By Tom Aherne

The death has taken place  of Donie Kiely, (Builder) Lower Lisgordan, Ardagh, suddenly at home on Friday,  June 17. Predeceased by his mother Elizabeth, father Patrick, sister Josephine and nephew Micheál. Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Tuesday, June 21, from 6.30 to 8pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Austin McNamara at 11am in St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Wednesday followed by burial in Holycross Cemetery, Athea. Sympathy to his sister Mary, brother Mike (Haul), sister-in-law Peg, Mary’s partner Tom, nephews Patrick and his wife Denise, Liam and his wife Christine, nieces Noreen and her husband Niall, Elizabeth and her partner David, grand nephews Christopher, Luke and James, grand nieces Emily and Ciara, cousins, other relatives, kind neighbours and friends. May he rest In Peace.

The death has taken place of Eileen Leahy (née O’Connor) Bogmount, Abbeyfeale, and a native of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, peacefully on Tuesday, June 21,  at University Hospital Limerick, surrounded by her loving family. Eileen is predeceased by her father Seán and sister Margaret. Reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Thursday, June 23, from 6.30 to 8pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at The Church of The Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Friday  at 11am, followed by burial in Reilig Íde Naofa, Abbeyfeale. Sympathy to her husband John, son John Anthony, daughter Jennifer, grandson Eliadh, mother Hannie, brothers Pa, Moss, John, Mike and Chris, sisters Mary, Anne, Bridie, Doreen and Hanorah, aunt, uncle, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Limerick Council held a  Civic Reception  in the Woodlands Hotel, Adare on Tuesday, June 14, to acknowledge the work of community individuals over the past couple of years. Mary Kury from Ardagh received one for her publications on the Ardagh Chalice and three local burial grounds. Shirley O’Regan, Newcastle West and West Limerick 102fm presenter and producer of Irish and English programmes was honoured also for her contribution during Covid. Congratulations to all who were honoured for their contributions to community life.

Newcastle West defeated St Kieran’s by 1-6 to 0-6 in the County Senior Football League Final played at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Tuesday, June 21. The winners led by 1-2 to 0-4 at half time. TEAM Ian Mackessy, Mossie Shine, Johnny McCarthy, Michael Murphy, Mike Shanahan, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Brendan Mc Carthy (Captain), Liam Kennedy, John Hayes 0-4, Jack Ben Harnett, Darragh Treacy,  Sean Ryan, Kevin Meade 0-2, Anthony Molyneaux, Seamus Mangan. Subs Shane Fitzgerald, Daniel  Geraghty. Management: Brian Nolan, Owen Hayes, Mike Windle,  Donie McEnery,  John O’Connor.

The club are running a scratch card lucky first goal (exact time of the first goal scored) fundraiser for the Limerick V Galway All Ireland senior hurling semi final on Sunday July 3. The cards are €2 each or 3 for €5. All funds raised from this fundraiser  will go towards the St. Kieran’s Club Development Plan.  The prize money is €500, and all support is greatly appreciated.

The County Senior Football Championship commences on Thursday, June 30, with St Kieran’s playing promoted Kildimo/Pallaskenry in Group 2 at the Bog Garden, Rathkeale at 7.30pm. They play Ballylanders in Round 2 in Ballyagran on Saturday, July 9 at 7.30pm. Followers are looking forward to a successful run in the Championship. The club will hold their annual Cul Camp in Coolcappa from Monday, August 8 to Friday August 12.

Limerick defeated New York by 4-11 to 1-5  in the third round of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship  played at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Wednesday, June 22. They have now  qualified for the semi final. Congratulations to Iris Kennelly who is receiving a sports scholarship from TUS, in Early Childhood Care and Education. She is one of 23 athletes from Limerick who received  a sports scholarship from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) this coming academic year.

Congratulations to members of the St. Kieran’s community games who represented the club and were successful in recent competitions at Handwriting, Art, Talent, Soccer and Gaelic games.

Congratulations to Creeves Celtic who defeated Kildimo United 2-1 in the final of the Riedy Cup played at Askeaton on Friday, June 17. Kevin Guina and Brian Meade scored the goals and Kevin Guina was player of the match. TEAM Danny Coleman, James Bridgeman, Anthony Mullins, Tommy Dillane, James O’Connor, Darragh O’Connor, Mike Shanahan, Andrew White, Ray Cahill, Richard Hayes, Kevin Guina, Subs Jerome O’Connor, Chris Kenny, Brian Nash, Joe Guerin, David Dunne, Michael Guina, Tom Shanahan, Brian Meade. John O’Donnell on behalf of the Desmond League presented the Riedy Cup to Captain Tommy Dillane afterwards. The team management of Brian Nash and Noel O’Donnell have overseen a very successful run since the 2017/18 season, winning six titles. Congratulations to all involved in the club and best wishes for next season when they compete in the Premier Division for the first time in their history.

Congratulations to William Treacy from the St Kieran’s club who won €100 in the Limerick GAA Club draw for June,  which was announced on the Limerick Live 95fm sports show on Saturday, June 25. It costs €10 per month to join with the local club receiving €5 per person.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday, June 20. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 7, 18, and  there was  no  winner of the €8,200 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: Tom Corrigan, Askeaton, Marie Molyneaux, Askeaton, Tom Neary, Ardagh, Chris Madigan, Ardagh, Martina Fitzgibbon, Castlemahon c/o Dawn. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €8,300. 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 Connie McCoy, Carrigkerry,  who won €470, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, June 24. 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 Rathfredagh Cheshire Home Garden Fete will be held on Sunday, July 3, from 12 noon to 6pm, after a three-year break due to Covid. A wide variety of events will be taking place over the grounds to suit all tastes.  For vintage enthusiasts’ cars, tractors and machines will be on display. There will be live entertainment, a dog show, 5 a side football, re-enactment, bric-a-brac, monster draw, wheel of fortune, stalls with books, clothes, food, plants etc. There will be face painting for the children, colouring competitions, fairy trail and best dressed fairy/goblin competition and lots of other entertainment. All proceeds will go to the Rathfredagh Cheshire Home. The  entrance fee (€5) for adults and children over 12. The Cheshire Home is located 6k from Newcastle West along the R520 Bruff line. Eircode V42 RW63.

Ardagh and District Fundraising Society presents a Mock Wedding Party on Saturday,  July 9 at Rathkeale House Hotel commencing at 5pm. The dinner will be served at 6.30pm sharp and an auction and a raffle will be held during the night. Live music by Different Sounds and DJ Sean Carrig. The admission is by ticket only and they are available to purchase at Neary’s Bar Ardagh, costing €25 each. For more details and to order tickets please call the following: Liz Crowley 085 7493618, Paul Moriarty 085-7103557, Susan Moriarty 087-9485994, Paul Ahern 087-9509775, Trisha Derwin 085-7127484. A great night’s entertainment is anticipated, and all support will be appreciated,  and the proceeds will go to the Butterfly Club and Community Crisis Response.

By Peg Prendeville

It’s hard to believe that June is almost over and we are still expecting a long spell of reasonably good weather. It has been most dismal and depressing this past week. But I am told that July will be better so there is still hope.

My cousin Elaine White asked me to remind you of the Tournafulla and District Vintage Club Family Fun Day and a Tractor/Car run on July 10^th. Proceeds to local organisations and Ukraine.

Loughill Family Fun Day which takes place Saturday, July 30^th from 1 pm ‘til late promises to be fun also. There will be a Food/Craft fair in the Resource Centre. Please contact Mary (087) 295 0041 or Euan (087) 991 4537 for stall bookings. Fun activities throughout the day in the Park. €5 entry or €10 per Family. River Duck Race – €10 Euro per Duck. There are 99 Ducks so Book yours now before they are gone by texting Dani or Connie on 085 267 9775 or 087-6126133 €100 Cash Prize for winning duck. Test your balancing skills on the Bull Rodeo. Take your best shot at the Special Guest in the Dunk Tank. Gather your neighbours and get a team of 6 for the Townland Tug of War. Trophy presentation for the winning team. Register your team with Mary on (087) 295 0041

Colm Hassett will be present to put the kids through their paces with loads of fun games and activities. Finish the day off at the Licensed Marquee Bar while being entertained by Kevin McCarthy Live Music 7-9pm followed by the Sean Carrig Karoke and Dj. There will also be a sweet shop, teas and coffees on the day with Food sold on site all day.

The Abha Bhán Players are very grateful for the generous response to their fundraiser in Barr na Sráide on last Saturday night. It was a great night of music and song. Thanks to all who came along and to everyone who donated raffle prizes or contributed in any way. Results of Raffle:  €20 Mullanes Fuel Voucher – Maura Hutchinson, Refresh Handbag (Donated by Tony O’Shaughnessy) – Sharon McElligott.  Bottle of Wine (Paddy O’Rourkes) – Michael Healy, Voucher for Dawn’s Launderette – Lisa Daly, Timber Voucher (Terence Mc) – Barr na Sraide, €30 Voucher Paddy Hogan’s Glin – Donie Nolan, Sweet Hamper (Edel) – Klara Gee.

Congratulations to Kearney’s Home Baking who is celebrating 30 years in business this year. This has been a most successful business since it was born in 1992 thanks to Maura and Siobhán and all the staff down through the years. I wish it continued success.

By Kathleen Mullane

BITS AND BOBS

Well as I start to do my few lines this Monday evening and look out my kitchen window, one wonders is it Autumn we are in , and not the month of JUNE. These past few days over the weekend have been so very blustery, showery and at times cold, with some households flicking on the heat for an hour. Now one could keep looking out and get down in themselves, and get themselves in bad form. On the other hand one could put on a jacket, head out with an umbrella get a bit wet maybe but on the return journey would be happy to have made the decision to get out and about, Hail , Rain or Snow. And remember Fresh -Air is the best Medicine for Mind and Body.

The death took place over the weekend of Kit O’Connor of Gortnagross, Athea. Kit had battled with her health for some time but always rallied around, with her family and grandchildren devoted to her care. Many came to pay their respects at the family home on Sunday evening last. Requiem Mass on Monday was celebrated by Canon Tony Mullins with burial afterwards in Holy Cross. Sincere sympathy is extended to her daughters, sons, grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and friends. May the light of heaven be hers.

The death has also occurred in Texas of John Hunt Junior, son of the late John Hunt snr, who both were ardent visitors to their ancestral homeland here in Athea over the years. John is survived by his wife Mary and 11 children. A daily mass-goer, who volunteered with the food-pantries and Catholic Pro-Life no doubt he will be sadly missed. He has been laid to rest in the U.S.A.

Hopefully this time next week we will be singing the praises of the Limerick Hurling Team as they play their much looked forward to game on Sunday next. And wasn’t that a thrilling game on Sunday last between Armagh and Galway. Pity about The Fracas at the end, but maybe its A Lesson Learned, that when tensions are at their Highest everyone should be on High ALERT.

If anyone needs a ticket for the forthcoming GAA draw which will take place in August with some great prizes, I have a few left. They are just 50 Euro, and will greatly help to do further work on the track and pitch.

It’s terrible for students who have just completed their Leaving Cert to be told now that their results won’t be out until the 1st week in September. This gives them no time at all to sort accommodation which already is at a crisis level, and if they were to go overseas say to Denmark to do their college courses the closing date for application is Sept 1st. The entire Leaving Cert needs to be overhauled and replaced by continued assessment, which would avoid a lot of stress and worry for both parents and students alike.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:-

Accept the past for what it was.

Acknowledge the present for what it is..

Anticipate the future for what it can become.