Tom Aherne

The Kathy Casey Byrne Memorial Concert (in aid of the Mid Western Cancer Foundation and the Irish Youth Foundation) will be held in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Friday, October 4, at 7.30pm. Acts appearing will include: St Molua’s Church Choir, Coolcappa Church Choir, the deaf choir with Carrie from Limerick, Fr Tim Curtin, Canon Tony Mullins, Ann Phelan violinist with the RTE Orchestra, Charlie Reynolds Musical Director, Siobhan Doody,  Dymphna Mangan, Michelle Donovan soprano, Ger Liston An Seanchaí, Michael Enright, 11 year old tenor and Theresa Doyle McMahon. The concert will be produced by Fr Tim Curtin, Sean Moriarty, and Theresa Doyle McMahon. Tickets are now on sale at Neary’s, Greaney’s and Ailish’s Hair Salon in Ardagh, and at Tony Hayes in Newcastle West. They cost € 15 each and a giant raffle will be held during the interval.

Kathy embraced all challenges with spirit and willingness and achieved many of her goals in life. Her 29 years were short but the life in those years impacted greatly on her family, school and friends. She was a teacher, organiser, sports coach/manager, MC and an inspiration to her colleagues at Scoil an Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, Kildare. Music and dance were important to her and the concert will provide plenty of entertainment, that she enjoyed so much. May Kathy’s adventurous spirit be an inspiration to us all.

The death has taken place of Joseph (Joe) White, Ballylin, Shanagolden and formerly of Railway House, Rathkeale, Greyhound Trainer, on Monday September 16. He lay in repose at St Kyran’s  Church, Coolcappa on Tuesday  from 6pm to 8.30pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Kilbradren Cemetery. We extend sympathy to his loving wife Sheila, nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, sisters in law, kind neighbours, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Cremins (née Roche) of The Oaks, Cloughanarold, Riddlestown, Rathkeale, and late of Kilcool Bridge, Rathkeale and Penney’s the Crescent Shopping Centre, on September 18, peacefully, after a brief illness, at her residence, in the presence of her family. She lay in repose on  Thursday September 19, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at her residence.
Removal on Friday, September 20 to St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa, to arrive for 11am Mass followed by burial in Coolcappa Cemetery. We extend sympathy to  her loving husband Maurice, son Patrick Sean, parents Eileen and Sean Roche, sisters Margaret and Kay, the extended Roche and Cremins families, large circle of friends and neighbours. May She Rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of  Michael O’Brien (Mickey) of Finnoe, Ballyhahill, peacefully on Thursday, September 19. He lay in repose at his home in Finnoe, Ballyhahill on Saturday, September 21, from 5pm to 8pm. His remains arrived at The Church of The Visitation, Ballyhahill on Sunday for 1pm Mass, followed by burial immediately afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery. We extend sympathy to  his sorrowing wife Mary, daughter Ella, sisters Nan McSweeney (Loughill), Sr. Mary O’Brien (Mallow), Sr. Catherine O’Brien (Charleville), nephews, nieces, kind neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Angela Ahern, Knockfinisk who recently celebrated her 50th birthday at Leen’s Hotel, Abbeyfeale.

The Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West wish to thank the collectors and everyone who contributed so generously to their  church gate collection held in Coolcappa on Sunday September 1. The amount collected was €225, which will go to ongoing improvements for the patients at the hospital.

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary together with Milford Hospice Friends wish to thank the collectors and everyone who contributed so generously to their  church gate collection held in Carrigkerry (€170.70) on Saturday, September 7, and Ardagh (€446.15) on Sunday, September 8.

The Family Fun Day held in Coolcappa GAA Field on Sunday, September 15 in aid of the Ardagh Astro Turf Project was an outstanding success.  It was hosted by “6 Pack” (and their many friends) one of the Lip Sync acts from last year, and it  commenced at 12 noon. The list of events included Dunk Tank, Bouncing Castles,  Races, Long Puck, Egg and Spoon Races,  Games, Face Painting,  Pigtown Limerick Pig on a spit, Cake Sale, raffle, and lots more stalls. All proceeds went to the Ardagh Astro Turf Project, which is attracting a lot of teams and groups since it opened earlier in the year. Kudos to the organisers for a great day out for all who attended.

The following are the Lottery results from  Neary’s Bar, Ardagh  on Monday September 16. The numbers drawn were 8,11,14, and 28, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Tom Brosnan, c/o Josie, Aoife O’Connor, c/o Greaney’s, Des Hanley, Coolcappa, Dolores Braddish, Askeaton and Cathy Finucane, c/o Moloney’s. Until the jackpot is won two additional prizes of €50 will be awarded each week. Congratulations to this week’s winners Thomas Costello, Coolcappa, and Francis McCarthy, Askeaton.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €20,000 and the draw will be held in Moore’s Bar, Carrigkerry.

Saint Kieran’s lost to Galbally by 3-12 to 1-9 in the County Premier Football semi-final at Ryan Park Kilbreedy on Wednesday, September 18.  The senior footballers play Oola in the County Championship semi-final in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Friday September 27, at 7.30pm.

The Desmond League soccer season has commenced again after a short summer break. Carrig Celtic B lost 4-3 at home to Breska Rovers B in Division 2 on Sunday September 15. Shane King 2, and Sean Kelly scored their goals, and the A team had no fixture. Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 at home to Breska Rovers in Division 1.

Congratulations to all the local players and selectors involved in Newcastle West’s victory in the County u-14 Championship final. They defeated Bruff by 5-6 to 3-4 at Rathbane Limerick on Tuesday, September 9.

Congratulations to Sean Moriarty and Marie Carrig, who were first prize winners at the card game held in Shanagolden Hall on Friday, September 13. Congratulations to Peg Mulvihill and Marie Wrenn who were first prize winners at the card game held in Monagea Hall on Wednesday, September 11. The weekly 45 card game resumed in the Community Centre, Ardagh on Tuesday, September 24 at 9pm. New players will be most welcome.

Genealogy Classes with Gerard Greaney start this Thursday night, September 26, at Desmond College, Newcastle West. People interested in tracing their relatives can  phone 069-62205, to book a place. “Remember a family tree can wither if no one tends its roots”.

All musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers are invited to Jim’s Rambling House, Newbridge on Friday, September 27 at 8.30pm. It promises to be a great night of music song and dance and all are welcome.

The Cook Medical Women’s Mini Marathon in Limerick takes place on Sunday, September 29. For more information see www.limerickmarathon.com

Creeves Celtic soccer club are holding a family fun day in Newbridge on Sunday, September 29. It is a free event and lots of entertainment on offer for children of all ages. The club will hold a victory celebration dance in Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday, October 5. Medals will be presented to the successful players, and tickets cost €20.

Congratulations to Trish Dillane, Templeglantine, who won €306 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday,  September 20. 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.

Athea GAA

Club Draw:

The 4th leg and halfway mark of the GAA Club Draw was held on Saturday night last at Donie’s. The following were the lucky winners.

€500-Tom and Gráinne Ahern, Knockfinisk.

Seller: M. Dalton.

€200-Andy McMahon, Templeathea.

Seller: Ned Mahony.

€150-Tom Barrett, Fairy Street, Athea.

Seller: Paul Curry.

€100-Tom O’Mahony, Templeathea.

Seller: Ned Mahony.

€100-Maurice Stack, Beenanaspug.

Seller: Kevin O’Keeffe.

€100-Thady Woulfe, Templeathea.

Seller: Matthew Tierney.

€100-Pa Ahern, Garrygloss.

Seller: Pa Ahern.

€80-Dick and Marian Chawke, Gortnagross

Seller: Pa Ahern.

€50 Sellers prize: Kevin O’Keeffe.

Well done to all the lucky winners. There are still 4 draws left and you can still join for €10 a month for the remaining draws

Collection:

This weekend sees the annual church gate collection taking place before all masses. Your generosity, as always, would be such a help to try and complete the work at Páirc na nGael.

Billy Collins Cup:

The date will be finalised shortly for the Billy Collins Cup game between renowned hurling teams Cappawhite and Kilmoyley. This should be an exciting day.

U21s:

The U21s have been drawn in the group with St. Senan’s and Clann na nGael. They may have a match this weekend.

U13 PARISH LEAGUE TEAMS

Limerick,  Evan Curry (Captain), Tomas Ahern (M), Louis O’ Sullivan, Jim Ahern, Jack  Sexton, Eric Barrett, Jamie  Lee and Tony  Ahern.

Kerry, Callum Buckley(Captain),Ciaran Hunt, Timmy O’ Keefe, Jamie Collins, Alex Quinn, Tom  Ahern, Jamie Quinn and Thomas  Barrett.

Dublin, Tadhg Ahern (Captain), Rory Cleary, James Hunt, Fionn Histon, Adam  Somers, Sean Twomey, Peter Coolahan, Tomas  Ahern(G) and Jamie O’ Mahony.

Round 1 Dublin v Kerry, this  Friday September 30 at 6pm in Páirc na nGael. 1 hop 1 solo, 3 goal limit.

U-12 Finals Day:

Athea; 3 – 03

Fr. Casey’s White: 1 -06

An impressive performance by both teams in a hard fought contest that Athea just won out in the end. In a close first half a Jamie Quinn goal had Athea ahead with half time approaching only to concede a goal in last play of the half to give Fr.Casey’s  a 1 point lead at the break. Athea scored a point at the start of the 2nd half to level the score.After a few missed scoring chances by Fr.Casey’s a Tomás Ahern goal gave Athea the lead. Fr.Casey’s dominated for the next period of play with 4 un answered points. Athea leveled things up again with another point. With time running out, Athea under pressure again in defence, worked the ball out and up the right wing a with a cross field pass into the waiting substitute Jamie Lee Flynn who scored an excellent goal to give Athea a 3 point  lead. It was a very nervous final minute as Athea bravely defended another Fr. Fr.Casey’s attack but eventually held out for a hard earned but well deserved victory.  Well done Athea U-12’s.

Athea; Timmy O’Keefe, Fionn Histon, Jamie Collins,Jack Sexton, Jamie O Mahoney (Capt.),Louis o Sullivan, Peter Coulahan, Seán Twomey, Eric Barrett, Alex Quinn, Jamie Quinn, Adam Sommers,Tomás Ahern, Jamie Lee Flynn, Michael Kelly, Millie O Sullivan, Thomas Barrett.

Athea Utd Soccer

ATHEA UTD LOTTERY RESULTS FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd.

The results of our weekly lottery draw for Monday, September 23rd. are as follows- Jackpot was €9,400.

Numbers drawn: 4, 5, 23, 24. No Jackpot Winner.

Lucky Dips to the following:-

John Hickey, Listowel, Mary Langan, Tarbert, Margaret Geraghty, Listowel, John Barrett, Glin, Jerry & Bridie, Gale View.

Sellers: Agatha Barrett & Declan Barrett.

New Jackpot €9,500 at Brown Joe’s on Monday, September 30th.

Maura White, Rita O’Hagan and Carol Noonan met Dominic West in Glin recently

Happy 50th birthday to Angela Ahern of Knockfinisk, Athea pictured with her mom Ann Ahern at Leen’s Hotel, Abbeyfeale

CFRs AGM

The Community First Responders (RCN 20164973) held their 11th AGM on the 09th September.  A very big Thank You to everyone who contributed to their church gate collection (€1,386.37) and the Drama Group who made a presentation of €500.  The Group would like to thank Dr Kieran Murphy, Rodge Byrne, Richael Griffin and Denis Casey for their continued advice and support.  Congratulations to Richael Griffin who qualified as a paramedic in March.

Since being affiliated to the National Ambulance Service last year, the group continues to be busy with callouts.
All sitting officers were re-elected.  New members are always very welcome.  For more information contact Richael on 086 8841171.

Glórach Theatre, Abbeyfeale

On Friday, 5th October we host local Trad Group, Fuinneamh in concert. The group consists of James O’Connor, Maura O’Connor, Micheál Broderick, Padraig Enright  & Ian Sheehy.

Tickets cost €10. The concert starts at 8pm and you can book your seat by calling the booking line 087 1383940 or email [email protected]

Comhaltas Music & Singing Classes

Music classes will resume on Friday, September 27th an the Top of the Town and singing classes will resume on Thursday, September 26th with Catherine Broderick at the Library. Registration for both classes will take place on Wednesday, September 18th at the Library from 6 to 7 pm.

Athea Runs/Walks Faster in Stripes!

The community of Athea is currently in the process of planning a number of fundraisers in aid of the Ronald McDonald House who are actively seeking funds to develop a new facility. Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and a caring and supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment in Dublin.

A number of families from the locality have used the service in the past and as a community, we are very grateful for this support. – ‘allowing our family a space to recharge our batteries and focus on what is important – being by our child’s bedside’ .  The Kiely Family

As part of the fundraising weekend, we are organising a Coffee Morning on Friday, October 4^th to take place at Con Colbert Hall at 9.30 am and a 5K & Fun Run /Walk on Sunday, October 6^th, with registration open at Con Colbert Hall from 11am.

Our theme for the weekend is ‘Athea Runs Faster in Stripes’ where everyone participating in the Run/Walk are encouraged to dress in stripes. Judges will be on the look out for the best striped Woman, Man or Child! There will also be a treasure hunt around the 5K route for children featuring Athea’s famous Giant and an appearance from our local Ducks!

Colm & Donal at CH fitness have come on board by offering fitness classes at the Creamery in Athea on each Saturday morning at 10am for the month of September for anyone wishing to get fit for the 5k where donations to Ronald McDonald House in lieu of a cost will be accepted.

To add to the excitement of the event, we are in the process of decking out our village in Red and White stripes with the assistance and good will from the whole community. Currently we have painted up a house and van at the National School which are receiving lots of attention online! We are also appealing to local businesses and homeowners to decorate their own areas in the red and white.

Local businesses have also joined the initiative. O’Riordan’s Pharmacy in Athea are currently selling lines at €2 each, where the winners will walk away with two tickets to see Little Mix in Dublin on October 10^th. Lines are available to purchase in the Pharmacy. Urban Angels in Glin are also selling lines to win a bumper hamper full of hair beauty products. A number of businesses have also donated paint, food supplies, signage etc which will allow us to keep our costs to a minimum. Thank you all for your unending support.

There will be no set fee for the coffee morning or Fun Run/Walk and we are encouraging everyone to give what they can to this fantastic cause. This can be done in a number of ways. Online donations can be made on idonate.ie by searching for ‘Athea Runs Faster in Stripes’, Athea Credit Union are also accepting donations by donating to account number 3094. Sponsorship cards will be available in local shops and buckets will be available during all events.

We invite you all to donate what you can, dress in your stripes, and come join us for what we promise will be a fun event for every walker, crawler or runner! #athearunsfasterinstripes Further information can be received by contacting Liz Sullivan on 087 6699783.

The Gift of Music

By Domhnall de Barra

Music is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. Not everybody can play an instrument but most can sing or make some attempt. Even for those who, as they say, haven’t an note in their head, there is the joy of listening to music and it is surely one of the best therapies of all time. Listening to music has the ability to arouse all the emotions within ourselves and the really good composers knew how to arrange their notes to have the desired effect upon us.  This is very noticeable in the early films before the “talkies” came in. The film was projected onto the screen without any sound so most of the cinemas employed a musician to supply mood music to accompany the scenes, usually on an organ. These musicians played music that enhanced the scene portrayed. It was fast and lively as the cowboy raced along on his horse pursued by angry Indians, soft and sentimental as lovers eyed each other for the first time or sad and lonely as a weeping face was portrayed. One minute it would be loud and boisterous, the next soft as a whisper. The audience forgot completely that the music and the film were separate items and did not realise how much they combined to covey the message from the screen.  Even when the talking films appeared, background sound tracks were still used but now they were part of the film reel and the musicians in the cinemas became redundant.  Some of the best soundtracks include Purple Rain,  Dirty Dancing, Star Wars, ET, Harry Potter and Schindler’s List. Without the music these  films would have far less effect.

Music is as old as time itself. The oldest instrument is the human voice and though there is no record of the first song, it wouldn’t surprise me if Adam or Eve didn’t warble a little in the Garden of Eden!!. What is generally described as “folk music” goes back to the very early times when composers made up songs for all occasions.

Some were in praise of local chieftans or landlords, others to commemorate notable victories in games or on the battlefields and all occasions of note. These songs are like pages of history, recording all the events of a locality for posterity. Our own folk music developed from the same source. Early tunes were taken from, and inspired by, the songs of local singers. As time went by some composers of music created more intricate works and so began the classical music that still exists to this day. Again, from folk origins, other forms of music developed. In America, there was a fusion of folk cultures from all over the world and even though they had many different origins, much of what we call modern music today is a result of the common thread that ran through them. Bluegrass music is closely related to the music of Ireland and Scotland but with more emphasis on stringed instruments, particularly the banjo, and a lively tempo. Down south traditional jazz had the same tempo as the Irish reel but it allowed great freedom for the musician to improvise. In the south as well the “blues” developed from the songs of the Negro slaves and generally told stories of hardship and deprivation in very soulful lyrics. “Rhythm and Blues” developed from these two types of music and that in turn gave birth to “rock ‘n roll” which is the forerunner of all types of  popular music today. Bill Haley and the Comets are credited with being the first rock stars but it was really Elvis Presley who put it on the map. This music differed from the old folk music, not alone in it’s rhythmic beat but also in the fact that the songs no longer told stories. Love was the central theme for the most part and gave rise to the phrase “I love you baby”  which appears in countless lyrics right up to the present day.  Rhythm was vitally important as much of this music was for dancing. Up to this time ballroom dancing was the norm. Dances varied from slow waltzes and foxtrots to quicksteps, tangos, two steps etc. All danced with the girl in the boy’s arms. With the arrival of rock ‘n roll all this changed. A whole new way of dancing emerged which did not need synchronised steps but encouraged individual flair and interpretation. As time went on and the arrival of the pop groups contact between male and female on the dance floor became minimal and it wasn’t uncommon to see groups of females dancing in a group together. The music did not depend on great composition instead it got its appeal from repeated phrases that were easily remembered. In general, though there some exceptions, the lyrics had no great meaning and were the flavour of the month until replaced by something new and quickly forgotten. It is easy to dismiss pop music as meaningless but that would not give credit to some great musical artistes  who stand out from the rest. I refer to the likes of Queen, U2, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles all of whom created some wonderful compositions that cross all musical frontiers. As time goes by music changes but, side by side, there are those who keep the classical and traditional types alive. Irvin Berlin once said “there are only two types of music, good music and bad music”.  If it is good in any class it can be enjoyed and the opposite goes for the bad stuff. We rely on music for our entertainment in many ways. We listen to it on the radio, watch it on television and go in our thousands to see our favourites perform live. What would a wedding be like if there was no music?  I dread to think. People probably know me best as a traditional musician and while it is my first love I have a great appreciation of all types. It is not commonly known but I played in modern groups and bands on the drums, saxophone and clarinet even going so far as to hire an accordion player for my own group one time when I was playing the guitar. I think Shakespeare got it right when he said: “if music be the food of love, play on”.