By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Maurice (Moss) O’Connor, (farmer) Carrigkerry, peacefully, on May 29th at Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee. Moss is predeceased by his brothers Dave and John, sisters Kit, Maureen, Ita and Eileen. Moss was one of eleven in family and attended Carrigkerry national school a short distance from his home at the V in the road. He was a home bird apart from a brief time spent working in England. He worked the land cared for the animals and was interested in the horses. He also operated a puncture repair business in the village for a number of years. It was a favourite meeting place for passing callers to stop for a chat. He would socialise at Moore’s Bar, as he enjoyed meeting people and exchanging his version of the stories with a smile and raised hand.
Moss played football with the local teams enjoying West and County success and was widely known for his exploits on the field of play. Full back was his favourite position, and he faced the best of forwards around the county and beyond. Blessed with a fine physique he was a valued member of the Old Mill Tug O War team who were feared opponents, winning many honours during the carnival and festival events which attracted large crowds. He enjoyed good health all his life until his final year which was challenging. Moss had reached four score years and nearly fifty years of married life to Sadie.
His love of sport was evident from a St Kieran’s jersey and football that were two of the gifts taken to the Altar before his Requiem Mass commenced. The Irish Independent was the other gift, which he read every morning to keep in touch with current affairs. Our recent roadside chats as he visited his outside farm have now come to an end but blessed to have been in his company at matches, church walls, workshop and other locations, since I was a small boy. Carrigkerry has lost another of its favourite characters, and life will be a lot duller as a result.
Reposing took place at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Tuesday, May 31, from 6pm, followed by removal at 8pm, to St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry. His Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr John Mockler on Wednesday June 1, at 11.30 am. Burial followed afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Sadie, son Liam, daughters Yvonne, Aine, Marian and Emer, sons-in-law John and Mickey, grandchildren Michael, Cíaran, Conor and Keeva, brother Michael, sisters Peig, Joan and Anne, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest In Peace.
The death has taken place of Joan Bridgeman Rathreigh, Ardagh, peacefully in the loving care of the management and staff of Milford Care Centre on Thursday, June 2. Reposing at Magner’s Funeral Home Rathkeale on Saturday, June 4, from 11am to 12 noon. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa at 1pm followed by burial in Lismakeera Cemetery. Sympathy to her brother Paddy, sister Mary Costello, nieces, cousins’ neighbours, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
Limerick City and County Council propose to introduce traffic calming measures in the form of two ramps on the R523 at Ardagh village. The locations of the proposed ramps on the main street are at the pump opposite the Antique shop and immediately below the Church. These locations will be marked on the road surface. Maps showing the location of the proposed ramps may be inspected at the following locations during normal office hours for a period of one month from Thursday, June 2 at Newcastle West Area Office and are also available on the Limerick City and County Council My Point at https://mypoint.limerick.ie Observations or representations in relation to the proposal may be made in writing to the District Roads Engineer to the above and the deadline is 4pm on Thursday, June 30.
Alex O’Sullivan from Kilcolman National School was a member of the Limerick Primary school hurling team who played Clare, at half time in Thurles on Sunday, June 8.
Creeves Celtic advanced to the Riedy Cup final after defeating Newcastle West Town Reserves away on Sunday, May 29. The game ended at 3-3 after extra time, with Richie Hayes 2 and Brian Nash scoring the goals. Creeves Celtic won 5-4 on penalties to advance to meet Kildimo United. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1 at home to Feenagh. Ray Brouder, (Captain) Carrigkerry and Dylan Moloney, Ardagh were members of the Newcastle West Town team who lost 2-0 to Abbeyfeale United in the Desmond Cup final played at Askeaton on Friday, June 3.
Congratulations to Darragh and Noel McCormack and Cathal McMahon on 188 Innocence, overall winners of the Union Chandlery Munster Memorial Championships at Foynes Yacht Club two weeks ago.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, May 30. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 20, 26, and there was no winner of the €7,900 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Denis Hayes, Knockfinisk, Margaret Sheehan, Ardagh, c/o Ailish, Paddy Kelly, Killoughteen (Online), Mike Molyneaux, c/o Moira, Thomas Hanley, Creeves. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €8,000. 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 Nora Dineen Ardagh who won €560, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 3. This was Nora’s third win in the 50/50 draw. 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 deadline for the Limerick Festivals and Events grants application is today Wednesday June 8 at 4pm. It covers events taking place from October 1,2022 to September 30, 2023. See limerick.ie for details.
The Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations commence on Wednesday, June 8. Wishing all the students well in the coming weeks.
The next rambling house will be held in Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday, June 8, at 8pm. All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.
The Hospice Sunflower collection returns following the break for Covid on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. Volunteers will be selling the Sunflower merchandise on the streets to raise funds for the hospice and home care services. People can also donate a sunflower in memory of others online at www. togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays
The Old Mill ladies football club are holding a sponsored walk on the Greenway from Barnagh Hub on Sunday, June 12 at 10am. The club are also holding a clothes collection over the weekend of Saturday, June 25. All support will be appreciated for both fundraisers.
Fr. Michael Noonan, Parish Priest of Ardagh/Carrigkerry, will celebrate the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of his ordination by celebration Mass in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh at 7.30pm on Friday June 17. After Mass the celebrations will continue in Ardagh Community Hall and caterers will provide sandwiches and savoury bites. People wishing to donate homemade baked goods for the night, are asked to contact Pauline in the parish office by Wednesday, June 15.