By Tom Aherne
OSKARS: The auditions for the Oskar’s night, was held in Ardagh Hall on Thursday, June 15, to select the actors/actresses who will participate in the chosen seven films for the show in the Devon Inn Hotel on Saturday, November 11. All the 70 plus people of all ages and gender who attend the auditions will receive a role and as extras in the films. A What’s App audition was held for those who were unable to attend on the night. A casting/launch night will be held in Neary’s Ardagh on Thursday, June 29, when the seven films for the show will be announced. It will be an exciting night as the various parts people will play in each film will also be announced. The Oskar’s promises to be a great event for the St. Kieran’s GAA club and wider community and people interested in participating can contact Deirdre on 087-9509218 for more details.
MOLUA’S WELL: St. Molua’s Well located off Ardagh cemetery was vandalised on Monday evening, May 29. The glass on the sign was smashed, benches damaged, and flowerpots broken. This facility was put in place in 2011 and cost €12,000. Thanks to the local CE workers for doing a cleanup of the area. Many people visit the well to say a prayer and reflect on life in the quiet landscaped corner. The Holy Well will be locked each evening to prevent a repeat of the vandalism.
ARDAGH JUNCTION: Limerick Council workers continue their work at the traffic light junction top Cross Ardagh. The purpose of this work (done in two stages) was to build up the land bank on the Newcastle West side to enable them to provide drainage, footpaths and public lighting. This has been completed before Christmas. The work has been progressing since from the Shanagolden entrance with the roadside hedge between Fr. Michael Noonan’s house and the former curates house removed. A concrete path from the first house in towards the cross has been laid. The entrance wall and piers at Fr. Noonan’s were removed and new lower block walls put in place. The reason for the work is to provide enhanced safety features on this road for residents within the 50kmph speed limit.
GAELIC GAMES: St. Kieran’s defeated Galtee Gaels by 5-13 to 1-11 in the County Senior Football League semi-final played at Ballyagran on Wednesday June 14. Three early goals paved the way for St Kieran’s to lead by 3-7 to 0-3 at half time. TEAM: Robert Bradley, Johnny McCarthy, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Aaron Heffernan, Michael Shanahan 0-1, Brendan McCarthy, Mossie Shine, Darragh Treacy 1-0, Cormac Mann, Mikey Long, Eoin Mc Enery 1-4 John Hayes 0-2 Alan Daly 3-2, Seamus Mangan, Adam Lacy 0-2 Subs , Sean Ryan, Kevin Meade, Kevin Guina, Donie Nolan 0-1, Shane Fitzgerald. St. Kieran’s play Monaleen in the county final in Askeaton on this Wednesday, June 21, at 7.30pm.
St. Kieran’s lost to Glenroe by 0-13 to 2-3 in the County Under 14 Hurling League Final at Mick Neville Park on Wednesday, June 14. They trailed by 0-11 to 0-1at half time. TEAM Calum Madigan, Robbie Guina, Alex O’Sullivan, Daithí O’Mahony, Hugo McIness, Cian O’Mahony, Cian Greaney, Michael Lynch, James Hayes, Sean Walsh, Conor O’Donovan, Ben Gleeson, Tyler Flavin, Adam Ward, Cillian Greaney.
COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to Mary Kate O’Sullivan, Coolcappa who won a county gold medal in the Under 12 Dance Competition at Caherconlish on Friday, June 9. She will represent St. Kieran’s and Limerick in the Community Games National finals in August. St Kieran’s held their annual track and field sports day on Monday, June 5.
SOCCER NEWS: Congratulations to John Hayes, Knockfinisk, who was a member of the Broadford United soccer team who defeated Rathkeale 2-0 in the Desmond Premier Division League title playoff at Mick Hanley Park Askeaton on Friday, June 9.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday, June 12. The numbers drawn were 4,10,24,28, and there was no winner of the €13,200 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received €40 each: Ed and John R. O’Kelly, c/o Moore’s Bar, Sabrina Cahill c/o Neary’s, Hannie O’Connor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry, Liam Scanlon, Templeglantine, Meadhbh Ambrose. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be €13,300. 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 Margaret Reidy Ardagh, who won €315 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday June 16. 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.
FLAG FLOOR: The weekly music and set dancing session, returned for the summer months at the Flag Floor, Glensharrold, Carrigkerry on Tuesday, June 13. A first right turn past Carrigkerry on the Glin Road will get you to the old-style farmhouse. From the Glin/Ballyhahill road first left after Carrig Celtic FC Grounds. There is no Eircode, but the venue is just past V9439N9. They continue each Tuesday from 9pm to 11.30pm,teas are served, admission is € 5, and all are welcome.
CEMETERY MASSES: Mass will be celebrated in Kilcolman cemetery on Sunday, June 25 at 2pm. In Loughill cemetery on Sunday, June 25 at 2pm. In Kilbradern cemetery on Sunday, July 2 at 1pm, please note the change of date and time.
RAMBLING HOUSE: The next rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday, June 21, at 8pm. All musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend on the night.
HERITAGE NEWS: This Friday, June 23, local historian John Hough will give a talk on the life of local Reluctant Hero William Smith O’Brien at Ardagh Community Centre at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm for an exhibition of local historical items. Items from past commemorations done by St. Kieran’s Heritage Association will also be on display from 7.30. John will re-launch his revived version of his book WS O’B Reluctant Hero from 8pm. Next year 2024 is the 160th. Anniversary of the death of William Smith O’Brien.
SET CÉILÍ: the Con Curtin Festival takes place in Brosna village Kerry from Friday, June 23, to Sunday, June 25. A Variety Concert will be held on the Friday night with local and visiting talent at 8pm, and tickets are €15. The special guest will be Caoimhe O’Halloran World Champion dancer, MC John Cronin accompanied by Sonny Egan who will tell a few yarns. Five workshops for Banjo, Button Accordion, Concertina, Fiddle and Flute, will commence at 11am on Saturday. Singing evening with special guest Ella Marie O’Dwyer at the Sportsfield Bar from 4pm. Fiddle Recital at Kate Pat’s Bar at 5pm. Traditional Mass in St Carthage’s Church at 7pm. On Sunday June 25, under 9, 12, and 15 Busking in the Square from 1.30pm. A Céilí will be held in the Parish Hall at 3pm. Music by Taylors Cross Céilí Band and tea and treats served. Admission is €10. There will be traditional music Pub sessions all weekend and a warm welcome awaits all visitors.
GARDEN FETE: The Rathfredagh Cheshire Home Annual Garden Fete will be held on Sunday, July 2. It is their main fundraiser each year and all support will be appreciated. Donations for the various stalls will be accepted at the reception prior to the day.
SEISIÚN DATES: The very enjoyable Seisiún Shows will be held throughout Ireland during July and August. Templeglantine Comhaltas Branch will host the Limerick show at the Devon Inn Hotel on Thursday nights commencing on July 13 at 8pm. The 2-hour show in the Heritage Centre Freemount, Cork will commence on Wednesday, July 12, at 8pm and in Brú na SÍ in Youghal on Monday, July 3. County Clare has 4 venues listed, Ennistymon commencing Monday, July 3, in St. Andrew’s Teach Cheoil at 8pm. Kilrush commencing on Thursday, July 6, in Teach Cheoil at 8.30pm. Ennis commencing on Friday, July 7, in Cois na hAbhna at 8.30pm. Corofin commencing on Thursday, July 13, in Teach Cheoil at 9pm. Visitors and locals can enjoy a great night’s entertainment and can participate if they wish in the proceedings.