By Tom Aherne
Congratulations to Rooskagh Carrigkerry native Pa O’Dwyer (other places love to claim him) who has retained his Ireland’s Strongest Man title for the fifth year in a row. On Sunday August 15, in Bangor County Down he overcame 15 others in the final to extend his record of wins.
Congratulations to Noel, Darragh and Mark McCormack Glenville, Ardagh, aboard Yacht 188 Innocence on winning the National Mermaid title three years in a row at Tralee Bay on August 21/22. In second place was Vincent McCormack, Róisín McCormack and Michael Lynch aboard 119 Three Chevrons.
The Limerick GAA Club draw was held on Saturday, August 28, during the Limerick Live Sports Show from 10-11am. Congratulations to Archie Madigan from the Saint Kieran’s club who was a double winner. He won the 25th prize of €100 and followed up winning first prize of €10,000. The top prizes each month are 1st prize €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, 4th prize €1,000. The fifth prize each month is an exclusive star prize. There are four prizes of €250, and 17 prizes of €100. The total prize money given out each month is €21,000. The Saint Kieran’s GAA Club would welcome new members, and subscription can be paid through the Club force App.
Pat Moran’s Newbridge will host an outside Rambling House (weather permitting) on Friday, September 3, from 8.30pm. All entertainers including musicians, singers, dancers and story tellers are welcome to attend.
It is the intention of Limerick Council to close the following road L-7001 Ardagh from its junction with R523 Ardagh to its junction with N21 Ballyfrawley. It will be closed from 8am on Monday, September 6 to 6pm on Friday, September 10, to facilitate the construction of a cattle underpass. Diversions will be clearly signposted and local traffic will be accommodated if possible.
Limerick GAA are holding a fundraising draw at present for a 212 Ford Kuga Titanium Hybrid Automatic car. The tickets are being sold online at winakuga.ie at €20 each. The single winner will be announced on Saturday, September 25. The proceeds from the draw will be reinvested in the Limerick teams from minor up to senior in both hurling and football.
Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association held a walk and talk get together on Saturday, August 21. Led by Secretary, Mary Kury, the attendance visited the graveyard and other historical sites around Ardagh village. Thanks to Mary and the members and guests who attended.
Bingo is held in the car park Shanagolden each Saturday commencing at 3pm, and all are welcome.
The past week’s weather has been wonderful with brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies, giving everyone a lift as we approach Autumn. It was most welcome and great for school students to enjoy their last days before a return to the classrooms. The farming community made the most of it with getting their winter fodder in place. The success of Limerick hurlers in winning their third All Ireland since 2018 added to the enjoyment of sporting followers.
Congratulations to Fiona Lynch Carrigkerry who won €162 in the Ballyhahill Development Association Split the Bucket Draw held in Barr Na Straide, Ballyhahill. Tickets for the draw can be bought at Moloney’s Shop Carrigkerry.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, August 23. The numbers drawn were 4, 18, 20 and 29, and there was no winner of the €4,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Sarah O’Connor, Glensharrold, c/o Maggie, Paddy Bridgeman, c/o Sean Downey, Winnie Murphy, Coolanoran, c/o Mackessy’s, Pat Flynn, Ballymorriseen, and Tom Neary, Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €4,200. 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, August 23. Congratulations to Breda Hayes who won €100. 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 are held on Monday nights, and all support will be appreciated.
Congratulations to Tommy Greaney, Kilcolman, who won €680 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, August 27. The ticket was bought at his brother’s shop in Ardagh. The tickets cost €2, or 3 for €5 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. 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.