By Tom Aherne

Since Saturday, March 19, Cahermoyle House, Ardagh is home to over 90 Ukrainian refugees. The historical house belonged to the O’Brien family and William Smith O’Brien was a former Irish nationalist MP and leader of the Young Ireland movement. The present building dates from the 1870s and is surrounded by over 40 acres of grass land. The 30-bedroom house was lastly a nursing home, and the present owners are from Cork (caretakers in place) and have big plans for its future.

For now, it offers peace and safety for the victims of the Russian invasion. The St Kieran’s GAA Club and Ardagh Development and the wider community did Trojan work at short notice to get Cahermoyle House ready for them. The house and bedrooms had to be got ready for their night arrival and supplies organised. A collections of essential items  was held in Ardagh Hall to make the new arrivals more comfortable in their new surroundings. Parishes from the surrounding area all contributed to the cause. A go fund me page has also been set up for future needs and people can physically  give money to members of the above organisations spearheading the appeal.

Sympathy is extended to Mary O’Connor and family, Duncaha, on the death of her sister Ellen, (Nell)Leahy, nee Culhane, Barnigue, Shannon View, Kilfergus, Glin on Wednesday, March 9, at Adare Nursing Home. Reposing at her home on Saturday, March 12. Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glin on Sunday followed by burial in the Church Grounds. Sympathy to all other family members and may she rest in Peace.

Congratulations to May Gallagher from the St Kieran’s GAA Club who won €3,000 in the first Limerick GAA Club draw held on the Limerick Live 95 Sports Show on Saturday, March 26. People can still join by contacting the club members in person or online.

St Kieran’s defeated Kildimo/Pallaskenry 6-18 to 1-6 in the opening match in the  County Senior Football League played at St Patrick’s ground in Limerick on Friday, March 25. The annual Con and Anne Kirby Memorial greyhound stake sponsored by JP and Noreen Mc Manus will be held at Limerick Greyhound Stadium from Saturday, March 26, to Friday, April 22. All the Limerick GAA Clubs will be allocated a greyhound and prizes will be awarded to the final six as in previous years. St Kieran’s have drawn Da Bold Freddie who runs in Heat 12.

Limerick defeated Fermanagh  by 4-10 to 3-9 in the semi-final of  Division 4 of the National Ladies Football League  played at Kinnegad on Sunday, March 20. The Old Mill club were represented by Sophie Hennessy  goals, Captain Róisín Ambrose midfield,  Iris Kennelly (0-1)  at corner  forward and  Cathy Ambrose  was a substitute. Limerick advance to meet Offaly in the Division 4 final.

The 2022 Ladies HEC(  3rd level University) All Star and Rising Stars teams  were announced recently. At centre back on the  All-Star team is Róisín Ambrose, University of Limerick and at no 10 on the Rising Star team is Iris Kennelly TUS Midwest. This is a great honour for both ladies, their families and club Old Mill. The ladies received their awards in Croke Park last Saturday night.

Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Rathkeale B in Division 1 of the Desmond League on Sunday, March 20. Eoin McEnery scored their goal to keep them in the top three on the league table. In the ladies Munster Junior Cup Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-0 away to Lakewood Athletic of Cork.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, March 21. The numbers drawn were 13,14,15, and 22, and there was  no  winner of the €6,900 Jackpot.  Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: John and Catherine Noonan Ardagh, Andrew Mullins, The Commons Ardagh, Lorraine Flavin, (Online), Pat Molyneaux, Askeaton, Owen O’Brien, Coolanoran, (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €7,000. 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 Eamon Falahee, Newcastle West, who won €720, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 25.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.

The following are the Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh opening hours for 2022: April 1-30,May 1-31, August 13-21, inclusive (Heritage Week), September 1-13. Tuesday to Saturday from 9-30am to 1-30pm. Admission €5, Students €3, children and old age pensioners are free.  The house is located a mile from Ardagh on the Kilcolman road and is well worth a visit.

The next  Pat’s rambling house will be held at Newbridge on Friday, April 1 at 8pm.  All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.

Meeting place Ardagh Community Centre in Ardagh at 2pm on Saturday, April 2 and proceeding  via O’Connell’s Cross and the Carrigkerry Road to Buckshill, Ballylin and onto the summit of the Blackhill and returning by the same route. Rain gear and strong boots are recommended  and the scenery from the top is amazing on a fine clear day. All are welcome.

Charlie Bird the former RTE broadcaster and journalist will climb Croagh Patrick on Saturday, April 2nd, in aid of the Irish  Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House. Charlie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease last year and wants to create more awareness about the illness. He will be joined by several high-profile personalities  on the climb. A guided tour of Knockfierna  will be held on the same day for the two charities for local people who wish to show their support. The Ardrine/Grange Community Group have organised a walk for the following day Sunday, April 3rd, at 2.30pm in aid of both. Knockfierna Heritage Society  welcome all on both days.

This year’s Census date has been announced for Sunday, April 3 and the forms are being distributed to households at present. They are to be filled up on the night and they will be collected at a later date. Please fill in the time capsule section with your own personal observations.

St Molua’s National School, Ardagh are holding a used clothes collection at present. They are accepting the following items, paired shoes, handbags, belts, towels, blankets, curtains, no duvets or pillows. Bags may be dropped off at the school shelter from Monday, April 4 to Tuesday April  5 and all support will be appreciated.

Coolcappa Parent’s Association are holding a children’s Easter Disco featuring DJ Bomba on Friday, April 8, from 7pm to 9pm in the Coolcappa Community Centre. All children from ages 12 and under are welcome to attend. Parental supervision please. Charge of €5 per child / €10 per family. Refreshments shop open that evening. Prizes for best dancers awarded on the evening.

Limerick Council has announced a road closure to facilitate the construction of a cattle underpass at Kilrodane, Ardagh from 8am on Monday April 11, to 6pm on Friday April 15. The R-521 Regional Road at Kilrodane, Ardagh from its junction with the L-1340 at Churchtown, Newcastle West to its junction with the R-523 at Ardagh village. Alternative routes will operate, and diversions  will be clearly signposted and local traffic will be accommodated if possible.