By Tom Aherne
The following are the Lottery results from Neary’s Bar, Ardagh on Monday March 9. The numbers drawn were 15,19,20 and 22 and there was no Jackpot winner. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who won €40 each: Enright family (online), Jason O’Donovan, Ardagh, Mary O’Connor, c/o Moloney’s, Nora Dineen, Ardagh, and Ann Greed, Askeaton. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,600 and the draw will be held in the Thatch Bar 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.
Congratulations to Loretta Hayes, and Maura Crowley who were prize winners at the Flag Floor card game held on Wednesday, March 4.
Galbally defeated Saint Kieran’s by 3-6 to 1-9 in Round 2 of the County Football League Division 1 at Galbally on Saturday, March 7. The round 1 match against Na Piarsaigh was postponed because of the weather. All fixtures are off at present due to Covid-19.
Róisín Ambrose was a member of the Limerick team that defeated Dublin by 1-10 to 0-10 in Division 1 of the National Camogie League on Saturday March 7, at the Gaelic Grounds.
Sophie Hennessy, Iris Kennelly and Mai Kennelly, Old Mill club were members of the Limerick ladies football team that lost to Leitrim by 4-13 to 1-6 in Division 4 of the National League on Sunday, March 8, at Carrick-on-Shannon.
Ireland’s National Tree week takes place from Saturday, March 21 to Friday, March 27. Healthy trees, Healthy Planet, is this year’s theme. It is to promote tree health and the important role trees play in promoting the planet by taking on climate change and providing natural renewable resources . Trees will be available for planting in local communities, including 30,000 native trees donated by Cóilte.
Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association has postponed their talk night due to take place on Friday, March 27. Work on the Down Memory Lane book continues in the background and members are involved in the community response group for the area. Please be safe, secure, and stay positive. The wheel will turn, and activities will resume when safe to do so.
The outdoor Daffodil Day, which was due to take place on Friday, March 27, has been postponed to another date. People can contribute to the Irish Cancer Society by text to 50300 and donate €4.
The charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick due to be held in the Longcourt House Hotel Newcastle West on Friday, March 27, has been postponed to a later date. People can donate themselves, to this great cause which will be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to the Old Mill U-10 girls who took part in the County Blitz on Saturday March 7 and will be representing Limerick in Croke Park on Friday April 10, at the LGFA National Activity Day. The Old Mill ladies football club clothes collection has been postponed. A bag pack will be held in Tesco Newcastle West on Saturday April 11. The club would appreciate help on the day to fill the time slots. All support for this fundraiser will be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to Paddy O’Shea, Broadford, who won €170 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, March 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. The AGM fixed for Tuesday March 31,in the Longcourt House Hotel Newcastle West has been postponed to a later date.
OPINION PIECE
UNITED WE STAND: Last Saturday during my early morning walk my thoughts began to wonder as they often do. The rain was falling softly, and it was calm, and I was struck by the stillness, and the “Sound of Silence” song by Simon and Garfunkel came to mind. Our Emerald Isle will be a lot quieter in the coming weeks, as the country goes into retreat due to the COVID-19 virus. All sporting, cultural, entertainment, and leisure activities have been called off, and churches, and public buildings have been closed.
These are worrying and stressful times for everyone, especially for the elderly, and for those who are vulnerable to the virus due to underlying conditions. Our prayers and thoughts are with those who care for these people and for the healthcare workers who are so courageously out there on the frontline. Time and patience are called for, and just as Saint Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland, we will survive this national emergency and latest threat to our population.
Elvis Presley recorded “Home is where the Heart Is” song so we will have to remain more at home, and take care of ourselves, and look out for the welfare of others. We must put our shoulder behind the national effort to protect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Communities are coming together and organising themselves to look after the more vulnerable members. A group has been set up in the Saint Kieran’s catchment area to deliver groceries, and medicine, and all households will receive an information letter with contact numbers this week.
The panic buying since last Friday recalls “The Winner Takes It All” song by Abba. I am old fashioned, and I find it hard to understand this craze, as we survived with little, and were happy with our lot. The bulk buying up of essential items during a time of emergency is selfish and issues the message “I am alright (name) and to Hell with you”. The older members of our society (which I have joined) find it hard to compete and can end up losing out and without the items they need maybe far more than the younger generation. The supply chain will continue and there is enough for all if people are fair minded and only take what they need.
My native townland Glensharrold and its people has survived the great Famine, infamous Evictions during the 1880s, two great wars, Spanish flu, the Emergency, TB, Foot and Mouth, Oil crisis, storms, recessions, deep snowfalls in 1963 and 1981 and come out the other side. Since October 31 we have lost five fine people associated with Glensharrold Johnny Kennelly, Trish Aherne, Michael Geoghegan, Bridget Doody, and Jack Mulvihill. The many storms have battered the land which is saturated from rainfall since last August, and the White River has overflowed on to the land on several occasions. These are dark and depressing times for many in all communities, but stay safe and secure, as the darkest hour comes before the dawn.
The wheel always turns, and nature continues to provide enjoyment with bird song more prominent in early morning and later evenings. The early flowers are adding colour to our gardens and hedgerows, and the clocks are getting ready to move forward. April will bring the Swallows and Cuckoo, and hopefully warmer and drier weather. It is better to embrace the sunrise rather than the sunset, and as I return to my gate the words of Gloria Gaynor’s song “I Will Survive” comes to mind.