By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Mary Feane (née O’Donnell), Killaheen, Reens, Ardagh and late of Boherbuoy, Rathkeale and Kilmanihan, Brosna, County Kerry. Peacefully in the loving care of the staff at St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West surrounded by her family on Monday, January 18. She was predeceased by her sister Sheila and brother Willie. A family Requiem Mass took place in St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa on Wednesday, January 20, at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Rathkeale. We extend sympathy to her husband John, sons John, James, Michael, Paul, daughters Mary, Breda, Margaret, loving grandchildren, sisters Nellie and Bridget, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, a wide circle of kind friends and neighbours. May she rest in Peace.
The Covid cases thankfully are beginning to level off after the very highs in recent weeks. With January being a quiet month hopefully they will continue to decrease and our health services will be able to cope. All frontline workers are to be complimented as they continue their great work for the benefit of all others. By now nearly every parish town and village has seen cases of the virus, and our thoughts are with those affected and their families. A speedy recovery to all, and looking forward to the vaccine rollout which is another positive on the horizon.
The reopening of our schools has caused a lot of comment in recent weeks, and three locals expressing their views featured on radio and print. Ann Horan, the Principal of Carrigkerry N.S. and INTO representative for Kerry and Limerick, was on with Jerry O’Sullivan on Radio Kerry. Lorraine Madigan O’Connor parent Lisgordan, Ardagh was on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime. Conor O’Donoghue, Commons, Ardagh parent and Aontú party representative featured in the local paper. We hope the Government will find a solution to suit all the party’s concerned.
January is slipping away and the mornings and evenings are getting brighter which is to be welcomed during this third lockdown of level 5 restrictions. Nature is taking no notice of the virus, and daffodils and primroses are flowering already, and some of our birds are building their nests for the next cycle of life. People are being encouraged to get outdoors if possible and to enjoy what nature has to offer around their restricted area.
Minister Heather Humphrey has announced funding for ten walkways in Limerick totalling almost €175,000. In West Limerick three walkways will receive funding which is great news for their communities and all walkers who avail of them. Knockfierna Famine Memorial Trail walk will receive €20,000, Mullaghareirk Walking Trails in Broadford/Ashford will receive €19, 332. and the Abha Bhán River Walk, Ballyhahill will receive €8,955. The importance of outdoor recreation is gradually being recognised in recent years, and during Covid -19 these trails, walkways and cycle ways are providing great spaces for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Creeves Celtic held their split the pot draw at Hanley’s Food store Creeves, on Monday, January 18. Congratulations to John, Liam, and Lilian Guinane who won €120. 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 Food Store Creeves, and from committee members. People can also sign up by standing order for €9 per month. The draws will be held on Monday nights, and all support will be appreciated.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, January 18, in the Community Centre, Ardagh. The numbers drawn were 2,6,20 and 21, and there was no winner of the €4,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Geraldine Liston c/o Denis Greaney’s, Noreen Ambrose Lee online, Rosemary Enright Hodgson online, Marina McDonagh online and Robbie Moriarty c/o Anne Mullins. Next Monday night’s Jackpot will be €4,100. People can play online using club force on the club’s Facebook page, with 6pm on Monday evening the deadline. The tickets are also on sale at the usual outlets, and all support will be appreciated.
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, and by sending a private message to the club’s social media page. The entry fee is €10.
The Saint Kieran’s GAA Club membership for the 2021 season is as follows, Limerick Development draw €100, senior adult player €50, senior adult player plus Limerick Development draw €140, family membership €70, family membership plus Limerick Development draw €160, adult social non playing €30, adult social non playing plus Limerick Development draw €120, under 21/student membership €30, single juvenile membership €30. All the membership can be paid through the Club force APP with direct debit options available.
The final Limerick GAA Club draw for 2020 will be held on Saturday, January 30. The first prize is €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, and 28 additional prizes of €500, €250 and €100. For the final draw the entry fee is €10, and the exclusive star prize is €500. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person or online. The club will be promoting the 2021 draw as well. It will run on the same lines as last year and it will commence in the Spring.