By Tom Aherne

Congratulations to Barry O’Sullivan, Ardagh who has been appointed to chair the new taskforce set up to utilise the potential of the entire estuary region for the development of its economy.  Barry, the former boss of Johnson and Johnstone, Vision care  Limerick is joined by nine other experts who will produce a report  by October. They will specify the actions than can be taken  to use opportunities that will create jobs for the region. The estuary region has vast potential to create thousands of new jobs and the taskforce is a step forward in the process after years of talking.

The Division 4 team of the 2022 Ladies National Football League was announced recently and Limerick, who were defeated finalists, claimed four players on the team. Congratulations to the Old Mill club trio Sophie Hennessy, goalie, Róisín Ambrose, centre field and Iris Kennelly, left corner forward. Cathy Mee was the fourth Limerick player honoured. Best of luck to Limerick in the upcoming Championship.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for April took place  on Saturday 30 and was announced on the Limerick Live 95fm sports show. Congratulations to Siobhán and Liam O’Gorman from the St Kieran’s club who won €250. The entry fee  is €10 per month or €80 for the remaining eight  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 May will be garden furniture. From Tadhg O’Connor. 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.

Congratulations to Limerick who defeated Clare 4-1 in a penalty shootout in the Munster senior football championship quarter final at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday, April 30. It finished Limerick 2-16 to 1-19 for Clare after extra time. Darragh Treacy from St Kieran’s gave a great performance at centre field and kicked a point from play in the opening half. Limerick meet Tipperary in the Munster semi final.

St Kieran’s defeated Monagea by 1-21 to 0-15 in the West Intermediate Hurling League at Coolcappa on Friday, April 29. It was their first win in the competition. St Kieran’s defeated Drom/Broadford by  2-17 to 0- 3 in the West Junior B Football League at Dromcollogher on Sunday, April 24. They have won all three games to date and meet Granagh/Ballingarry in the next match.

In Division 1 of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic drew 2-2 at home to Breska Rovers on Friday, April 22, with goals from James O’Connor and Andrew White. On Sunday, April, 24,they defeated Rathkeale B 3-1 away. Creeves Celtic ladies lost 3-1(Dymphna O’Brien) to Classic FC in Tralee on Sunday, April 24 in the second round of the Munster Junior Women’s Shield.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, April 25. The numbers drawn were 1, 8, 22, 29 and  there was  no  winner of the €7,400 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: John Byrnes c/o Denis Greaney, Bridget Dalton c/o Denis Greaney, Michael Ambrose Dunganville, (Online), Patsy Kelligan, Tanya Saharova Ballyhahill, (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be

€7,500. 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 J.J. Hynes Dooradoyle Limerick, who won €525, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, April 29. 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.

On Thursday, May 5, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) is inviting people to assemble together for a chat and a cup of tea to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services. The aim of ASI is to raise vital sums to provide support and services  to help families living with dementia nationwide. People interested can register for a pack at www.teaday.ie

The Darkness Into Light event returns  after an absence of two years on Saturday May 7. The event attracts huge crowds each year at various locations (Tarbert and Mallow) who come together in the early hours to walk towards the light and raise large amounts of funds for Pieta House. After two very difficult years for all, people need to come together in support of those who were affected by the isolation, worry and stress of Covid. Save the date and help make this the biggest and brightest  Darkness Into Light event. 

The First Holy Communion ceremony will be celebrated on Saturday, May 7, in Ardagh at 11am. On Saturday, May 14, in Carrigkerry and Coolcappa at 11am and in Kilcolman at 1pm.

The Debra Ireland Kerry Challenge 2022 returns on May 20, 21, and 22. Eamon O’Kane, Pat Toomey, Mike Histon and Joe Carrig will again be participating in the 3 day 75 K Hike in the Dingle Peninsula. They will be raising funds to ease the suffering of children suffering from E.B. or Butterfly Disease. All donations will be appreciated by the quartet.

The Butterfly Club in Rathkeale are seeking volunteers to help out once a month on Saturdays for four hours. It can be a very rewarding experience and  interested people can ring 086-2120023,or email [email protected]