By Tom Aherne

Carrigkerry National School opened in September 1979, and to mark the anniversary a Mass was held in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Sunday November 17, at 11am. The celebrant was Fr. Michael Noonan, and a large crowd was present. It was a lovely ceremony with pupil participation  throughout, and nice hymns from the choir with organist Ann Horan.  After the entrance hymn  the pupils brought school items to the altar. Fr. Michael’s  sermon was school related as he went down in time from the penal days, through hedge schools up to the present day.  An appropriate song for the occasion he stated  was “Keep right on until the end of the road”.

Principal Ann Horan in her address remembered all the former teachers, and pupils who have departed this world. She welcomed the past teachers who were present,  John Looney, Carmel Magner, Brigid Griffin, Mary Keating, Bridie Murphy, and others associated over the 40 years, and Nora Kennelly for donating the flowers for the church.  The SNA teachers, and secretaries,  for their services. Peg Flynn RIP and family  caretakers of the school. Pat King and the CE members for all the behind the scenes work. The original parents committee who picketed the School in 1969, to retain the School, instead of being amalgamated with Ardagh.

All were invited back to the school for refreshments and a slice of the 40th anniversary cake, and lots of reminiscence with old friends. School  roll books, plus photos were on display, and Bridget Griffin had photographs of the Carrigkerry Carnival committee, from over 50 years ago, which were of great interest. Carrigkerry has 62 pupils enrolled at present, with 13 starting last September, and the future of education  looks bright in the village. Well done to the current teachers Ann Horan, Tom Dillane,  Triona Kearney Lynch and Evelyn Stack, Board of Management members, and all who helped behind the scenes to mark this historic occasion.

The Sports Capital Scheme fund of 1.2m to 38 clubs and organisations around the county was received with great jubilation in recent weeks, and congratulations to all who received one. It is a great morale boast for all the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes daily to provide facilities for people to utilise and enjoy. Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s GAA Club who received €45,630, to upgrade their pitch equipment for Gaelic games, and Ardagh District Recreational and Sporting Company LTD who received €20,782, for tennis court and storage shed for equipment  for Community Games.

Congratulations  and best wishes in the future to Jessie Quaid, Carrigkerry and Noel Broderick Coolanoran  who were married in St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Friday, October 25 and held their reception in The Devon Inn Hotel.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Hannie O’Connor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry who recently celebrated her 91st birthday with family and friends.

Michael O’Sullivan, from the Saint Kieran’s club, is set to be appointed West Limerick GAA Board Chairman in succession to Johnny Walsh of Mountcollins at the annual Convention to be held in the Devon Inn Hotel on Wednesday December 4. Congratulations to Cormac Behan N.T. Carrigkerry  on his recent success with Ahalin National School. Both boys and girls won the West Limerick Cumann na mBunscol A Football competitions, and advanced to the County semi-final (boys) and final (girls) stages. The club are holding their 2019 AGM, on this Thursday, November 28, at 8pm, in Ardagh Hall, and all members are asked to attend.  People interested in getting involved are also very welcome to attend.

The following are the Lottery results from Reen’s Bar on Monday November 18. The numbers drawn were 3,6,7, and 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Pa Crowley c/o Neary’s, Shauna and Shane Scanlon c/o Moloney’s, Brian Sheehy c/o Neary’s, Stephen Kennelly Shanagolden, and Catherine Madigan Ardagh.   Until the jackpot is won two additional prizes of €50 will be awarded each week. Congratulations to this week’s winners:  David Brouder c/o Moloney’s, and Louise Moriarty c/o John Mullins.  Next week’s Jackpot will be €20,000 and the draw will be held in Neary’s Bar Ardagh.

Carrig Celtic drew 3-3 ( Sean Kelly2, and Killian Enright,)at home  with Kilcornan in the Desmond League  Premier Division on Sunday November 17. Creeves Celtic defeated Knockaderry 2-1 away in Division 1 with goals from Tom Shanahan, and Richie Hayes. Carrig Celtic B lost 4-0 away to Athea Utd in Division 2.

St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a meeting in Ardagh Community Centre on Thursday November 21, and 16 people were present. The items discussed included night out, charity status, 2020 events, and the annual general meeting in January. The main item was the forthcoming Craft Fair on the following Sunday. A list of stalls, and spot prizes for the raffle  was announced. The tables and chairs were put in place for Sunday which all members were looking forward to. The next meeting will be the AGM which will be held on Thursday January 16 at 8am in Ardagh Community Centre and all are welcome.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage  Association will hold their first night out since they were formed over three years ago at Rathkeale House Hotel on Friday November 29, commencing with a meal at 7.30pm. To book a place contact Chairman John P O’Sullivan, by text at 086-8539297.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for November will be held during the sports show on Limerick Live 95fm, on Saturday, November 30.

The switch on of Noonan’s Christmas lights in Templeglantine, will be on Saturday, November 30, at 4pm. A special guest will be on hand to do the honours, and all donations will go to several local charities.

The rebranded Coolcappa Christmas Fayre will be held from 11am on Sunday, December 1, and it promises to be another great day out for bargains. The organisers are promising over 20 stalls of variety aimed at the Christmas want list, and Santa Claus will also pay a visit. The stalls are available at a small price (€30) for enterprising craft people to showcase their products be they home baking knitwear, plants, cards, decorations etc. Spaces are available also for a car boot sale(€10) for enthusiasts to grab a bargain. All enquiries to Rosemary on 085-1688307. or Deirdre on 087-6415449.

The annual Coolcappa Community Hall Christmas Raffle will take place there during the Christmas Fayre on Sunday, December 1. Tickets are on sale around the parish at present at €2 each  or 3 for €5. The prizes are worth winning and all support will be appreciated.

Kilcolman Rovers will hold their AGM on Monday, December 2, at 8pm, in Ardagh Community Centre. The club are holding a 4k,and 8k family fun/run/walk on Sunday, December 29 at 12 noon from Ardagh Community Centre, and all are welcome.

The Limerick County Scór na Nóg final, will be held on Sunday, December 8, in
Askeaton Community Hall at 2-30pm. The Limerick Trath na gCeist final, will be held in Mungret Hall on Friday, Dec 13, at 8.30 pm. The latest date for entries is Saturday November 30, and entry forms will be emailed to all clubs in the next few days.

A Christmas party night hosted by Let’s Fight Cancer Midwest, will be held in the Ballintemple Inn Newcastle West on Saturday December 14, at 7pm. Complimentary wine followed by a two-course dinner with tea or coffee. Music by DJ Jeremiah Roche, and the tickets cost €45, and all enquiries to Joan O’Sullivan on 085-2529030. It is in aid of Milford Hospice, and the Midwestern Cancer Foundation, and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Bingo in aid of Ardagh Community Centre  will be held there on Wednesday December 18, at 8-30pm sharp, and the prize money is €3,000. A raffle will be held for valuable prizes, and donations of spot prizes will be gratefully appreciated.

Congratulations to Peggy Moyles Monagea, who won €315 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, November 22.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.