By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Denis Fitzgerald Glensharrold, Carrigkerry unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday April 19. A private Funeral for immediate family has taken place, in Saint Marys Church Carrigkerry on Friday April 24, followed by burial in Holycross Cemetery Athea. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date, to celebrate Denis’s life, for all to attend. We extend our deep sympathy to his parents Tom and Breda, brothers John and Edward, aunts Carmel Flynn (Mayo), Ita Mullane (Knockdown) and Nuala O’Connell (Limerick), uncle P.J. Costello (Kilmoyley, Co. Kerry), cousins, extended family and a very large circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death has taken place of Mary Colbert (née Power) of Ballysten, Shanagolden, on Monday April 20 peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her father William, mother Margaret and brother Patrick. A private Funeral for immediate family has taken place, in Saint Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Wednesday April 22, followed by burial in Kilbradern Cemetery. A memorial Mass to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at a future date. We extend our sympathy to husband Con, daughters Ciara, Eimear, Amy son Conor, sisters Marguerite (Kennedy), Bernadette (O’Sullivan) and Patricia (Walsh), her brothers John, Liam and Michael, brothers in law, sisters in law, aunt, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, godson, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours. May she Rest in Peace.
Saint Kieran’s GAA Club whose catchment area includes Ardagh/Carrigkerry and Coolcappa/ Kilcolman parishes, was formed in May 1972, following Carrigkerry’s County Junior Football Championship win. Before this since the GAA was founded teams from the area played under all the different parish names.
The time has now arrived following phone discussions from a distance in recent weeks, to compile a complete club history including all the material that is available from all corners. A small group of people are engaged in the task at present, as no club meeting can be held to form a committee. The current lockdown of all club activities may be the window of opportunity to put the wheels in motion, as the time frame is short. Most club members may have time on their hands at present, and this may be a pleasant distraction.
It would be nice to see a memories section included in the history, recalling the successes, and disappointments, the personalities involved, and companionship’s formed. All are welcome to share their recollections be they passed players, club officers, or loyal supporters, with a special appeal to the elder generation. The West and County winning Captains could also share their thoughts and memories of their big days. This work can be started now and submitted to the club in the coming weeks. The club would appreciate 600 words or thereabouts, and ideally your contribution by email, but a written memory can be transcribed afterwards.
People may be spring cleaning at present, and they may come across old newspaper match reports, cuttings, match programmes and other memorabilia of interest. These can be stored in a safe place until required and photographs would also be most welcome in time and can be scanned and returned. This is a major club project to record for posterity the dedication, and contribution of men and women in most households within the parishes, and all help will be greatly appreciated. It is planned to have the club history ready in time to launch it to mark the jubilee of Saint Kieran’s in two years’ time.
West Limerick 102fm community radio received some good news last week from the Broadcasting Authority with regards to their Licences Renewal Contract. The Authority, (BAI) at its meeting of April 7, last, agreed to the extension of the current contract to May 14, 2022 in order to facilitate the continuance of the current radio service for the community.
Teagasc has set up a telephone helpline to assist farmers with questions concerning the current Covid -19 virus. It will offer advice on a range of issues that the farming community face, as they continue to do their essential work in maintaining the food supply around the farmyard. The number is 076 111 3533, it is open from 9-30am to 12-30pm, and from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Parents wishing to enrol a child in Kilcolman National School for September 2020, please contact the school on [email protected], alternatively go to the school website kilcolmans.com and download an enrolment form and forward it to the school via the email address.
Deel Animal Action Group is a registered animal rescue charity based in West Limerick, run by a small committed group of volunteers. They round up stray and abandoned animals taking care of them and finding them new homes. The charity was set up in September 2016, and their funding comes mainly from local fundraising events, and church gate collections. All the money collected goes to the care of the animals, and their helpline is 076-6805278.To donate € 4 text Daag4 to 50300.
Abbeyfeale Good was a documentary exploring the full spectrum of human experience through the 16 barbers and hairdressers operating in the town. It was directed by Alex Fegan and shown on RTE One on Monday April 20. It is to these premises that young and old come to reflect on themselves and on life in general. Over the years they build up a relationship, so they can discuss the ups and downs of life, while getting their hair done. It was serious at times but also very funny and very enjoyable. A familiar face was Abbeyfeale native Billy Mann who lives in Ardagh and has been in the barber business for over 30 years.
The Good Friday Limerick Clean up did not take place this year, and already the signs of rubbish build ups can be seen around our roads. It would be good to see people taking ownership of their own stretch of roadway and keeping it clean. The people that discard their rubbish out the windows of their vehicles, will continue to do so regardless, but someday they may realise the error of their ways. The Tidy Towns competition will not go ahead this year due to Covid 19, and this will add to the amount of rubbish accumulating in our towns and villages. The committees in each area do great work and they should be assisted in every way to maintain our beautiful country.
Last Wednesday I got a phone call from a neighbour of bye gone days Tony Ahern, who now lives near Melbourne in Australia with his family. He left Ireland for England in his early twenties, and worked in the construction business, like so many more Irish men of that time. Later he moved to Australia and made good using the skills he had gained in England. He married an Australian girl and they raised their family of four girls, and one son.
Now 80 years old he had great praise for his adopted country which allowed him to create a far better lifestyle that would have been available if he stayed in Ireland. There is only a small number of Covid-19 cases in Australia, at present, with its open spaces and smaller population outside the major cities a great advantage. Tony has been home to see family and friends, many times over the years, and did not rule out another visit in the future. Continued good health and contentment to Tony and family in the future.