By Tom Aherne

The death has occurred of Aidan (Aodán) Fullam, Kilkenny Rd., Freshford, Kilkenny / Ardagh, Limerick, peacefully in the loving care of the nurses and staff of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow, on Tuesday, July 26. Reposing at his residence on Wednesday from 2 pm, with Vigil Prayers and Rosary at 7.30pm.  The Funeral Mass was celebrated  on Thursday, July 28, at 11am. in St Lachtain’s Church, Freshford. Burial took place afterwards in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny.  Sympathy to his  wife Marie, daughters, Selina, Gemma, granddaughter Phoebe, Selina’s partner Chris, son-in-law John, brothers Paddy, Kevin, Mel, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, carers, very supportive neighbours’ relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.

The death has occurred of Mary Costello (nee Bridgeman) of Hillcrest View, Lucan, Co. Dublin and formerly of Rathreigh, Ardagh on Saturday, July 30, peacefully in the loving care of the staff in the Woodland Unit, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Martin Francis (Frank), and pre-deceased by her sister Joan, brother Séan and son-in-law Johnny. Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Lucan on Wednesday, August 3, from 6-8pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Esker, Lucan on Thursday at 10am, followed by cremation  at Newlands Crematorium. Sympathy to her daughters Bernadette and Joanne, brother Patrick and extended family members. May she rest in Peace.

The death has taken place of Ger Moloney,  suddenly at home, Ardnaveagh, Reens, Ardagh, formerly of Star Court, John Carew Park, Limerick. Late of Inver, Castletroy and Crescent College Comprehensive. Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home on Thursday, August 4, from 5pm with removal at 6.30pm to St Nessan’s Church, Raheen. The Requiem Mass  was celebrated on Friday, August 5, at 11a.m. followed by burial afterwards in Castlemungret cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Lorraine, children  Luke, Jake and  Ellie Rose, sister Linda, brother Kieran, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, extended relatives and his many friends. May he rest in Peace.

St Kieran’s  defeated Askeaton by 2-18 to 1-13 in Round 1 of Group 3 of the County Junior A Hurling Championship at Mick Neville Park on Thursday, August 4. They led by 2-12 to 0-7 at half time and ran our convincing winners. TEAM Cillian Ambrose 0-1, Shay Greaney, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Aaron Heffernan, Jack Ben Harnett, Brendan McCarthy, Cathal McEnery, Micheál Murphy, Mossie Shine 1-0, Cormac Mann 0-1, Darragh Treacy 0-2, Danny Collum,  Eoin McEnery 1-3, Johnny McCarthy, Ian Mackessy 0-11. Subs Mike Flynn, Liam Kennedy, Anthony Mullins, Anthony Molyneaux. They meet Feenagh/Kilmeedy in Round 2 in Knockaderry on Saturday August 13.

St Kieran’s lost to Granagh/Ballingarry 0-10 to 0-9 in the First Round of the West Junior B Hurling Championship at Raheenagh on Friday August 5.  They trailed by 0-7 to 0-4 at half time. TEAM Liam Ward,  Darragh McMahon,  Billy Breen, Brian O’Neill, William Steele,  Mikey Breen, Kevin Meade, James O’Connor,  Edward Fitzgerald,  Conor Woulfe, Seamus Mangan,  Cathal O’Connor,  Conor Kelly, Evan Donovan,  Podge Balfe. They are in Group 1 with Adare, Killeedy and Newcastle West, also in the group.

St Kieran’s lost 21-7 to Sporting Limerick in the Ladies Intermediate Championship at Coolcappa on Friday, August 5. Training in Ardagh continues each Sunday evening from 7.30pm, and new players welcome. Next up is the Munster Competition in Mallow on Sunday,  September 4.

Congratulations to Meadhbh Ambrose, Old Mill ladies club, who was recently awarded the  player of the year award for 2021.

Alone is a national organisation that strives to enable older people to age at home, safely and securely, for as long as they wish. We work with older people, including those who are lonely, isolated, frail or ill, homeless, living in poverty, or are facing other difficulties.  Alones Visitation Support and Befriending Service matches older people who would like additional  social contact  with volunteers who provide companionship through a weekly visit. We work with a number  of older people in the Ardagh/Carrigkerry area who would like for someone to visit them. Are you that someone?  If you would like to volunteer with Alone, please sign up at https://alone.ievolunteers/ For more information, contact Aoife on aoife.dennehy @alone.ie

St Kieran’s Heritage Association held an outdoor  briefing amongst eight of its members at Ardagh  Station House on Bank Holiday Monday, August 1. Items discussed included membership, securing a location  to house  memorabilia and  artefacts, P A System, 2023 Calendar, Christmas Fair, National Heritage Week etc. The first meeting  to get the views of the members, to renew their membership and plan events  for the future, has been provisionally fixed for Wednesday, September 7.

March 5, 2020 was the last full meeting of the Association when Covid arrived to cease all activities. The last two years and five months has been challenging for all and the future is still uncertain and Covid is  causing worry as autumn and winter approaches.  Most members have experienced change in their lives and have moved on to different pastimes as a result and may not wish to return while Covid is still about. The association hope to resume a few activities  for National Heritage Week which will take place from Saturday, August 13 to Sunday, August 21.  A walk to Scotland Bog and a talk there, and a visit to Glenville House and garden were discussed. If the events go ahead, they will be posted on the St Kieran’s Heritage Association  Facebook page.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, August 1. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 14, 28 and  there was  no  winner of the €8,800 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each:  David Woulfe, Grouse Lodge, Ardagh, Gerard Moran (Online), Kate Ambrose (Online), Courtney and Casey Donovan, c/o Nora Dineen, Aisling McEnery (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €8,900. 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 Ethan and Madison Lynch, Shanagolden,   who  won €285, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, August 5. 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.

Congratulations to Ciara Ruttle  who won €500 in the  July eleventh Creeves Celtic FC Split the Pot monthly draw held  on Monday, August 1. Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, club managers, at Neary’s, Ardagh, and the Thatch, Newbridge. All support will be greatly appreciated.

The annual mass will be celebrated at the Mass Rock in Ballyine on Monday, August 15 on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 7.30pm.

Mass will be celebrated at Barrigone Blessed Well  on Monday,  August 15, at 3pm, Kilscannell Cemetery, on Tuesday, August 16 at 7.30pm, at Reilig Mhuire Askeaton Cemetery  on Sunday, August 21, at 3pm.

A set dancing day with teacher Pat O’Dea will be held in the Community Hall, Adare on Saturday, August 13. The day will consist of two workshops and a night Céilí  with music by Uí Bhriain. From 11-1pm,  Sean Nos workshop €7, 2-4  Set dancing workshop, The Ballysteen Set €7. Céilí 8.30-11.30pm, €10. To attend all three events will cost €20. More details from Pat at 087-2577761, [email protected] The Ballysteen Set was very popular in the past and it is hoped to revive it to its former status.

A Céilí will be held in Knocknagoshel Community Centre on Sunday, August 14 from 3-6pm.  Music by the very popular Uí Bhriain (John and Martina Breen from Kenmare) and  admission is  €10. The proceeds are in aid of Pieta House and your support is appreciated.

A music and set dancing night will be held at the Flag Floor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry on Tuesday, August 9, from 9pm and all are welcome.

West Limerick 102FM will hold their annual general meeting on Monday, September 5, at 7.30pm at the Long Court House Hotel, Newcastle West. All members of the community with an interest in the future of your local radio station are asked to attend. The West Limerick 102FM Board is made up of representatives from various groups including geographical, business, HSE, ETB, Irish Language, PPN, volunteers of the radio. There are a number of vacancies on the board, where nominations are currently being sought to join the board. Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing – [email protected]. Closing date for nominations is Sunday, August 21. 2022.

Visitors will be delighted to see the return of the Glin Castle and Garden guided tour on Sunday, August 21 from 12 noon to 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate on the day for € 0, refreshments will be available, and a raffle will be held. The Glin Knights Visitor centre in the Square is open daily from 10am to 5pm. All are welcome to call and read about the lives of the 29 Knights of Glin.