By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Jerry O’Connor, Hilsmiah Acre, Grange Rd., Ballina, Co. Tipperary and late of Ardagh, Co. Limerick and Berkley, Gloucestershire, England suddenly at his home, on Thursday, July 18. He lay in repose at Meehan’s Funeral Home, Newport on Sunday,  July 21, from 6.15pm, followed by removal  to Our Lady and St. Lua’s Church, Ballina. Requiem Mass on Monday,  July 22, at 11.30am, with  burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.  We extend sympathy to his wife Hilary, sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

The death has taken place of Ann Reidy, nee Neilon, Newtown, Askeaton, peacefully on Monday, July 22,  aged 98 years. Following repose, her remains were removed from Downey’s Funeral Home, Pallaskenry on Wednesday, July 24, to St John’s the Baptist Church, Kilcornan. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12 noon,  followed by burial in Castletown Cemetery, Pallaskenry. We extend our sympathy to her daughters Brigid Collins, Marion Hough, Glenastar, Ardagh, and Patricia Ryan, sons-in-law, Kevin John and Mike, eight grandchildren, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Carmel O’Connor, Kilcolman and Anthony McAllister,  Ballyhaninch Co Down, who were married in the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick on Thursday, July 18.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Willie Kelly, Ashgrove who celebrated in advance his 80th birthday with family and friends at the Ballintemple Inn, Newcastle West on Friday, July 19. One of the Kelly quartet of brothers, he was a dual sportsman with Newcastle West GAA  Club.

Congratulations to members of the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch who enjoyed great success at the recent Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis. We wish them continued success in the All Ireland finals in Drogheda in mid-August.

A Charity Céilí in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held in the Resource Centre, Knockaderry on Friday, August 9 at 9-30pm. Music by the Striolán Céilí Band from the Limerick, Cork, Kerry, border, who were formed in 2008, and  are one of the most popular and best in the business. A raffle will be held for valuable prizes, and  lovely tea/coffee and delicious treats will be served.  Theresa and Deirdre have been running their annual Céilí for many years and are great supporters of set dancing and charity events and put an amount of work into organising the night. All support for the Irish Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated. Contact Teresa on 087-9427259, or Deirdre on 086-1630201, for more details.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s  Bar, Ardagh on Monday, July 22. The numbers drawn were 4,9,14, and 15, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Connie Kennelly, Shanagolden, Darren Hourigan,  Cappagh, Geraldine Quilligan, Ardagh, Eddie Hartnett, Creeves, and Martin O’Sullivan, Ballyhahill. Next week’s Jackpot will be €19,400 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar Newbridge.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for July was held in Ballybrown GAA Clubhouse on Friday, July 26. The St Kieran’s club had no winner.

Congratulations to Creeves Celtic who defeated St Ita’s 3-0 in the Desmond Division 2 League Cup Final at Mick Hanley Park, Askeaton on Friday, July 19. David Dunne, James O’Connor, and Seamus Mangan scored their goals, to add the cup to the Division 2 League, and Richard Hogan Cup they won a few weeks ago. TEAM Ray Noonan, James Bridgeman, Rob Culhane, Danny Coleman, James O’Connor, Tommy Dillane Captain, David Dunne, Michael Shanahan, Richard Hayes , Tom Shanahan, Darragh O’Connor, Seamus Mangan, Robert Bradley, Brian Nash, Damien Lacey. Jim Molyneaux, Ardagh was the referee and James O’Connor, was Man of the Match. A historic year for the players, joint managers Brian Nash and Noel O’Donnell and all the  club officers, and supporters.

St Kieran’s defeated Castletown/Ballyagran by 3-13 to 2-15 in Round 4 of the West Junior A Hurling Championship in Knockaderry on Saturday, July 20. It was a great result that keeps them in contention for a quarter final place. They trailed by 0-9 to 0-7 at half-time and upped their performance to take the win. TEAM John Greaney, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Paudie McCarthy, Cillian Enright, Danny Collum, Brendan McCarthy, Mike Windle, Mossie Shine Sean McSweeney, Anthony Molyneaux, Johnny McCarthy, John Buckley, Anthony Mullins, Donie Nolan Eoin McEnery, Cillian Ambrose, Mike Flynn, John O’Connor, Edward Fitzgerald, Mike Breen Padraig Trant, Mike Steele. St Kieran’s defeated Monaleen by 0-14 to 0-7 in Round 3 of the County Premier Minor Football Championship at Coolcappa on Friday July 19.

St Kieran’s defeated Drom/Broadford by 2-14 to 1-16 in Round 3 of the County Senior Football Championship at Newcastle West Gaelic Grounds on Thursday, July 25. It was an exciting, all action and  high scoring game played in perfect conditions. The teams were level on 7 occasions, and it was 8 points each at half-time. St Kieran’s won the game in the opening 10 minutes of the second half scoring 2-4 to just 1 point in reply as they faced the wind and hill. Liam Kennedy now at centre field raced through to kick 2 goals, after quick movement of the ball through several players. Drom/Broadford used their power and physical presence  to chip away at the lead which stood at 6 points entering the last 10 minutes. They scored a goal and 3 points, to level the match as added time was being played. St Kieran’s responded with a quick passing move that ended with corner back Diarmuid Mulcahy kicking the winning point. TEAM Rob Bradley, Diarmuid Mulcahy 0-1 Paudie Mc Carthy, Kevin Meade 0-1, Mossie Shine, Brendan McCarthy 0-1,  Liam Kennedy 2-0 Donal Nolan, Johnny McCarthy,  Noel Callanan 0-2, Sean Mc Sweeney 0-6, Killian Enright, Seamus Mangan,  Ray Cahill 0-1, Anthony Molyneaux 0-1. Subs John Doyle, John Hayes 0-1, Anthony Mullins. They play Oola, and Galbally, in their remaining group 2 matches.

The next meeting of the Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association will be held on Thursday, August 1, at 8.30 pm in Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome.

The West Limerick Singing Club will hold their next session at The Ramble Inn,   Abbeyfeale on Friday, August 2, at 9pm, and all entertainers, and onlookers are welcome.

The annual Harvest Fair and Vintage Rally in aid of Dromcollogher Respite Centre will take place on Sunday, August 4. Now in its 17th year it is the major fundraiser for the Centre, and all support will be greatly appreciated.

The annual St Molua’s Mass will be celebrated in Ardagh Graveyard on Monday, August 5, at 7.30pm.

Congratulations to Patrick Roche Newcastle West, who won €268 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, July 26. 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.