by Tom Aherne

KATHLEEN NUGENT: The death has taken place of Kathleen Nugent (nee Lee), Ballyloughane, Carrigkerry, on Thursday  January 18, peacefully after a short illness bravely borne surrounded by her loving family in the loving care of the staff of University Hospital Limerick. Pre-deceased by her daughter Catriona. Reposing was held at Riedy’s Funeral Home, Newcastle West on Sunday January  21,from 5pm to 7pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West on Monday at 11.30am, followed by burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Sympathy to her husband Tim, sons Stephen, Michael and John, daughter Ann Marie, daughters-in-law Elma, Mary Ann and Jennifer, grandchildren Shauna, Katie, Patreeze, Leah, Emma, Ava, Luke, Cara and Jodie, brothers, sisters, sister-in-law Breda, nieces, nephew, relatives, neighbours and her close circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.

MAJELLA FENN:  The death has taken place of Majella Fenn, Hazelville, Dromcollogher and late of Smiths Rd Charleville , Co Cork, on Friday January 19, aged 64 years, surrounded by her loving family in the excellent care of the staff at Hazelville St Joseph’s Foundation. Pre-deceased by her parents Jim and Breeda Fenn (nee McCarthy), sister Avice Foley (Dublin), brother Jim Fenn (Limerick). Majella resided in the loving care of St Joseph’s Foundation Hazelville retirement home in recent years, where her presence will be sadly missed by her friends and care team. Reposing at St Kyran’s Church, Coolcappa, Ardagh, Co Limerick  on Saturday(January 20,) from 3pm to 5pm. The  Requiem Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Charleville, at 12 noon on Sunday January 21,followed by burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery. Sympathy to her family, sister Eleanor Fitzsimons and family Ballyneety, Shanagolden, brothers Dan (Cork), Tim and Frank (Dublin), uncle Monsignor Justin Mac Carthy (USA), her sisters and brothers-in-law,  nieces, nephews, grand nieces, nephews. May she rest in Peace.

TOM NESTOR: The death has taken place of Tom Nestor Riverstown, Birr, Co. Offaly, formerly of Ennis. Co. Clare and Kilquane, Coolcappa Co. Limerick. Tom passed away on Friday, December 22, suddenly but peacefully at home. Predeceased by his brothers John and Billy, sisters Kathleen, Tina and Mary. Reposing at his home  on Tuesday December 26, from 4pm to 6pm. The Funeral Mass was celebrated  on Wednesday  in St. Brendan’s Church, Birr at 11.00am.followed by Cremation Service in Shannon Crematorium at 4.00pm. Sympathy to his wife and best friend May, daughters Aileen and Sinead and son Loughlin, sons-in-law Paul and Bryan, daughter- in-law Dee, grandchildren; Luke, Kate, Jack, Ben and Ava, brothers Mike and Connie, sisters Nora and Nancy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.  May he rest in Peace.

STUDENT AWARD: Congratulations to Tommy Dillane Ardagh who received the overall student of the year  award sponsored by the Farm Apprenticeship  Board, Irish Farm Managers Association and the Master Farmers at the Graduation Ceremony of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 professional  diploma in Dairy Farm Management Course.

GREEN AND WHITE: In the winter issue of the Green and White Limerick GAA magazine Róisín Ambrose from Ardagh is pictured on the cover page. Róisín is featured inside in the question-and-answer file page.  It is a very interesting page about one of the top football and camogie players in the county. Continued success to Róisín in the future.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Iris Kennelly from the  Old Mill club scored 0-2 for Limerick in the Ladies Division 4 National Football League round 2 match played at Doon on Saturday January 20. Limerick defeated Derry by 1-8 to 0-4 and Alva Quaid, Róisín Ambrose both injured and Sophie Hennessy substitute are on the panel.

GAELIC GAMES: Congratulations to St Kieran’s players John Hayes senior and Cormac Murphy and Joey Mc Clellan Under 16s, Ben Hough Under 15, on their selection to the Limerick 2024 county  football team panels. Congratulations to Conor Donovan from St Senan’s who plays hurling with St Kieran’s on making the U15s Limerick County Football panel for 2024.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday January 22.The numbers drawn were 5,12,14, 29, and  there was  no  winner of the € 16,200 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Maurice Mc Auliffe Newcastle West, Tom Moroney Coolcappa, Maeve Enright Kilcorney Mallow, Peter Buston Coolcappa,  Noreen Ambrose Lee Dunganville. Next week’s  Jackpot will be      € 16,300. 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.  Both organisations wish to thank all the people for their continued support.

RADIO APPEAL: West Limerick Community Radio 102 FM have issued an urgent appeal for financial support  to keep the station on air. They need the listeners support to clear a final outstanding payment by Wednesday January 31. They have a go fund me page set up for donations, and people can also contact the station by calling with theirs. A substantial debt arose in the early days when staff were paid, and income was not sufficient  to do so. Under the Chairmanship of Pat O’Donovan, the debt has been addressed in recent years and now can be cleared if sufficient support is forthcoming. When debt free the station can apply for grants to upgrade the studio equipment and offer the community an enhanced service into the future. All support will be greatly appreciated by all the team of volunteers who provide their time and talents free.

MINDFULNESS COURSE:  A new introduction to meditation and mindfulness course commences at the Community Centre Carrigkerry on Thursday February 1, from 7.30 to 9pm. It is a four-week course each Thursday February 1,8,22,29, and the cost is € 50. To book a place contact Siobhan on 083 1429456.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present  ”Past Lives”  in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday February 2, at 8pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

OLD MILL CLUB: The Old Mill ladies football club are holding a new members introduction day to ladies Gaelic football for primary school girls, from junior infants to sixth class at Newcastle West Community Centre on Saturday February 3, from 10am to 11am. The girls are asked to bring runners and water. Call or text (086) 8588018 or ( 087) 6684419 for more details.

FUNDRAISING QUIZ: A pub quiz in aid of Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses will be held at Neary’s Bar Ardagh on Saturday February 3. All support will be greatly appreciated.

CAR BOOT SALE: A Car boot sale will be held at Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday February 4, from 8am to 1pm. Pre booking of stalls is essential on 069-69584. Please note that inside pitch is now € 15, and € 10 for outside pitch.

RAFFLE RESCHEDULED: The Carrigkerry Playground/Sensory Garden committee cancelled their Christmas raffle due to a  local bereavement in Carrigkerry at Christmas. They have rescheduled it now for Sunday February 4, at Moore’s Bar Carrigkerry (Bank Holiday weekend).First Prize: Overnight stay with dinner for 2 at the Mustard Seed Ballingarry sponsored by Neilus Brouder. Second Prize: € 100 voucher for Moloney’s Carrigkerry. Third Prize: € 50 voucher for Brown Joe’s Bar Athea. Fourth Prize: Food Hamper from Dooley’s Supervalu. Fifth Prize: € 25 voucher for the Devon Inn Templeglantine. Sixth Prize: Bottle of Red and White wine from M and K. Seventh Prize: Bottle of Wine and a candle gift set from Tom Ahern Autos. The lines are € 2 each or 3 for € 5 and available at Moloney’s and from members. Thanks for the continued support for the development to everyone.

FUNDRAISER: Kilcolman Rovers have rescheduled  their annual run/walk challenge to Bank Holiday Monday February 5, from 12 noon (registration beforehand ) outside the Community Centre Ardagh. It will be the usual route and finishing back at the hall for light refreshments.  There will be prizes for the first 3 male and female runners and medals for all the participants. All are welcome to participate. This is the club’s annual fundraiser, and all support will be greatly appreciated.

DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held in Ballyhahill Hall at 8pm, Kilfinny Hall at 9pm, Marian Hall Moyvane on Monday’s. Monagea Hall 8.30pm and Con Colbert Hall Athea  at 9pm, on Tuesday’s. Milford Hall at 8pm, and Fr Casey’s Clubhouse Abbeyfeale  at 8.30pm on Wednesday’s. Monagea Hall  at 9pm  on Thursday nights.  Set dancing is one of the best exercises available for people of all ages. It is weight bearing and  strengthens the bones. It keeps the brain active as the dancers concentrate on the upcoming parts and it gets people socially involved.  New members are always made very welcome at all the venues mentioned.

RADIO DRAW: The West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw returns on Friday February 9, on the Exchange programme at 12.45pm. The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, ) 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.

MILFORD FUNDRAISER:  The annual Milford Hospice 10 km run/walk will take place on Sunday February 11. The event is open to all runners and walkers of all levels and ability and all the proceeds will go directly to Milford Care Centre. All the details can be got by contacting the Milford fundraising department.

WELLNESS AND ADDICTION: St Kieran’s GAA Club present a free presentation on Addiction and Mental  Health  by Ciaran Carey at Ardagh Parish Hall on Friday February 23 at 7.30pm. The topics covered will include: The understanding and education around mental health  and addiction. The impact on the individual  as well as their family members and in turn the effects on the local  community. Services that offer support to help  make those vital changes in one’s life, thereby providing hope  and healing for the individual  and their family. This focus on mental health and wellbeing is for members of the club  and wider community and all are welcome to attend.