by Tom Aherne

TERESA DOWNEY: The death has occurred of Teresa Downey (nee Bridgeman) Lisgordan, Ardagh peacefully  at Milford Care Centre Limerick on Friday March 22. Reposing was held at St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa on Monday March 25, from 6pm to 7.30pm. The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Tim Curtin on Tuesday at 12 noon. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and music and hymns. Fr Tim paid a nice tribute to Teresa during his homily referring to their Milford Hospice conversation  the previous Sunday. Teresa was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Sympathy to her husband Sean, daughter Sharon, sister Mary Downes, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,  nephews, nieces,  sister-in-law, son-in-law Chris,  brothers-in-law, cousins,  neighbours, and friends. Teresa came from the locality and attended Coolcappa school. She spent time in England working in the 1960s, before marrying Sean and returning to live in Lisgordan. The neighbours were very helpful to Sean and Teresa during her final illness, which she  faced with great fortitude. She never wanted a fuss and asked for a simple ceremony at her funeral mass.  She will be sadly missed by family and all who had the pleasure of knowing  her. May she rest in Peace.

BILL O’CONNELL: The death has occurred of William (Bill) O’Connell, Ballyine, Old Mill, in his 89th year, peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Monday March 25. Reposing was held at his residence on Tuesday March 26, from 5pm to 7pm.The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Dan Lane, at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Wednesday at 11.30am. Family members participated in the ceremony and Ger on behalf of the family paid tribute. The American flag draped his coffin and Army members participated in tribute to a former soldier. Bill was laid to rest afterwards in Calvary Cemetery Newcastle West.

Sympathy to his wife Nora, daughter Anne, son-in-law Ger, granddaughters Sarah, Doireann, sisters-in-law,  brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.  Bill was born in 1935 in West Cork and had memories of the 2nd World War and Emergency years. He  left for America at a young age and joined the Army serving as a soldier. He worked as a carpenter in Chicago after his service ended. Bill and Nora returned to Ireland in 1980 and they purchased the Old Mill Bar in 1988 and it became a focal point for the local community. Bill received great praise for his involvement in the Old Mill Sports Club and the festivals and events that were held there. He loved his singing and involvement in choirs and at events. He kept up to date with current affairs through newspapers, radio and TV, despite failing sight in recent years. Large crowds attended on both days to pay their respects to the family and  a man who gave great service to all he was involved with. May he rest in Peace.

SYMPATHY: Sympathy is extended to Liam Steele and family Ardagh on the death of his sister Bridget ( Biddy) Brosnan  (nee Steele) Ballingarry on Saturday March 23 in UHL. The funeral Mass was celebrated  in the church of the Immaculate Conception Ballingarry  on Tuesday  March 26 at 11am followed by burial in  St Mary’s Cemetery. Sympathy to other family members and may she rest in Peace.

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday March 25.The numbers drawn were 5,19,28,29,and  there was  no  winner of the € 17,100 Jackpot. Congratulations  to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, David Woulfe Grouse Lodge, Johnny Loughnane Askeaton, Lorraine Walsh Ardagh, Joe O’Connor Ardagh, Dave Conway Ardagh.  Next week’s  Jackpot will be € 17,200. 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 Dinny Corbett Castlemahon, who won € 210 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 29.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.

CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for March was held on  Saturday March 30, and announced during the Limerick Live 95fm sports show and the  St Kieran’s club had no winner. The entry fee for the nine draws is € 90, and € 21,000 will be given out in prize money each month. The first prize is € 10,000, 2nd prize € 3,000, 3rd prize € 2,000, 4th prize € 1,000, 5th prize is an exclusive star prize, and 4  prizes of € 500, four prizes € 250, and 17 prizes of € 100. To join contact the local St Kieran’s club members in person, or online through the Club force App with direct options available. The club will receive 50% of all membership received which is vital for the running of it over the year.

LADIES FOOTBALL:  Limerick defeated Leitrim by 2-10 to 1-11 in the semi-final of the Ladies National Football Division 4 League played at Roscommon  on Sunday March 24. Sophie Hennessy, Róisín Ambrose and Iris Kennelly ( 1-3 ) from the Old Mill club were involved. Limerick  who are promoted to Division 3 for next season play Carlow in the final at St Brendan’s Park Birr on Saturday April 6, at 2pm.

SOCCER NEWS: The second round of the Desmond Cup was played on Sunday March 24 and Creeves Celtic defeated Newcastle West Town 1-0 away with Kevin Meade on target. Carrig Celtic lost 3-1 at home to Glin Rovers with Kieran O’Connor scoring. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine 3-1 away in Division 3 of the Desmond League with goals from Mikey O’Sullivan 2, and Sean Ryan. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies  League  Creeves Celtic drew 2-2 away to Broadford United with goals from Siobhan Guinane and Laura O’Shaughnessy.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s defeated Drom/Broadford by 0-12 to 1-6 in round 1 of the West Junior B Football League at Coolcappa on Sunday March 24. In the senior football league St Kieran’s V Newcastle West was postponed due to the pitch being unplayable.

ARDAGH KIOSK: Limerick Council are seeking interested people to provide  a beverage and snack unit Kiosk at Ardagh Station house car park  to cater for local and Greenway users. An application form and all terms and conditions, information is available by emailing [email protected] The deadline for receipt of the completed application form by email is Tuesday April 9 at 12 noon. The service is due to commence on Monday May 13.

FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present  ” Typist Artist Pirate King”  in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday April 5, at 8pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.

SINGING CLUB: The next West Limerick singing session in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale will be on Friday April 5, at 9pm. All are welcome  to attend including  new members.

RAMBLING HOUSE: Jim’s Rambling House in Newbridge will be held on Friday April 5. All entertainers and listeners are most welcome to attend.

DRAMA DATES: Abha Bhán players present ” A Tomb with a View” by Norman Robbins in Ballyhahill Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday April 5/6 and 12/13, at 8pm. It is advisable to book the tickets in advance as seating is limited.  Call 086-8458821 or 069-82106 (business hours) Cash only no card.

MASS TIMES CHANGE: Ardagh/Carrigkerry Mass times will change from the weekend of April 6/7. Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturdays at 6.30pm. Mass will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday’s at 11am. Mass will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturdays at 7.30pm, for the next 6 months and no weekend mass in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa.

SPONSORED WALK: Creeves Celtic soccer club are holding their annual sponsored 5k walk on the Ardagh Greenway on Sunday April 7, from 10am. It is a fun event, and all are welcome to participate.

KNOCKFIERNA WALK: The Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital Newcastle West are holding a fundraising walk in Knockfierna on Sunday April 7, at 2.30pm. Walkers are asked to assemble at the Rambling House entrance gate to commence the climb up Knockfierna hill. All the donations received will be donated in full to the Friends of St Ita’s committee. Walkers can bring a snack for a cup of tea afterwards in the Rambling House. All are welcome to participate.

SET CÉILÍ: A  Céilí will be held in Pallasgreen Community Centre Limerick ( V940K07) on Sunday April 7, from 3-6pm. Music by Tim Joe and Ann, admission € 10 and an afternoon of music, dance and tasty food is looked forward to. More details from Pat O’Dea on 087-2577761.

RADIO AGM: West Limerick 102fm are holding their annual general meeting at the Longcourt House Hotel on Tuesday April 9at 8pm. All community and voluntary organisations in the West Limerick area are asked to send a representative.