By Tom Aherne

BURSARY AWARD: Congratulations to Katelyn Hayes, Knockfinisk, Carrigkerry  who has been awarded an important bursary for excelling in her undergraduate degree at University of Galway. She has been awarded the Dr. Colm Ó hEocha Memorial Bursary after achieving the highest overall marks in her undergraduate degree, BA (Gaeilge agus Matamaitic) awarded in 2022. The bursary itself was established in memory of Dr. Colm Ó hEocha, President, University of Galway (then University College Galway) 1975–1995.

Katelyn is the daughter of Catherine and Denis, and she received her early education in Carrigkerry National School  and  her post-primary education at Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West. Speaking on 95fm she credits her Irish teacher, Margaret Moran with fostering her interest in Irish through emphasising the language’s role in national identity. At present, Katelyn is a student on the postgraduate programme, MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúils na Meáin) at University of Galway, previously NUIG. Katelyn is also attending  the RTÉ, Studio Donnybrook, Dublin,  where she is gaining experience in television production as part of her postgraduate degree.

The value of the bursary is €3,000 and is awarded annually to the University of Galway graduate who has registered for a Taught Master’s Programme through Irish. They must also have taken their primary degree at University of Galway and obtain the highest overall percentage of those eligible. Katelyn is also very  involved in sport participating in ladies’ football, soccer, camogie and rounders etc, with local clubs. Katelyn was a contestant  in the Limerick Rose competition for entry to the Rose of Tralee which was held at the Woodlands House Hotel on Sunday April 23. Continued success to Katelyn in her educational pursuits and sporting interests in the future.

FOOD APPEAL THANKS: Ken Smollen West Limerick food appeal would sincerely like to thank all at St. Kieran’s GAA for their help and support with the food collection. Also, a big thank you to everyone who contributed throughout Ardagh, Carrigkerry, Coolcappa and Kilcolman. We would not be able to provide this service without the help and generosity from you all. Many thanks again.

ROSE COMPETITION: The Limerick Rose competition for entry to the Rose of Tralee was held at the Woodlands House Hotel on Sunday, April 23. The winner was Molli-Ann O’Halloran from Limerick City. It was wonderful to see a few local girls participating and enjoying the experience.

DOUBLE WINNERS: Congratulations to Kilcolman who won the Desmond Ladies Division 1 League Cup defeating Feenagh 2-0 at Mick Hanley Park, Askeaton on Sunday, April 23. Aisling Kelly and Gillian Musgrave scored their goals and captain Erin Hennessy accepted the cup from Joan Croke, Desmond Chairperson afterwards. This victory completed the double as they had already won the League title going unbeaten all season. Congratulations also to the management and background members involved with the team. TEAM: Mary Ita Casey, Aimee Sheehan, Erin Hennessy, Sophie Hennessy, Caragh Kelly, Marie Balfe, Charlotte Lynch, Patrice Dillane, Gillian Musgrave, Aisling Kelly, Danielle Donovan. SUBS: Mai Kennelly, Katie Neville, Mia Forrestal, Dora Bury, also Sinead Kelly, Paula Aherne, Grace Cummane.  Creeves Celtic lost 2-0 at home to Springfield Ramblers in the first round of the Munster  Junior Shield. In division 3 of the Desmond  men’s League Carrig Celtic lost 2-1(Sean Kelly) at home to Shannonside B. Creeves Celtic had no match.

LIDL TEAM: Congratulations to Róisín Ambrose from the Old Mill club who has been chosen at midfield on the 2023 Lidl Division 4 National Ladies Football League team. The awards will be presented  at Croke Park on Friday,  May 5.

GAELIC GAMES:  Minister for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, turned the sod on the new field development  in Ardagh on Monday, April 24. It is very exciting times for the club who are putting in place a fine facility for the future as playing numbers increase and the camogie and rounders sections continue to grow. The Mayor of Limerick City and County, Francis Foley, and Councillors Jerome Scanlan, Tom Ruddle and John Sheahan. Limerick GAA Chairman Seamus McNamara and club members were also present.

St Kieran’s lost to Rathkeale by 0-9 to 0-4 in the West Senior Football League at the  Bog Garden on Tuesday, April 25. They lost to Templeglantine by 1-17 to 3-13 in Under 17 hurling. They lost to Feohanagh by 3-16 to 0-17 in the West Senior Hurling League at Coolcappa on Thursday, April 27.

COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to the St. Kieran’s under 9 and under  11 boy’s and girl’s teams who won team and individual medals at the County cross country races held at Shanagolden on Saturday,  April 22.

DANCE CLASS: A very enjoyable end of season Céilí was held in the Marian Hall, Moyvane on Monday, April  24. It was held by Moyvane ICA and the proceeds went to the Northeast Kerry First Responders which includes the Athea parish. The money will go towards the replacement of defibrillator pads and other equipment, needed to continue this vital service in the areas covered. Thanks were expressed to dance teacher Timmy Woulfe, whose class is held in the hall, T J Nelligan who provided the CD Music and called the sets, kitchen crew who provided a lovely tea and treats, all who supplied spot prizes, dancers, supporters and who helped behind the scenes.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for 2023 has commenced a month later than usual and the first draw was held on Saturday, April 29, and announced on Limerick Live 95fm.  The St. Kieran’s club had two winners and congratulations to Tara and Daniel Geraghty who won 2nd prize of €3,000 and Mike Barry who won €300. The prize money will increase by close on  €20,000 over the ten draws this year with the 17 €100 prizes doubling to €200 and the 4 €250 prizes going up to €300. To join contact the local St. Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, April 24. The numbers drawn were 5, 8, 20, 29, and  there was  no  winner of the €12,500 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  €40 each: Theresa Kelly, the Cross Ardagh, (Online), Marina Woulfe (Online), Katelyn Hayes (Online), Liam Liston, Glenastar, Bernie Foley c/o Reens Bar. Next Monday night’s jackpot will  be €12,600. 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.

RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Glen Reddan, who won €260, in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday, April 28. 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.

GROTTO ROSARY: The Holy Rosary will be recited at the Grotto in Cahermoyle every evening during the month of May at 6.30 pm and all are welcome.

PIETA HOUSE: The Darkness into Light 5k walk/run in aid of Pieta House will take place on Saturday May 6 at 4-15am from the Desmond Complex, Gortboy, Newcastle West. The walk will continue along the N21 towards Lacey’s Cross, turning left towards Gortboy and back to the Desmond Complex.

HERITAGE MEETING: St. Kieran’s Heritage Association  member, Gerard Greaney, gave the oration/address for the unveiling of a plaque  in Templeglantine, to commemorate  parishioners who supported or participated  in the struggle for Irish Independence over a century ago on Sunday, April 16. The Association  will hold their next meeting in Ardagh community Hall on Wednesday May 3, at 8pm and all are welcome.

COMMUNION: The First Holy Communion  Ceremony will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Carrigkerry on Saturday May 6 at 11am and in St. Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Saturday May 13 at 11am.

OLD MILL NEWS: The Old Mill Ladies Gaelic football club are holding their annual family fundraising walk on Sunday, May 7 at 10am from the Barnagh Greenway Hub. It is open to all ages of people from the wider community. The club are holding are holding a fundraising coffee/tea morning in Ardagh Hall on Friday, June 2 from 9am to 1pm and all are welcome to attend.

SENSORY GARDEN: Carrigkerry Playground and Sensory Garden Committee are holding a fund raising Bingo in Ardagh Community Centre on Sunday, May 7 at 3pm. €2,000 in prize money with many more prizes on the evening. A double book and 2 sheets €20, single book and 1 sheet €15, half book €5, extra sheets €2 each. Prizes €50 per line, €1,000 per full house,  sheet €100 for line, and €400 for house. Teas, Coffees, and the hall shop will be open. All support for this exciting development will be greatly  appreciated.