By Tom Aherne

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s  Bar, Ardagh on Monday, July 8. The numbers drawn were 13,15,19, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Jim Sheehy, Croagh, Fr Paddy Bowen, Limerick, Katie Molyneaux, Ardagh, A and D, c/o Greaney’s, and Paddy O’Sullivan, Abbeyfeale. Next week’s Jackpot will be €19,000 and the draw will be held in Reen’s Bar, Ardagh.

A 56-page booklet on the history of Ballyloughane school was published to mark the 50th anniversary of its closure. It contains a lot  of interesting articles about Ballyloughane and the surrounding areas,  and school photographs. A few former pupils recall their school going days, plus profiles of well-known personalities. Articles about Ardagh and Carrigkerry schools, and local songs and verses are also included. It is on sale locally for €10 in Moloneys, Carrigkerry, Greaney’s, Ardagh, and Gerard O’Connor’s Churchtown.

Three members of the St Kieran’s Heritage Association were guests on the Exchange Programme on West Limerick 102 fm on Tuesday, July 9. Presenter Sheila O’Regan interviewed Chairperson John P O’Sullivan, Secretary Mary Kury and PRO Tom Aherne, about the recent reunion in Carrigkerry to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ballyloughane School closure and the contents in the book published to recall its history. The future plans of the association were also unveiled and discussed over a 35-minute slot. It was good promotion for the association, and thanks to Sheila and West Limerick 102.

The death has taken place of John Patsy O’Sullivan, Tooreendonnell, Athea. He lay in repose at his home on Wednesday, July 10, from 5pm to 8pm. His remains arrived at St Bartholomew’s Church, Athea on Thursday morning for 12.00 Noon Requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Templeathea Cemetery, Athea. We extend our sympathy to his  sons Dan (Glensharrold ) and Liam, daughters Joan, Mary, Martina and Annemarie, grandchildren and great grandchildren and extended family members, neighbours and friends.

May he rest in Peace.
Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Jack O’Grady, Glenbawn, Ballyhahill who celebrated his 95th birthday on Sunday, July 7. A native of Barnigue, Carrigkerry he has led an interesting life and has been recorded by West Limerick Radio.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Ardagh native Dave Noonan, (who lives in Glenbawn Ballyhahill )who recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Dave was an agricultural contractor and a member of the Villa Rovers soccer team in Ardagh in his young days. At present he is very involved in the Knockdown Vintage committee, who have raised large amounts of money for charity.

Connie O’Donnell from Carrigkerry made his last trip driving the Ballyhahill school bus on Friday, June 28. The bus is being discontinued due to lack of numbers, which have fallen to three. It was introduced when Clounleharde school closed on October 2, 1967 and the 36 pupils were taken to Ballyhahill school. Connie spent 35 years driving the school bus and was very popular with all the children.

On behalf of the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Saint Vincent De Paul we the committee wish to inform you that we are no longer in existence. We would like to thank you all sincerely, those who have helped us over the years with all the donations  and the church-gate collections  that we received. Contact reference number for the future 061-317327. On behalf of all I would like to thank the members for the unselfish work they did over many years. Last year the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Christmas Party Committee ended their involvement, due to lack of new members coming on board. The people of the  locality will be the poorer in the future as a result of both winding up.

All the local papers featured a photograph of young Thomas Quaid son of Tommy and Alva following Limerick’s Munster hurling final win a few weeks ago.  He was dressed in the county colours which his parents represented with distinction in hurling and football. It was a proud occasion also for his grandparents Breda Quaid, Effin, and Marie and Tom Neary, Ardagh.

The summer holidays are being enjoyed at present  by our primary, secondary, and college students, plus all teachers, and others involved during the School Year term. They all deserve a good break to recharge the batteries, for what comes next. Best wishes to all as the students move up along the school ladder, and others to employment.

Saint Kieran’s had four players Cathal McEnery, Conor Woulfe, Cormac Mann, and Shane Fitzgerald, involved with Limerick U-16 Football squad who participated in the Woodland House Hotel Football Tournament in Mick Neville Park on July 6.

St Kieran’s defeated Ballysteen by 2-16 to 0-6 in Round 7 of the All County Football League Division 1 at Coolcappa on Friday July 5. They  won six of their matches and will meet Newcastle West in the final later in the year.

Saint Kieran’s defeated  Ballylanders by 3-7 to 0-8 in Group 2 of the County Premier Minor Football Championship.

Noel Callanan Old Mill, had the honour of being  captain of the Limerick team defeated by Kerry 0-18 to 1-3 in the Munster U-20 Football Championship semi-final at Austin Stack Park Tralee on Thursday, July 11. John Hayes, Knockfinisk,  scored one point, and Kevin Guina, Coolcappa, was a panel member.

A light in the entertainment world was quenched with the passing of Brendan Grace on Thursday, July 11. He was a living legend as a clean-cut comedian and a fine singer, who brought so much joy to so many over a long career. He performed at Moran’s Country Club in Carrigkerry on a few occasions and was a great friend of Tom Moran. His singing of Cushy Butterfield, I Drove my Tractor through your Haggard last Night, and the Dutchman, was wonderful. Who will forget his Father of the Bride speech, and the antics of Bottler, and he never had to use coarse and crude language, like other comedians? May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations to Kathleen O’Connor Newcastle West, who won €333 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday July 12. 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.