By Tom Aherne
The death took place at a young age of Orla O’Donovan, Ballyvoughan, Ardagh, and Interior Style Newcastle West, peacefully at home with her loving family on Wednesday, March 10. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Saturday, March 13 at 12 noon, followed by burial in Ardagh Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her heartbroken parents Mike and Josie, brother Gerard, sister Jennifer and Orla’s partner Mark, grandmother Teresa, aunts, uncles, cousins and her large circle of good friends. May she Rest in Peace.
Doctor Kieran Murphy, Athea has issued a letter, to the Carrigkerry Community Centre Committee, regarding the closure of the GP Satellite Clinic in Carrigkerry Community Centre. Since the onset of the pandemic and the first lockdown last year he has suspended his attendance. His reason was that it was a walk in centre with just the doctor in attendance without reception or secretarial support, and it was not possible to maintain social distancing and adequate hygiene and PPE standards. As it is his intention to retire this coming December and as it is unlikely that it will be safe to resume attendance at Carrigkerry possibly before the autumn, he has taken the decision that his attendance should be suspended permanently. He has been in contact with the HSE to inform them of his intention.
He goes on to say it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to serve the community of Carrigkerry since 1984. Unfortunately the current pandemic has had a dramatic effect on many aspects of our society and many things will not be the same again. Please accept my thanks and appreciation for the assistance and support of the committee over the years. On behalf of all his patients, community thanks is expressed for the service he has provided.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions Mass for Unit 13 (which includes Coolcappa/Kilcolman, Shanagolden, Foynes/Robertstown, Loughill/Ballyhahill and Glin) is relayed daily at 10am from Glin Church, 7pm Saturday and 11am Sunday. Starting on March 12 and continuing for the following 3 Fridays, Stations of the Cross will be relayed at 8pm. Palm will be blessed on Palm Sunday and can be collected by parishioners from their own church. Easter Triduum: Ceremonies will be relayed from Glin Church as follows: Holy Thursday at 8pm, Good Friday Passion at 3pm, Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 8pm, Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) at 8pm, Easter Sunday at 11am.
To facilitate the collection of Trócaire Boxes, Lenten Stations, Weekly Envelopes, Sacristan Collection and Easter Dues, Fr. Tim will be present in Kilcolman Church on Sunday March 28, (Palm Sunday) from 10-12 noon and in Coolcappa Church from 2-4pm.These are very difficult and trying times and I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued generosity, kindness and support. It is very much appreciated. I look forward to the days ahead when we can once again meet in church for ceremonies and some semblance of normality. Fr. Tim.
A new documentary on the life and times of singer Con Greaney Rooskagh West will be broadcast on West Limerick 102fm radio on Saint Patrick’s Day from 11am to 12.30pm, and repeated that night from 11pm. The well known singer passed away on June 22, 2001 in Saint Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West aged 89 years. Con made national headlines during the 1990s, when he released 26 of his songs on two cassette tapes, and made TV appearances on the Pure Drop programme, and on the Pat Kenny show on radio. 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.
Saint Kieran’s GAA club are promoting the Limerick GAA club draw for 2021.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 27 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. The first draw will be held on Saturday, March 27. Congratulations to Breda Mulcahy who was the winner of the recent Last Man Standing Competition, which was a fundraiser for the senior footballers.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, March 8. The numbers drawn were 2,19,24 and 29, and there was no winner of the €4,700 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Tommy McIntyre, c/o Moloney’s, Anne Holyhead, c/o Denis Greaney, Amy Barry online, Tom Mackessy, Coolanoran and Joan Copse, Glensharrold. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €4,800. 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 8. Congratulations to Anne White, 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
Congratulations to Martina Guina, who won €190 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, 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.