by Tom Aherne
MIKE SWEENEY: The death has occurred of Mike Sweeney of Meenoline, Templeglantine and Ballylin Ardagh on Saturday March 2. He was predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Roche ( in 2020. He lay in repose in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday March 3. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Denis Mullane on Monday at 11.30am. Family members and friends participated in the ceremony which was enhanced by the appropriate music and hymns. Fr Michael paid tribute to Mike’s great faith, family involvement, work ethic in the buildings and hurling skills on the playing field during his homily. The important symbols associated with Mike’s life taken to the altar, included a family photo, jersey and trowel. Mike was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. Sympathy to his sons Michael and Eamon, grandchildren Rachel, Darragh, Cian, sister Mary, daughters-in-law Annette, Simone, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mike grew up in Ballylin and attended Ardagh School and he played hurling with the local Coolcappagh/Ardagh club. He played centre field and regarded as a formidable opponent. Honours were scarce during his time involved but he was admired for his skill and work rate on the playing fields. He played centre field with St Ciaran’s ( Rathkeale, Knockaderry, Ardagh combination ) in the 1965 County Senior hurling final defeat to Patrickswell by 2-16 to 0-4. He was a block layer and plasterer and worked in the building industry as well as a little farming in Ballylin. He settled in Meenoline with Mary, and they raised their family. He commuted between both and attended Mass in St Molua’s Church as well. Mike was an honest and quiet man who served all well over his lifetime of 80 plus years. He will be sadly missed by all whose path he crossed over the years. May he rest in Peace.
ITA KIRK: The death has occurred of Ita Kirk (nee O’Shaughnessy) Reen’s Bar Ardagh peacefully after a short illness at U.H.L., on Monday March 4. Predeceased by her husband Charlie, parents and brother. Her funeral cortege arrived at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappagh at 10am on Thursday March 7, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. A large crowd attended to pay their respects to Ita and offer sympathy to the family members. Fr Tim Curtin paid a lovely tribute to Ita before the mass commenced as they were both raised in a public house and had a lot in common. The mass was celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin and family members and friends participated in the ceremony. Donie and Maura performed the music and hymns including Maura singing Dear God and Crazy two of Ita’s favourite songs from Patsy Cline one of her favourite singers. Tony on behalf of the family paid a very warm tribute to Ita which was more of a community tribute than a family tribute he stated.
Ita was one of seven in family, and they were raised in the family business. She left for England at an early age, entered the bar business and married Charlie from Tyrone. They returned to live in Reens and ran the bar there for about forty years. Ita was a great character, full of devilment, mischief and good craic. She was generous and left a lasting impression on all her customers. She was a good singer and Patsy Cline’s Dear God was one of her favourite songs. Ita was 74 years old and her passing from the pub business signals the end of an era in Reens. Ita was laid to rest afterwards in Kilscannell Cemetery. Sympathy to her sisters Marie Curley, Bernie Foley, Eileen, brothers Patrick and Anthony, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives , neighbours and a large circle of friends. May she rest in Peace.
POETRY : Patricia Ahern from Knockfinisk and residing in England occasionally features her poetry on West Limerick 102. She recited one dedicated to her mother on the Exchange with Shirley O’Regan on Friday last. She has some poems published in magazines and newspapers in recent times as well as on the radio. Continued success with the written word to Patricia in the future.
LADIES FOOTBALL: Limerick defeated Carlow by 1-11 to 1-9 in round 7 of the Ladies National Football Division 4 League played at TUS Midwest grounds on Sunday March 3. Sophie Hennessy, Róisín Ambrose and Iris Kennelly from the Old Mill club were involved.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday March 4.The numbers drawn were 2,3,17,18,and there was no winner of the € 16,800 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each, David Morrissey Templeglantine, Bernie O’Connell Ardagh, Honor Kirby Ardagh, Geraldine Treacy Kilreash, Ardagh, Courtney and Casey Donovan Shanagolden. Next week’s Jackpot will be € 16,900. 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 Tony Noonan Tullig North Templeglantine, who won € 200 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 8.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.
SPLIT THE POT: Congratulations to Riley Shaughnessy who won € 533, in the January, Creeves Celtic FC Split the Pot monthly draw held at the Thatch Newbridge on Friday March 2.Tickets to enter the draw are available from committee members, club managers, at Neary’s Ardagh, Inver five crossroads Rathkeale and the Thatch Newbridge. All support will be greatly appreciated.
LIFESAVING TRAINING: CPR and Defibrillator training is being held in Ardagh Hall on Thursday March 14, and Thursday March 21from 7pm to 9.30pm. People who are interested in participating in the training course can contact Deirdre Ambrose on 087-9509218 to book a slot.
EXERCISE CLASS: A low impact cardio class, suitable for everyone takes place in Coolcappa Community Hall each Thursday evenings from 7pm. The class will increase steps, burn calories, zero stress on joints and muscles. If interested contact Mairead on 085-1213619.
CLOTHES COLECTION: Kilcolman NS are holding a fundraising clothes collection on Friday March 15. Bags of clothes, shoes, bags, belts, bed linen(no duvets or pillows) can be dropped to the school shelter any time before this date. Thank you for your continued support.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita’s Rambling House will be held at the Desmond Complex on Friday March 15 at 7.30pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners are welcome to attend. The proceeds of the evening will go towards the Carol Liston/O’Connor fund. All support will be greatly appreciated. A rambling house will be held at Ballyhahill Hall on Wednesday March 20, at 8.00pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners are welcome to attend.
PARADES: The Newcastle West parade returns and will be held on Saturday March 16 with a lot of entertainment taking place in the square from 1pm, followed by the parade from 3pm. Commencing from the Community Centre the parade will pass through the Square, Maiden Street, North Quay, Bridge Street and back through the Square to finish. The annual and very colourful St Patrick’s Day parade will be held in Rathkeale on Sunday March 17 starting at 12.30pm from the new line near the shop. There will be a lot of entertainment and prizes for the best floats. For more information call 086-3310349, or 087-9872987.
ATHEA DRAMA: Athea drama group will stage ” Turning Mammy” by John Mc Dwyer at Con Colbert Hall Athea on March 16, 17,18, 21, 23, 24, at 8pm. The cast members are Julie Moloney, Johnny Corkery and Mary Ellen Tierney. To book please text 087- 6926746.
DAFFODIL DAY: Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place on Friday March 22. Please support the many fundraisers being held around the locality.
SCÓR FINALS: The County Senior Scor finals will be held at the Community Hall Pallasgreen on Friday March 22, at 7pm. The question time final will be held at Mungret /St Paul’s G. A. A. Clubhouse on Thursday March 21, at 8.30pm.
CHARITY CÉILÍ: A Charity Céilí in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held in the Community Centre Monagea on Saturday March 23, from 9pm. Music by Mountain Road Céilí Band and admission is € 10. Refreshments will be served, and all support will be greatly appreciated. Down Syndrome Limerick have provided support for those with Down Syndrome and their families throughout the city and county since 1971.
VINTAGE FUNDRAISER: Knockdown Vintage Club are holding a fundraising raffle at present in aid of two worthy local charities Mid-Western Cancer Foundation UHL and Parkinson’s Association of Ireland (Mid-Western Branch) The tickets cost € 2 each or three tickets for € 5. The first prize is a € 300 voucher for Fitzgerald’s House Hotel Adare, Second prize is a € 150 voucher for the Crown Decorating Centre Newcastle West. Third prize is a monster hamper, and numerous other prizes as well. The draw takes place in the Knockdown Arms on Sunday March 24, following the vintage run. An auction will be held at 4pm.Different Sounds will provide the music from 5-7pm. Registration for the Patrick Langan Memorial Charity Run will commence at 12 noon in the Knockdown Arms and light refreshments will be served. The vintage club welcomes all vehicles to participate. Since their foundation in 2010 the club has raised in excess of € 60,000 for various charities. The club thank their sponsors participants and the general public for their continued generosity. All are welcome to come along to their family fun day on Sunday March 24. Contact Dave Noonan 087-2500938 or Margaret Culhane 087-2303918 for more details and all support will be greatly appreciated.