By Tom Aherne

JOHN O’MAHONY: The death has occurred of John O’Mahony, (teacher) Cave, Caherlistrane, Galway and Naas, Kildare and formerly of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, peacefully, at University Hospital Galway, after an illness bravely borne on Wednesday, March 1. Reposing at his home on Saturday March 4, from 3pm until 7pm. Removal from his home on Sunday afternoon to arrive at Church of Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph, Caherlistrane for Requiem Mass at 1pm, followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium. Sympathy to his wife Mary (nee Mohan), daughter Niamh (San Francisco), son Eoin (Dublin), son-in-law Nate, adored granddaughter Molly, sister Nora Walsh (Kilcolman, Limerick), brothers-in-law Gerry and Joe, nephews Conor and Joseph, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The St. Kieran’s GAA Club Christmas charity road hurling event held on Wednesday, December 28, was a great success. The attendance was the largest to date and the amount collected was by far the highest from this very popular event and that night’s novelty auction. Richard, Michelle and the Collins family were thanked for the proceeds received following the sale of a Belgium Blue in calf heifer at Newport Mart on Tuesday, December 27 and the numerous bucket collections they held. The total raised was €13,100, which was shared equally between two charities and the presentation of cheques were held recently. The chosen charities this year were Milford Care Centre, Limerick and Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin.  who each received cheques for €6,550 The club in appreciation  would like to thank everybody involved in staging and participating in the event.

HERITAGE NEWS: St. Kieran’s Heritage Association  annual general meeting was held in the community Hall, Ardagh on Wednesday, March 1 with 17 people in attendance. Chairperson John P. O’Sullivan welcomed all and Secretary Mary Byrnes read the minutes of the previous meeting. The matters arising were dealt with and no correspondence was read. Richard McDonnell outlined the financial position following the paying of the Insurance premium for 2023. The finances are in a healthy position but further grants need to be applied for in the coming weeks. The members will be participating in the Rathkeale and Adare St. Patrick’s Day Parades. New pike members are needed to replace a number  who have retired. Those interested are asked to contact John P. O’Sullivan to arrange training. A general discussion on upcoming events took place with input from most of the attendance. The membership fee of €10 was collected from those present for 2023.

The following officers were elected to run the association in 2023: Chairperson John P. O’Sullivan, Vice Chairperson John Hough,  Secretary, Mary Byrnes, Assistant Secretary, Gerard Greaney, Treasurers, Richard McDonnell, Richard Ambrose, Tom Ambrose, David Dillane, Events Committee, Patrick Sheahan, Gerard Greaney, Richard McDonnell, Mary Byrnes, Edward Liston. Publicity will be looked after by John P. O’Sullivan with help from other members as outgoing PRO Tom Aherne did not seek re-election, being in place since the Association was founded in September 2016. Other members present were Theresa Doyle McMahon, Geraldine Ambrose, Marie Dooley, Catriona O’Kelly, Joe Dowling, Michael Walsh. Mike Mangan. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5. Members presented a cheque towards the development of the St. Kieran’s GAA Club new field in Ardagh to club officers at the Concert in Ardagh Hall on Friday night last.

CONCERT:  A concert featuring the Carrigkerry Wren Group was held in the Community Hall, Ardagh  on Friday, March 3. The line up also included other local artists and members of Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas branch and dancers from John Joe Tierney and Robert Kelly dancing school.  Anne Marie Noonan was MC and a raffle with a wide variety of prizes was held. This fundraiser was in aid of the St. Kieran’s new field development fund. A great night’s entertainment was witnessed by the large attendance present.  Top class music, song, dance, storytelling from all age groups showcasing  the great local talent.

RATHGONAN REVISITED: Rathgonan-Cahermoyle. A Brief History is the title of the latest book from Dan Madigan from Kilcolman who over the years has recalled our local history in book form. His books include The Madigan’s of Ballyegna, Let’s Not Forget and  Rathgonan A Dream Come True about Newcastle West Golf Club’s move to the Ardagh/Coolcappa locality. His major publication was A Lifetime of Memories published in 2010. His latest book has 48 pages and costs €5 and it is available to buy at Newcastle West Golf Clubhouse. It has text and 16 photographs in black and white of people associated with the famous house. Congratulations to Dan on his latest publication.

GROUP FUNDING: Ardagh Community Leisure Centre by Guarantee Limerick has received funding of €239 to go towards their energy bills. It came from the Community and Volunteer Energy Support Scheme who provide small grants to community groups, development associations and volunteer led organisations.

LADIES SOCCER: Creeves Celtic defeated Ballincollig Cork 4-1 at home in the Munster Women’s Junior Cup Preliminary Round on Sunday, February 26. Bridget Dundon, Amy Hanrahan, Caoimhe O’Connell and Angela Sheehan. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Dromore United 4-1 at home in Division 1 of the Desmond League, with goals from Kate Neville, Charlotte Lynch, Faye Murphy and Aisling Kelly.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday, February 27. The numbers drawn were 1,5,15,28, and  there was  no  winner of the €11,700 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each:  Mikey O’Mahony, Ballyvoughan (Online), Clodagh Kelly, Ardagh (Online), David Woulfe, Grouse Lodge (Online), Patrick Liston, Glenastar c/o  Denis Greaney, Dan Ryan, Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €11,800. 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.

RADIO DRAW:  Congratulations to Ann Quirke, Duagh, who won €330, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, March 3. 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.

WOMENS DAY: International Women’s Day takes place this year on Wednesday,  March 8. A noon walk will be held in Rathkeale from the square to the hotel, followed by refreshments at 1pm, a guest speaker and music. Women are invited to wear purple to show their support.

FUNERAL MINISTRY: The training for funeral ministry volunteers for Ardagh/Carrigkerry will be held in Newcastle West Parish Office on Thursday, March 9 from 7pm to 9pm. The Coolcappa/Kilcolman team will meet on Monday, March 20 at 7.30pm in Coolcappa Church.

RAMBLING HOUSE: The next  rambling house will be held at Cappagh Community Hall on Friday, March 10. at 8pm.  All musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend.  All the rambling houses are  receiving lots of positive reviews with plenty traditional entertainment on show and teas served.

HISTORY TALKS: Rathkeale Historical Society next monthly talk will be held on Friday, March 10, at 8.30pm in the Community Arts Centre, New Line, Rathkeale. The talk will be given by Father Seamus Madigan and the title will be ”Irish Troops in the Middle East” All are very welcome to the very popular talks held over the winter months and admission is free.

VICTORY SOCIAL: St. Kieran’s victory social will be held in the Longcourt Hotel on Saturday, March 11. The county junior hurling winning players will receive their medals during the night. It commences with a four course meal  at 7.15. Music by Heart and Soul followed by DJ Sean Carrig. The tickets cost €50 and a good night is anticipated. Tickets can be got from Chris Madigan, John Lynch, David Woulfe and Ivan Neary.

SET CÉILÍ: A  Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday, February 11 from 9.30pm. It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Micheál Sexton and tea and treats served. Admission is €10.

COFFEE MORNING: A Coffee Morning organised by Joan Sheehy, Maria Barrett and Kathleen Sheehy will be held at Barrett’s Bar, Glin on Sunday, March 12 at 12 noon. All the money raised will go to the Deel Animal Rescue in Rathkeale. Any support will be greatly appreciated.