Vaccinations at O’Riordan’s Pharmacy

O’Riordan’s Pharmacy, Athea will be running vaccination clinics for the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccine from the start of July.
We are currently taking names for anyone aged over 35. This age limit will be reducing as the HSE lowers the age cohorts.
Please contact the pharmacy for any further information on 068 42418. We will not be able to give your booster shot if you have already got your first injection in the vaccine hub.

Helen & Philomena

Helen & Donie

Thank You

Philomena Kiely and Helen O’Sullivan, with the Ronald McDonald House, would like to thank you all for giving so generously to there baby appeal  for the Ronald McDonald house.  Yet again you have all gone above and beyond with your generosity. Not alone did we get numerous supplies but also received  €370 euro in cash donations, all off which will be put to good use in the Ronald McDonald house.  Many thanks – Philomena and Helen.

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Athea

Mass Intentions next weekend

Sat July 3^rd 7.30pm:                    Margaret Danaher (1^st anniversary) and                                              her husband Maurice.

All masses and funeral masses are live streamed on the Church Services TV network via the following link https://churchservices.tv/athea

The Church is open daily for private prayer. If you wish to book an anniversary mass, a wedding or get a mass card signed please contact Fr. Brendan on 087-0562674 or Siobhán on 087-2237858.

Baptismal Information Any parent who wishes to baptise their child must have the baptismal course completed – for further details please contact Theresa on 087 1513565.

Course Dates:   Tues 13^th July/ Tues 10^th August.

Graduation Mass  We had a lovely graduation mass last Wednesday for this year’s 6^th class, organised by their teacher Ms. Leahy. We ask God to bless them and their families and all the school community of Athea NS as they head into the summer holidays.

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

I met a neighbour while I was out walking the other day and we got to talking about the freedom the top of the Cnoceens gives us especially during a time when people in towns and cities were confined to back gardens not big enough to swing the proverbial cat in. She said: “I never thought I would say how lucky I was to live in the bog”. I know exactly what she meant. When we were growing up the bog was thought of as wilderness by town and city dwellers and those who lived on more fertile land. There were different types of land; good grassland, usually limestone based,  mixed land with some wet rushy fields as well as good arable land, and bogland which was useless for growing grass or hay. There were mainly two types of people in our area; those who owned land and those who did not. Most of those who didn’t own their own land got employment from the bigger land owners but, on the verge of the bogland, there were several small holdings with very mixed land, who augmented their meagre earnings by working in the bog during the summer months. People from the bogland areas were thought of as stupid, to put it mildly. To call someone a “bog man” or “bog woman” was not at all complementary. Two brothers from Ardagh were members of the Limerick county senior panel a good few years ago. When they would arrive at training at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick, the manager, who hailed from the city would say: “the boys from the bog are landed”.  I remember, quite a few years ago, doing a video on the music of West Limerick and Athea in particular, which was aired on Comhaltas live on U– Tube. I spoke about and played the polkas and slides of the area and played a few of them as examples. I got very favourable comments on line except for one that stood out. It simply said “typical bog man and his music”. My first reaction was anger but, the more I thought about it, the more I realised that he was, unwittingly, paying me a compliment. If I am a typical bog man then I am very proud of that fact. Our bogs are rare and special, full of flora and fauna and the most invigorating fresh air in the world. There is a certain smell in the bog that is subtle but very pleasant. Many of you will remember the taste of tea in the bog. It is the best tea you will ever drink. We always call bogland “mountain” even though it may not be that elevated.  That is how Athea got its name from the Irish Áth an tSléibhe, “The Ford of the Mountains” because it is surrounded on all sides by bogland. As my mother used to say, “people from the mountain are great to make out” and indeed they are, some of them could give lessons on the art of survival. It is a pity that the turf cutting is coming to an end. Even if there wasn’t a green agenda, it will be all cut away in a few years. It would be nice to think that it will be left as it is but I fear that it will all get planted with even more Sitka Spruce or some other fast-growing trees. We should enjoy it while we can.

Talking about beautiful places, I was playing in a golf competition in Killarney on Sunday afternoon last. As I was about to take a shot I spotted some movement out of the corner of my eye and next thing a big deer passed in front of me taking no notice whatsoever. They roam free around the golf course and have no fear of humans. There was also an abundance of rabbits but what fascinated me most of all were the crows. I was on one green, having left my bag about 330 yards to the left when I saw a crow perch on the bag. He opened the zip with his beak and pulled out what he thought was a chocolate bar but it was only the wrapping I was taking back to the bin. The Killarney members told me that they have become quite adept at thieving like this and they pick on unsuspecting visitors as they know the locals are on to them. Isn’t nature wonderful

I was passing the sewage plant on the Glin road, the other day, when I spotted a skip lorry inside collecting a skip that was under a chute. I didn’t take much notice until that lorry passed me as I was crossing over the bridge near the office. The smell of raw sewage was overpowering and spread throughout the village. Surely it is not legal to transport raw sewage in an open skip. I thought it should at least be in an enclosed tanker and I dread to think what would happen if that lorry had an accident. The water section of Limerick Council have questions to answer.

The older you get, the more friends you lose. Two of mine died in the past week. Back in the ’eighties, when there was a very bad depression, myself and Billy Sullivan worked with each other to try and keep a roof over our heads. We both had old lorries and a couple of machines and spent more time doing repairs than actually making money from them but we survived and had many good and bad days together. What we had we shared and eventually got on our feet and went on to live better lives. Billy drove a truck until he recently retired and, fittingly, it led the way before him to the church.  He leaves me with great memories

The second friend  was a more recent acquaintance  made through our love of golf. Mike O’Connor, originally from Keylod, Moyvane, was a member in Castleisland Golf Club for many years and we played together regularly, especially in the seniors competition every Monday. We were also members of the Billy O’Sullivan competition team that represented the club. He was always enquiring about people from Athea that he knew from the time when he drove the milk lorry for Kerry Co-op. He used to say, “be sure and let me know if anyone is dead”. Alas it is now his turn but I will miss him as a great friend and a wonderful gentleman who never had a bad word to say about anyone. May they both rest in peace.

By Kathleen Mullane

        QUACK—QUACK

Well as I start to e-mail my few lines this Monday night you wouldn’t realise how the time flies when you have lovely warm weather like we are experiencing at the moment and long may it last. It’s bright until late at night and dawn comes very early with THE DAWN CHORUS which is lovely to hear all the different chirping of the birds.

On Saturday morning it was the. Quack-Quack of Ducks that was to be heard down at the river Gale near the footbridge. Many people gathered to see and hold around 60 ducks that were being introduced into the water. It was a lovely sight as they all took off enjoying their new found freedom. Hopefully they will stay safe now and not be harmed, the kids love throwing them bits of bread and watching them dive in the water. Well done to all concerned in the project.

Sincere congrats to Raymond Barrett, son of Mary and Denis, Templeathea who has become engaged to Siobhán Hannafin of Carrigkerry. Wishing them all the best for the future.

Another congrats is extended to Carla Sheehy, daughter of Dick and Margaret, Hillside Drive who, on Saturday last, was married to Eoin Moroney of Tournafulla here in Athea church. The nuptial ceremony was performed by Fr. Brendan Duggan assisted by Fr. Denis Mullane. Congrats and good wishes are extended to the newly weds on this happy occasion.

Sincere Sympathy is extended to John Sheahan and his extended family on the passing of their mother Anne recently which was unexpected. Many friends and relatives lined the road near Anne’s home as the funeral made its way to Glin for requiem mass, burial took place afterwards in Kilfergus cemetery. May the light of heaven be hers.

Thought for the week-

Never regret anything that made you smile.

By Tom Aherne

Gaelscóil O’Doghair Newcastle West held a very special tree planting ceremony at the school on Thursday, June 17, in honour of the late Patricia (Padraigín) Lordan Aherne, late of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry and Dromcollogher who passed away suddenly at her residence on February 5, 2020. Trish dedicated over  35 years of her life to the growth and development of Naíonra,  a unique bilingual  preschool in the West Limerick area. She was a great favourite with all the children, bringing fun  energy and enthusiasm to her teaching. All will retain great memories of being taught their first Irish words, songs and rhymes in her class The Mayor of Limerick planted a lovely tree, donated by her husband Liam, which will become a centrepiece in a garden dedicated to Padraigín’s life and work. The ceremony was attended by family colleagues and friends, who miss her dearly.

The Ardagh Antique and Collector Centre in Main Street Ardagh is opened to call in and browse every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 5pm or by appointment  (087)2040520.  

Riverside Nurseries and gardening store Barnigue, Carrigkerry (V94 H7P0 ) is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 6pm. A large selection of bedding plants, patio and  container plants, shrubs, alpines and herbaceous plants available.

Sympathy is extended to the Casey family, The Cross, Ardagh on the death of Pat’s brother Seán,  formerly of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, which took place peacefully in the Homerton University Hospital, London on Monday, June 21. The Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale  on Tuesday, June 29 at 11am. Seán  was laid to rest afterwards in Saint Molua’s Cemetery, Ardagh. Sympathy also to his brother Dan,(Abbeyfeale) sister Sheila,(London)  and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for June took place on 95fm radio on Saturday last during the Sports Show. The Saint Kieran’s club had no winner, but people can still join for the remaining draws by getting in touch with the club.

Saint Kieran’s have played two matches in the West junior A hurling league with mixed fortunes. They defeated Newcastle West B team by 4-22 to 0-8 and lost to Rathkeale by 0-13 to 0-11. Saint Kieran’s defeated Saint Senan’s by 3-8 to 1-8 in Round 3 of the West senior football League  at Foynes on Tuesday, June 22. Darragh Treacy was a member of the Limerick team that defeated Waterford by 4-18 to 0-12 in the first round of the Munster senior football championship at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Saturday last June 16.

Róisín Mann, Ardagh and the Newcastle West camogie, club was a member of the Limerick junior  team  that lost to Kerry  by 0-16 to 1-6 in the opening round of the  Munster  Camogie Championship at Fedamore on Saturday June 19. Róisín Ambrose was a member of the Limerick senior team that defeated Waterford by 0-13 to 0-9 at Walsh Park Waterford on Saturday last June 26, to progress to the Munster final.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday, June 21. The numbers drawn were 4, 15, 24 and 28, and there was  no  winner of the €3,200 Jackpot.  Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Shelly and Josie, c/o Josie, Maurice Hartnett, Ardagh, Lorraine Flavin, Coolcappa, Margaret Carroll, Shanid Shanagolden, Archie Madigan, c/o Timmy Madigan. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €3,300. 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, June 21. Congratulations to Francis O’Farrell, who won €103. 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 Tom Hannigan, Kilmeedy who won €550 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 25. 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.

There is a Holy Well in Clonagh (Reens Ardagh) that is about halfway between the road and Clonagh graveyard. Saint Kyran’s well is a small spring that is enclosed by some rough stone. There was a statue over the well, but this has been taken down. The pattern was held on September 9. In his work “Holy Wells in Co. Limerick” Kevin Danaher stated that the rounds were still made in 1955. Small offerings were also left at the well. The water is believed to cure eye ailments.

John O’Donovan (from 1840) tells us that the poorer members of the district used to do the stations here. Legends about the well are many and varied. The well moved when clothes were washed in it. A woman who was praying at the well was interrupted by a man who later died. There is reputedly an underground passage that leads from the well to the graveyard.

Long ago there lived a man who dreamt that there was gold hidden in the churchyard at Clonagh. His mother who believed in dreams, forced him against his will to dig for it. At last, he went to dig for it at night. He worked so as not to be seen by the neighbours. After digging for hours, he came to a flag. Under it he found an amount of beetles.

Those he put into his bag to give his mother a fright. In the morning when she arose, she saw the bag, and she was delighted, and got holy water and went over to it and shook it on it. On opening the bag, she found it full of gold coins instead of it being full of beetles. The above story was written by Maureen Mullane, aged 12 years in 1935, and included in the School Folklore Collection  It was told to her by her father, a farmer, whose address was Riddlestown, Rathkeale.