by Tom Aherne
KATHLEEN AHERNE: The death has occurred of Kathleen (Kay) Aherne, ( nee Dowling), Glensharrold, Carrigkerry peacefully on Tuesday February 27, in the care of Killeline Nursing Home Newcastle West. Predeceased by her husband Bill. She lay in repose at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Friday March 1 from 6pm, followed by removal to St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry. Her funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Tom Mangan and Canon James Ambrose on Saturday from 11.30am. Family members participated during the ceremony which was enriched by the beautiful singing. Fr Michael, son Liam and a family member paid tributes during the ceremony. Kay was laid to rest afterwards in Churchtown Cemetery Newcastle West. Sympathy to her son Liam, daughter Aine, grandchildren Ruari, Niall, Ailis, Darragh, Kate, nieces, nephews’ relatives and friends.
Kay was born on January 2nd, 1927, and a native of County Carlow. She worked at Doctor Devane’s in Limerick before her move to Glensharrold and marriage to Bill in the middle 1960s. She adapted well to farming life and they were blessed with Aine and Liam. Bill passed in 1978 and Kay showed true grit and determination to continue the farming. She was a lovely lady who welcomed all to her home with generosity and kindness. She was noted for her baking, liked gardening and animals and went on many outings.
She was blessed with great health and driving her car to conduct her business into her nineties. Covid was a big setback 4 years ago curtailing her social activities and a fall two years ago led to a hip injury which made her more house confined. She lived her last year in Killeline Nursing Home. She was the oldest person in Glensharrold on her passing at the age of 97 years old. She had sunshine in her smile, and lit up a room with her presence. She will be sadly missed and may she rest in Peace.
MARY MULLINS: The death has occurred of Mary (May) Mullins Drominbeesom Newcastle West and formerly of Glendiheen Ardagh. She passed away peacefully in her 104th year, in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff at the Camellia Unit, St Ita’s Community Hospital on Friday February 23. May is predeceased by her parents William (Bill) and Mary Jane, brothers Paddy and William James, sisters Margaret, Hannah and Kit and David Mc Enery. Her remains were removed on Saturday March 2, to the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11am. May was laid to rest afterwards in Reilig Íde Naofa, Abbeyfeale. Sympathy to Bridget Mc Enery ( Dromtrasna Collins Abbeyfeale ) her best friend, Mairéad, Siobhán, and John Mc Enery, other relatives and friends. The Mullins family lived about 2 miles away from where I grew up, on a farm where Ardagh and Kilcolman parish met. She lived her life working away in the Newcastle West area. Aged 103 years she may have been the oldest person that ever came from the Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish. May she rest in Peace.
BIRTHDAY WISHES: Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Michael Barrett, Glenastar, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday with family and friends.
DANCING AWARD: The 2024 All Ireland Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann dancing championships were held in Killarney in mid-February. The official honouree for 2024 went to Margaret Dunleavy from Charlestown County Mayo and originally from Kilcolman in Limerick. Margaret was honoured on Tuesday February 13, for her lifetime of dedication to Irish dancing. The presentation was organised by Mona Roddy-Lennon who gave a beautiful speech covering all of Margaret’s achievements. Members of Comhairle Connacht held a lovely reception afterwards and joined Margaret on stage. Margaret received cards, gifts, text messages and all in attendance congratulated and chatted to her.
Margaret Hanley grew up in Kilcolman attending the local school and she learned Irish step dancing from the Dalton School of Dancing in Johnny Reidy’s Hall. She had two sisters Marie and Esther, and she won many awards, before moving away to Birmingham to work. She met and married Mick Dunleavy from Mayo. They settled in Charlestown, and she continued her love of dancing. There she kept in contact with the Kilcolman area through family and later school friends.
Margaret is widely respected in the Irish dancing world for dedicating her life to teaching and instilling the love of Irish dancing in so many people. She has served as Chairperson of the Connacht Council for 8 years, being available to meet and greet people, as she worked at the door as they attended provincial, Irish and World competitions. Continued good health and happiness to Margaret in the future.
CHARITY PRESENTATION: The West Limerick charity wren boys enjoyed a very successful outing on St Stephen’s Day. They held their charity presentation night at the Silver Dollar Bar Newcastle West on Friday February 23. The members presented cheques to St Vincent’s de Paul, Brothers of Charity, Dromcollogher Respite Centre, Limerick Cancer Research. They thanked all the people for the support received on St Stephen’s Day.
LADIES FOOTBALL: Limerick lost to Fermanagh by 0-9 to 0-4 in round 6 of the Ladies National Football Division 4 League played at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Sunday February 25. Sophie Hennessy, Róisín Ambrose and Iris Kennelly from the Old Mill club were involved.
GAELIC GAMES: John Doyle from the St Kieran’s club will again be part of the Limerick Masters football squad for 2024. St Kieran’s lost to Father Casey’s by 1-9 to 1-4 in the County senior football league round 1 at Abbeyfeale on Saturday last March 2. They trailed by 0-8 to 0-1 at half time. TEAM Anthony Molyneaux, Sean Ryan, Aaron Heffernan, Cillian Heffernan, Sean Long, Brendan Mc Carthy, Mike Shanahan, Liam Kennedy, Darragh Treacy, Anthony Mullins, Cormac Mann, Mikey Long, Oisin Ryan, Alan Daly, Oisin Commane. Subs Ben Cussen, Jack Sullivan, Luke Corrigan, Dan Duggan,
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday February 26.The numbers drawn were 4,5,22,28, and there was no winner of the € 16,700 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each, Leanne Shields Carrigkerry, Kate Ambrose Ardagh, Lorraine Flavin Coolcappa, Noreen Ambrose Lee Dunganville, Conor O’Mahony Croagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be € 16,800. 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 DRAW: Congratulations to Lar Collins Newcastle West who won € 210 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 1.The tickets cost € 2, or 3 for € 5 and they are available from volunteers, in local shops, (including Moloneys Carrigkerry, and 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.
HERITAGE MEETING: The next St Kieran’s Heritage Association meeting will be held on Wednesday March 6 at Ardagh Community Centre at 8pm and all are welcome.
DRAMA DATE: Killeedy Parish Hall Committee in association with Spike Players Knocknagoshel present ”Roadside” by Noel Marian, (a comedy in three acts) at St Ita’s Parish Hall Raheenagh (V42ET85) on Friday March 8, at 8pm. Tickets cost €10and call 086-1649099 to reserve same. The proceeds are in aid of the Parish Hall.
HISTORY TALKS: The next Rathkeale Historical monthly talk will be held in the Community Arts Centre New Line Rathkeale on Friday March 8, at 8.30pm. Caitríona Clear, History Department University of Galway is the speaker, and the topics will include ‘Forgotten Fiction’ by Irish honours of the forties and fifties. All are very welcome to the very popular talks held over the winter months.
SET CÉILÍ: A Céilí will be held in the hall Milford on Saturday March 9, from 9.00pm. It is a very popular venue for West Limerick dancers and a warm welcome awaits all. Music by Jerry Mc Carthy and tea and treats served. Admission is € 10. All are welcome to attend.
GAA ROUNDERS: St Kieran’s GAA Club Rounders will commence training on Sunday March 10 from 6pm to 7pm in Ardagh Astro pitch. New players are welcome and asked to bring along runners, water and a football glove is optimal. Ring Deirdre on 087-9509287, or Emma on 087 629 3602 for all details.
NOTE 20 years compiling this column.