By Tom Aherne
It was lovely to see photographer Patsy Madigan, Ballyegna, Ardagh out and about again after a health procedure. A great community person down the years, the arrival of Covid put paid to his activities since early 2021. He has been involved in the Ardagh Development Association, Ardagh Drama group, Ardagh Bingo, to name just a few, who have been enhanced by his overall contribution. Patsy was the local Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish correspondent for the Weekly Observer during the early 1990s, keeping readers up to date with the local news items. His major contribution has been through the lens of his camera, capturing all the important occasions over the past 30 years, and beyond with precision. Weddings, Confirmations, Communions, sport and social events have all been recorded for posterity, and lovely to see some reproduced in the paper during the pandemic lockdown. Continued good health in the future to Patsy as he resumes his activities around the locality.
The increase in temperatures, and more sunshine is most welcome after the cold of May, which saw increased rainfall and little grass growth. The silage season was delayed as a result and contractors have been kept busy to cope within a few condensed weeks. The bogs have also seen increased activity with people engaged in turning, footing and stacking their plots. The Cuckoo is still around for another few weeks, and the longest day of the year is approaching fast. People are availing of the better weather to take some time off to visit the attractions that have opened up following the easing of the Covid restrictions. Hopefully the good news will continue, and people can get back to some normality over the summer months.
The parish Sacristan’s Bernard, Ardagh and Mary, Carrigkerry would like to offer a very sincere and heartfelt thank you to all the parishioners who contributed to their annual collection recently. Your generosity and kindness are very much appreciated.
Darragh Treacy from the Saint Kieran’s club was a member of the Limerick team that lost to Derry by 0-17 to 0-13 in the Division 3 semi final of the National Football League played in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday June 12.
Róisín Mann, Ardagh and the Newcastle West camogie club was a member of the Limerick junior team/panel that lost to Wexford by 3-13 to 1-5 in the semi final of Division 3 of the Camogie League at Birr on Saturday June 12.
Limerick defeated Carlow 2-7 to 0-8, in round 3 of Division 4 B of the Ladies National Football League at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Sunday June 6. The Old Mill supplied three players to the team Sophie Hennessy, Roisín Ambrose, and Iris Kennelly 1-1. They will play Leitrim in the semi final.
On this Friday evening, June 18, an open-air Rambling House will be held at Pat Moran’s Rambling House, Newbridge from 8.30pm. All musicians’ singer’s dancer’s storytellers are very welcome on the night. The night will go ahead weather permitting and for more information contact Pat Moran on 087-2343154.
Limerick City and County Council are inviting applications for funding under the Festivals and Events Grant Scheme for festivals and events to take place in Limerick City and County between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. The funding is available under three headings: Delivery and programming of small and community focused festivals and events. Delivery and programming of medium and large scale festivals and events. Festival development and sustainability. The closing date for applications is 4pm, Wednesday June 23, 2021. Applications are available through the Limerick Culture and Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council Merchants Quay, Limerick. Email: artsoffice@ limerick.ie Phone: 061-556370/087-4377644.
The First Holy Communion ceremonies will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10. In Saint Molua’s Church, Ardagh at 10.30am, Saint Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry at 12 noon, and Saint Colman’s Church, Kilcolman, on Saturday July 10, and also there on Saturday August 21.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, June 7. The numbers drawn were 20, 21, 26, and 28, and there was no winner of the €3,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Billy Breen, c/o Online, Karen O’Connor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, Senan Meade c/o Online, Ita and Tadhg Dineen, c/o Greaney’s, and Billy Broderick, c/o Online. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €3,100. 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 7. Congratulations to Michelle Enright, 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 John Brown, Raheenagh who won €390 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 11. 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.