By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Eileen Behan (née O’Connor), Carrigkerry at Tralee Hospital on Monday, February 24, following a lengthily  illness. She was predeceased by her brothers Dave and John and sisters Kit, Maureen and Ita. Eileen O’Connor was the youngest of eleven in family and grew up in the village of Carrigkerry. She attended the local school and later Newcastle West where her studies were cut short following the death of her mother in the early 1960s. This early introduction to home care was to remain her main focus for her lifetime. People were always calling into the house at night for the stories and fun and this side of life greatly impacted on Eileen. She also  liked the dancing in the local halls, and the camaraderie being outgoing and sociable.

In time she married Eddie Behan from Shanagolden, and they set up home nearby. They were blessed with three in family Declan, Gráinne and Cormac. They spent over fifty happy years together, and she was a homemaker and a guiding light in their careers. Eddie’s business necessitated contact with him and  a great welcome awaited all who called to their home, be it for business or social. She also assumed the role of secretary always being helpful at the end of the phone when people needed Eddie’s talents.

Eileen was a regular mass attendee, and her faith was very important to her, and she attended all the ceremonies. Eileen was involved in the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Senior Citizens Party committee over the years, organising the yearly Christmas party. She  stood at church gate collections and was always willing to help organisations out. She was a regular walker around the locality and liked the outdoors. She liked to travel and spent many happy days on holiday with sister Ann and friends. She liked reading and doing crosswords and being the first to complete them. She supported local events and causes, including Saint Kieran’s GAA club matches. Life in Carrigkerry  will be a lot duller without Eileen, and a shining light has gone out in our community which will not be replaced.

Reposing  took place at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Thursday, February 27, from 5pm followed by removal  to St. Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry. The Requiem Mass was Concelebrated there by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Joe Cussen, Fr Edwin Irwin, and Fr Martin Madigan, on Friday February 28, at 11.30am. The church was packed to pay tribute to a warm hearted, kind and generous lady. Family members participated during the ceremony, and Noel, Jacki, Denis, and Daniel supplied the appropriate hymns and music. Cormac paid a loving tribute to his mother before the final prayers.

Eileen was laid to rest afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West.  We extend our sympathy to her husband Eddie, sons Declan and Cormac, daughter Gráinne, grandchildren Lucy, Daniel, Julie, Ellie, Derval and Katy, brothers Michael and Moss, sisters Peig, Joan and Anne, son-in-law Andy, daughters-in-law Úna and Noreen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in heavenly Peace.

The death has taken place of Peggy Brouder (nee Ahern) Rerasta Court, Ardagh, and formerly of Clondalkin, Dublin and resident of Adare and District Nursing Home, Croagh, peacefully at Limerick University Hospital on February 22, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Paddy and son Kevin. Reposing took place at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Wednesday February 26, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, followed by removal to St Molua’s Church, Ardagh.
The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Tony Mullins (family relative), Fr Michael Noonan, and Fr Shoji,  on Thursday  at 2pm in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh. Family members participated during the ceremony, and Michael and Fiona Collins performed the hymns and music. Fr Tony paid tribute to Peggy during his homily recalling her long life, spent in Ardagh and Clondalkin in Dublin. She was 90 years old and enjoyed good health until her final move to the nursing home where she was very happy and content. He recalled the many visits he and family members made to her house, when they had business, or social engagements  in Dublin.

Peggy was laid to rest afterwards in St Molua’s Cemetery, and refreshments were available in the local hall. We extend our sympathy to her son Michael, sister Nelly Leamy, Askeaton, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

Joan Buckley recently retired as sacristan  after 25 years service at Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman. Fr Tim Curtin made a presentation to Joan to mark the occasion. She is wished a happy and healthy retirement.

Congratulations to Tadhg Dillane recent winner of the Newcastle West Golf Club Lottery Jackpot
Oskar fever has gripped the local community and curiosity has been building for a few weeks now about the forthcoming fundraising event on Saturday, November 14 in the Devon Inn Hotel. An information night will be held on Friday, March 6, in Ardagh Hall at 9pm to explain to everyone the process and the plan for this event. Martin Foran, who was involved on the first Lip Sync in 2017, will be present to answer any questions on the event that people might have. It would be great if as many people as possible came to this short meeting and attendance would be absolutely without any obligation to take part. It would be lovely if people who aren’t involved in either organization but had an interest in getting involved in the Oskars came along. They would be very welcome.

This is a joint ADRSC and St Kieran’s GAA fundraiser. The ADRSC are hoping to help raise funds to develop a much-needed walking path around the community field in Ardagh and St Kieran’s are fundraising for development work on the GAA grounds in Coolcappa. This information meeting is the start, so hopefully people can come along on March 6, to get a better understanding on this exciting upcoming event in late 2020.

The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s  Bar, Ardagh on Monday February 24. The numbers drawn were 8,15,21 and 24, and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: James Mullins Ardagh, G and D, c/o Denis Greaney, Breda Enright, Ardagh, Michelle Molyneaux, c/o Moira, and Darragh Ronan, c/o Foley’s. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,200 and the draw will be held in Reen’s Bar Ardagh on Monday night. The Lottery can now be done online by logging onto clubforce.com, go to “find my club”-St Kieran’s and just click on play lottery and pay by card.

Saint Kieran’s players  John Hayes  and Liam Kennedy were members of the Limerick team that were defeated by Kerry  in the Semi- Final of the Munster U-20 Championship at Neville Park Rathkeale by 0-14 to 0-7 on Wednesday February 26.

Ardagh Drama Group performed  “Nobody is Talking to Me” by Tommy Marren in Castlemahon Hall  over six nights, concluding on Sunday night last. It was a laugh a minute play that had all in attendance in high spirits from start to finish.

Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held a talk night on Friday, February 28, in Ardagh Community Centre.  The speakers and subjects were Nora Kennelly David Quaid and the Boer War, Mary Kury Murder at Ardagh 1858, and Sheila O’Regan Radio Memories. The talks were followed by a question and answer session. Thanks to the three speakers for sharing their very interesting talks, and to all in attendance. Forty-four people were present, refreshments were served,  and chat followed. The next series of talks will be held on Friday March 27, at 8pm in Ardagh Community Centre. Thanks to all who supported the Quiz at Reen’s Bar, Ardagh on Saturday, February 22. The next meeting will be held in Ardagh Community Centre on Thursday March 5, at 8pm, and  new members are most welcome.

The Desmond Cup draw for 2020 was held at the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West  on Monday, February 24. In round one Creeves Celtic are away to Athea Utd, and both Carrig Celtic teams received byes.

The annual West GAA All Star Banquet was held on Friday, February 28 at the Devon Inn Hotel, and three Saint Kieran’s  club members received awards. Congratulations to Liam Kennedy Senior Football, Pat Molyneaux Referee Award, and Darren Dineen, who was a member of the Munster team that won the 2019 All Ireland Wheelchair Hurling Competition.

The Stations of the Cross will be said in Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West every Sunday during Lent at 3pm. All are welcome to attend and to remember loved ones in prayer.

Newcastle West Film Club present Pain and Glory, at the Desmond Complex on Friday, March 6, at 8pm. Half autobiographic, half fiction, the film reflects on the choices the lead actor makes as past and present comes crashing down on him.  The admission is €7, and refreshments available, and the venue is ideal, and the committee would welcome your presence.

West Limerick Singing Club meet on the first Friday of each month in Philip Enright’s Ramble Inn, Church Street, Abbeyfeale. Next session will be held on Friday, March 6,  at 9pm, and all singers and storytellers are welcome.

The West Limerick branch of the Mental Health Association of Ireland will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 8pm, at Maple Lodge, Gortboy, Newcastle West. All members to attend and new members will be most welcome.

Congratulations to Pat Boyce, Bruree who won €170 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, February 28. 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.