By Tom Aherne
Congratulations and best wishes in the future to John O’Connor, St Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry and Sheila Collins, Park, Ballyhahill, who were married in St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday, September 28. The celebrant was Fr Tim Curtin and the Reception was held in The Devon Inn.
The 41-card drive resumed in the Flag Floor rambling house on Wednesday, October 2. It commences at 9pm, tea is served, and all are welcome. The 45-card game continues in Ardagh Community Centre on Tuesday evenings at 9pm, and new players are most welcome.
The rosary will be recited at Churchtown Grotto, Newcastle West for the month of October at 7pm, and all are welcome.
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday September 30. The numbers drawn were 2,9,23, and 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Ita Kirk, c/o Reen’s, John and Denis Greaney, c/o Ballintemple Inn, John Lynch, c/o Moloney’s, Kitty Crowley, c/o Moore’s, and Johnny O’Sullivan, c/o Lees. Until the jackpot is won two additional prizes of €50 will be awarded each week. Congratulations to this week’s winners Alva Quaid, c/o Neary’s, Mike and Jim, c/o Moira. Next week’s Jackpot will be €20,000 and the draw will be held in Reen’s Bar, Ardagh.
St Kieran’s defeated Drom/Broadford by 2-11 to 1-7 in the West Senior Football Championship under lights at Mountcollins Gaelic Grounds on Friday, October 4. They will play Newcastle West in the semi-final. They lost to Knockaderry by 2-12 to 1-7 in the West Junior A Football Championship semi-final at Askeaton on Saturday October 5. Knockaderry scored two early goals and bossed the exchanges and led by 2-8 to 0-5 at half time. They played better in the second half but Knockaderry ran out deserving winners. TEAM Ray Noonan, Michael Shanahan, Michael Murphy, Owen Burke 0-1, John Buckley, John Byrnes, Mike Windle, James O’Connor, Mike Flynn, Liam Upton, Niall O’Shea 1-2, Michael Upton, Dylan Moloney 0-1, Aengus Gannon, Darragh Breen 0-3. Subs Patrick Liston, Eamon Ambrose, Daniel Barrett, Padraig Trant.
Carrig Celtic defeated Rineanna Rovers 6-0 at home in Round 2 of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday, September 29. Sean Kelly 2, Killian Enright 2, Ray Cahill, and Eoin Mc Enery scored their goals. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 away to St Ita’s in Division 1 of the Desmond League, with Seamus Mangan, and Adam Kerins scoring their goals. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Askeaton 2-0 at home with goals from Sophie Hennessy, and Marie Balfe. Creeves Celtic lost 3-2 (Audrey Bradford 2,) away to Newcastle West Town.
The Kathy Casey Byrne Memorial Concert (in aid of the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation, and the Irish Youth Foundation) was held in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Friday, October 4. The very comfortable church was packed for the occasion, and they enjoyed a great night’s entertainment. Canon Tony Mullins from nearby Glenville was MC, and Melanie Casey on behalf of her family welcomed all and thanked all associated with holding the concert. Artists appearing included: St Molua’s Church Choir, Coolcappa Church Choir, the deaf choir with Carrie from Limerick, Fr Tim Curtin, Canon Tony Mullins, Fr Michael Noonan, Ann Phelan violinist with the RTE Orchestra, Charlie Reynolds accordionist, Siobhan Doody, Dymphna Mangan, Michelle Donovan soprano, Ger Liston storyteller, Michael Enright 11 year old tenor, and Theresa Doyle McMahon. The concert was produced by Fr Tim Curtin, Sean Moriarty and Theresa Doyle Mc Mahon.
A commemorative book, “Mitchelstown Co-Operative Agricultural Society Ltd A History 1919-1990” written by historian, John Hough from Glenastar Ardagh, who himself is a shareholder member of the society was launched at Ardagh Community Centre on Saturday, October 5. It was launched by Ned O’Keeffe, the former TD and Minister of State, and David Woulfe was MC. John’s previous works include; The Story of the Ardagh Chalice, Ireland’s Co-operative Heartland-Ardagh C.D.S, A History 1891-1974, The Unlikely Revolutionary, William Smith O’Brien, and Ballyclough Co-operative Creamery Ltd, A History 1908-1990.
The attendance numbered 85, from all parts of Limerick and the Dairygold heartland. Jim Woulfe, Dairygold chief executive, from Dunganville, Ardagh, past neighbour, and friend paid a warm tribute to John, Marian and family for their work and dedication in bringing the book to fruition. John in his address gave a brief synopsis of the three books he has published Ardagh, Ballyclough, and Mitchelstown. Ned gave a wide-ranging speech of 15 minutes and presented John with a Grassland book. Marian was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and books were available for sale. Refreshments were available, and conversation followed in all corners of the comfortable hall. Congratulations to John on his latest publication.
The walk to Rathronan Graveyard took place on Sunday, September 22, with around 60 people participating on a dry and mild afternoon. It started at 2pm from Ardagh Community Centre and proceeded on the Greenway to Enright’s, and by road to Cahermoyle House gate, then on to Rathronan by the Dark Road, past Glenville house and along the Foynes Road to the Graveyard. The walk was led by the Fenian pike men, and members of the Deel Ramblers walking group also participated. From the main road a piper led the way into the graveyard where Secretary Mary Kury welcomed all and gave a brief history of the headstones, there and people who are buried within. Mary had a marker with details at each plot, which was very informative.
Fr Michael Noonan and Rev Patrick Comerford blessed the graves with holy water, and three wreathes were laid. John Hough on behalf of Dairygold Co-op (Ardagh Creamery whose first Chairman was Edward O’Brien), J P O’Sullivan Chairman on behalf of St Kieran’s Heritage Association, to the O’Brien family including William, who is buried in the family mausoleum, Patrick Mullins on behalf of Ardagh Development Association to the Massy family. The attendance then moved inside the former Church of Ireland premises for a further few talks on the life and times of William Smith O’Brien, from John Hough, and Rev Patrick Comerford. The committee had the building in good shape, with information boards on view. The people were then bussed back to the Community Centre for refreshments, and lots of chat. Thanks to the local CE Scheme who keep the graveyard well maintained, and members of the association who prepared around the venue, and within. Thanks to all who attended which made the commemoration such an enjoyable occasion. Next meeting on Thursday October 3, at 9-15pm, in Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome.
The Hope Foundation cares for street children in Kolkata, and Danielle Donovan, Kilcolman is holding a clothes collection on their behalf. The clothes can be dropped off at her house, or she can collect them. Please contact her on 087-9063338 and all support would be greatly appreciated.
Rathkeale Historical Society resume their monthly talks on Friday, October 11 at 8-30pm in the top floor of Rathkeale Library. The committee are delighted to present Lady Geraldine Dunraven to share her knowledge of the Dunraven Family. It is always an enjoyable evening, and everybody is welcome.
The annual Garry McMahon traditional singing weekend will be held in Abbeyfeale from Friday October 18,to Sunday 20.The official opening will take place in the Ramble Inn at 8pm, by Denis Ogie Moran, followed by a singing session on Friday night. Martin Moore historian, and Owen Mc Mahon PRO of the West Limerick Singing Club, will give a talk in Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse on Saturday at 11am. On Saturday afternoon from 2pm, a singing session featuring GAA songs from the 32 counties will be held there.
The Abbeyfeale choir will perform Afrainn na Ríocht (composed by Gary) during the 6.30pm Mass in Abbeyfeale Church. Singing sessions will be held in both Leen’s Hotel and the Ramble Inn on Saturday night from 9-30pm. A concert will be held in Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse paying tribute to Séamus Brogan on Sunday at 3pm. A farewell singing session will be held in the Ramble Inn on Sunday evening from 7-30pm. A packed programme of events to entertain all in tribute to the late Gary who was a great promoter of all things Irish.
Congratulations to Brendan Moloney Newcastle West, who won €268 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday October 4.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.