by Tom Aherne
PATRICK HARNETT: The death has occurred of Patrick (Patsy) Harnett, Ballinacally, Ardagh, peacefully in the loving care of The Bluebell Ward, St Ita’s Hospital Newcastle West on Thursday February 13. Reposing was held at Riedy’s Funeral home, Newcastle West on Sunday February 16, from 5pm followed by removal to St Molua’s Church, Ardagh. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Paddy Bowen, Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Raphael Okanumeh, in St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Monday at 11.30am. Family and neighbours participated in the ceremony and the Burke family supplied the music and hymns. Fr Paddy paid tribute to Patsy during the ceremony and John thanked all the care services who looked after Patsy in his later years. Burial took place afterwards in the local cemetery. Sympathy to his brothers Tommy and John, his sisters in law Sandra and Chris, his nephews Stephen and Andrew and their families, his cousins, neighbours and many friends. Patsy was a gentleman, widely known and highly regarded around the locality. He lived close to nature and possessed great faith. He was a lovely singer and a past member of the Ardagh Church choir. Close to his heart would be farming, Gaelic games and politics. It was always a pleasure to meet him at Dairygold Co op Ardagh. May he rest in Peace.
MICHAEL FLYNN: Congratulations to Michael Flynn from Glensharrold, Carrigkerry who defied the odds to beat the three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen 6-5 in the first round of the third Players Championship on home soil in Rosmalen, the Netherlands on Monday February 17. Michael is ranked 11th on the Challenge Tour, which is used as a reserve list for the Players Championship events. He was only added to the PDC event’s entry list on Sunday morning and his inclusion came after several late withdrawals from the tournament. The last-minute phone call on Sunday meant a three-hour rush by car from his home in West limerick to Dublin airport In the next round ” Flynn the Flyer” (nickname)was beaten 6-4 by Poland’s Tytus Kanik in the next round but what an achievement to get past the PDC world championship finalist. Michael was interviewed on RTE Radio 1 on Wednesday morning. Next up for him is the Irish individual and team championship finals. Continued success to Michael (who is also a member of the St Kieran’s GAA club) in his darts career.
JAMES LAWLOR: Narrative 4 director James Lawlor from Knocknagun, Carrigkerry recently met Pope Francis at the Jubilee of the World of Communication Conference. As part of the inaugural Jubilee event the Vatican invited Limerick based storytelling organisation Narrative 4 to lead a special storytelling event with young journalists from many countries. The Pope urged those present to share stories that inspire hope, bridge divides and foster unity. James and his colleagues were invited to meet the Pope on the final day of the trip. It was a once in a lifetime experience, said James.
CARER AWARD: Congratulations to Ellen Gannon, Newcastle West, who has been named Limerick Person of the Month Award sponsored by Limerick Leader and the Clayton Hotel. Ellen was honoured with the Munster Young Carer of the Year 2024 award last December as part of the Netwatch Young Carer of the Year national awards. Ellen aged 11 was recognised at the annual ceremony for minding her twin brothers with nonverbal autism. She attends Kilcolman National School, and her brothers Andrew and James Gannon attend Nano Nagle special school in Listowel. Ellen herself has ADHD and Dyslexia but helps to care for them both and dotes on them with love affection and countless energy. Despite her responsibilities , she excels in sports, enjoys art and brings joy to everyone around her. All three children live with their mother Helen O’Flynn, originally from Ballyegna, Ardagh. Ellen will be one of 12 Person of the Month recipients, at the Limerick Person of the Year ceremony. Continued good wishes to Ellen and family.
GAA PRESENTATIONS: St Kieran’s GAA Club made 2 presentations following their annual road hurling charity and auction event which raised €8,620 held on December 27. They presented Milford Care Centre Limerick with a cheque for €4,310. They presented a cheque to Brú Columbanus based in Cork city with the other half raised €4,310, plus an additional €500 received from Carrigkerry Wren group. The club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the total presentation.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday February 17.The numbers drawn were 11,14,22,28 , and there was no winner of the €5,600 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Helen Relihan c/o Ailish, Sandra O’Connor, Newcastle West, Paula Enright, Park Ballyhahill, Shane King, Carrigkerry, Kevin Browne, Newcastle West. Next week’s Jackpot will be €5,700. 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 Adrian Leahy, Dromcollogher, who won €240 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday February 21. 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.
GAELIC GAMES: Congratulations to St Kieran’s players Eoin Sheahan, Sean Long, Jack O’ Sullivan, Conor McMahon, Gavin Thompson, Shane O’ Mahony and David O’ Connell who were part of the Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West team panel who defeated St Mary’s, Newport by 0-10 to 1-5 on Saturday February 15, in the Munster Under 19 ‘C Hurling Championship Final played in Killmallock. Congratulations to Cathal Mc Enery who was part of the Aughanish Alumina team who defeated Campion Insurance in the Limerick Inter Firm Junior Hurling Championship Final on Thursday February 13. Congratulations to Ben Hough, from St Kieran’s who has made the County U16s football panel for 2025.
Congratulations to Conor O’Sullivan who has made the U14s Limerick County Football panel for 2025!
SOCCER NEWS: Carrig Celtic defeated Glin Rovers B 5-2 at home in Division 2 the Desmond League on Sunday February 16. Adam Bennett 2, Seanie King, Ray Brouder and Sean Kelly scored their goals. In Division 3 Kilcolman Rovers lost 4-1 at home. Creeves Celtic had no match. In the Premier Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Charleville 2-1 at home with goals from Karen O’Leary and Mia Forrestal. In Division 1 Creeves Celtic defeated Feenagh 1-0 away with Laura O’Shaughnessy scoring.
POTHOLES GALORE: The winter weather has left our rural roads in a dangerous state with potholes appearing like mushrooms on poorly maintained surfaces. The snowfall and hard frost softened the tar, and the rainfall did the rest. Now with increased large movement of machinery and vehicles on poor surfaces, these roads were not built to accommodate them. A number of owners have had to replace tyres as a result of hitting the side of potholes which are impossible to avoid due to the width of the narrow roads. The rural dwellers pay high motor insurance and tax and deserve good quality roads to conduct their everyday business. These roads need to be repaired and maintained now before it is too late to restore them.
PARK RUN: The very popular park run is held in the Demesne Newcastle West on Saturday morning from 9.30am. People can walk, jog or run in the free weekly event. It is a social event and a chance to meet new people in a friendly environment. All are welcome to join in the proceedings and to enjoy the delights of the Demesne.
ATHEA DRAMA: The play ”Sharon’s Grave” by John B Keane will be performed by Athea Drama Group in Con Colbert Memorial Hall on Thursday February 27 at 8pm. Continuing on March 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th, 9th. Tickets can be booked by text, Whats App on 087-6926746.
FITNESS CLASS: St Kieran’s GAA Club are holding a fitness on the move class for adults aged 55 plus on Fridays from 2-3pm, at Ardagh Community Hall. This is a follow up to the 4-week class held last December. €5 per person per class and for more information call Paula on (087)2223581
LIMERICK FOOTBALL WALK: The Friends of Limerick Football are holding a sponsored 8k return Greenway Walk from Newcastle West to Ardagh on Saturday March 1, from 9.30am. The starting and finishing point in Newcastle West is beside Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair, V42PD71. Tea and coffee served afterwards. Sponsorship cards are available from Jacqueline O’Connor and Gerry Phillips. All the proceeds go to Limerick Football and the Football Academy.
MONTHS MIND: The Months Mind Mass for Nancy Daly Ardagh will be celebrated in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Saturday March 1, at 6.30pm.
JIVE CLASS: A Jiving and Slosh dance class takes place in Ardagh Hall on Sunday March 2, and Sunday March 9, from 7pm to 8.30pm. Niall Doorhy is the teacher and €35 per person. All ages welcome. Contact Deirdre for all the details.
DRAMA DATE: Killeedy Parish Hall Committee in association with Spike Players Knocknagoshel present ”The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin Mc Donagh, at St Ita’s Parish Hall Raheenagh (V42ET85) on Friday March 7, at 8pm. Tickets cost €10 and call 086-1649099 to reserve same. A raffle will be held also, and the proceeds are in aid of the Parish Hall.