by Tom Aherne
JOHN HENNESSY: The death has taken place of John Hennessy, Rooska West, Carrigkerry, peacefully at his residence on Wednesday November 22, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old, and he worked in sales travelling around the area. John lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral home Newcastle West on Saturday November 25, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Large crowds attended to pay their respects to the family who are widely known around the west Limerick area. The funeral cortege arrived at St. Mary’s Church Carrigkerry for the celebration of his life Requiem Mass at 12.30pm, which was concelebrated by Canon Tony Mullins and Fr Michael Noonan. Family members participated in the ceremony and the church was packed spilling out on to the entrance steps.
The symbols of John’s life included a family photo as family was the most important thing in his life. His phone and diary as he loved a good chat, and he recorded fond memories in his diary of his own work and family life. His love of machinery brought him great joy over the years, wearing his straw hat as the pressure of work increased. A sod of turf symbolising his lifetime of hard work in the bog and the joy it brought during conversation around the fireside. Tracey’s racing colours representing the many great days spent at the races. A good neighbour and friend he will be sadly missed within his circle but most of all by his family. John was laid to rest afterwards in Ardagh Cemetery. We extend sympathy to his wife Joan, daughters Tracey, Marie, Ciara and Siobhan and grand -daughter Grace, Ciara’s partner Glenn, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and wide circle of friends. May he rest in Peace.
BRIDGET BENNETT: The death has taken place of Bridget (Biddy ) Bennett, Bungalow 4, Stewarts Care, Palmerstown, Dublin and formerly of Farran, Ardagh Co Limerick. Daughter of late Johnny and Mary she passed on Thursday November 23. The funeral cortege arrived at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Monday November 27, for 11.30am Requiem Mass which was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Tony Mullins. Family members participated in the ceremony with the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts and tribute. Maura and Donie supplied appropriate hymns and music and the attendance joined in paying their respects to the family. Bridget was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. Fr Michael paid a lovely tribute to her during his homily. She was born with special needs and spent most of her life in care. She was a special lady who was always happy and singing and bringing joy and happiness to others. She was very affectionate and got on well with all the staff and residents. Sympathy to her sisters Angela, Geraldine and Mary, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. May she rest in Peace.
MARIA CAHILL: The death has taken place of Maria Cahill (Nee Fitzgibbon) 1 The Cross, Ardagh, on Friday November 24, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Reposing took place at her residence on Wednesday November 29, from 4 o’clock to 7 pm. The funeral cortege arrived at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Thursday November 27, for 11.30am Requiem Mass which was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Tony Mullins. Family members participated in the ceremony with the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, reflection, solo music and tribute.
Maria was a real Ardagh lady from the village who lived there all her life. Friendly and engaging she was always up for a good laugh. She was a regular church attendee and always looking out and caring for others. A stylish lady who loved to sing and dance and enjoy social occasions. She was a regular walker and with husband John Joe graced the dance floors throughout their married life which extended to over 53 years. Burial took place afterwards in the local cemetery. Large crowds attended on both days showing their support to the family and to say goodbye to Maria who touched so many hearts with her winning personality. Sympathy to her husband John Joe, son Ian, daughters Karena and Dára, brother Gerard, grandchildren Aisling, Dylan and Nathan, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
CHEQUE PRESENTATION: R. A.G.E. (Residents Against Gasification in our Environment ) was a voluntary group set up in 2015 to oppose the proposed building and running of a Gasification Plant at Gortadroma Ballyhahill. Their 7-year opposition to oppose the application was successful and they decided to donate remaining monies to two charities close to the hearts of many people around the area. As a result, they presented cheques of € 2,900 each to Pieta House and Milford Care Centre. The chairperson and members of the group thank all for their support which led to a successful outcome.
TEAM HOPE: On behalf of Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal can we say a big thank you to Caroline Daly and Ailish of Ailish Hair Saloon in Ardagh and all their customers who donated beautifully wrapped shoe boxes full of goodies for children who would be going without this Christmas only for your kindness. We are truly grateful to everyone who donated to this wonderful charity.
COLLECTION THANKS: The Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital wish to thank the collectors and everyone who contributed so generously to their recent Church gate collection held in Coolcappa. The amount collected was € 228.90, which will go towards the ongoing improvements for the patients in St Ita’s Hospital in Limerick,
NEW CISTEOIR: Congratulations and best wishes to Aine Maire De Burca from the Ardagh/Carrigkerry Comhaltas Branch who was appointed the County Cisteoir at the Limerick County Convention held at the Woodlands Hotel Adare on Wednesday November 22. Anne Marie will bring a wealth of experience and motivation to the role in the coming year.
SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic defeated Breska Rovers 4-0 at home in the Premier division of the Desmond League on Sunday December 26. Aaron Gillane2, Eoin Mc Enery and James O’Connor scored their goals, to remain top of the division. Carrig Celtic defeated Kilcolman Rovers 5-0 at home in Division 3 to remain top of the division. Brian Foley, Cyprian Myszka, Anthony Molyneaux, Jack Sullivan and Jordan Ryan scored their goals. There was no action in the Desmond Ladies League.
OSKAR FUNDRAISER: The Calendar Girls have a slot in the Newcastle West Tesco Blue Tokens Community Fund at present. They are asking customers shopping there in the coming weeks to donate tokens towards their Oskar fundraising in aid of the St Kieran’s New Field Development.
CHRISTMAS WREATHS: Christmas Wreaths for graves and doors are available locally. To place an order please contact Moira Donovan Kilcolman on 069-76256 or 086-2123560. Proceeds to charity.
GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s lost to Croagh/Kilfinny by 2-23 to 1-7 in Round 3 of the County Under 21 Hurling Championship played at Coolcappa on Sunday November 26. As a result, they exit the championship. TEAM Con Colbert, William Steele, Bryan Sheehan, Conor Kelly, Cormac Mann, Cathal Mc Enery, Darragh Mc Mahon, Fionn Gleeson, Sean Long, Michael Long, Jack O’Sullivan, Conor Woulfe, Derry O’Connor, Sean Ryan, Shane Fitzgerald, Aaron Heffernan, Oisin Commane, Tadgh Dineen. Management Paddy Downes, Jason Mullins, David Woulfe, Cillian Ambrose, Ian Mackessy.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday November 27 .The numbers drawn were 3,17,27,29 , and there was no winner of the € 15,600 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each, DJ Griffin c/o Moloney’s, Alma Sullivan Ardagh, Susan Griffin c/o Moloney’s, Pauline Aherne Ardagh, Sheena Donovan Grouse Lodge Ardagh. Next Monday night’s jackpot will be € 15,700. 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. Both organizations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.
RADIO DRAW: Congratulations to Eileen Mc Enery Newcastle West who won € 275 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday December 1.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.
CHRISTMAS RECITAL: A Christmas recital by the children of St. Molua’s NS. will be held in St. Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday December 6, at 7.30pm.
CANDLELIGHT CAROLS: The students of Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West are holding a Christmas Concert ”Candlelight Carols” in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West on Friday December 8, at 7.30pm. Mairéad Buicke soprano, Capriccio Strings Quartet and past pupils from the school will also perform on the night. The tickets cost € 15 and are available from the school, SVP shop and Bella Sola. All proceeds from the event will go to the local St Vincent de Paul branch.
COOLCAPPA RAFFLE: Coolcappa Community Centre would like to invite all parishioners and locals to our annual Christmas Raffle which will be held at 8pm on Saturday December 9, in the Community Centre. Tea/Coffee and some light refreshments will be provided. The prizes include Estuary Fuel Voucher, Dromoland Afternoon Tea for 2, Christmas Hamper, Turkey, Ham, and a Foley’s restaurant voucher , an Aaron Gillane Hoody and a porter cake/Whiskey, A lovely opportunity to connect with your neighbours and friends before the festive season is in full flow.
SET CÉILÍ: A Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday December 9, from 9.00pm. It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Mountain Road Band and tea and treats served. Admission is € 10. All are welcome to attend.