

The children of Kilcolman NS will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Saturday, May 18 at 11am. Best wishes to all involved on the day.

The Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish clerk’s collection will be taken up on Saturday/ Sunday, May 18/19. Bernard and Mary are providing a great service, and support to parishioners, and to all who attend services in both churches. This collection provides an opportunity to all to show their appreciation for their work over the 52 weeks, by contributing as generously as possible. Please indicate either Ardagh or Carrigkerry on your envelope by ticking the relevant box.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred on the children of Ardagh/Carrigkerry in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Tuesday, May 21 at 10.30am. Best wishes to all involved on the day.

The people of Limerick will cast their votes in four different ballot papers on Friday, May 24. It will be a complicated process with local and European elections, the Referendum on the regulation of divorce and the plebiscite on a directly elected mayor with executive functions for Limerick City and County. A choice of 23 candidates will be on the European ballot paper, and 11 each on the Newcastle West, and Adare-Rathkeale local electoral areas. All the candidates have been very busy visiting as many households  as possible. The best of luck to our two local candidates Adam Teskey (Fine Gael) Killeheen Reens Ardagh in Adare-Rathkeale, and Conor O’Donoghue ( Aontú ) Willow Cotage The Commons Ardagh in Newcastle West.

Congratulations to Bridie Madigan, Ballylin, Ardagh, who won €300 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday May 10. 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.