By Tom Aherne
Congratulations to Sophie Hennessy, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry, daughter of Mary and Dan who received a Rachel Kenneally Memorial Award. Rachel from Tipperary passed away aged 26 back in 2018. She played Gaelic football for her county and the bursary (value €750) is funded by Munster LGFA and one student from each of the six counties was chosen for the award. Sophie is a first year student in Mary Immaculate College Limerick training to become a primary teacher. She plays football with Old Mill, and Limerick junior football team, and will perform the role of ambassador, with the other five award winners to champion ladies’ football in their club, county and province of Munster over the next 12 months on behalf of MLGFA. Sophie’s grandfather Sean “Foxy” O’Connor was an outstanding hurler with the local club, Knockaderry in senior hurling and he also represented his county in National League, and Tournament matches.
The death has taken place of Tom Kennelly, Templeathea East, Athea, and Kerrikyle, Ardagh on Wednesday, February 17 at Saint Michael’s Nursing Home, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick. Predeceased by his parents Ellen and John Kennelly (Ardagh), and cousin Mike Enright (Athea). Sadly, missed by his cousins Margaret Enright and family, Jack and Tom Enright, Nora Philips, Bridie Liston, the management, staff and residents of Saint Michael’s Nursing Home, Saint Joseph’s and O’Connell House Residential Care Centre, Newcastle West, cousins, neighbours and friends. The Requiem Mass took place in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Friday, February 19 at 11am, followed by burial immediately after in Templeathea Cemetery, Athea.
Tom, an only child, grew up with his parents in a house situated on the border of Kerrikyle, and Glensharrold. His parents were small farmers and Tom attended Kilcolman National School and was a very bright student. He played games with his school friends, and the other local boys, and he was a lot taller than all. When his parents died the farm was sold to Patie Wrenn from Clounleharde, and Tom moved away. In later years Tom was based in O’Connell House Residential Care Centre Newcastle West, and he was a familiar figure around the town running errands for staff, and fellow residents. Tom was a kind and gentle figure who was around the 70 year mark, and he will be sadly missed by all. May he rest in Peace.
We extend our sympathy to the Histon family, Kilcolman on the death of Nora’s husband Michael Dillon, Clorane, Adare, who passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastle West. The Requiem Mass was held at Holy Trinity Abbey Church, Adare, on Thursday, February 18, at 1.30pm, with the funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium. We extend sympathy also to the extended family members. May he rest in Peace.
Congratulations and best wishes to Catherine Goulding, Glenagore, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday at Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West. She is a very popular lady and involved with a number of social groups, who surround her with kindness.
Enrolments are now open for the coming school year 2021/22, at Saint Molua’s N.S. Ardagh. Please email the school on office@ stmoluasns.scoilnet.ie or download an application form from their website www. stmolua.ie and post to the Principal, Ardagh National School.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, February 22. The numbers drawn were 7,8,16, and 18, and there was no winner of the €4,500 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Bridie Noonan, c/o Josie, Marie Thompson, c/o Denis Greaney, Nora Dineen, Ardagh, Louise Moriarty, Liskeleen, Ardagh and Pat Molyneaux, Askeaton. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €4,600. 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.
Creeves Celtic held their split the pot draw at Hanley’s Food store, Creeves on Monday, February 15. Congratulations to Danny Kelliher, who won €115. 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 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 Limerick GAA Club draw for 2021 is now open for membership. The Saint Kieran’s club are promoting it and the first draw will be held on Saturday March 27. The entry fee for the ten draws is €100, and €21,000 will be given out in prize money each month. The first prize is €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, and 28 additional prizes of €500, €250, and €100. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Clubforce App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.
Congratulations to Paddy Sheehan Castleview Newcastle West, who won €110 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50draw, held on Friday, February 26. The tickets cost €2 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloney’s Carrigkerry, and Denis Greaney’s Shop Ardagh) or from the radio station. All support will be appreciated as finances are tight due to lack of fundraising. The radio station is off limits to members of the public at present, with only volunteers allowed access. When restrictions are lifted all will be very welcome to visit and get involved in programming. A number of exciting new programmes are in the pipeline for later in the year. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.