by Tom Aherne
BEST WISHES: The retirement of Fr Michael Noonan parish priest of Ardagh/Carrigkerry was marked in Carrigkerry on Sunday November 17, at the 11am mass and afterwards with presentations in the Community Centre. The pastoral council organised the event and published a souvenir mass booklet for the occasion. Fr Michael celebrated Mass assisted by Fr Frank Duhig and Ardagh and Carrigkerry choirs, Sr Margaret and organist Alexandra O’Donoghue combined to enhance the ceremony with their hymns and Donal also with a solo on the flute. Cormac Behan announced the presentation of symbols a chalice and stole, symbolising the priesthood of Fr Michael which were brought forward by Bernard Kennelly and Maureen Flavin and a map symbolising the many journeys of Fr Michael around the parish and Diocese by Christina O’Donoghue and Gearóid O’Sullivan.
Fr Michael now based in Cappagh as Pastoral Unit Assistant and covering events around Croagh/Kilfinny, Askeaton/ Ballysteen, Adare, etc is kept busy and is also promoting adoration within the Diocese. He spoke about his recent trip to Medjugorje and the meaning of the five stones associated with it, confession, mass, rosary, scripture and fasting. Cormac on behalf of the pastoral council and Fr Frank Duhig on behalf of Fr Frank O’Dea and the priests of Our Lady’s Pastoral Unit gave thanks to Fr Michael for his dedication to the Parish over the past 8 years.
Fr Michael a proud Granagh man was ordained in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Janesboro Limerick on June 18, 1972. His 52-year ministry as follows: July 1972-Killeedy, September 1972-St Michael’s, St Joseph’s, September 1973- St Joseph’s, February 1978-Chaplain Regional Hospital, St Pauls, December 1983- Foynes/Shanagolden/Robertstown, September 1994-Cappagh, September 1998-Raheen/Mungret/ Crecora, September 1916- Ardagh/Carrigkerry. September-2024 Retired as Parish Priest and moved to Cappagh as assistant in the Pastoral Unit.
The crowd assembled in the nearby Community Centre for refreshments and a get together to wish Fr Michael well in the future. A number of presentations were made to him with Declan acting as MC. They included Ardagh and Carrigkerry N.S. Schools, St Kieran’s Heritage Association, St Molua school children and Ardagh/ Carrigkerry parish. Fr Michael then cut his retirement cake which was distributed around the tables. In conclusion he thanked the pastoral council, and all involved in organising the day and extended goodwill wishes to all. All present join in wishing Fr Michael good health and happiness in his retirement/ministry into the future. His presence will be missed but all are delighted that he ministered within our parish.
MASS TIME CHANGES: The proposed Mass time changes for Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish from the weekend of November 30/December 1, are as follows: Ardagh Monday 9.30am,Friday 6.30pm, Saturday 6.30pm. Carrigkerry Tuesday 9.30am, Thursday 9.30am, Sunday 10.30am.
JOHN AHERN: The death has taken place of John Ahern, Kings Norton, Birmingham, England and formerly of Knockfinisk, Athea, peacefully on November 6, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family. John was a popular, friendly neighbour and acquaintance to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His Funeral mass will be celebrated in St Paul’s RC Church, Sisefield Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham, at 10.0am on Tuesday, December 3, followed by burial at Kings Norton Cemetery, Longdales Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham. Sympathy is extended to his wife Maureen, children Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Sean and Theresa, grandchildren Sean, Siobhan, Grace and Ben, great-grandchildren Ben, George and Myla, sons in-law Brian, Wayne and Paul, his extended family Amelia, Maddie, Charli and Tyler. May he rest in Peace.
COPSE’S LIGHTS: The Copse family Glensharrold Christmas Light’s display was switched on by Councillor Tom Ruddle and Blessed by Fr Tom Mangan on Saturday November 23, at 5pm. Both spoke and were high in their praise for the Copse family who have raised around €25,000 in the four years to date displaying the Christmas lights. The Carrigkerry Wren group performed for the people who turned up on a windy and showery evening. The charities to benefit this year will be Milford Hospice and the children’s Ark Unit UHL both based in Limerick City. The house can be located in Glensharrold, 2 miles from Carrigkerry village and 2 miles from the main Ardagh to Shanagolden road, turn off at Kilcolman cross. Eircode V94V6KC. All are welcome.
SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 (James Naughton) away to Newcastle West Town in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday November 17. Carrig Celtic defeated Glantine/ Mountcollins United A 2-0 in Division 2 with goals from Ray Brouder and Thomas Griffin. Kilcolman Rovers had no match. In the Premier Division of the Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers lost 2-0 at home to Janesborough. Creeves Celtic had no match.
GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s defeated St Senan’s by 2-13 to 0-8 in Round 2 of the County Under 20 B Football Championship played in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Saturday November 23. They led by 2-6 to 0-3 at half-time. TEAM: Con Enright, Conor Kelly, Cillian Heffernan, Conor Mc Mahon, Sean Long 0-2, Darragh Mc Mahon, Mikey Kelly 0-1, Jack O’Sullivan 0-3, Lorcan Murphy 0-1, Fionn Gleeson, Mikey Long 1-1, Cathal O’Connor 1-1, Luke Corrigan 0-2, Oisin Ryan 0-2, Eoghan Sheehan. Subs Bryan Sheehan, Oisin Commane.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday November 18.The numbers drawn were 12,13,15,21, and there was no winner of the €7,800 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Mary Lee Newcastle West, Liam Kennedy Kilcolman, Mikey Browne c/o Moloney’s, Kathleen Noonan c/o Dave Conway, David Brouder c/o Dawn. Next week’s Jackpot will be €7,900. 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.
IRISH RAMBLING HOUSE: The Irish Rambling House are holding their annual concert in Siamsa Tire Tralee on Wednesday November 27, at 8pm. The three-hour show will feature the cast members plus special guests Sean O’Sé, Elle Marie O ‘Dwyer, Caroline O’Callaghan, John Kinsella, Sonny Egan, Noel Joyce, Breen’s. Tickets cost € 31, each plus booking fee € 1.50, they can be booked on siamsatire.com or call the Box Office on 066-7123055. A great night’s entertainment is promised, and all are welcome.
REMEMBERANCE MASSES: The Remembrance Mass will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Friday November 29 at 7.30pm. Those to be remembered in Ardagh are Catherine Mullins, Maria Cahill, Bridget Barrett, Mary Curley, Joan Duggan, Michael (Mike) Sweeney, Mary Griffin, William (Bill) O’Connell, Patrick (Paddy) Liston. NOTE: If anybody who died in the last 12 months is omitted from the list would their family, please contact the parish office to rectify the records.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Jim’s rambling house takes place in Newbridge, Askeaton on Friday November 29, at 8pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners and all are welcome to attend.
HISTORY TALK: Rathkeale Historical Society present the fifth of the season free talks on Friday November 29, at 8-30pm in the Community Arts Centre, upstairs in Rathkeale Library. The title of the talk is ”The Dromcollogher Cinema Fire of 1926.” The speaker is Pat Savage. Membership of Rathkeale Historical Society for the year is € 10.
CLUB DRAW: The Limerick GAA Club draw for November will be held on Saturday 30 and announced during the Limerick Live 95fm sports show from 10am to 11am.The entry fee for the draw is € 10, per month and € 21,000 will be given out in prize money each month. The top prize is €10,000 and the star prize this month is a home heating voucher worth €500. 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.
CHRISTMAS MARKET: A Christmas Market will be held at Carrigkerry Community Centre ( V94 VY92) on Sunday December 1, from 10am to 3pm. The organisers invite all to join them for arts, crafts, gifts and much more from the stalls. €5 entry, (children free)refreshments and raffle. To book a stall (€20) please email Pat King at [email protected] or send a message on Whats App 087-2750061 All support will be appreciated, and the proceeds will go towards the running of Carrigkerry Community Centre.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Kilcolman National School are holding two fundraising concerts in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1, at 7.30pm on both nights. The concerts will be a celebration of all the talent in their local area. Donations can be given at the door, and all are welcome.
CLOTHES COLECTION: Kilcolman NS are holding a fundraising clothes collection on Tuesday December 2. 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.
CAMOGIE AGM: St Kieran’s Camogie are holding their annual general meeting in Coolcappa on Tuesday December 3, at 8.30pm.
GAA AGM: St Kieran’s GAA Club are holding their annual general meeting in Ardagh Community Centre on Wednesday December 4, at 8.30pm.
VOLINTARLY HOUSING: Ardagh Voluntary Housing Association will be holding their AGM in the Hall Ardagh on Thursday December 5, at 8pm. New members would be very welcome.