By Tom Aherne
The Coolcappa/Kilcolman Christmas ceremonies are as follows: Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated in St. Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa at 5pm and in St. Colman’s Church, Kilcolman at 6.30pm. Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated in Coolcappa at 9.30am and in Kilcolman at 11am.
The Ardagh/Carrigkerry Christmas ceremonies are as follows: Confessions will be held on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, in St. Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry at 11am and in St. Molua’s Church, Ardagh at 12 noon. The Christmas Eve Mass will be held in Ardagh at 6.30pm and the Christmas Day Mass in Carrigkerry at 11am. On Saint Stephen’s Day Mass will be celebrated in Ardagh at 10am.
The 13th annual Limerick Burial Grounds Awards Night was held in the Millennium Centre, Caherconlish on Wednesday, November 23. In the modern category of Newcastle West Municipal District, Ardagh Burial Ground was awarded 3rd place. In the Ancient Category of Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District Kilbradern Burial Ground was awarded 3rd place.
The death has taken place of Edward (Eddie) Cregan, Ashlawn, St. Vincent’s Centre, Lisnagry and formerly of Dungeeha, Newcastle West on Tuesday, December 13 at his residence. Reposing at his residence on Wednesday from 5-6pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Vincent’s Church, Lisnagry at 11am, on Thursday, December 15. Eddie was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery. Sympathy to his nieces Mary and Anne and extended family members. May he rest in Peace.
Minister Heather Humphreys under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has announced funding of €1 Million for three Limerick communities. Herbertstown will receive €495,000 to refurbish the old creamery in the village. Bruff will receive €250,000 to convert the old Bank of Ireland into a remote working hub and co-working space. Ardagh community will receive €250,000 to renew and upgrade the main street/ buildings.
Congratulations to West Limerick 102 fm who won a gold award for a tribute programme for the late Sheila O’Regan, Ardagh at the recent Community Radio Achievements Awards. The team of volunteers involved were Pat McLoughlin, presenter, Jason Smith, producer, Bernadette O’Connor, researcher, Patrick Sheehan, editor and all other contributors.
The Coolcappa Community Centre committee held a fundraising Christmas draw and the results are 1st prize: Fuel voucher sponsored by Estuary Fuel- Paige O’Sullivan. 2nd prize: Limerick jersey sponsored by Madigan Bus Hire- Donal Culhane. 3rd prize: Afternoon tea sponsored by Dromoland Castle Hotel- Maurice Meskell. 4th prize: Meat voucher sponsored by ABP- Katie Griffin. 5th prize: Christmas hamper sponsored by Dooley’s Supervalu-Joe Cussen. 6th prize: Turkey and Ham from MCE consulting-Des Hough.7th prize: Meal voucher sponsored by Foley’s Reens Pike-Charlotte O’Mara. 8th prize: Porter cake, chocolate, biscuit, pudding and whiskey-Patsie Cusack. The committee wish to thank all who supported the draw and their sponsors.
On sale in the local shops are the 72-page Limerick Annual published by the Limerick Leader costing €4.00, and the 164-page Cork Holly Bough published by the Echo costing €6. The annual contains a look back at events over a year that we will never forget, with articles, photos, sport, fondly remembered section.
The Holly Bough contains the usual mix of seasonal fare relating to our neighbours in County Cork. It contains lovely articles, poems, photos, Crossword, Diffney Quiz, fashion, sports and children pages. Both come highly recommended for over the Christmas reading, and either would make a nice gift for that special magazine reading friend.
Ireland’s Own and Ireland’s Eye magazines have also published their Christmas Annuals which contains lots of seasonal reading. Old Moore’s Almanac 2022 €6.50 is a must buy for many of the elder generation involved in farming and rural activities. It contains the usual mix of the fairs, marts and horse fixtures around Ireland. Monthly Calendar, weather predictions, Eclipses, Sunrise and Sunsets, Hints and Tips, Crossword, Horoscope, gardening and lots more articles to enjoy.
The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, December 12. There was no winner of the €10,700 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each, Johnny Frank, Carrigkerry c/o Moloney’s, Stephen Kennelly, Shanagolden, Billy Breen, Shanagolden, (Online), Archie Madigan, Ardagh, J.A.N.E, c/o Denis Greaney. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €10,800. 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 Cregan, Dromcollogher who won €320 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, December 16. 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 Kilcolman School Calendar 2023 is now available to buy. It features photos of the pupils, and the cost is €10. They also offer the Limerick Colouring Book and School Recipe Book for €5 each. The above would make lovely stocking fillers for Christmas. To order contact the office on 069-60005 or email [email protected] Thanks to everybody for their support of the many fundraisers during the past year and happy Christmas.
The following are the opening times for Gortnadroma dump over the Christmas break: Open to the public on Tuesday 20/Wednesday 21, December from 9am to 3pm. It will be closed from Thursday, December 22 to Monday, January 2, 2023, inclusive. Open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday January 3/4, from 9am to 3pm.
The Ardagh Community Centre Fundraising Bingo evening takes place on Wednesday, December 21 at 8pm sharp. There is €2,000 in prize money with lots of prizes on the night. All support will be greatly appreciated.
West Limerick 102fm are holding a coffee morning on Friday, December 23, from 10am to 1pm, at the Station in the industrial estate off Sheehan’s Road. All are invited to call and meet the presenters and staff and share a cup and some treats. The Christmas Hamper raffle is ongoing, and tickets are on sale for it costing €5. The draw for it will be held also on Friday during the Exchange programme.
Carrigkerry Wrenboy Group weather permitting, instead of their usual house to house visits have decided to perform outdoors at various locations on St. Stephen’s Day. Their opening performance will take place in Carrigkerry at 11am , followed by Knockdown Arms at 12.05 Kilcolman 1.10 pm. Creeves Cross 2.45 pm. Ardagh at 3.45pm. with a final performance in the Square, Newcastle West at 4.50 pm. Hopefully the weather will be favourable, and people will get the opportunity to visit one of these locations. Looking forward to seeing all the other groups keeping the tradition going as well.
Saint Kieran’s GAA annual charity road hurling will take place on Tuesday, December 27 around the traditional 4km route in Ardagh starting and finishing at the Bottom Cross. This event has grown from strength to strength since it’s inception and the support and generosity of the entire community is greatly appreciate by all concerned. The event is open to participants of all ages. Teams of three. €10 per person. The chosen charities this year are Milford Care Centre and Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin in appreciation of the recent care of Jack King and his family. The event will start at 11am. Please bring an old sliothar (or two) and please wear a high Viz jacket. The club look forward to seeing you all on December 27.
A set Céilí will be held at the Marian Hall, Moyvane on Tuesday, December 27, from 3pm, Music by Taylors Cross and admission is €10.
We are lucky to be at home for Christmas but spare a thought for those who are unable to come home because of other commitments and for those who will never again come home. Since last Christmas the sadness of death has struck many a home. On Christmas Day many a tear will be shed when loved ones look across the room and see the empty chair, never again to hear the stories, laughs, and caring word. Many a cemetery will be visited to say a little prayer to cope with the loss, and to ease the pain. We think of the many lonely people in our midst, especially those who are alone and may not see anyone this Christmas Day. For those who are sick in hospital, nursing homes and their worried family at home. For the many people in distress, due to illness, job loss, debt, etc, who are worried about what the year ahead holds for them.
We have come through another year, which has been lucky for some but more difficult for many others, including the people of Ukraine. Despite the few joys, and all the trials, we struggle on to another new year with courage and hope. We have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas as it is the time of the year that unites us by the message it gives, about peace, joy, happiness, caring, and love. Happy New Year to all.
These are the final notes for 2022, which was a challenging year for many with little social activity to attend until the summer months, when Covid restrictions eased. I would like to thank everybody who assisted me in the task, and wish Domhnall, Lillian, and all readers a happy and safe Christmas, and a bright and stress free New Year.