By Tom Aherne
The death has taken place of Patricia Dillon, nee O’Connell, Ballyclough and formerly of Coolanoran, Ardagh, in The Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea, on September 6. Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate on Sunday, September 18 from 4pm to 6pm. The Funeral arrived at St. Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Monday, September 19, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Patricia was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. Sympathy to husband Leo, children Ray, Leo and Pearse, her mother Mary, mother-in-law Nell, sisters Elaine, Kay, Bríd, Mary Therese and Lisa, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and colleagues. May she rest in Peace.
St Kieran’s GAA club are holding their new pitch development fundraising launch on this Friday, September 30, at 8pm in Ardagh Hall. This is the first fundraising step in this exciting new pitch project for the club. The Liam McCarthy Cup and some of our county hurlers and footballers will be present on the night. Refreshments will also be served. Everyone is welcome to come along on the night.
Tom Ruddle, President of Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce, has set up a go fund me page for Ian Gardiner who lives in Glensharrold. He suffered a very serious accident losing 3 fingers at his recently opened business Gardiner Food Hall in Church St., Newcastle West. Ian will need constant medical care over the next year and will be unable to work. The Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to the public and business community in and around Newcastle West and elsewhere to give support towards his medical and other expenses over the next 12 months. A speedy recovery to Ian and all donations will be greatly appreciated.
A new CD in aid of Friends of St Ita’s titled Autumn Melodies was launched at the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West on Culture Night, September 23. It was compiled for people to enjoy and to support the work the Friends continue to do at Newcastle West Community Hospital. The CD is produced by local singers Theresa Doyle McMahon and Siobhán Doody. Over 70 people attended the very enjoyable evening in the very comfortable venue. The entertainment included live music and song from Michael and Fiona Collins and songs from Theresa and Siobhán. Theresa also played a number of tracks from the CD. Michael Nash and Michael Enright who feature on the CD were also present.
Fergus Scanlon, Chairperson of the Friends of St Ita’s, spoke and gave an account of the work they have been doing. To date they have raised 4.2 million which has seen massive renovation improvements at the hospital. These enhanced facilities have made life far more comfortable for the patients and staff. He thanked Theresa and Siobhán, other artists, George and Kevin Daly for production and all involved in bringing the CD to launch night. The Longcourt Hotel for hosting, press for publicity and all others who had an input into it. Refreshments were served.
There are 15 songs to suit every taste on the CD all from local artists. The artists featured include Siobhán Doody, Theresa Doyle McMahon, Michael Enright, Brian Hartnett, Emmet Scanlon, Michael Nash Fr. Tim Curtin, Canon Tony Mullins, Fr. Liam Enright. The songs include Paper Roses, Whispering Hope, You Raised Me Up, The Old Rugged Cross, Golden Rose, Some Enchanted Evening, Panis Angelicas, Softly and Tenderly, South Of The Border, The Dying Rebel, I Fall To Pieces, The Rose, Bendemeer ‘s Stream, Crazy, and White Rose Of Athens. The CD costs €10 and is on sale in shops around the locality and from committee members. It would make a lovely gift for a special friend to enjoy and also contribute to the ongoing improvements at St Ita’s Hospital.
During the months of August and September the Flag Floor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry held a set dancing and singing night each Tuesday. Very good crowds were in attendance, and all enjoyed the dancing, singing, whistling, stories and lovely food provided. People came from long distances, with a regular number attending from Limerick City. Bill and Mary came all the way from Kilfenora in Clare and Michael from Ballincollig in Cork. The entertainment provided was similar to olden times and a throwback to the era of the rambling house dances. Thanks to the regular musicians Donie, Anita and Alex, guests and all the dancers, singers and performers who provided the entertainment. The food on offer was top class each Tuesday and thanks to the kitchen staff who served the teas etc. People were delighted to be back enjoying themselves after the last two years of inactivity due to the pandemic. The entertainment concluded on Tuesday, September 27, but hopefully will return later in the winter.
St Kieran’s were defeated by Adare by 1-15 to 2-8 in Round 5 of Group 2 of the County Senior Football Championship at Croagh on Saturday, September 24. They trailed by 0-7 to 0-6 at half time after playing with the stiff breeze. Adare dominated the second half and built up an 8 point lead entering the final quarter. St Kieran’s struck late for a point from a penalty and a goal from play. They now progress to the quarter final and a meeting with the third placed team from group 1. TEAM Anthony Molyneaux, Mossie Shine, Johnny McCarthy, Mike Shanahan, Sean Ryan, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Brendan McCarthy, Darragh Treacy, John Hayes 0-2, Jack Ben Harnett, Liam Kennedy 1-1, Dylan Moloney 0-4, Seamus Mangan, Noel Callanan 0-1, Kevin Meade. Subs Aaron Heffernan, Cormac Mann, Shane Fitzgerald, Adam Lacey. Anthony Mullins.
Congratulations to Old Mill who defeated Oola by 7-9 to 7-3 in the County Under 14 Shield Final on Saturday September 17, at Cappagh.
Creeves Celtic defeated Broadford United 3-1 at home in Round 1 of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday, September 18. Adam Kearns 2, and Danny Coleman scored their goals. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Cup Creeves Celtic defeated Dromore United 2-1 with Dympna O’Brien scoring both goals. Kilcolman Rovers drew 1-1 at home to Feenagh with Mia Forrestal finding the target. They won the penalty shootout 4-1.
The Limerick GAA Club draw for September took place on Saturday 24 and announced live on Limerick Live 95 Sports Show. Congratulations to Finola Dillane from the St Kieran’s club who won €250.The entry fee is €10 per month 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 Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, September 19. The numbers drawn were 1 ,3, 18, 23, and there was no winner of the €9,500 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Breda Enright, Skehanagh (Online), May Gallagher Liskilleen (Online), Tom Harnett, Ardagh, Mikey J Barrett c/o Moloney’s, Shane Ambrose, Dunganville (Online). Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €9,600. 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 Dermot Kennelly, Ardagh, who won €275 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, September 23. The tickets cost €2, or 3 for €5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys 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.
Coolcappa Community Hall are holding their AGM on Wednesday, September 28 at 8pm. The hall has been upgraded in recent times and is now available for hire. It is suitable for many activity purposes and more relaxed social events. All enquiries through their Facebook page at Coolcappa Community Hall. Comhaltas dancing classes are held there on Saturday mornings from 9am, and Zumba classes commenced on Monday, September 26 at 7.30pm.
The County Senior Scór Final will take place in Askeaton Hall on Saturday, October 1 at 7pm. The competition has seven events, Figure Dancing, Solo Singing, Recitation/Story Telling, Instrumental Music, Novelty Act, Ballad Group, Set Dancing. The senior Scór question time quiz will be held on Thursday, September 29 at 8pm in Mungret St Paul’s GAA Community Centre. People interested in participating are asked to contact their club officers.
A series of free musical, dance and poetry performances will be held at the Desmond Castle in Newcastle West each Sunday evening at 6pm during the month of October. On Sunday, October 2, Los Paddys a traditional Irish music and dance group will entertain. On Sunday, October 9, poetry readings from Sarah Clancy, Dyrt and Séamus Barra O’Suilleabhair. On Sunday, October 16, Mikie Smyth will give an Uilleann Pipe Recital. On Sunday, October 23, a Concertina Recital by Padraig MacAodhgáin accompanied by Conor O’Sullivan on guitar. The performances will take place in the atmospheric surrounds of the fully restored medieval banqueting hall, where for centuries past performers entertained the Earls of Desmond. For more information phone 069-77408
Desmond College Newcastle West have announced details of their Adult Education night classes schedule for Autumn 22, which begin on Thursday, October 6, at 7pm sharp. All courses run for 8 weeks, and they cost €90 each. The 9 courses available to enter for are: Drawing and painting for fun, Genealogy, finding my past, Photography for beginners, Furniture up cycling, Digital skills (own laptop, tablet etc, required), Crochet for beginners, Calligraphy and bookbinding for beginners, Makeup techniques and Pilates (€80). For further information please contact Desmond College at 069- 62205.