by Tom Aherne

MARY GRIFFIN: The death has occurred of Mary Griffin (nee Burns) peacefully at home surrounded by her family  on Saturday March 9. Predeceased by her husband Mickey Griffin (Carrigkerry), parents James and Mary Burns, and son-in-law Richie Roche (Abbeyfeale). Reposing at Riedy’s Funeral Home Newcastle West on Monday March 11 from 6pm-8pm. Her Requiem Mass was concelebrated  in St Molua’s Church Ardagh by Fr Michael Noonan, Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Tony Mullins, Fr Dan Lane, Fr Willie Russell and Fr John O’Shea,  on Tuesday at 11.30am. Before Mass commenced symbols special to Mary’s life were presented at the altar. They included a bible and her rosary beads as Mary had great faith. A model of a house as Mary was a homemaker and her house was her castle. A family photo as she dedicated her life to family members. A tin whistle as she loved music and dancing which she won awards for. A race card as she enjoyed betting on the horses and her nights at the Bingo. Fr Michael and son Tom paid tributes and family members participated during the ceremony.

Mary was laid to rest afterwards in Kilscannell  Graveyard. Sympathy to her daughter Trish Roche, sons Tom, Michael,  daughters-in-law Dolores, Joanne,  grand children Ava, Mark, Jack,  Katie, extended family, neighbours and friends. Mary was born in 1930 and attended Coolcappa School. She married Mickey Griffin in 1956 in Ardagh Church and they were blessed with three children. She lived a long and contented life, concentrating on home life and never interested in material gains. She was very well cared for by family members in her final years, and will be sadly missed by all. May she rest in Peace.

MICHAEL REIDY: The death has occurred of Michael Reidy  Mounthenry, Coolcappa, Ardagh suddenly in the presence of his family at the University Hospital Limerick on Sunday March 10. Reposing at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Monday March 11 from 6pm-8pm. His Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin and Fr Willie Russell on Tuesday at 1pm. Family members participated throughout the ceremony and the all girl string quartet supplied lovely music and hymns. Fr Tim and daughter Maeve paid tributes and people travelled long distances to pay their own tribute to Michael who was so very well known throughout the country. Michael was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Sympathy to his wife Martha, sons Tomás, Michael, daughter Maeve, sisters Joan, Maureen, Kathy ( predeceased),  son -in-law Séamus, daughters-in-law Michelle, Christine, and grandchildren. The Reidy family have been living in Coolcappa for around 200 years and the St Kyran’s  Church was built on land owned by them.  Michael was a cattle dealer who travelled throughout the country as part of his work. His keen eye and judgement contributed to his success. He was also interested in the horse racing and enjoyed his visits and his interaction with the bookies. Married to Martha for 50 years, his passing was unexpected after a short stay in hospital. Large crowds attended on both days to  express sympathy with the family and remember Michael who will be sadly missed by all. May he rest in Peace.

MARY MURPHY: The death has occurred of Mary Murphy (Nee Lane) Ballylin Ardagh  peacefully  at her home surrounded by family  on Monday March 11. Predeceased by her husband Tom Murphy (Athea).  Reposing at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday March 13, from 6pm -8pm.  Her Requiem Mass was  concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Tom Mangan on Thursday at 11,30am. Before Mass commenced symbols special to Mary’s life were presented at the altar. They included a newspaper and radio showing her pastime of reading and listening to keep up to date with current affairs. A tea pot and apron to show her love for baking and great hospitality to all who entered her home. Gardening tools to show her passion for her garden and flowers. Items relating to her  life memories and  farming work.  Fr Michael son Pat and daughter Linda  paid tributes and family members participated during the ceremony. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy to her son Pat, daughters Gerardine Dillane, Breda Murphy, Linda, sons-in-law James, Michael, grandchildren Maria,  Katie, Emma, Megan, Molly, Lily, Grainne, Conor, Shane, Johnny, Thomas, Patrick, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and friends.

Mary came from Ballylin and was an only child. She married Tom in 1961 and they were blessed with their four children. Mary was a hard worker all her long life within and outside the home. She was a member of several groups including Ardagh ICA, Newcastle West Flower Club and a few church committees. She enjoyed her day trips and ICA events and she had great faith and was a regular mass attendee. Mary was part of Ardagh ICA 50th Anniversary celebrations last month. She will be sadly missed by her family neighbours and legion of friends.  May she rest in Peace.

PAULA JOYCE:   The death has occurred of Paula Constance Joyce Glenastar Ardagh and formerly of Dublin suddenly at her residence on Thursday March 7. Cremation took place in Shannon Crematorium on Thursday March 14, at 2pm. Sympathy to her husband Ian, brother Trevor, nephew, many cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.

MONTHS MIND: The months mind mass for Kathleen (Kay) Aherne Glensharrold will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Sunday March 24, at 11am.

SENSORY  GARDEN WALK: David Egan posted the following update on his walk in aid of the Carrigkerry Sensory Garden project on Sunday March 10. He has 242km walked and € 790 raised. He has another 870km to walk and on target to reaching the € 2,000 goal with support from the general public.  People can contact https://gofund.me/78be96bb to donate. David will be back in Carrigkerry for Easter and if people are interested a walk could also be organised. Continued good wishes to David in his walking in aid of Carrigkerry Sensory Garden project.

SOCCER NEWS: In the premier division of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Abbeyfeale United on Sunday March 10. Tommy Dillane scored their goal as they lost their top spot on the league table. Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-1 (Denis Finn) away to Shannonside in the first round of the Riedy Cup. Carrig Celtic had no game. In division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Creeves Celtic  defeated Shountrade 4-1 away with goals from Leah Kelly, Jade Gallagher, Siobhan Guinane and Laura O’Shaughnessy. In the premier division Kilcolman Rovers lost 3-0 at home to Charleville.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday March 11.The numbers drawn were 5,8,20,21,and  there was  no  winner of the € 16,900 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Bridie Noonan c/o Josie,  Erin Hennessy Carrigkerry, Mary Steele Ardagh, James Brouder c/o Moore’s, Deirdre Ambrose Ardagh. Next week’s  Jackpot will be  € 17,000. 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 M O’Connor, who won € 205 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 15.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.

RAMBLING HOUSE:  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.

ATHEA DRAMA: Athea drama group will stage ” Turning Mammy” by John Mc Dwyer at Con Colbert Hall Athea on March 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 Céili 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.