By Tom Aherne

The Month’s Mind Mass for the late Eileen O’Connor, Sacristan Carrigkerry, will be celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Sunday, December 4, at 11am.

Thanks to all who contributed to the collection in aid of Milford Hospice which collected €297.50 in Carrigkerry and €270.33 in Ardagh. Thanks also to those who contributed  the sum of €122.00 to the Pro-Life Campaign collection  in Carrigkerry.

Due to the increasing shortage of priests, it will not be feasible  in the future for the local priest to attend every funeral  removal or every funeral arrival in the church, therefore the Bishop  has requested each parish to provide 2/3 volunteers who would be willing to lead  the prayers and funeral liturgies (excluding  Mass). Training will be provided to the funeral team in the new year, which will cover the practical steps involved in setting up the team and all support and resources  required will be provided. People who  are willing to help in this ministry, please contact Pauline in the parish office @069-76678 or email [email protected] or contact Fr. Michael on 087-6796217

St. Kieran’s play Ballygiblin from Cork in the final of the Munster Junior Hurling Championship at Mallow Sports Complex on Sunday, December 4, at 1pm. It will be a proud day for all associated with the club who will have a large following to cheer them on. They are underdogs facing a team that won this competition last year and were All Ireland runners up. Best wishes to all involved with the team and club.

St. Kieran’s were defeated by Ballybricken/Bohermore by 3-10 to 2-8 in the County Under 21 B Hurling Championship quarter final played at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Sunday November 20. They trailed by 0-8 to 0-3 at half time and were still the same margin behind at the final whistle.

Congratulations to locals Darren Dineen and Cormac Downey and their team members on the Munster team that won the inter provincial M Donnelly All Ireland Wheelchair Hurling/Camogie title on Sunday, November 20 in Ashbourne Community School Co. Meath. Munster defeated Ulster, Connacht and Leinster in the group stages and then defeated Ulster by 4-0 to 0-0 in the Final. This has completed the double for Munster as earlier in the year, they won the League title. With four All-Ireland titles, three league successes and a trophy cabinet full of All-Star Awards, this team have no intention of slowing down any time soon.

The CD  Autumn Melodies, in aid of Friends of St Ita’s   was launched at the Longcourt  Hotel Newcastle West on Culture Night,  September 23. It was compiled as a fundraiser  for people to enjoy and to support the work the Friends continue to do at Newcastle West Community Hospital. The CD was the work of  local singers Theresa Doyle McMahon and Siobhán Doody. 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,  Bendermeer ‘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. At Tony Hayes Shop, the Post Office, Sonas Health Food Shop, and St Ita’s reception desk in Newcastle West, Siopa Milsean and, Collins Pharmacy Abbeyfeale, Pat Buckley’s Devon Road, The Post Office, White’s Service Station and Giltenanes Pharmacy in Rathkeale, Moloney’s Shop Carrigkerry, Ta Mullane’s Shop Knockdown, The Old Stand Shanagolden, and Collins Shop Athea. To date the CD has raised over €3,500. The CD  would make a lovely gift for a special friend to enjoy and also contribute to the ongoing improvements at St Ita’s Hospital.

The Copse family, Glensharrold Christmas Light’s display opened  firstly to the public for Christmas 2020. It has been well supported  over the past two years and  cheques have been  presented to Milford Hospice and Pieta House. The family have been very busy in recent weeks and have assembled the light’s again  for display this year. The lights were switched on last Saturday evening (November 26.) by Councillor Tom Ruddle Newcastle West. Fr. Tom Mangan  blessed the lights, and the children present enjoyed the display. The charities to benefit this year will be Milford Hospice and Pieta House both based in Limerick City. The house can be located in Glensharrold, 2 miles from Carrigkerry village and 2 miles from the main Ardagh to Shanagolden road, turn off at Kilcolman cross. Eircode V94V6KC.  All are welcome.

Creeves Celtic drew 1-1 (Brian Meade) at home to Abbeyfeale United in the Desmond Premier Division  League on Sunday, November 20. Carrig Celtic defeated Shannonside B 6-1 away in Division 3. Sean Kelly2, Darren Ward 2,Gavin Hayes and Lorcan Murphy scored the goals. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic received a walkover from Breska Rovers B, and Kilcolman Rovers had no match.

The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday November 21. The numbers drawn were 8,12,15,29, and  there was  no  winner of the €10,400 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each, May Gallagher Ardagh (Online), John Doyle Carrigkerry (Online), John and Mary Buston Reens, John O’Flynn (Online), Conor Sheahan c/o Greaney’s. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €10,500. 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 John Dwane, Newcastle West, who  won €250 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, November 25. 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.

The Limerick GAA Club draw for November was held on  Saturday, November 26, and announced during the Limerick 95fm sports show. Congratulations to St Kieran’s, Michael A Noonan, who won €100. The final draw for 2022 will be held on Saturday, December 10.

A meeting will be held in the sacristy of Ardagh Church on Thursday, December 1, at 7.30pm to plan a Christmas/New Year party for the parish. All who are willing to help out are asked to attend the meeting.

Hayes Christmas lights in Shanagolden and Noonan Christmas lights in Templeglantine are now open each evening to the public.

A walk takes place each Wednesday evening from outside Ardagh Church from 7pm sharp. The 5km walk will be along the Greenway and a Hi-Viz vest and alight are needed and all are welcome. It commenced on Wednesday, November 16, and continues up to Christmas.

The Old Mill Ladies Football Club held their AGM in the club’s dressing room Old Mill on Thursday, November 24. A clothes collection will be held on the weekend of Saturday, December 3. Only clean clothes and no duvets. Clothes can be dropped to any committee member beforehand.

The Irish Rambling House following their successful  trip to Harrow London are holding a return home concert in Siamsa Tire Tralee on Wednesday, November 30 at 8pm. The three-hour show will feature the cast members plus special guests Sean O’Sé, Bryan Murphy and Elle Marie O ‘Dwyer. Tickets cost €31 each plus booking fee, are available online or from Siamse Tire on 066-7123055. A great night’s entertainment is promised.

Newcastle West Film Club present ”Compartment No 6” in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on Friday, December 2, at 8pm. Admission is €8, and refreshments are available, and all are welcome.

The next  rambling house will be held at Jim’s Rambling House, Newbridge on Friday, December 2, at 8pm.  All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.

West Limerick Singing Club will hold their next singing session on Friday, December 2, at the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale. John Kinsella of Listowel will be the guest artist. John is a frequent visitor to the West Limerick Singing Club. John won the Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition (2022) with his own composition ” Goodbye to the Maharees”. He was a very worthy entrant at the Ramble Inn at the Garry McMahon newly composed Ballad Competition again this year with his song ” The Natterjack Toad”. Looking forward to another great night of singing and storytelling, and all are welcome to attend.

The Glin Christmas Craft Fair  will take place on Saturday, December 3, at 11am at Ceol Corbraí Community Hall. 20 indoor tables are available to book at €20 per table, by contacting John Sheahan on 087-2079268, or John Culhane on 087-9963282.

A Céilí will be held in Cois Na hAbhna Ennis on Sunday December 4, from 3-6pm. Music by Donie Nolan and Taylors Cross, tea served and admission is €10.

Confessions for Christmas will be held at St. Colman’s Church. Kilcolman on Monday. December 5, at 7.30pm.

By Damien Ahern

Míle Buíochas

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Diarmuid & Áine at O’Riordan’s Pharmacy for providing sponsorship towards the purchase of a new defibrillator and housing unit for our Club. The club has now two defibrillators to its name, ensuring the health and wellbeing of our members and users of our facilities is kept to the fore at all times. Pictured below is Diarmuid O Riordan presenting the equipment to Paul Curry , Pat O’ Sullivan and John Kelly on behalf of Athea GAA.

Peil fé 21

ÁTH AN TSLÉIBHE  0-6, ST. SENAN’S 3-11

We played St. Senan’s last Sunday morning in Athea in the first round of the U21 championship. It was a dry morning and we had a fine panel of 19 players togged out. We played with the wind in the first half but still trailed at half time 1-4 to 0-4. Their goal coming on the stroke of half time, and we had missed a lot of chances. St. Senan’s dominated the second half but our boys never stopped trying especially our younger players whose fitness  was standing to them.
We are away next Sunday morning to Banogue in round 2.
Team – Colin Broderick,  Gavin Ambrose,  Eoin Sheahan, Jack Hunt, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Pierse O’Brien, Luke Gleeson, Jack O’Connor,  Eoin O’Shea, Daire O ‘Shea, T.J Hunt, Cillian O’Connor, James Hunt, Aiden Curry, David O’Connor. Subs – Calum Buckley, James Lee, Thomas McEnery and Andrew O’Riordan. 

Sarsfield Cup 

Congratulations to Mark Collins pictured with his proud Mom Tina after winning the Sarsfield Cup for West Limerick beating the City and the East in the semi-final and Final.

U15B Justin Herbert Cup

Well done to the six Athea players on the Coláiste Íde agus Iosef panel who won The U15B Justin Herbert Cup against Hazelwood College. The players involved were Jamie Quinn. Tom Ahern, Jamie O Mahony, Eric Barrett, Tomas Ahern and Daniel Hunt

Athea Ladies Update

Well done to Kayla Sheehy and Loren Healy who were on the Larkin Shield West Limerick Schools team last Thursday. Unfortunately they lost to Limerick city schools in the semi final. Their club, school and families are so proud of their achievements.
Congrats to Sarah O’ Connor who was part of the MTU team that defeated DCU in the Curran cup final in Doon
Club AGM
The Athea Ladies Club AGM will take place this Thursday night 1st December at 7.30pm in clubhouse. All welcome

Diarmuid O’Riordan presenting two defibrillators to Athea GAA members

By Marian Harnett

A TIMELY WARNING: I received the following during the week: “Marian, the following might be of some benefit as a caution for pedestrians using the crossing outside the Church in Abbeyfeale; and as a warning for offending drivers: I have occasion several times a week to park near the well-lit pedestrian crossing at the Church at around 7 a.m. while waiting for the Limerick Bus. I have seen multiple instances of cars/vans deliberately breaking the amber lights – and even the red lights – while pedestrians were entitled and about to proceed across. This dangerous and illegal practice is a real threat to life and welfare and could result in serious injury or even death for an innocent pedestrian. The fact that it is done deliberately and with full knowledge of the pedestrian’s presence makes it a criminal matter. From my observations, most motorists obey the law, but those who don’t are a real danger to pedestrians.      Anon.

ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA:  Our annual Christmas cake sale will take place in St. Ita’s Hall on Sunday, December 11 from 10am – 1[m.  Hope all our generous bakers will continue to support us.  Donations can be left in Batt’s the day before or dropped to the hall Sunday morning.  We look forward to your continued support.

KNOCK Shrine Night Vigil. The Feast of Immaculate Conception Wednesday, 7th December, Coaches Departs: Listowel…………..5:00pm (The Bridge); Abbeyfeale………5:15pm (The Church), contact: O’Shea’s.

ADORATION Abbeyfeale: Currently Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Wednesday and  Friday in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from after the 10.00am Mass until 7.00pm.

PRAYER MEETING:  Janice Carrig holds a prayer meeting in the Desmond Complex on the last Sunday of the month.

RAMBLING HOUSES: Every 1st Thursday of each month there is a Rambling House in the Community Centre in Knockanure; Ita McQuinn, Monagea Rambling House is on the third Thursday of the month at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 8pm. Listowel Rambling House takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9.15 pm in the Seanachai Cent

EXCITING NEW VENTURE:  Best wishes to Eamon McElligott, of Brown Joe’s, Abbeyfeale Road, Athea who has recentely opened his newly renovated kitchen and upstairs dining room which is now available for  Christmas bookings.

CONGRATULATIONS:  Best wishes  to Kearney’s Home baking  on becoming a Gold Member of Origin Green Ireland recently.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION:  St Vincent De Paul: The Annual Church Gate Collection in support ofSt Vincent DePaul will take place on the weekend of the 10th/11th of December.
Any donations you can give will be greatly appreciated.

SIAMSA: Irish Rambling House Show, organized by Kay O’Leary and Joe Harrington. The show will be at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday, November 30 as part of the Radio Kerry concert series.

CELTIC BROTHERS’ will bring their Christmas Show to the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Sunday 11th of December 2022. For tickets call 089- 4314765, they are also available at the Zip Yard, NewcastleWest as well as all the usual outlets in town.

CHRISTMAS MARKET at the Barnagh Hub on Sunday, December 11 and 18.

GLÓRACH: Abbeyfeale on Film dates Nov. 30th and 1st, 10th and 11th of December.  Archival footage of the town has been brought together under one film.  Tickets for all events can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or by calling 0871383940.

FUNDING – SSE Renewable invites community groups to apply for funding from their community fund.  The groups need to be within a 20km radius of their Tournafulla, Rathcahill, Dromada, and Athea  wind farms in West Limerick and Lenamore wind farm in County Kerry. Preference will be given to those within 5km. For more information visit sserenewables.com or contact their Community Fund Manager on 086 878 3104. Email: [email protected]

THE SIMPLE LIFE:  Local lady, Catherine Fitz from Knocknasna has written a book that can be used as a guide to living the good life.   Full of gems of wisdom it’s available from An Siopa Milsean and Heavenly Gifts.

45 CARD DRIVE:  The 45 Card Drive continues in Raheenagh Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm.  All welcome.

CD ON SALE FOR ST. ITA’S:   A CD in aid of St Ita’s Hospital now available; 15 songs on the CD all from local artists. The artists 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 is available from An Siopa Milsean, Main St., Noreen Collins Chemist, Killarney Rd and Pat Buckley’s.

LEARN TO DANCE:  Social dancing classes in the Plaza Hall, Listowel every Monday night for beginners 7.30 – 9pm.  Waltzing, Jiving, Quick Step, Foxtrot.  Everyone welcome.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Barnagh Hub December 11 and 18.   Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival Christmas Market on Saturday, December 3rd at Tomáisín’s Function Room, Lisselton. To reserve a space for the Market, please call or text 086 845 1263.

CFR Course on Saturday, December 3, run by N.E. Kerry Community First responders at Knockanure Community Centre, contact 087 686 3776

GREENWAY: Limerick Council will start work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West in early 2023. Design teams have been appointed to design Greenway Hubs at the Ardagh Stationhouse and the Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed.