By Tom Aherne
In recent weeks pupils from the four local schools have received their First Holy Communion under the new Covid 19 guidelines. Congratulations to all the pupils involved and thanks to all others involved in enabling the ceremonies to proceed. Congratulations and best wishes to all the local students who received their Leaving Certificate results on Monday September 7.
Congratulations to Michael Flynn formerly of Ballymorrisheen, Ardagh, on his recent appointment as Principal of Ériu Community College Blanchardstown in West Dublin. It is a brand new (ETB) school which just opened this September to cater for the growing population. We wish Michael all the best in the future.
Creeves Celtic held the first split the pot fundraiser draw at the Thatch Bar, Newbridge on Monday, September 7. Congratulations to Clara Enright who won €128. Entry fee €2, with €1 to the club and the other €1 to be paid out in prize money each week. The envelopes to place your two euro in plus details, are available at the Thatch Bar and Hanley’s Foodstore, Creeves. Participants can also sign up to a standing order made payable to the club, contributing €9 per month for 12 months. The forms are available from committee members and the draws will be held on Monday nights and all support will be appreciated.
Saint Kieran’s defeated Garryspillane by 1-19 to 1-10 in Round 4 of the County Junior A Hurling Championship at Adare on Sunday, September 6. It was their first win in the competition, and they play Castletown/Ballygran in their final group match. In round 2 of the West Junior B Football Championship Saint Kieran’s lost to Feenagh/Kilmeedy by 1-14 to 0-7 at Coolcappa on Tuesday, September 1. They play Adare in their final group match. In Division 3 of the County U-16 Hurling Championship Semi Final Saint Kieran’s lost to Dromin/Athlacca/Banogue by 5-14 to 4-6.
West Limerick 102fm have been successful with their application to the Government Stability Fund which will see them receive €18,853 from the fund. Other good news for the station is that Gaeilge Bhriste presented by Shirley O’Regan, has been shortlisted for Oireachtas Irish Language Community Radio Programme of the Year 2020. The programme is a lively mix of Irish Language, literature and music, and can be heard on Sundays from 8-9am and from 3-4pm. Shirley has become a beacon of light since her arrival at the station last year, introducing new ideas and new shows. We wish her well in her quest to achieve the award next month.
Congratulations to Pat Coughlan Castlemahon, who won €116, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, September 11. 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, creating new talk shows, documentaries and lots more. Contact the station at 069-66200 if interested.
The Desmond Castle, Askeaton is now open to the public until Friday, October 30. Admission is free and numbers are limited to 6-8 people due to the special Covid restrictions. A guided service is available daily at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
A prime parcel of 50 acres, with semi-derelict 4 bedroom farmhouse in need of substantial modernisation with potentially a great aspect, is for sale on the lands on Wednesday, September 16 at 3pm at Coolcappagh, Ardagh.
Culture Night 2020 will be held on Friday, September 18, and it will be a lot different this year due to Covid-19. It will be aimed at stay at home on-line audiences, which will be shown through new channels. Limerick Culture and Arts Office are inviting clubs and organisations wishing to organise an event to visit www.limerick.ie/. West Limerick Radio will be marking the occasion.
People around the Limerick area are being asked to host a socially distanced or virtual coffee morning and raise funds for Milford Hospice on Thursday, September 24. This is the 28th year of the fundraising initiative and it is sponsored by Bewley’s. The money raised is crucial in ensuring that they continue to meet each individual patient’s needs and to support their families throughout the mid west region. Call the fundraising department at 061- 485859 or visit www. milfordcarecentre.ie