By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Patrick O’Connor, Main Street, Ardagh,  peacefully at UHL, on Tuesday, April 20. In accordance with government guidance a private family Funeral Mass took place in Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh, on Friday, April 23 at 11.30am, followed by burial  in the local cemetery.  We extend our sympathy to  his brothers Michael and Christopher, sisters Catherine Moran (Toureendonnell, Athea) and Mary Boyce (Granagh), brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, neighbours relatives and  a large circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Sheila O’Regan, Dromrahnee, Ardagh, Co Limerick and formerly of Hearnsbrook, Killimor, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Sheila died suddenly at her residence on Thursday, April 22, predeceased by her much-loved brother, Brendan. In accordance with government guidelines a private family Funeral Mass took place in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday,  April 24 at 11.30am, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her  husband Willie, sons Brian and Cian, daughter Emer, brothers and  sisters Frances, Catherine, Noel, Austin, Willie, Joe, Michael, Martin and Grainne, daughters-in-law Annie and  Danielle, son-in-law John, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.  May she rest in Peace.

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Claire Heffernan, Kilrodane, Ardagh and Neil Stokes who were married  recently. Claire is a teacher in Monagea National School and is a widely known performer  in Comhaltas circles.

The Limerick Leader Focus on Photographers has been running on the back page of their weekly paper since Covid-19 hit us a year ago. Bridie Murphy from Glenastar, Ardagh was featured last August, and last week her son Kevin featured to become the first two photographers from the same family to feature. When it comes to taking  award winning photos both Bridie and Kevin have got it clicked.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for April was  held on Saturday, April 24, during the Limerick Live Sports Show from 10-11am. Congratulations to Gary Thompson joined with  the Saint Kieran’s club  who won the exclusive 5th star prize of A Weber Spirit 11 E 320 GBS Gas Barbecue  plus €250 worth of free utensils. The next draw will be held on Saturday, May 29. The top prizes each month are €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, 4th prize €1,000.  There  is also an exclusive 5th star prize each month. There are  four prizes of €500, four prizes of €250, and 17 prizes of €100. The total prize money each month is €21,000. The Saint Kieran’s GAA Club would welcome new members, and subscription can be paid through the Clubforce App.

All fundraisers at present are virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic and details are available on their social media sites. The Great Limerick Run will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 1-3) with different distances to run jog or walk to choose from. Alzheimer’s Tea Day will take place on Thursday, May 6, and people can sign up and donate in support. The annual Darkness into Light  event in aid of Pieta House will take place on Saturday May 8. Participants can walk run or hike 5km in their own time and place in support.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, April 19. The numbers drawn were 3, 18, 22 and 24 and there was no winner of the €5,300 Jackpot.  Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each:  Maeve Enrigh,t online, Noreen Noonan, The Commons, Ardagh, Olga Mills, New Zealand, online, Helen Byrnes, c/o Denis Greaney, Ivan Neary, Ardagh.  Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €5,400. 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 on Monday, April 19. Congratulations to  Gavin Wilmott, 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 next West Limerick 102fm draw will be held on Friday, April 30, at 12.45 pm on the Exchange show. 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.