by Tom Aherne
FLEADH CHEOIL: Congratulations to the dancers and musicians representing Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas who enjoyed a very successful weekend in Mullingar bringing home several All-Ireland titles and medals to the locality. Well done to all involved in the branch who keep the flag flying in traditional circles. A number of locals attended the weeklong event and enjoyed a feast of traditional music, song, dance and story. The coverage on TG4 over four nights was also very entertaining.
JOAN RELIHAN: The death has taken place of Joan Relihan, Kilscannell, Ardagh peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Sunday August 13. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Ellen, sisters Eily, and Mary O’Brien. Reposing was held at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa, on Monday August 14 from 6-30pm to 8pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 12noon, followed by burial in Kilscannell Cemetery. Sympathy to her brother Michael (Sonny), nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives, and friends. May she rest in Peace.
MAI AHERNE: The death has taken place of Mai Aherne (nee Walker) Old Kildimo, Kildimo, Co. Limerick and formerly of Rooska, Newcastle West peacefully on Friday August 11, at University Hospital Limerick after a short illness. Predeceased by her husband Christy (a native of Glensharrold, Carrigkerry) and her son Georgie. Reposing took place at her house at Old Kildimo, Kildimo, between 4 and 7pm on Sunday August 13. The funeral cortege arrived at St Joseph’s Church, Kildimo on Monday morning for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Old Kildimo Graveyard. Sympathy to her sons Noel and Kevin and daughter Mairead (McKenna), son-in-law Timmy, daughter-in-law Jane, her grandchildren Christopher, Cora, Maura, Lucy, Molly, Thomas, Jack, Molly and Darragh, her great grandchildren, Liam, Riain, George, Teddy, Penny, Nell, extended family, Rowena, Mary, Kathleen, Marcella, Lesley Ann and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.
BALLYINE MASS: Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Noonan at Ballyine Mass Rock on Tuesday August 15, to mark the Feast of the Assumption. The weather was ideal and over 80 people were in attendance. The choir enhanced the ceremony with appropriate hymns to our Blessed Lady. The Leahy family allowed access to the venue, prepared the shrine, altar and supplied refreshments for all after the mass. Bernard, Conor, and Pat participated in the ceremony and John P O’Sullivan erected the flags and allowed a pathway through his farm. Ballyine Shrine was officially opened on August 15, 1954, to mark Marian Year in Ireland. It will celebrate its 70th Anniversary next year and hopefully an event will be held to mark the occasion.
GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s were defeated by Kildimo/Pallaskenry 2-12 to 0-9 in Round 3 of Group 1 of the County Senior Football Championship played at Askeaton Gaelic Grounds on Saturday August 19. The concession of 2-1 in the opening 10 minutes was a mountain to high to climb and they now find themselves in need of results in their remaining two matches. TEAM Craig Mac Innes, Aaron Heffernan, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Johnny Mc Carthy, Mike Shanahan, Brendan Mc Carthy, Anthony Mullins, Sean Ryan 0-1, Liam Kennedy, Michael Long, Dylan Moloney 0-1, Kevin Meade, Mossie Shine, Adam Lacy 0-1, Alan Daly 0-5.Subs Noel Callanan, Kevin Guina 0-1, Seamus Mangan.
LADIES FOOTBALL: The Old Mill Ladies Football Club hosted the homecoming event for the Limerick football team on Monday August 14. The Old Mill club were represented by four players on the Limerick panel defeated by Down by 1-7 to 0-8 in the All-Ireland Junior final the previous day in Croke Park, Róisín Ambrose (Captain), Sophie Hennessy, Alva Quaid, Iris Kennelly. Well done to the four and the Limerick team who came so close to victory.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday August 14. The numbers drawn were 4,11,15,28,and there was no winner of the € 14,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Tom Noonan Commons, Ardagh, Loretta Hayes Ardagh, The Buston Family Coolcappa, c/o Neary’s, Pauline Aherne Ardagh, May Gallagher Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 14,200. 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 Lily O’Connor, Rathkeale, who won € 265 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday August 18.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.
MONTHS MIND: The Months Mind Mass for John (Jack ) Barrett, R.I.P. Glenastar will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Friday August 25, at 8.30pm.
OSKAR FUNDRAISER: The Calendar Girls will be holding a Table Quiz in Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry on Saturday August 26, at 9pm. A team of four and € 10 per person entry fee. A fun night with lots of spot prizes and all support will be greatly appreciated.
SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in the Community Centre Ballinskelligs, County Kerry on Sunday August 27, from 3pm to 6pm. Music by Taylors Cross. Admission € 10.
AWARDS NIGHT: Creeves Celtic soccer club are holding an awards night for the Under 12 Girls and Under 13 and Under 14 Boys on Sunday August 27 at 6pm at The Thatch Bar Newbridge. The club were very successful last season, and an enjoyable night is promised. The club will be holding a Quiz night on Friday September 15, at 9pm, also at the Thatch. Hugh Keaveney will be MC and prizes for the winning team. € 10 per person, a raffle will be held, and all are welcome.
SET CÉILÍ: A set Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday September 2, from 9pm.(earlier start time this year) It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Ui Bhriain Céilí Band. and tea and treats served. Admission is € 10.
GALBALLY WALK: The annual walk to Darby’s Bed in Galbally will be held on Saturday September 2, with registration at 10-30am. A second shady lane walk to Castlecreagh on the same day offers the opportunity to enjoy more spectacular views and is suitable for all comers. Registration at Canon Hennessy Community Centre in Galbally village at 10.30am and there is no charge. All participants are encouraged to contribute to a bucket collection which will go towards the purchase of a new Defibrillator for the Hillwalking Radio Group. All will be entered to a free raffle and tea and refreshments will be served afterwards. Participants in both walks are advised to wear sturdy footwear with weather appropriate clothing. More details from 086 0888145.
OLD RECTORY: The Old Rectory Ballywilliam Rathkeale is open to the public from May 1 to November 30. The opening hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. The admission is € 8 and additional information got by calling 087-8269123.
GLIN CASTLE: Guided tours of Glin Castle and gardens will be held on Sunday September 3, from 12 noon to 6pm. Tickets are available at the entrance gate for €10. A raffle will be held and refreshments available. The Glin Knights visitor centre next to the library is open daily from 10am to 5pm with free admission.
ARDNACRUSHA TOURS: The general public can still avail of a tour of Ardnacrusha Power Station up to Friday September 8. Visitors are welcomed to the Ardnacrusha Power Station Experience at the Visitors’ Centre before going out on site to view the impressive headrace canal, locks and tailrace. Once inside the station, the living heritage of Shannon Scheme is brought to life through a series of animations which celebrate the history and impact of this iconic project. Visitors are given access to the very heart of the station with unique views of the turbine hall and a visit to the original control room. The guided tours can accommodate individuals and groups of up to 30 people and runs for approximately 90 minutes. For booking queries, please contact Carolyn Cousins at AIKEN, [email protected]
DANCING CLASSES: The Mc Cormack Kelly school of Irish Dancing will have an enrolment night on Friday September 8, in the community centre Ardagh at 7pm, for step dancing and sean nos dancing. All ages and abilities are welcome. For enquiries text Robert on 087 1343745.
CLARES WISH: Doon Charity Clare’s Wish Foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a Red Hurley Spiritual Concert taking place on Saturday September 16, at Mount St Alphonsus Church Limerick. Guests Eugene McCarthy, Ciaran O’Connell Uileann Pipes, Soprano Lorraine Galvin, Backing singers Karen Black and Eileen Pringle. Tickets are on sale now from Church shop (061) 315 099 or www.eventbrite.ie Clare’s Wish Foundation 061201674 [email protected]