By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Lena Nash, nee Barrett, 4 St Ita’s Terrace Newcastle West and late of Kilrodane, Ardagh, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Saturday January 15. She was predeceased by her husband Paddy. She lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Tuesday, January 18, from 6 to 7.30pm, followed by removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West. Her Mass was Celebrated there on Wednesday at 11.30am. Lena was laid to rest afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. We extend sympathy to her sons David (Sydney), J. and Martin, daughters in law Katrina, Mary and Bernie, grandchildren Siobhán, Caitlín, Maíread, Paddy, Leanne, Jack and Jessica, sister Breda, sister-in-law Mary, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
A candlelight vigil in the memory of Ashling Murphy, County Offaly RIP, and all who are subject to any form of abuse or violence, took place at the Astro Turf facility in Ardagh from 5-6 o’clock on Saturday, January 15. The event provided an opportunity for the people of the community to show their support and solidarity for Ashling’s family and friends. Music was provided by local musicians; prayers were recited, and a minute’s silence was held. Well done to all involved in the event. Carrigkerry Wrenboy’s also paid their own tribute to Ashling Murphy, a well liked teacher and a talented musician.
Damien O’Reilly, presenter of Countrywide on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday morning last, interviewed Ardagh native Jim Woulfe who recently retired as CEO of Dairygold. It was a very interesting piece of radio between the two who covered many past and present farming topics. Jim was recently honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ which recognises a lifelong career in the agri-food industry. Jim was also appointed onto the Board of Enterprise Ireland. Jim is involved in a lot of activities and projects and does some hobby farming at present. In retirement he will still be busy, but he is looking forward to spending more family time with wife Ann and family and pursuing his sporting interests.
The St Kieran’s GAA club are participating in the Ireland Lights Up and Step Challenge 2022. The walk commenced on Wednesday, January 19, from the Ardagh Astro Turf car park at 6.45pm. The first two nights were well supported, and the weather was ideal for walking. It is important that walkers wear suitable footwear, a hi-Viz vest and carry a torch for to stay safe. The organised walks will be held each Wednesday and Friday nights from 6.45pm, up to Wednesday March 2. The steps challenge runs for five weeks from January 19 to Wednesday, February 23. Each individual can record their weekly steps on the My Life App. This can be done by downloading the App, tap social challenges Munster Every Step Counts and join under select team and click on St Kieran’s.
Carrigkerry wren group, following their very successful and uplifting outdoor performances in Carrigkerry, Knockdown, Kilcolman, Creeves Cross, Ardagh and Newcastle West on St Stephen’s Day, presented donations to a variety of charitable organisations in the surrounds of the Flag Floor Rambling House on Saturday, January 15. Before the presentation a candlelit vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy was held. Sr. Bridie’s reflective words were proceeded by a minute’s silence and a moving musical tribute. Group members also participated in a candlelit vigil in Ardagh. The group wishes to thank all patrons who joined with them at the various locations on St Stephen’ Day for their kindness and generosity. This new way of meeting people was a success and is a throwback to olden times when wren groups marched on foot performing from house to house.
Wrenboy presentations were made to the following charitable groups and organisations; Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre, Granagh, who cater for adults and children with autism and/or special educational needs, Milford Hospice, Limerick, Dromcollogher Respite Centre, Debra Ireland, The National Air Ambulance who provide safe, effective, and timely emergency pre-hospital care to those seriously ill or injured, BUMBLEance, which is the official Children’s National Ambulance Service who provide free transport services for children affected by serious and life-limiting conditions and the Butterfly Club, Rathkeale, which is a voluntary organisation for children and teenagers with special needs, it caters for those aged 3 years upwards from all areas of Limerick.
St Kieran’s club player and Newcastle West Town soccer club Mikey Conlon recently signed for Kettering Town who play in the National League North in England. Mikey played hurling and football at underage and minor level for St Kieran’s and all in the club send him best wishes and hope he has a successful career across channel. St Kieran’s senior footballers Mike Shanahan and John Hayes are part of the MTU, Kerry and UL panels for the 2022 Sigerson Cup.
Operating out of Bishop Street Newcastle West Shannon Doc, the out of hours service in West Limerick, have recently changed their number to 0818 123 500. They provide an emergency service for those who need urgent attention during night and weekend hours.
A sincere thank you to everyone who purchased Christmas Wreaths and supported worthy causes. Donations were made to Plan International Ireland to aid their projects in Uganda and Redemptorist Food Appeal Limerick and Cork Penny Dinners providing meals for people in need. Many thanks to Moira for her generous support of these charities.
The St Kieran’s GAA club Lotto in association with the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Development Association which runs on a weekly basis plays a huge part in the Clubs fundraising efforts. You can offer your support by playing online at https://clubforce.com/clubs/gaa-st-kierans-gaa-limerick/ To play the Lotto select any four numbers from 1 to 30 – there are a number of options for draws, 30 plays €50 (25 + 5 free), 12 plays €20 (10 + 2 free), 6 plays €10 (5 + 1 free) 3 lines in 1 week for a fiver. When playing online you will receive the Lotto results by email after each draw has taken place. Online entries close at 6pm on Monday and the draw takes place at 9.30pm. Thanks to all for ongoing support and the best of luck to everyone in the future.
Tuesday, February 1, is Candlemas Day and people in the Coolcappa/Kilcolman parish who would like to get candles blessed for use in the home or for church use are asked to bring them to the weekend masses of Saturday, January 29/Sunday 30. The blessing of the throats will be held in St Kyran’s Church after 7.30pm mass on Saturday, January 29, in St Colman’s Church after 10am mass on Sunday, January 30, St Kyran’s Church after 9.30am mass on Thursday, February 3, and St Colman’s Church after 7.30pm mass on Friday, February 4.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, January 17. The numbers drawn were 17, 22, 24, and 30, and there was no winner of the €6,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Stephen Kennelly, Shanagolden, Patsy Duggan, Coolcranogue (Online), Ann Holyhead, c/o Denis Greaney, James Mullins, c/o Ann Mullins, Ivan Neary, (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €6,100. 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.
Congratulations to Helen Smith, Athea, who won €535 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, January 21.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. The station can be contacted at 069-66200 if people have news of interest to the West Limerick area.