By Tom Aherne

The death has occurred of Joe Nash, Foynes Rd, Askeaton, and late of Carnagh, Ballyhahill, on Tuesday,  October 12. Joe played minor football with Kilcolman in 1954 reaching the West Limerick final (Saint Senan’s 4-2 Kilcolman 0-3) and junior football up to the late 1960s. He lay in repose at Kieran Madigan’s Funeral Home, Askeaton,  on Wednesday, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to his home. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12 noon in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Askeaton. Burial afterwards in Reilig Mhuire Cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Sheila,  son Tony and his daughter in law Donna, sisters Sr. Nora, Mary, Teresa and Kit, brothers in law and sisters in law, nieces, nephew, relatives and a large circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.

Diarmuid O’Brien, Glin and Donal O’Sullivan, Carrigkerry  music album  ‘Abroad in the Back Kitchen’ will be launched in Hartnett’s Bar, Castleisland on Sunday, October 24, at 5.30pm. This year’s Patrick O’Keeffe festival sees the launch of the eagerly anticipated album ‘Abroad in the Back Kitchen’ from West Limerick musicians, fiddle player Diarmuid O’Brien  and flute player Donal O’Sullivan. Donal and Diarmuid’s unique style of music contains the beautiful steady ‘rhythm’ and ‘lift’, associated with the West Limerick style of playing. Donal, described by many as “Master West Limerick flute player”, with his steady style and technical ability places him as one of the finest flute players in Ireland. He has performed with all the top musicians, appeared on TV and Radio and given freely of his talents to local events from a young age.

Diarmuid, once described by musician and teacher Nicky McAuliffe as “An old head on young shoulders, conscious and respectful of the music of West Limerick”, had won all Ireland honours by the age of 15. In 2007 Diarmuid released a CD entitled “Cairde Caridin” which received critical acclaim. Diarmuid and Donal’s album, which is accompanied by North Cork piano player Clodagh Buckley and Brosna bouzouki player Brian Mooney, features many tunes from the West Limerick area and beyond. Included are tunes and compositions from West Limerick musicians of the past, Martin Mulvihill  Glin (fiddle), Paddy Taylor Loughill (flute), Patrick “Patneen” Ahern  Glenagore (fiddle), Moss Murphy (fiddle), John Joe Harnett (flute), Tom ‘The Yank’ Nolan (flute) and Con O’Connell (fiddle).   

The launch of ‘In Loving Memory’ by Mary Kury was held at Cahermoyle House on Thursday, October 14. It was an ideal location and about fifty people were present.  Cahermoyle House Manager, Niamh McNamara, welcomed everybody and gave a brief history of the house and grounds, and paid tribute to Mary for providing so much history of the place. Ger Greaney in his introduction spoke of the importance of the contents for future researchers, as the information included between the covers cannot be found on any social media page. Mary gave a brief summary of the contents, and of individual family headstones from the four graveyards: Clounagh, Coolcappa, Kilscannell and Rathronan.  Mary signed copies of her book and light refreshments were served. A further launch will be held at Rathkeale Tourist Office/The Old Court House on Thursday, October 28. Tea / Coffee and light refreshments will be served. The book will be available for sale at the next launch or from  Mary Kury, Ardagh by post or Order online at [email protected]  or by text at 0879282462.

Ardagh ICA members would like to thank  very sincerely  all who supported the recent annual collection in aid of Milford Hospice. Their generous  contribution  has enabled the Guild  to forward  a cheque for €1,705 to the Hospice. Their generosity and loyalty has grown the contributions over the years.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Pallasgreen 1-2 to 0-3 in the County Under 13 Division 3 Championship Final Replay at Martinstown on Sunday, October 10. Saint Kieran’s lost to Blackrock 4-12 to 0-9 in the County Under 17 Hurling Division 3 Shield semi final at Kilfinane on Sunday, October 10. Saint Kieran’s defeated Glenroe 1-14 to 1-13 in the County Under 19 Hurling Championship Quarter Final  at Martinstown on Tuesday, October 12.

Saint Kieran’s defeated Ahane 5-15 to 0-8 in Round 5 of the county junior A Hurling Championship at Croagh on Sunday, October 10. They play Doon in the quarter final on Sunday,  October 17. Saint Kieran’s play Ballybrown in the County Division 3 football Championship semi final on Sunday October 17, at St Enda’s in Limerick city. Saint Kieran’s play Croom in the County Minor A Football Championship final on Tuesday, October 19, at Mick Neville Park.

Creeves Celtic drew 3-3 at home to Kildimo United in Round 4 of the Division 1 League Cup on Sunday October 10. Tom Shanahan 2, and Darragh O’Connor scored the goals. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies  League Creeves Celtic defeated Askeaton 6-0 away, with Dympna 3, Aisling 2 and Maureen scoring the goals.

Debra Ireland Kerry Challenge 2021 will take place from Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 7, inclusive. This 75K three-day challenge helps raise funds to ease the pain of E.B. ( Epidermolysis Bullosa) Eamon O’Kane, Pat Toomey, Mike Histon and Joe Carrig from the Shanagolden/ Creeves area will be taking part as they have done for many years up to the pandemic last year. All support will be appreciated  for this very worthy cause.

Shirley O’Regan 102 FM presenter has been shortlisted for a number of Radio awards again this year. She won two awards last year for her Irish programme and for a history documentary. She has been shortlisted for an award for “Gaeilge Bhriste”, plus for one of her documentaries. The awards will be announced on Friday. October 22 in Kilkenny, and we wish Shirley the best of luck and an award or two.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery  draw took place on Monday, October 11.  The numbers drawn were 3,14,27and 28, and there was  no  winner of the €4,800 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: Tom Kiely, c/o Denis Greaney, Mikey O’Mahony, Ballyvoughan (Online), Tom Noonan, the Commons, Ardagh, Saoirse Woulfe, the Commons, Ardagh, (Online), May Gallagher, Liskilleen (Online). Next Monday night’s Jackpot will  be €4,900. 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. 

Congratulations to the Richards family Monagea Road, who won €670 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, October 17. 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  being broadcast at present with more on the way. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.