By Kathleen Mullane

Well the Listowel Races are over yet again for another year. Being on quite early this year it was a change – whereas next year they will resume to the original dates later on into September. It seems no matter what time the Listowel Races are on, they always get very favourable weather. Last week we had exceptional sun and heat – which brought great crowds to the annual Harvest Festival.

The Kerry National on Wednesday drew huge crowds and of course ‘Ladies Day’ on Friday along with all the students and young people who made the effort to dress up “to the nines” – ‘Colour’ was the order of the day and of course “the hats” were something else! Vintage Day on Saturday again had a great contingent both of ‘race-goers and ‘fashionistas’ Of course the All Ireland Final brought a great week to a close with Ballybunion packed to capacity also, all availing of the beautiful weather. Another race week over – the only downfall was “Kerry didn’t win the game”. However next year is another year!.

A reminder that the annual Coffee Morning in aid of Milford Hospice takes place on this Thursday 19th in the hall from 9am  onwards. Come along for your ‘cuppa’ and cake and all donations  however small will be gratefully received. As a hospice worker quoted:- “Climb The Mountains – and Walk The Roads And Beaches While You Can”. As it seems – every second person has some form of cancer now, it’s frightening and Milford Hospice does great work.

Another “Mindful Moment” is to place your hand on your wrist – just feel your pulse – no need to count – just take a few deep breaths and feel gratitude for being alive.

The very best of luck to Kieran Hartnett, Templeathea and Jonathan Fitzgerald of Clash who have left our shores for Australia for a while – also Denis Greaney, Templeathea, my good friend and neighbour, who heads to Abu Dhabi this week to take up a teaching position there and to Dylan Griffin, Templeathea who heads to America. Athea’s loss will be their new home’s benefit as no doubt they will all take to the ‘playing fields’ in their respective locations.

October 6th is going to be a great day when the Fun Run for the Ronald McDonald house takes place here on the Slí na Sláinte route in Athea. You can run, walk, jog, skip or whatever – the main thing is to take part to raise funds. Music and a treasure hunt will be there for the ‘small ones’. All are encouraged to wear red and white stripes on the day.

Sincere congrats go to Aoife Foley of Cratloe (daughter of Sheila and Gerard Foley) who, on Friday last, was married to Karol Wyvebiak here in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Athea. The nuptial ceremony was performed by Fr. John O’Shea. The maid of honour was Fiona Foley and the bridesmaids were Shannon Fitzgerald and Samantha Murphy. The best man was Emil Wyvebiak and the groomsmen were Sebastian Zawadka and Maurivsz Mrozek. The flowergirl was Lucy Kelly. The reception was held at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney where everyone had a brilliant day. Best wishes to the newly weds for the future.

By Peg Prendeville

Recently our neighbours Tom Stack and Kate left Glenbawn to set up home elsewhere so now it is our pleasure to welcome Bill and Joan Coleman in their stead. We hope they will feel at home in the area, having been living in Co. Kildare. Joan is a Dub and had her flag out at the weekend so she is in a happy mood.

Yes, we have to admit that Dublin was the better team on Saturday evening and are deserving winners of the 5-in-a-row. But we have not seen the last of Kerry either. It was a great weekend for the Dubs with the girls winning 3-in-a-row on Sunday.

The Races are over so it is time to go ploughing. Thankfully the weather is promising to be much kinder this year. Remember last year when many of the tents were blown down and one of the days had to be cancelled?

Gerald Griffins Ladies and Men are still calling on anybody who is interested in taking part in the upcoming club Lipsync fundraiser on November 9th and having a bit of fun while doing to contact Gary Thompson (085) 115 5506, Wayne Fitzgerald 0868813594,Martina Phillips (087) 914 5952, Maggie O’Brien (087) 618 8708.There are one or two slots to be filled up. Get in there before its too late.

The Cailín Bán was a huge success in Glin last week with up to 400 people on each of the two nights. The drama was a fundraiser for Glin Development to build the Knight of Glin Interpretative Centre at the back of the present library but it also succeeded in rebirthing the story of the Cailín Bán and bringing it to the attention of the young generation. In fact, a member of the cast took the ferry during the week to put flowers on her grave and pray that her spirit is at peace. More people lit candles for her.  It was a lovely experience to be part of this large cast. Great credit is due to the organisers who did Trojan work in the background.

By Tom Aherne

The following are the Lottery results from  Neary’s Bar, Ardagh  on Monday September 9. The numbers drawn were 14,22,25 and 30, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each:  Claire Sheehy, c/o Neary’s, Mossy Langan, c/o Moore’s, Bernard Kennelly, c/o Neary’s, Marie O’Donnell, c/o Neary’s, and Joan Barrett, c/o Nora Dineen. Until the jackpot is won two additional prizes of €50 will be awarded each week. Congratulations to this week’s winners Catherine O’Sullivan, c/o Greaney’s, Anthony Mullins, c/o Nora Dineen, Next week’s Jackpot will be €20,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar, Ardagh.

We extend our sympathy to the Kelly family, Duncaha, Kilcolman on the passing of Nancy Normoyle, nee Kelly, of Kildonnell, Crecora and formerly of Duncaha, Kilcolman, peacefully at UHL on Sunday, September 8. Reposing at St Michael’s Church, Manister on Monday evening from 6-30pm to 8pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. She is survived by her children Anne, Camilla, Leo and Elaine, grandchildren Peadar, Tadhg and Íde, brothers, Tommy and Gerard and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

Saint Kieran’s  drew with Adare 2-6 to 1-9 in Round 4 of the West Junior B Football Championship at Knockaderry on Sunday, September 8. They now progress to the semi-final in a few weeks time. The Under 16 footballers lost to Mungret St Pauls by 5-16 to 0-6, at Mick Neville Park on Friday September 6. Saint Kieran’s  defeated Ballysteen by 3-12 to 1-11 in the County Premier Football Quarter final at Mick Neville Park on Wednesday, September 11. They led by 1-5 to 0-5 at half time, and always looked comfortable, with late scores booking a semi final place.

An art exhibition of Sahajas work is currently on display at Friars Gate Theatre in Kilmallock. It was opened by Brian Maguire (Sahajas mentor for this year) an internationally known artist on Saturday, September 7. and it will remain on view for the month of September. Sahaja is living in Glensharrold and he uses old disused material to create his masterpieces. His work was already on display in Newcastle West, and Dingle this year, and he has several new sculptures done for Kilmallock. It is well worth a view if people are visiting or passing through Kilmallock for the next few weeks 

If you have joined St Kieran’s local Community Text Alert and are not getting Texts, please contact, Pat on 0872750061.If you are not a part of the Community Alert Group and would like to join, please contact same number. The text alert service covers the Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Kilcolman/Coolcappagh areas.

The Zumba class with Mairead is held in Ardagh Community Hall each Wednesday at 7.30pm. It does wonders for your health and it  is a most enjoyable evening, and all are welcome.

Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch music classes  in Ardagh Community Centre  commenced  on Tuesday, September 17.

Irish dancing classes take place in Ardagh Hall on Mondays from 7pm, and Carrigkerry Community Centre on Wednesday’s from 7pm, for step dancing and 8pm for Sean Nose dancing . New dancers are most welcome, and more details from 087-1343745.

A fundraising Céilí in aid of Cystic Fibrosis branch (covering Tipperary, Limerick and Clare) will be held at Mungret St Pauls GAA Clubhouse on Friday, September 20, from 9pm to midnight. Music by Taylors Cross Céilí Band and admission is €10, and refreshments will be served. By donating to TLC4CF you can make a difference to the quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis. It also aims to develop and improve services and facilities for people with CF in the mid-west region. Fidelma the organiser is a great supporter of all the Céilí venues, and fundraisers, and deserves a very large crowd. A raffle for numerous spot prizes will be held and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Adult dance classes commenced in Monagea Hall on Thursday, September 12, and in the Ballintemple Inn on Tuesday, September 17. They continue  weekly on the same nights commencing at 8.30pm, and new dancers especially welcome. No partner is required, and it is a great social outlet, with lots of exercise and laughs.

The William Smith O’Brien weekend took place from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, 15. It commenced on Friday night in Ardagh Community Centre with three distinguished speakers in attendance. John Hough was the MC and lots of noted historians were present. Tim O’Neill Calligrapher spoke on the script and decoration of the Ardagh Chalice, and Book of Kells. A native of Newcastle West he is a retired teacher and author. He gave a detailed account of the art of calligraphy. Mary Kury, who is Secretary of the association, spoke on the life and times of Charlotte Grace O’Brien. She was the second daughter of William Smith O’Brien, by his wife Lucy Caroline Gabbett, of High Park Limerick. She was an author and a social worker, who exposed the awful conditions existing on the lodging houses in Cobh, on board the emigrant ships, and in the dock slums in New York, where the Irish had to stay on landing there. She is buried in Knockpatrick Graveyard.

Rev Patrick Comerford spoke about Harriet  O’Brien Monsell sister of William MP. He is a Church of Ireland (Anglican) Priest-in-charge of the Rathkeale group of parishes, and Director for Education and Training in the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe. Harriet was a member of the Inchiquin branch of the family from Dromoland Castle, Co Clare. Her father, Sir Edward O’Brien, was a direct descendant of Brian Boru and the O’Brien Kings of Munster. A pioneering nun, Harriet O’Brien Monsell was the Mother Superior of the House of Mercy at Clewer for 25 years until she died at the age of 71 on March 25th, 1883. She has now been honoured among the saints by the Church of England. The three talks which were most interesting were followed by a question and answer session with many in the audience participating. People mingled afterwards, and sampled the refreshments, provided by the kitchen crew.

On Saturday night also in Ardagh Community Centre from 8pm, we had a repeat performance from three local speakers Tim Donovan, Rathkeale, Con Enright, Coolcappa, and Tom Aherne, Glensharrold.    Mary Kury assembled a historical exhibition, containing items and photographs of local interest to the St Kieran’s Heritage Association locality. It was very interesting and attracted lots of interest, with one person keen for the Association to hold a much larger one in the future. John Hough was MC and first up to speak was Tim Donovan whose talk was titled John B Keane and me. The late author from Listowel, spent a few months as a chemist assistant in the Donovan Chemist in Rathkeale. He outlined John B Keane’s wit with several humorous stories and incidents while he was staying with the family.

Con Enright told us about the history of Lisnaculla Castle which is located on his land. It was built around 1445  by the Mac Sheehy’s, from the Northwest of Scotland who were brought to fight as Galloglasses, by James Fitzgerald  Seventh Earl of Desmond  in 1420. It was also owned by Donagh O’Brien in 1620, and Sir Edward Fitzgerald in 1655, and the Hartigan family before it fell into disrepair. Tom Aherne spoke about the townland of Glensharrold connecting it with past events, places of interest, and people living there over the years. A question and answer session was held after each talk with a lot of engagement from audience members.

On Sunday afternoon a walk from the Ardagh Chalice monument at the Church to Reerasta Fort was held. John Hough spoke about the Ardagh Chalice, and other Ardagh history. Congratulations to John who has written the history of Mitchelstown Creamery which will be launched later in the month. He intends to have a local launch for family and friends in Ardagh in early October. Thanks to all who attended the three events over the weekend the speakers, and all who assisted.   

Ardagh ICA are holding their annual Coffee Morning for Milford Hospice in the Community Centre, Ardagh on Thursday, September 19, from 10am to 12 noon. All are welcome and support will be appreciated.

The walk to Rathronan Graveyard will take place on Sunday, September 22. It will start at 2pm from Ardagh Community Centre, and proceed on the Greenway to Enright’s, and by road to Cahermoyle House gate,  then on to Rathronan by the Dark Road, past Glenville and along the Foynes Road to the Graveyard.  Fr Michael Noonan and Rev Patrick Comerford will bless the graves and wreathes will be laid. Mary Kury will give a short talk on the O’Brien, and Massey families, who are buried there.

An Open Day will be held at Barnagh Tunnel on the Greenway on Saturday September 21. A shuttle bus will operate from 10.30am  every 40 minutes from The Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West.

Congratulations to Mary Ann Dillane, Templeglantine, who won €278 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday,  September 13. 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.