By Tom Aherne

The death took place of Brenda Hayes, nee Ryan, Main Street, Ardagh on Saturday, June 1, at Adare and District Nursing Home. She was 98 years old and predeceased by her husband William and son Gerard. She was a native of Shanagolden and attended schools in Longford and Newcastle West. She married her husband William in 1947 and moved to Ardagh village. She was kept busy with farm work and running their shop. Ardagh was a thriving village, and a hive of activity and Brenda was a confidant to many as she built up a good customer base. Ill health visited her in later years, but she found consolation in her faith and saying a daily rosary. She lay in repose at Saint Molua’s Church Ardagh from 6pm to 8pm, on Tuesday June 4.

Her Funeral Mass was a celebration of her life, and was concelebrated by Canon Tony Mullins, Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Liam Enright, Rathkeale on Wednesday, June 5 at 11.30am. Before Mass commenced family members took up life symbols  which were important to Brenda. They included rosary beads, holy water, scarf and honey. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts and reflection. The organist and singer enhanced the ceremony with a selection of appropriate hymns. Fr Tony paid tribute to a woman he always called Mrs Hayes and recalled her faith and devotion to the church across the road. Her daughter thanked all her friends in the Nursing Home, those who visited her during her eight years there, the staff who took care of her and her Ardagh carers. She also thanked all who were involved in the funeral and recalled her mother’s life in a nice tribute before the final prayers.

Brenda was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Eileen (Co. Mayo) and Breda O’Sullivan, (Croagh) son-in-law Liam, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, extended family and many friends. Brenda lived a long and fulfilled life and one of her favourite sayings was printed on the special Mass booklet. It read “It’s the idle grow weary, gaily rings each busy sound. It’s a pleasure to be active, there’s a joy in labour found”. May she rest in Peace.

Well done to all  members of Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas who took part in the County Fleadh Cheoil over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Best wishes to those going forward to represent the branch at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis in July.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday June 3. The numbers drawn were 16,17,25, and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Connie Enright, Ardagh, Gerard Lynch, c/o Reen’s Bar, John Flaherty, Gortboy Newcastle West, Kate Ambrose, Ardagh, and Shay Greaney, Kilcolman, Next week’s Jackpot will be €18,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting  in Carrigkerry Community Centre on Thursday, June 6, and 9 people were present. Chairman John P O’Sullivan welcomed all and the main item up for discussion was the Ballyloughane School Re-union which will be held in Carrigkerry on Saturday, June 29. In other news the people who supported the Church gate collection in Coolcappa/Kilcolman were thanked and the sum of €381 was collected. Thanks, was expressed also to all the people who supported the Tesco Blue Chip tokens fund which realised €400 plus. The Association are holding a get together in Ardagh Community Centre to mark the  Summer Solstice on Friday, June 21st around 9pm. It is hoped to present some music and history associated with Midsummer Beliefs and Customs. The next meeting will be held in Carrigkerry  Community Centre on this Thursday, June 13th at 8.30pm to continue with preparations for the Ballyloughane Re-union weekend and more people who would like to get involved are most welcome.

Rebecca Moloney Ardagh and Rathkeale AFC was a squad member of the Desmond League team who won the Gaynor Plate at UL on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3. They defeated Mayo 5-0 in the final. Luke Mansfield Carrig Celtic is a member of the Desmond League squad participating in the Kennedy Cup at UL this week.

Congratulations to Ahalin National School who won the Division 1 West Camogie title in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Thursday, May 30. They defeated Adare by 7-6 to 6-1 in the final and their coach/teacher was Cormac Behan from Carrigkerry.

Trainee Garda Stephen Walsh, from Cork city, passed out in Templemore on Friday, June 7, nearly 100 years after his grandfather Christopher Walsh passed out in December 1922, in one of the first rounds of the new Garda Siochana. Sergeant Christopher Walsh was based in Ardagh Garda Barracks from the 1930’s  to 1955. Many stories have been told about his exploits while walking the beat and serving around the area. Congratulations to Stephen who will be based in Terenure in Dublin in his future career.

Congratulations to Canon Frank Duhig who will celebrate 50 years in the priesthood with a mass in Newcastle West church on Saturday, June 15 at 2.30pm. It will be followed with a reception in the Longcourt House Hotel. Canon Frank is a regular visiting priest to Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish, and this is an opportunity  for parishioners to thank him for his kindness and service to all over such a lengthy period.

The annual Milford Care Centre Memorial Walk will take place on Sunday, June 16. It is a 5km walk from the main plaza at UL to finish in the grounds of Milford. The participants will walk in solidarity, with their tribute ribbons each displaying the name of their loved one as they proceed. On arrival in Milford each ribbon will be placed on the Memorial Tree. Later in the year these ribbons will be placed under the Christmas tree in the Centre’s Chapel. People are asked to register in advance, by logging onto www.milfordcarecentre.ie or call 061-485859, and fill in the names of those wishing to participate. The entry fee is €20 (children under 16 are free). All the funds raised will go to support the work  of the hospice service throughout the Midwest including Limerick.

The annual Mass will be celebrated at the Famine Cemetery Newcastle West on Tuesday June 18, at 8pm, and all are welcome.

The Limerick diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes under the leadership of Brendan Leahy will depart from Shannon Airport on Thursday, June 20 and returning on Tuesday, June 25. For all details contact the Lourdes office , Limerick Social Services  Centre Henry St, Limerick, Tel 061- 314111during office hours, on Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday 10am to 12.30pm, and 2-4pm, (not Wednesday afternoons).

All musicians singers’ dancers and storytellers are invited to Jim’s Rambling House, Newbridge on Friday, June 21 at 8.30pm. It promises to be a great night of music song and dance, and all are welcome.

Mass will be celebrated at Robertstown Graveyard on Sunday, June 23 at 9.30am, and all are welcome.

Congratulations to Michael O’Connor Glenagragra, Athea, who won €215 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 7. 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.