By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Maura Collins, nee Crowe, Kilscannell  House, Ardagh and formerly of Towerhill, Cappamore, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 2. Predeceased by her brothers John and Rev Father Richard (Dick). A family Requiem Mass took place in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Tuesday, January 5, at 11.30am, followed by burial in Kilscannell Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to  her husband Sean, sons Richard and Denis, sister Kathleen Halpin (Knocklong), grandchildren Leeanne, Brandon, Kieran, Sarah, Grace, Padraig, nephews, nieces, daughters-in-law Michelle and Theresa, extended family neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Nora O’Connor nee Madigan, Birmingham, England and late of The Stables, Glenville, Ardagh, County Limerick, on Tuesday,  January 5. Predeceased by her husband Patrick (Chris), brothers Billy and Dan, sisters Peg (Power) and Mary (Naughton). Nora was aged 89 years, and her Funeral will take place in Birmingham. We extend our sympathy to her children Patrick, John, Mary, Noreen, Liam, Catherine, Paul, Geraldine, Adrian and Annette, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 27 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

We extend our sympathy to Ann and Tom Harnett, Coolacokera, Ardagh, on the death of Ann’s father Jeremiah (Gerry ) Cronin, Church Street, Rathkeale, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 4. Predeceased by his wife Nancy. The Requiem Mass took place in Saint Mary’s Church, Rathkeale on Wednesday, January 6 at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Church Street, Rathkeale. Sympathy also to  sons Martin, John, Tim, daughters Patsy, Elaine, Diane, grandchildren, sister Patsy, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, extended family, friends and neighbours. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Mary Sweeney, (nee Roche), Meenoline North, Templeglantine, peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, in the loving care of the nurses and staff at Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastle West. Mary was the  sister of the late Eddie and Pat. The Funeral cortege  departed Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Friday,  January 1, to  The Church of The Most Holy Trinity, Templeglantine, for Requiem Mass at 1pm, followed by burial afterwards in  Reilig Íde Naofa, Abbeyfeale. We extend sympathy to  her husband Mike, (Ballylin Ardagh) sons Michael and Eamon, daughters-in-law Annette and Simone, grandchildren Rachel and Darragh, step-grandson Cian, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Due to the Level 5 restrictions the parish churches are closed for mass, The mass in Ardagh  can be viewed on the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Facebook page, and the mass in Carrigkerry can be heard on the Radio at 107fm.

The first week in January saw the erection of two flashing speed signs  entering  Carrigkerry village from the Athea and Ardagh directions. Credit has been extended to Councillor Tom Ruddle for securing the signs from his Council general municipal fund. The signs to slow down traffic are to be welcomed as the speed limit was always broken by speeding vehicles. People  holding collections and entering and leaving the church were always at risk and it was a miracle   that nobody was seriously injured  over the years.

Local photographer Bridie Murphy has a number of photos included in the 2021 Kerry Agribusiness calendar. Images from Athea, Foynes and Ardagh and  Kerry locations are included. Bridie’s work has featured in many publications over the years.

Knockdown Vintage Club held a raffle in aid of the Symptomatic Breast Unit UHL. They presented the unit with a cheque for €2,000 on Tuesday, December 15.

Creeves Celtic  held their  split the pot draw at Hanley’s Food store, Creeves, on Monday 4. Congratulations to Paul O’Connor who won €122. The weekly   entry fee is €2, with €1 going 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  Hanley’s Foodstore, Creeves,  and from committee members.  The  draws will be held on Monday nights, and all support will be appreciated.

The Coolcappa Hall Committee would like to thank all who bought tickets for their  Christmas raffle held on Sunday,  December 20. Your support is greatly appreciated in the continuing running and  upkeep of the hall. Congratulations to the following  prize winners; 1st prize Estuary Fuel Voucher: Mike O’Mara, 2nd prize Christmas hamper: Lorraine Flavin, 3rd prize turkey and  ham: Martha Reidy,  4th prize Foleys Voucher: Chris Ruttle, 5th prize porter cake and  whiskey: Mary Barrett, 6th prize hamper: Tom Ahern, 7th prize Baileys and  chocolates: Charlotte O’Mara. A very special thank you to our sponsors, without whose support we couldn’t continue our annual fundraiser. It is very much appreciated. Estuary Fuels, Dooley’s Super Valu, Meskell Consulting Engineers, Tallybrooke Civil Engineering, Eurospar Ireland, Foleys The Pike Irish Pub and Restaurant, Caitriona O’ Kelly, and Lorraine Flavin.

The Saint Kieran’s  senior footballers and junior hurlers are running a Last Man Standing Fundraiser starting on Tuesday, January  26. Pick 10 winners in 10 Premiership games over 10 weeks to be in with a chance of winning. the first prize of €150. You can participate by contacting members of both panels, or sending a private message to the club’s social media page. The entry fee is €10.

The Noonan family Templeglantine were unable to hold their Christmas Lights Fundraiser this year due to Covid -19. Instead, Tony did a tour of the national schools, bringing lots of enjoyment to the children. The family  have also set up a go fund me page for people if they wish to donate to their list of charities this year. People can do so by visiting the Tony Noonan Facebook  page.

Coolcappa National School is now enrolling for the coming school year 2021/2022. People are asked to register by email, telephone, or word of mouth as soon as possible. Telephone 069-76493, email [email protected]

West Limerick 102fm has been allocated €20, 950 from the latest round of funding from the Broadcasting Authority  of Ireland. The grant is to enable  the radio station  to expand current  programming ant to produce  entertaining, informative and engaging content for the wider community. The programmes will involve community groups in all stages and encourage listeners and community members  to become active participants in the daily programming at the station.