By Tom Aherne

Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Mike and Nora Murphy, Glenastar, Ardagh who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They are both members of the West Limerick Set Dancing Club and daily walkers.

Sympathy to the relatives and friends around the locality of the late John O’Connor, Killeaney, Glin,  who passed suddenly but peacefully in the University Hospital Limerick on Wednesday, February 9. He was predeceased by his parents Tim and Bridget and his sisters Norrie and Kate. Reposing at Madigan’s Funeral Home, Shanagolden on Friday, February 11, at 6pm with removal at 8pm to The Church Of The Immaculate Conception, Glin. The Requiem Mass  was celebrated on Saturday, February12 at 11am with burial afterwards in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin. Sympathy also to his brother Paddy, sisters Eileen, Bridget and Mary, brother-in-law Nelius, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, February 14. The numbers drawn were 11, 16, 21 and 29, and there was  no  winner of the €6,400 Jackpot.  Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: James Mullins, Newcastle West, Patrick Mullins, Ardagh, Damien O’Dwyer, c/o Neary’s, Pat Moran, (Online), Tom Flavin, (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €6,500. 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 Anthony Liston, Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry who won €370, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, February 18. 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.

Limerick defeated London 2-9 to 0-9 in Round 1 of Division 4 of the National Ladies Football League  played at Fr. John Ryan Memorial Park, Kilbreedy on Sunday, February 13. The Old Mill club were represented by Sophie Hennessy in goals, Captain Róisín Ambrose mid field and Iris Kennelly (0-2)  at half forward.

St Kieran’s GAA Club are accepting the various membership fees and the  club Limerick draw  fee of €100 for the coming season. Darragh Treacy and Liam Kennedy  are involved with the Limerick senior football team and Séan Ryan and Craig MacInnes, are members of the Under 20 football panel. John Hayes was a panel member of the UL team defeated by NUIG 0-12 to 1-6 in the Sigerson Cup Final played in Carlow on Wednesday, February 16.

On this coming weekend St Kieran’s senior footballers travel to West Kerry to participate in the Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé club tournament. This is the 33rd edition of the event which caters for men and ladies club teams from all around Ireland. St Kieran’s are in group A along with Rosscarbery Rangers from Cork and Castlebar Mitchell’s from Mayo. They play both on Saturday morning and the group winners progress to the final in the afternoon against the group B winners.

The Coolcappa/Kilcolman Sacristan’s collection was held  two weeks ago. Kathleen and Mary would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who supported them in the recent Sacristan’s collection. Any outstanding envelopes  can be dropped into the collection boxes at the back of both churches, and in the collection, box used at the weekend masses. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Kilcolman National School are holding a fundraising clothes collection on today Wednesday, February 23. Bags of unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen etc, may be dropped to the school shelter beforehand. No pillows or duvets accepted. The school would like to thank all for the ongoing support with this fundraiser. The school is now enrolling for September 22. Please contact the school office on 069 60005 or by email at [email protected] to register your interest.

Athea Drama group present Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel at Con Colbert Memorial Hall on Wednesday,  February 23, Thursday 24, and Saturday, February 26. The doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm each evening. Booking is necessary and no walk ins allowed. The tickets cost €10 and ring 087- 6926746 to book a seat. The Spike Players Knocknagoshel present For Better or For Worse in Knocknagoshel Community Centre on Friday, February 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27, Friday March 4, Saturday 5, Sunday 6 at 8pm. To reserve tickets, call 087-7050670.

Set dancing classes have resumed after the easing of the Covid restrictions around the country. Safety measures will be in place with mask wearing and sanitising necessary. Adult set dancing classes take place in Con Colbert Memorial Hall, Athea on Tuesday night’s at 9pm, In Father Casey’s Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale  on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm. In Monagea parish hall on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8.30pm. All are welcome to renew their usual pastimes, and I am sure beginners will be  especially welcome and well catered for.

The  Creeves Celtic Split the Pot monthly draw  will be held at the end of February. Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, at Neary’s Bar, Ardagh, Thatch Bar,  Newbridge and Hanley’s Shop, Creeves. All support greatly appreciated.

Athea GAA Club Healthy Athea are holding an awareness night at Con Colbert Memorial Hall Athea  on Friday, February 25, at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Ciarán Carey the former Patrickswell and Limerick hurling great who is an addiction councillor. Ciarán will deal with the signs of addiction and mental health issues in the community.

The Limerick Scór Na Nóg 2022 finals will be held  on the weekend of March 12/13. The junior Scór event is for under 17 years and there are 7 events which cover singing, music, dancing and novelty. The events are figure dancing, solo singing, recitation/storytelling, Instrumental music, novelty/drama, ballad group and set dancing. More details can be got from the GAA clubs and  from the county Scór  committee.

The Milford Care Centre 10k walk and run will be held at 12 noon at the University of Limerick on Sunday, March 13th. The event is open to runners and walkers of all levels and abilities. The cost of registration is €20 until Saturday February 26th and €25 afterwards. Cash prizes for the first three  male and female participants to finish will be awarded.  For more details contact the fundraising team  at www.milfordcarecentre.ie or telephone 061-485860

The easing of Covid restrictions and the opening up of society has been good news for Bingo players. Local players are delighted to see that bingo has returned to the Parish Hall in Shanagolden  on Tuesday night’s at 8pm. The weekly lottery draw has also returned, and the draw is held on stage following  the interval at bingo. Tickets cost €2  and are available from committee members and from the local businesses.

The price rise of €300 in the cost of a single grave plot (€1,500) in Limerick Council owned graveyards in Limerick is a step too far and should not be allowed. The Council insists on payment in full before a person can be buried. In Limerick a double plot costs €3,000, compared to €1,000 in Kerry and €735 in Clare. It seems the increase was made by order of a director of service within Limerick City and County Council. It was done without any consultation or been agreed by the councillors. The role of a councillor is being downgraded  year on year with council officials having the power to make laws that impact on people and local communities. An increase in cremations has hit the Councils income so they decide to increase the cost of a plot to make up the difference.  The old saying there is something rotten in Denmark seem to apply here. The number of grave plots available in Ardagh (extension) is 156.

People are looking forward to the return of the St Patrick’s Day parades around the county. One of the largest and most enjoyable parades outside of Limerick city is Rathkeale. It commences after 12 noon on March 17 and winds its way up the main street to the reviewing stand outside the Community Centre. Both sides of the street are lined with people creating a great buzz and atmosphere for all. The organisers are asking people in bands, clubs, businesses etc wishing to participate to contact the following Pat Neville of Rathkeale Community Council 087-2791240 or Derek Downes of Team Rathkeale at 085-8125700 by Sunday, March 13.

West Limerick 102fm are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to present shows. We are flexible about what role you take within our team and we’d like someone who is eager to learn all elements of putting a show together, editing audio, creating productions, booking guests, writing and recording scripts. In return you will get hands on experience at a successful community radio station and a solid introduction to reporting and producing. The volunteer will receive reporting, producing and studio experience, writing experience, develop useful contacts across government and media, and will join over 30 other volunteers working for a 15 year broadcaster who prides itself on giving a voice to its community. If interested contact the station at their headquarters at the Enterprise Centre Sheehan’s Road Newcastle West. Call 069-66200.

By Damien Aherne

Free Talk on Addiction & Mental Health 

Healthy Athea will be running an awareness night with former Limerick hurling legend Ciarán Carey.

This event will be a very worthwhile evening as he will be dealing with the signs of addiction in our community and better understanding of the signs and dealing with mental health issues.

It promises to be a very worthwhile evening. February 25th at Con Colbert Hall @ 7.30pm.

Membership now Open for 2022

CLUB MEMBERSHIP is the cornerstone to the success and the running of your Club and we would deeply appreciate it if you would support your Club by becoming a member for 2022. Thanks to everyone who has purchased membership/tickets to date. By purchasing any of the membership options, you are helping to reduce our outstanding loan balance of €33,000 and to progress our Club Development Plan at Pairc na nGael.

Changes to draw for All Ireland Tickets 2022

If Limerick are fortunate to feature in an All Ireland Final in 2022, it is expected an allocation of tickets will be made available to Athea GAA Club. An open draw will then take place for tickets. In order to put your name forward for the draw, the following must be in place prior to the draw;

1. Membership to be paid in full (player/non player/track user)
2. A Ticket to be purchased in advance for either the Club Limerick Draw (Mackey) or the Athea GAA Club Development Draw

Dogs at the Walking Track

Dogs are welcome at the walking track, but we are appealing to all dog owners to please keep your dog on a lead for the safety of all track users. We would also remind everyone to please clean up after your dog.

Healthy Athea

Healthy Athea Club would like to thank everyone for contributing to our recent fundraiser for the Irish Heart Foundation. A total of €1,130 was collected over the weekend. Many thanks also to Paul Collins for granting us permission to collect outside Collins Shop.

Message from John Cregan Chairperson Limerick GAA endorsing upcoming talk by Ciarán Carey

Athea Gaa Club is a shining example of how a GAA club in today’s world can go beyond what is the normal comfort zone of a Gaa club and simply confine activities to the playing of our national games. In an effort to extend their activities and provide additional community support, Athea GAA have powered ahead and formed the “Healthy Athea Club”.

Since its inception “Healthy Athea” has been actively supporting and indeed encouraging both Gaa members and of course members of the wider community to become more health conscious by way of taking exercise in the safe environment of the recently completed walking track. The emphasis placed on and the facilities provided to ensure that we can improve our physical health now needs to be balanced with an emphasis on the importance of good mental health. To this end I very much welcome and commend “Healthy Athea” for turning their attention to providing a forum and thus a wonderful opportunity, by way of this upcoming presentation, to their own community and beyond, to gain a better understanding of the many difficult issues that are associated with poor mental health and addiction. Unfortunately these difficult issues exist sometimes silently and perhaps invisibly in the lives of far too many in our communities, and every positive initiative such as this to reach out to both individuals and families is to be greatly welcomed. Ciaran Carey is better equipped than most through his own story in life to educate and advise those who attend on these matters and I know his presentation on the night will not disappoint.

By Marian Harnett

PROLOGUE:  You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.  C.S. Lewis.

ABBEYSIDE PLAYERS: Abbeyside Players are pleased to present ‘The Righteous Are Bold’ in The Glórach Theatre. March 31st and April 1,2,3,7,8,9.

OPENING: The Aqua Dome in Tralee will reopen to customers on Tuesday, March 15.

100^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE GARDA SIOCHANA:  If you have any stories or memorabilia from bygone times the Gardai would be glad if you would share them.

THE RAILWAY IS BACK:  The Fitzgerald family have been in touch “Looking forward to giving old friends and new a royal Railway welcome on Wednesday, February 23 as we reopen our doors with the fantastic Michael Collins Band (Who Else Only The King). Dancing kicking off at 9.15pm. Also coming Wednesday, March 2 Neily O Connor.

Only Wednesday dancing at moment. So polish the shoes, oil the joints and head to the Railway for the craic agus ceoil.”

GLÓRACH BINGO BACK INDOORS:  P.R.O. Lorcan Curtin reports “Two years ago, we were riding the crest of a wave. Our Monday night Bingo was running successfully, new volunteers and board members were bringing fresh impetus and drive, with a busy schedule lined up for the first half of 2020, and we were in rehearsals for a production of the powerful play, The Iron Harp.  A tiny virus, although in the news daily, still seemed very far away at that stage.  Within a few weeks, we, like the rest of the country, were locked down.  While there was a nice novelty in taking a break from the Glórach, bills still had to be paid and great credit is due to Seán and Helen for planning and putting the infrastructure in place for drive-in Bingo, that opened at the end of that summer at the GAA ground, running until Christmas with a short break, and then an extended break until June of last year, running consecutively until last Sunday.  A massive thanks to the GAA club for the use of their grounds and premises, and for the help their members gave us each Sunday. Thanks also to Abbeyfeale District Search and Rescue for the efficient and safe parking of cars, and for bringing us sandwiches to keep us fortified.  Thanks to everyone who came and supported us over the last two years and made this venture such a success.  Two years ago, the Glórach had signs up acknowledging the Nations Front Line Workers, and at this juncture we acknowledge our own front line workers, our volunteers who have turned up on Sunday afternoons over the last two years and ensured the smooth running of the bingo.  Our first Sunday was a glorious sun-kissed day, our final outing a combination of ferocious wind and King Lear like rain, maybe a sign from somewhere to move back indoors.  It’s been a long two years, but we will remember and retain positive memories of the drive-in Bingo. Looking forward to seeing the crowds back at the Glórach Theatre, as we resume our indoor Bingo on Monday, February 28th at 8.30 pm.”

LIVE MUSIC RETURNS TO THE GLÓRACH:  No amount of storms were going to keep a large crowd away from the Glórach Theatre on Saturday night, and what a way to launch ourselves into 2022, with a memorable concert to linger in the memory.  Buttevant native Alan Finn made his Glórach debut, and the supremely talented fiddle player was joined on stage by Seán Kelliher and Keelan McGrath, with the powerful voice of Annmarie O’Riordan being called upon at different stages of the concert, her version of Shanagolden resonating with the crowd before the interval.  Plenty of toe-tapping and clapping to the sweet playing of Alan, Seán and Keelan, with many patrons very complimentary of the quality of sound, as well as the warmth in the auditorium.  “Now I hope that in telling this story, I haven’t detained you too long” sang Annmarie, from the song, This story I tell you is True, but in truth, most of the audience would have happily stayed on another hour such was the quality of the music. Thanks to all who supported us on the night and also our raffle, looking forward to upcoming gigs in March.

SEÁN KEANE AND JON KENNY AT THE GLÓRACH: 

Tickets selling fast for these two, Seán Keane has become synonymous with the Glórach Theatre on this side of the country, and returns again on Friday, March 9th.  All previous appearances were sold out so make sure to book tickets for a very special night with the Galwegian.  Hot on the heels of this concert, Jon Kenny will be coming back to the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, March 19th with his one man show, Crowman, written by Katie Hollie.  In a play filled with poignancy and humour, Jon gave a tour de force performance in the title role at the Glórach in early 2020, and we’ve looked forward to his return.  Both shows commence at 8 pm, and booking is essential at 087 1383940, or tickets can be purchased at An Siopa Milseáin or Abbey Tiles

DINNER: The Irish Sheepdog Trials Society are holding a celebratory Dinner Dance on Saturday, March  5  at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Dinner at 8pm followed with music by “The Best of Friends”. Tickets for the dinner dance are on sale. Tom O’Sullivan is only the fifth Irishman to win the Supreme Championship, the most coveted trophy in sheepdog trialling since it began in 1947 and will be attending.

CONCERT IN DUAGH:  Jimmy Buckley and band will be in the Sports Complex, Duagh on March 18^th.  Doors open 7pm, show starts at 8pm, Tickets available at usual outlets or phone 087 9421862.

PATRICK’S DAY PARADE:  Chairman of the organising committee Cllr. Francis Foley writes; “Over the last number of days I have had a number of people contact me regarding the running of the St Patrick’s Day Parade this year. After discussion with the committee we have decided to run the parade as normal this year!  We look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying the celebrations again this year after a 2 year break.

PLAY:  The Spike Players Knocknagoshel proudly present ‘For Better or For Worse’ February 25, 26, 27th & March 4, 5, 6^th at 8pm in Knocknagoshel Community Centre.  To reserve tickets call 087 705 0670.

DAY CARE CENTRE: Now open to visitors every Tuesday.  Contact Jane on 068 51850.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASS: Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse every Tuesday from 8.30 – 10.30pm.. Further information from 087 7206449.

TREE PLANTING IN TEMPLEGLANTINE:  The planting has been postponed due to Storm Eunice.

HOT DESK:  WorkBase E-Hub at Old Bank Building on Main Street is now open for Business. For full details and pricing on Private Office Suites, Meeting Room, Hot-desks etc contact Ken Tobin on 086 816 2105.

PLAY: Athea Drama group, are back with Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel in Con Colbert Hall. Evening shows on Wednesday, 23, Thursday, 24, and Saturday, February 26. The doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm each evening. Booking is necessary. The tickets cost €10 and ring 087- 6926746 .

SIAMSA TIRE CONCERT featuring Danny O’Mahony & Steve Cooney on Friday, 25th February – 8.00pm.  Tickets available from Siamsa – 0667123055.

EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING: 2 Day ‘Back To Work Basic Skills Training’ for Job Seekers on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25 in Newcastle West covering Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Chemical Awareness and Safe Use of PPE. Contact Finn Fitzgerald on 087 759 1951 to register

PILGRIMAGES TO MEDJUGORJE May 25th ex Cork to Mostar. June.22nd. Ex Cork to Dubrovnik. September 14th ex Shannon to Mostar. Cost is €775. If you pay a deposit of €100 you will avail of €50 discount and secure your place. Balance of €625 can be paid 6weeks before departure. Contact Tom Dennehy for further information
on 0876468658..

PASSION Play back again at Oberammergau, from June 14 to 26, 2022.

BOOK: Dr Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh is author of Developing Rural Ireland: A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services (Wordwell Books, 2021).

FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM:  Take the trip of a lifetime with Group Leader Mícheál de Barra and Spiritual Director Fr. John Newman in association with Premier Travel, Cork.  Further information from Mícheál 086 8337681 or email info @ carpediemtours. ie

TALK IN CON COLBERT HALL, ATHEA: The Healthy Athea Club has invited Ciaran Carey, former hurling manager, selector and player and now working as an addiction counsellor to give a talk on, February 25th at Con Colbert Hall.

RADIO MARIA IRELAND: Catholic Radio with a full programme, daily of catechesis, prayer, daily Mass, rosary, Stations of the Cross, Angelus, etc. You can listen by tuning into Saorview on your Television Channel 210 / Internet: www.radiomaria.ie

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE:  Departing from Shannon to Mostar September 7th to 14th Half board accommodation full religious programme operated by Marian pilgrimages Fare €725 for names received before Jan 31^st Details from John O Brien Group Leader Doon Co Limerick 086 8586304.

CITIZENS ADVICE:  They are available to deal with queries Monday to Friday between 9.30am – 4.15pm and can be contacted by phone on 0818075780  or by email n[email protected]

CHURCH NEWS:   Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.  Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030  www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email [email protected] Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068 -31133. To book a |Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 0668 51915. Mass Intentions:    Saturday 6.30pm Denis Muphy The Hill 4^th Anniversary.  Kate Curtin, Dromtrasna Collins.  Sunday 10am Tom and Mary Flynn and deceased family members.  Jack Joe Foley and his wife Bridget and Mossie Foley and Danny Harnett.  12 noon  Michael O’Connell, Dromtrasna.  Monthly Mass for the sick of the parish will be celebrated at 10am on the last Friday of the month.  In the event of a funeral the Mass will change to the previous Thursday.  Annual Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of abuse will take place on Friday, February 25.   PRIESTHOOD – Zoom with Seminarians and Priests on Tuesday 1st March @ 8pm there will be an opportunity for young men to join in on a Zoom meeting to find out more about priesthood and to hear directly from two young men who are currently studying for the priesthood in our National Seminary in Maynooth. The event is being run by the National Vocations Office. Further information and registration details can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.vocations.ie/zoom.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held in the main church every Friday from after the 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm.  In the event of a funeral Mass on a Friday Adoration will begin at 12.30pm. We advise parishioners to wrap up well as the some of the church windows will be open for ventilation purposes. “In worship, God captures your heart; when He’s got it, then the real work begins.”- Matt
Redman.  During Lent the Adoration will take place in the Blessed Sacrament Church on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am -8pm.  A sheet for putting down your promise to cover an hour is available at the back of the altar.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 6:  Buy tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas, cocoa etc and help support farmers in the third world with fair prices for their produce.  www. fair-trade.ie.