by Tom Aherne
RETIREMENT WISHES: Liam Woulfe a native of Dunganville Ardagh is to retire from Grassland Agro where he has served as managing director since 2002. Now residing in Adare Liam took control at the company when his business Freshgrass Group acquired Grassland Fertilisers from Greencore 22 years ago. Enda Mc Donald who currently serves as group sales manager at Grassland Agro will take over as the managing director of the company from January. Liam Woulfe retires at the end of December but will stay on hand to support the new man and the rest of the company until March 2025. Liam will then become a senior advisor and continue as a director of the company. He will also stay involved in the Irish agribusiness area through a number of board directorships that he holds. During his time in charge Grassland Agro’s staff has increased from 54 in 2012 to over 150 people at present. A great supporter of Limerick business and sport Liam is wished a happy retirement from his role and all the best for the future.
COFFEE MORNING THANKS: The Carrigkerry coffee morning committee wish to thank all who supported their event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in the Community Centre on Sunday November 24. The final total to be donated was € 3,582.50. Congratulations to all involved in raising this grand total for such a great cause.
SCHOOL CONCERT THANKS: The Board of Management, staff and pupils of Kilcolman national school wish to thank everybody who helped and supported their recent concerts in St Colman’s Church. It was a fundraiser for the school and featured local entertainers.
CLUB AGM: St Kieran’s GAA Club held their annual general meeting at Ardagh Hall on Wednesday December 4, with a large crowd in attendance. Chairman David Woulfe welcomed all , and the various reports and addresses were dealt with during an upbeat and positive meeting. During his address which was comprehensive and detailed, David touched on the progress of the football, hurling, Board Na Nóg, rounder’s and camogie sections of the club. It was a very busy year on and off the field with success gained in Junior B football. David paid tribute to the very committed volunteers who coached and mentored the teams. The Board Na Nóg officers were thanked for the work they are doing with the underage players. All club players who represented their county colleges and schools were thanked. Also, Kieran Madigan who vacated his vice-chairman role during the year and Healthy Club Officer Paula O’Connor, for the many events she organised.
David also dealt with the distribution of tickets for Limerick’s county matches, thanking secretary Ivan Neary, for all his work behind the scenes. The Lottery with Ardagh Development Association continued to work well and more people were playing online. Treasurer Tom Harnett was thanked for the huge financial workload involved in running the club over the past year. Deirdre Ambrose for looking after the membership and Club force . The people who updated matches for the Whats App group for people unable to attend matches were thanked.
Financially it was a challenging year for the club, who were thankful for the J P Mc Manus Club funding to balance the books. The numbers in the Limerick Development draw were steady, and prizes won by members in 2023 were down from the previous years. All who gave sponsorship and donated to the new pitch development were thanked. The various club membership rates for 2023 will remain the same. The online club force is proving very successful and March 31 is the final date for membership. All the club officers, development draw promoters and all who assisted and supported the club in any way during the year were also thanked.
The following officers were elected to run the club in 2024. Chairman David Woulfe, Vice-Chairman Owen Hayes senior, Secretary Ivan Neary, Ass-Secretary Owen Hayes junior, Treasurer Tom Harnett, Ass-Treasurer/Development Draw Co-Coordinator, Ian Mackessy, PRO Owen Hayes junior, Registrar/Children’s Officer Deirdre Ambrose, Healthy Club Officer Paula O’Connor, Irish Officer Aisling Hayes, County Board delegates David Woulfe and John Ryan. Football Board delegate John Ryan, West Board delegate David Woulfe. The club committee contains 19 people at present. A number of management teams were put in place and the others will be finalised and announced later at the club meetings. The road hurling event for charity will be held on Friday December 27.
SOCCER NEWS: In Division 2 of the Desmond League Carrig Celtic defeated Ballingarry B by 5-1 at home on Sunday December 1. Adam Bennett 3, Noel Callanan and Ray Cahill scored the goals that leave them on top of the table. Creeves Celtic and Kilcolman Rovers had no matches.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday December 2.The numbers drawn were 10,20,28,30, and there was no winner of the €8,000 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: John Lynch Carrigkerry, Tom Moroney Coolcappa, Hannah O’Connor c/o Neary’s, Ian O’Connor Ardagh, Ann Ahern Newcastle West c/o Ailish. Next week’s Jackpot will be €8,100. 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.
CHRISTMAS WREATHS: Christmas Wreaths for graves and doors are available locally. To place an order please contact Moira Donovan Kilcolman on 069-76256 or 086-2123560. Proceeds to charity.
SSE RENEWABLES: The SSE Renewable fund opened on Monday December 2 and will close on Friday January 10. Community based projects within a 20km radius of Tournafulla, Rathcahill, Dromada and Athea wind farms in Limerick and Lenamore wind farm in Kerry are invited to apply. Preference will be given to those within 5km. Application forms and supporting guidance documents can be found on the SSE Renewable website or call Anne Reynolds on 0868783104.
CREEVES FUNDRAISER: Creeves Celtic FC Santa in the Cabin takes place Thursday/Friday December 12/13,in the Thatch Bar Newbridge. The evening will consist of finger food buffet, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Santa’s in the cabin selection boxes. Bookings available at 087-6604096, fees, Children € 15, Adults€ 10.
COOLCAPPA RAFFLE: Coolcappa Community Centre would like to invite all parishioners and locals to our annual Christmas Raffle which will be held at 8pm on Saturday December 14, in the Community Centre. Tea/Coffee and some light refreshments will be provided. A lovely opportunity to connect with your neighbours and friends before the festive season is in full flow. The prizes include a € 500 Gift Card, € 400 Estuary Fuel Voucher, A 50 inch TV, Dromoland Afternoon Tea for 2, Christmas Hampers, Turkey and Ham, meal vouchers. The tickets are available from all committee members, priced at €5 each, or 3 for €10.
JOHN JOE’S CLASS CÉILÍ: The end of season class Céilí will be held in the Con Colbert Hall Athea on Saturday December 14th from 9pm. Free admission, raffle and refreshments and music by John Joe and all other dancers are welcome.
BOARD NA NÓG AGM: The St Kieran’s club held their Board Na Nóg AGM on Friday December 6 in Ardagh Community Centre. The following officers were elected to run the club in 2025. Chairman John Lynch, Vice-Chairman Cormac Walsh, Secretary Mike O’Mahony, Ass-Secretary Joe Ryan, Treasurer Deirdre Hough, Ass- Treasurer Stephanie Downes, PRO Linda Clifford, Coaching Officer James Windle.