By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place of Maeve McCormack Nolan, Monashinnock, Ardagh peacefully at St John’s Hospital, Limerick on Saturday, April 16. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Molua’s Church Ardagh at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 19. Maeve was laid to rest in Kilscannell Cemetery. We extend our sympathy to her husband Val, son Val, sisters, sister-in law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Sympathy is extended to Betty and Paddy O’Connor and family, St Mary’s Terrace, Carrigkerry on the death of Betty’s mother, Kathleen Woulfe (nee Fealy), Cratloe West, Abbeyfeale. Reposing at Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athea on Wednesday, April 13. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Bartholomew’s Church on Thursday followed by burial in Holycross Cemetery. Sympathy also to her sons Jimmy and Paddy, daughter Brenda McMahon and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The Cuckoo has arrived (right on time as in previous years) in our locality and has been heard calling since last Wednesday, April 20. The elder generation always looked forward to the arrival as it marked the end of the long winter, and the promise of better weather ahead. When they heard the first call, they would bless themselves. The bird likes rural and remote areas, where it can remain unobserved by humans as it goes about its business. Its distinctive call is mainly the only means of  knowing its whereabouts.

The St Kieran’s greyhound  Da Bold Freddie failed to qualify  for the Con and Anne Kirby Memorial greyhound stake  final sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday, April 16. He finished out of the top three in the first semi final. St Kieran’s defeated Athea by 2-13 to 0-6 in the West Junior B Football League at Athea on Saturday, April 16. They defeated Ballysteen by 3-15 to 0-11 at Coolcappa on Easter Monday. St Kieran’s defeated St Senan’s 3-10 to 2-6 in their third match in the County Senior Football League at Knockaderry on Saturday last April 23.

Congratulations to Rebecca O’Connor who won first prize of €500 in the 2022 St Kieran’s GAA Premier League Last Man Standing Fundraiser. Thanks to all who sold entry forms as well as all who participated in the competition. Your support is greatly appreciated within the club.

In Division 1 of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic defeated Shannonside 2-0 away on Good Friday with goals from James O’Connor and Richie Hayes. They received a walkover from Pallaskenry on Sunday, April 17 and are in second place on the league table. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 2-2 at home to Newcastle West  Town. Charlotte Lynch scored both goals and they remain in second place on the league table.

The Gradam  Ceoil TG4 2022 traditional Irish Music Awards were held at Dublin’s National Concert Hall and shown on TV on Easter Sunday night. Featured was Ardagh native Francis O’Connor whose father-in-law Connie O’Connell  from Kilmanatra was an award winner. It was a very enjoyable programme with top class entertainment from the recipients and their guests.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, April 18. The numbers drawn were 22, 23, 29, 30, and  there was  no  winner of the €7,300 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: Máire Crowley, Ballylin, (Online), Bobby Woulfe, Ardagh, Eddie O’Mahony, Churchtown, Newcastle West, Donal Behan, Shanagolden, Meadhbh Ambrose (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €7,400. 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 Aidan Webster, Castlemahon, who won €270 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, April 22.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.

Kilcolman National School will hold a fundraising clothes collection  in aid of the local Ukrainian appeal fund on Friday, April 29. Bags with clothes, shoes, handbags, bed linen, curtains etc can be dropped to the school shelter before  9am on Friday, April 29. All funds raised will be donated to this worthy cause.

A gathering is organised at the Old Mill Bridge for this Friday evening April 29 at 7pm. This is a gathering of friends, family and neighbours of loved ones who have passed away. On the evening we will unveil two seats and a memorial tree. Light refreshments, tea, coffee and finger food will be served on the evening, and all are welcome. It will be a lovely opportunity to remember our loved ones and meet our neighbours and friends.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for 2022 continues with the April Draw on Saturday 30. The entry fee  is €10 per month or €90 for the remaining nine draws and €21,000 will be given out in prize money each month. The first prize is €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000, 4th prize €1,000, 5th prize is an exclusive star prize, and 4  prizes of €500, four prizes €250, and 17 prizes of €100. The exclusive Star Prize for April is €500, for McGuirk Golf Plus a team of four  in the Club Limerick  Golf Event on May 12 and 13. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

The following are the Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh opening hours for 2022: 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.

New Boxercise class with Maggie Dore McDonald commences at Carrigkerry Community Centre from Tuesday, May 3 at 9.30 am.

A new Sporting Memories Handbook has been developed  to support local sports organisations in setting up Sporting Memories groups. An initiative  of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland , the groups are intended  to provide a  meeting  for people with dementia, families, supporters and friends to reminisce and talk about  bygone sporting days as well as encourage participation in physical  activity. The booklet aims to help improve  the health and wellbeing  of people with dementia, as well as older people in general. To order a copy of the handbook  go to www. healthpromotion.ie

The Register of Electors 2022/2023 for Limerick City and County for participation in Dáil, European Assembly, Presidential, local Government and Referenda has now been published. The Register can be inspected at Post Offices, Garda Stations, Libraries, Health Centres, Courthouses, and Limerick City and County Council Offices at Dooradoyle and Merchants Quay during normal office opening hours. It is also possible to check online if your name is included on the Live Register at www.checktheregister.ie