by Tom Aherne
A FAREWELL MESSAGE TO CANON CURTIN: As you step into this chapter of retirement, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication and service to our Pastoral Unit. Your unwavering commitment, both in times of joy and in times of challenge, has been a steady source of guidance, strength, and support to us all. Through your leadership, friendship, and kindness, you’ve not only helped us grow spiritually but also created a sense of unity and love within our community. Your presence will surely be missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those you’ve touched. As you embark on this new journey, we wish you, all the very best—may your retirement bring you peace, fulfilment, and many blessings. Thank you for everything, Canon Tim, and may you continue to feel the warmth of the friendships you’ve built here for many years to come. With heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for the future, Entire Shannon West Pastoral Unit. Taken from their newsletter.
ELLEN LEAMEY: The death has occurred of Ellen (Nellie ) Leamey (nee Aherne) of Ballymore, Askeaton and formerly of Coolybrown, Ardagh on Monday March 24. Predeceased by her husband Michael (Haulie). Reposing at Kieran Madigan’s Funeral Home Askeaton on Tuesday from 5-30 to 6.30pm. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday March 26, at 11am followed by burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Sympathy to her nieces, nephews, in-laws, close relatives and friends. May she rest in Peace.
TROCAIRE APPEAL: As we progress through Lent and approach Easter, we are reminded of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world. Trócaire boxes are available in the local church porches, if people missed out on collecting them at the start of Lent. We are asked to put some money into them, if possible, to help family’s this year in Guatemala, which has been badly affected by climate change, which is pushing families further into poverty. Relentless storms and droughts are destroying their crops, livelihoods and their children’s chance of an education. Llma and Julio and their children Miriam, Julio, Debora and Gloria are the featured family this year. The boxes can be returned to the churches on Easter weekend and all support will be greatly appreciated.
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday March 24.The numbers drawn were 9,13,14,18, and there was no winner of the €6,100 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each: Catherine Hayes, Knockfinisk, Carrigkerry, Mike Liston, Glenastar, K Mc Carthy, Tom Mackessy, Coolanoran, Chloe Kennedy, Kilcolman. Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,200. 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 Eileen Flanagan from Foynes, who won €280 in the West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw, held on Friday March 28. 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 first Limerick Club GAA Draw was held on Saturday March 29, and announced on the sports show on Limerick Live 95fm. The St Kieran’s club had no winner. Next draw last Saturday in April and the exclusive star prize is a € 500 voucher for Gleeson’s Sports Shop.
PARADE AWARD: Congratulations to Saint Kieran’s Heritage Association who were awarded a prize for their display at the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Rathkeale.
GAELIC GAMES: Saint Kieran’s defeated Knockaderry by 1-22 to 1-13 in Round 1 of the City/West Intermediate Hurling League played at Coolcappa on Saturday March 22. TEAM: Cillian Ambrose 0-2, Shay Greaney, Aaron Heffernan, Mossy Shine, Sean Long, Brendan Mc Carthy, Fionn Gleeson 0-1, Cathal Mc Enery, Ian Mackessy, Conor Mc Mahon, Sean Ryan 0-2, Conor Woulfe 0-4, Cillian Meade 0-3, Michael Murphy, Jack O’Sullivan 1-10. Subs Cathal O’Connor, Cormac Mann, Michael Long,
Saint Kieran’s lost to Croagh/Kilfinny by 2-27 to 2-5 in Round 1 of the West Junior B Hurling League played at Croagh on Sunday March 23. TEAM: Jack O’Sullivan, James Woulfe, Mikey Breen, Brian Sheehan, Sean Long, Edward Fitzgerald, William Steele, Mikey Long. Con Enright, Sean Hughes, Cathal O’Connor, Oisin Commane, Derry O’Connor, Dan Duggan, Shane Murphy.
Congratulations to Anthony Mullins who was a member of the Kerry Group Cork who defeated Aughinish Alumina by 2-17 to 3-13 in the All Ireland Inter firm Junior Hurling Final played in Charleville on Tuesday March 25. Cathal Mc Enery was a member of the Aughinish Alumina team.
Gavin Thompson was a member of the Limerick minor hurling team defeated by Cork 2-25 to 0-21 in round 1 of the Munster Championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Friday March 28.
LADIES FOOTBALL: Róisín Ambrose and Sophie Hennessy from the Old Mill ladies club were members of the Limerick team who lost to Louth by 2-7 to 0-10 in Division 3 of the National Football League played at Newcastle West on Sunday March 23.
SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic defeated Saint Ita’s 5-3 at home in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday March 23. James O’Connor 2, Eoin Mc Enery 2 and Jack O’Sullivan scored their goals. Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine/Mountcollins B 4-0 at home in Division 3 with goals from Mike Cremin, Pedro Tavers, Mike Sullivan, Conor Finucane. Carrig Celtic had no match. In the Desmond Youths Division 2 Shield Final Kilcolman Rovers lost 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 (Conor Mc Mahon) draw after extra time. It was played at Mick Hanley Park on Friday March 21. In Division 1 of the Desmond Ladies League Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine 1-0 with Mae Kennelly on target. In Division 1 of the Desmond League Creeves Celtic defeated Dromore United 2-1 away with Marian O’Sullivan and Orla Barry scoring their goals.
GREYHOUNDS: The annual Con and Anne Kirby Memorial (Celebrating 12 years) greyhound stake sponsored by JP and Noreen Mc Manus continues at Limerick Greyhound Stadium each Saturday-to-Saturday April 19. All the Limerick GAA Clubs were allocated a greyhound, and prizes will be awarded to the final six in the final as in previous years. Ballymac Lucia is the St Kieran’s dog which progressed from round 1 last Saturday night. Razldazl Edward the Old Mill Ladies Football dog did not progress. Admission is € 10 for adults, and free entry to children with a paying adult.
GLENVILLE HOUSE: The following are the Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh opening hours for 2025: Tuesday April 1, to Saturday May 31, Tuesday June 3, to Tuesday June 10. And Heritage Week Saturday August 16 to Sunday August 24, inclusive, Tuesday to Saturday from 9-30am to 1-30pm. Admission € 5, Students €3, children and old age pensioners are free. The house is located a mile from Ardagh on the Kilcolman road and is well worth a visit.
FILM CLUB: Newcastle West Film Club present ” Small Things Like These” in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday April 4, at 8.00pm. Admission € 8 and refreshments available. All are welcome.
MASS CHANGES: The changeover of Masses in the Shannon West Pastoral Unit takes place on the weekend of April 5/6. The new mass times will be Saturday April 5, Kilcolman Vigil Mass at 7.30pm and Sunday April 6, Loughill Mass at 9.30am.
CAR BOOT SALE: A fundraising car boot sale will be held at Newcastle West Community Centre on Sunday April 6, from 9am to 1pm. To book a seller’s spot (€12) phone 069-69584. Admission adults €2 and children are free.
TEA DANCE: Social dancing returns to Monagea Hall on Sunday April 6,from 3-6pm. Music by Billy O’Brien, tea and refreshments served and all are welcome.
ATHEA CÉILÍ: A Céilí will be held in the Con Colbert Memorial Hall Athea on Sunday April 6,from 3-6pm. Music by Taylor’s Cross Band . Refreshments will be served. It is a fundraiser for the hall and all support will be appreciated.
MENTAL HEALTH TALK: John Lonergan the former governor of Mountjoy Prison will present a talk ”How to be Happy and Content” at the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Thursday April 10 at 7.30pm. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
DAY OF REFLECTION:- Fr. Duhig is holding a Day of Reflection in preparation for Easter in the Community Centre in Monagea on Saturday, April 12. Hopefully, this will help people to prepare spiritually for Holy Week. The day will begin at 11.00am and end at 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch and there will be a small charge of €10.
PARKINSONS FUNDRAISER: Mary Ita O’Connor Milford has organised a 5km fun run/walk in aid of Parkinson’s Association Ireland. It will take place in the Demesne Newcastle West at 11am on Sunday April 13. Registration on the day from 9.30am in the Community Centre Newcastle West. Cost adults €15,children €5,family €30.
KNOCKFIERNA WALK: The Knockfierna climbers are climbing Knockfierna in aid of the Brothers of Charity on Sunday April 13, at 2.30pm. People are asked to bring a snack for a cup of tea in the Rambling House afterwards. All are welcome.