By Tom Aherne
The Ardagh First Responders contact number is 0838889963.
The Carrigkerry First Responders contact number is 069-31031
The death has taken place of Jimmy Walsh Lisbane, Shanagolden, in his 92nd year. Husband of the late Mary, he was involved in farming. A private funeral will take place in line with best practice taken from Government advice regarding public gatherings. A memorial mass will take place at a future date. We extend our sympathy to his sons Mike, Joe, and James, daughters in law Elaine, Holly, and Diane, grandson Patrick, sister Ita, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Brendan Duggan School Road Ardagh who recently celebrated his 81st birthday with family and friends. A native of Sugarhill he is a great man to converse with and to tell a story. You can catch him singing many of the old Irish songs on YouTube at present. He operated a travelling shop around the West Limerick area for many years, delivering groceries to people, and building up lifelong friendships. Brendan is a great supporter of Limerick hurlers, and a member of St Kieran’s Heritage Association.
The Cuckoo has arrived (right on time as in previous years) in our locality and has been heard calling in Glensharrold since last Friday April 17. The elder generation always looked forward to the arrival as it marked the end of the long winter, and the promise of better weather ahead.
The School Folklore Collection from 1937 is still talked about and referred to up to the present day. It gave a great insight into the Ireland of the past up to that time, with the children’s grandparents sharing their memories and recollections, which were then recorded for posterity. The Covid-19 virus offers another window of opportunity for us to do the same now. It would make interesting reading in one hundred years time.
Milford Care Centre annual memorial walk continues this year, with a difference, due to the Covid-19 crisis. This year participants are being encouraged to walk in their own locality and in their own time. They can do this by completing 1km a day for five days, between Sunday May 3. and Thursday May 5. The usual entry fee of € 20 per family applies, and those participating can resister at www.milfordcarecentre.ie Following the event a special blessing ceremony will be held on Friday May 8. This will be streamed live on their social media, allowing all participants on the walk to virtually link up in solidarity to remember their bereaved.
The Garry Mc Mahon Singing Weekend takes place every October in Abbeyfeale, and it attracts a great gathering of singers and composers from all parts of Ireland and beyond. For a number of years now a competition for a newly composed Irish traditional ballad has been held. This event has gone from strength and this October a significant prize fund of € 1,450 is on offer, with first prize € 1,000, second prize € 350, and third prize €100. The closing date for the competition is Friday August 28. All the details can be got on the West Limerick Singing Club Facebook page, or by post to Mary O’Connor, Peacehaven, Radharc Na Coille, Moyderwell, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
I have been informed that, the plaque to William Smith O’Brien at Cahermoyle House gate pier is missing and the gates are locked. On Saturday April 18,1949, 71 years ago last Saturday Ireland officially became a Republic, leaving the Commonwealth, and repealing the 1936 External Relations Act. A 21-gun salute was fired from O’Connell Bridge, and in Cork, old IRA veteran Tom Barry read the 1916 Proclamation at City Hall.
This week we continue to look back at the parish notes in the Limerick Leader from April 1990, as notes are scarce due to the Covid-19. The death has occurred of Mary Hartigan at her residence in Carrigkerry on April 9. Removal from Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West to Carrigkerry Church. Following Requiem Mass, she was laid to rest in Churchtown Cemetery Newcastle West on April 11. Sympathy to her husband and family members. The death has occurred of John Brouder at his residence in Rearasta Ardagh on April 9. Removal from Reidy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West to Ardagh Church. Following Requiem Mass, he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery on April 12. Sympathy to his brothers, sisters, and family members.
Kilcolman Parents Association held a fundraising dance at Moran’s Tavern Carrigkerry on Saturday April 21, with Flashback providing the music. The Parents Association has made valuable contributions towards the purchase of school equipment and decoration of the school. The proceeds from this dance will go towards finishing the playground shelter. Four Saint Kieran’s players Jimmy Duggan, Dan Larkin, Liam Barrett, and John Donovan were on the Limerick Senior football panel preparing to play Tipperary in the Munster Championship on May 6.