By Tom Aherne

Work on the removing of small trees, shrubs and briars, has been taking place at Ardagh Station site in recent weeks. Only a small number of trees remain in the yard and garden area, which is to be turned into a car park and playground area. Work to stabilise the shed and station house is due to commence shortly. Large crowds have been using the section between Ardagh and Rathkeale  since it opened just before last Christmas. Work will recommence soon on the next section due to open from Ardagh to Newcastle West. It was planned to open up to Abbeyfeale by June but Covid restrictions may have pushed that to the autumn.

Good news has been announced  for the residents of the Old Mill area where poor water pressure has been a major problem  for the past few years. Irish water have installed a new more powerful pump to service the Old Mill and surrounding areas in recent weeks.

We extend our sympathy to Nora and Pat Kiely and family, Knockbowheen on the sudden death of her brother Danny Aherne, Raheenagh, Ballagh, on Monday, March 1. A private family Funeral Mass was held in Saint Ita’s Church, Raheenagh on Thursday March 4, at 12.30pm. A Private Cremation took place afterwards in Shannon Crematorium. Sympathy also to his mother Julia, brothers Davy and Gerry, sisters Eileen, Catherine, Sheila and Ita, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of good friends and great neighbours. May he rest in Peace.

A new documentary on the life and times of singer Con Greaney  will be broadcast on West Limerick 102 radio on Saint Patrick’s Day with the time to be announced. The well known singer passed away on June 22, 2001 in Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West aged 89 years. It is important that the contribution of Con to the entertainment scene is documented and preserved for future generations. Many of his songs both serious and comical will be included plus guests paying tribute to him during the 90 minute show.

The Irish Cancer Society fundraising Daffodil Day takes place on Friday, March 26. All communities can get involved in this event by hosting a virtual fundraiser and collection, purchasing items from the Daffodil Day online shop, or making a donation. For more information go to cancer.ie/daffodilday

Enrolments are now open  for the coming school year 2021/22, at Kilcolman N.S. Enrolment forms can be found on the school website www.kilcolmanns.com and can be returned by post or by email to [email protected]

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.

Team Limerick (TLC)  clean up year 6 will go ahead this Good Friday April 2. It was not held in 2020 due to Covid-19, and our communities show all the signs. The event  will have to be Covid compliant as we could still be in Level 5. Individuals and groups are asked to register for the clean-up by logging on to www. teamlimerickcleanup.ie More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

As we move through the month we are reminded of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world. Trócaire boxes are available in the local church porches, and  we are asked to put something into them daily, weekly, or at the Easter weekend. All support will be greatly appreciated.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, March 1. The numbers drawn were 7,12,14, and 19, and there was no winner of the €4,600 Jackpot.  Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Paul Moriarty online, Michelle, and Pa c/o Josie, Sean Moriarty c/o Denis Greaney, Alex  JC O’Sullivan c/o Dawn, and Michael Donovan c/o Eileen Collins. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be   €4,700. 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, March 1. Congratulations to Danny Kelliher, who won €123.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.

Over the winter months our roads  deteriorate due to the weather which brings so much diverse conditions. The main roads are well looked after apart from some  bare patches, following the disappearance of tar on some roads. The minor roads are a different matter, and mainly remain neglected apart from the occasional filling in of potholes.  We got a lot of rain this winter, and a few nights of hard frost which is now showing with lots of potholes on some roads. Hopefully they will be filled when the Covid restrictions lift and the workers return to action.

The next draw in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, will be  held on Friday, March 12.   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.