By Tom Aherne

The following are the Lottery results from the Thatch  Bar, Newbridge on Monday, July 29. The numbers drawn were15,18,20 and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Seamus Ambrose, Ardagh, J and P, c/o Josie, Pat Flynn, Ardagh, Mari Yamac, Shanagolden and John Healy, Carrigkerry. Next week’s Jackpot will be €19,600 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar

It is wonderful to see people of all age groups engaged in outdoor activities, which are good for body and mind. Over recent months two new groups have been formed around the locality. The Gaelic for Mothers and Others ladies football group meet in the Old Mill Sports field each Thursday from 7.45 to 8.45. They have also played competitive matches against other clubs. The Ardagh Mums and Chums group meet in the Astro Turf in Ardagh  each Friday at 7pm. New members are always welcome to join both groups.

The interest in cycling continues, with a lot of locals now involved in various cycling clubs in Newcastle West and beyond. A number of others are playing golf, athletics, and other field sports. Walking clubs are very popular within all communities, including Deel Ramblers who do a walk in different locations each Sunday.  People with a little time on their hands, are encouraged to get active and involved with likeminded groups.

Congratulations to Tom Shanahan Creeves Celtic who received the Desmond Division 2 Player of the Year Award at Rathkeale House Hotel on Wednesday, July 24. It was a great year for the club who won the treble, and Tom scored 22 goals during their run of success.

St Kieran’s were defeated by Oola by 3-8  to 0-15 in Round 4 of Group 2 of the County Senior Football Championship at Clarina Gaelic Grounds on Friday August 2. The concession of two easy goals in the opening half, and 15 wides, proved their downfall as they trailed by 2-5 to 0-6 at half-time. The team played far more direct football against the hill in the second half and despite conceding another goal and going seven points in arrears, came back strongly. They brought the margin down to two points, against a tiring Oola entering added time. Four late attacks yielded no further scores, and Oola won their fourth game to book a knockout spot. TEAM Rob Bradley, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Paudie McCarthy, Kevin Meade, Mossie Shine 0-1, Brendan McCarthy 0-1,  Liam Kennedy 0-1 ,Donal Nolan, Johnny McCarthy,  Noel Callanan 0-3, Sean McSweeney 0-6, Ray Cahill, John Hayes 0-2, Seamus Mangan,  , Anthony Molyneaux. Subs Anthony Mullins, John Doyle, Killian Enright.

Congratulations to Darragh, Mark, Noel, Roisin McCormack and Michael Lynch abroad Stouche, from Foynes Yacht Club, who were overall winners at the WIORA Championships held in Foynes from July 24 to 27. The members enjoyed  a very successful  week winning lots of prizes.

Congratulations to Jim Dalton and Francis Woulfe, who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, July 26.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held their monthly meeting on Thursday August 1, in Ardagh Community Centre, and 10 people were present. The meeting heard that only a few of the Ballyloughane books are still available for sale in local shops. A DVD of the night can still be ordered from John P O’Sullivan. The association’s application to Limerick City and County Council for a Festival grant was unsuccessful. The two main items discussed were Heritage week ( Saturday August 17-25) and the William Smith O’Brien weekend September 13-15. Walks to Rathronan Cemetery, and Reerasta Fort will take place, and a series of talks will be held in Ardagh Community Centre. The programme for both events is still to be finalised and should be available to the public in the coming weeks. The next meeting will be held on Thursday August 15, at 8.30pm in Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome. 

A ceremony will be held in Kilscannell Cemetery on this Thursday, August 8 at 7.30pm, with Rosary followed by Mass. As there is no seating available in Kilscannell Cemetery please feel free to bring your own chair if required.

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 Striolan Céilí Band from the Limerick, Cork Kerry, border. They were formed in 2008 and  are one of the most popular and best in the business. A raffle will be held for valuable spot prizes, and  lovely tea/coffee and delicious treats will be served.  Theresa and Deirdre have been running their annual Charity Céilí for many years (10 we think) and are great supporters of set dancing and charity events. They have  put a huge 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 Newcastle West Flower Show takes place in the Community Centre from Tuesday, August 13 to Thursday 15. It is the 50th anniversary and final Flower Show, and they are holding two special  exhibits to mark the occasion. In the baking section for a Victoria sponge with butter icing, and in the flower section for a congratulations flower arrangement 76cm. Prizes for both are 1st €30, 2nd €20, 3rd €10. Contact 087-9731736 for all details. Wishing all the local entrants the best of luck at the flower show.

This year’s Youth 2000 Summer Festival will be held at Clongowes Wood College  Co Kildare from Thursday, August 15, to Sunday 18. It caters for people from the age of 16 to 35, and for more information  check out www. youth 2000.ie

The annual Mass at Barrigone Well will be held on Thursday, August 15, at 3pm. Following the Mass, a family fun day will be held at 4pm on O’Shaughnessy’s Farm in Hazelfield Barrigone, Askeaton. The list of events include: lawnmower racing, voice of Barrigone singing competition, fun run, dog show, 5-A-Side soccer, vintage and modern tractor/car run, roll the bale, children’s treasure hunt, face painting, craft stalls, bouncy castles, live music in the marquee, and lots more. The event is being held to raise funds for the Butterfly Club. Please support generously for this club who wonderful work for the youth.

The Limerick Writers Centre presents their annual tour of West Limerick and Maigue Poets  Country on Friday August 16.It will take in Adare, Knockfierna, Kilmallock and Croom, remembering Michael Hartnett, Daithi O’Brouder, Sean O’Tuama, and many more. It will depart from Dolans Pub Limerick at 11.30am, and the cost is €15, and booking in advance is required.

Congratulations to Margaret O’Connor c/o Vincent De Paul Newcastle West who won €331 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, August 2. 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.