By Tom Aherne
The Ballyloughane School Re-union events will be held in Carrigkerry on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. The event is being held to mark the closure of Ballyloughane National School fifty years ago on Monday, June 30, 1969. The Re-union will commence with Mass with a Ballyloughane School theme in Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry at 6.30pm. A gathering will be held following Mass in the local community centre, where it is hoped to have a small display of items associated with Ballyloughane School. The evening will continue with refreshments, music, storytelling, and chat.
An open invitation is issued to all the pupils who attended Ballyloughane School during that school year 1968/69, and all other pupils who had the honour of attending there beforehand. Pupils who attended Ardagh and Carrigkerry that year, plus members of the general public are also most welcome. Teachers who taught there or members of their families are also welcomed to share their stories
On the following morning at 11am people will assemble at Carrigkerry Community Centre for a walk to recall the days when the pupils walked from Ballyloughane School to Carrigkerry Church once a year to receive Confessions for First Holy Communion. The walk will proceed to Rooskagh crossroads and down to the school. The people from the Old Mill area are asked to walk from The Old Mill Bridge to join up with the others at Ballyloughane School to mark the 50th anniversary of its closure. People are welcome to join in at any stage of the route, and all will then proceed to walk back to Carrigkerry as they did in times past for light refreshments.
Congratulations to Canon Tony Mullins, Abbeyfeale parish moderator who celebrated the 36th anniversary of his ordination on Wednesday, June 12. He was ordained to the priesthood by his Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Newman, Bishop of Limerick at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Sunday, June 12, 1983. A native of Glenville, Ardagh he said his first mass there on the following Monday night. Best wishes and good health for the future, to continue his good work in God’s ministry.
It was nice to see a photo of Mary Stack from Dromcollogher, in a recent edition of the Limerick Leader. She was attending the Broadford Midsummer Concert with daughters Margaret and Evelyn. Mary Barry as she was then was a native of Barnigue, and a former teacher in Carrigkerry National School. Wishing her continued good health in the future.
Congratulations to Creeves Celtic club who are this year’s Desmond Division 2 League champions. They defeated Askeaton AFC 2-1 away on Sunday June 16 to clinch promotion to Division 1. Michael Shanahan and Richie Hayes scored the goals and they were presented with the cup after the game. Praise to all the players, and management Brian Nash and Noel O’Donnell.
The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch Bar, Newbridge on Monday, June 17. The numbers drawn were 7,14,22, and 28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Martina O’Sullivan, c/o Moloney’s, Tadhg Naughton, c/o D Greaney, Amy Lawlor, Carrigkerry, Barry Murphy, c/o D Greaney and John Buston, c/o Neary’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €18,400 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.
Carrig Celtic lost 6-1 away to Broadford Utd in the Desmond Premier Division on Friday, June 14.
Róisín Ambrose, Ardagh and Newcastle West camogie club lined out at centre field for Limerick who defeated Offaly by 2-16 to 2-12 in round 1 of the All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship at LIT Gaelic Grounds on Saturday, June 15. Paula Ahern from the Old Mill club is a member of the Limerick U-14 ladies football squad who defeated Roscommon by 2-11 to 2-9 at Banagher on Saturday, June 15. As a result, they are through to the all Ireland final against Tipperary.
Congratulations to Mick Robinson and Jack Woulfe who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, June 14.
The parishes of Ardagh/Carrigkerry, Newcastle West, Mahoonagh, and Monagea, have been joined up since January to form their own cluster within the Diocese. A new pastoral council unit has been set up within to look after church ceremonies/business in the cluster. The following are the members representing all four parishes: Ardagh/Carrigkerry Cormac Behan, Conor O’Donoghue, Newcastle West Valerie Geraghty, Kathleen Sugrue, Mahoonagh Annmarie O’Keeffe, Marie Histon, Monagea Mary Bourke, Geraldine Mulqueen. The clergy in the unit are Fr Frank Duhig, Fr Joe Cussen, Fr John Mockler, and Fr Michael Noonan. We wish them well in their future work in the four parishes.
Pat McLoughlin from Newcastle West will launch his second book of short stories at the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West on Friday, June 28, at 7.30pm. His first collection last year to Weave with Words was very successful and From Head to Tale continues in the same vein. Any profits will go to the Friends of St Ita’s in Newcastle West, and all are welcome.
A set Céilí will be held in Brosna Parish Hall on Sunday, June 30, at 3pm. Music by Donie Nolan and Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band and the admission is €10. It is part of the Con Curtin returning home to Brosna Music Festival 2019 taking place from Friday, June 28 to Monday July 1. Don Stiffe singer, Jack Talty concertina, and Damien O’Reilly button accordion will headline the concert on Friday night. A full programme of events will be held in the Kerry village over the weekend and all details on their face book page.
The Comhaltas promoted Seisiún shows will be held throughout Ireland during the months of July and August. The host branches present a series of weekly evenings of music, song, dance and storytelling for locals and visitors. They usually run for two hours and a small charge applies. Limerick has two venues Devon Inn, Templeglantine commences on Thursday, July 4, at 8.30pm,and Church of Ireland Kilfinane on Tuesday, July 9, at 8pm. Other local venues include Bruach na Carraige Teach Cheoil, Rockchapel on Tuesday, July 2, and Freemount Heritage Centre on Wednesday, July 17.
Congratulations to Ann Kirrisk, Newcastle West, who won €295 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday June 21. 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.