by Tom Aherne
CONNIE ENRIGHT: The death has taken place of Connie (Boss) Enright Main Street, Ardagh, on June 18, in Galway University Hospital surrounded by his family. The passing of Connie caught us all by surprise, as he was active and out and about walking his dogs and enjoying life. He was a retired lorry driver collecting and delivering milk for Ardagh Creamery, Dairygold and gave great service to the Co-Operative industry from 1964. Connie was very committed to his work being thorough and hard working in the role. He was friendly and witty, and he had a great way with words. He provided great entertainment for people attending his daughters Hairdressing Saloon. He loved Ardagh and was always on hand to give good advice and engage in banter. He also enjoyed his game of cards.
Reposing was held at St Molua’s Church, Ardagh on Sunday June 22 from 3 to 6pm. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Joe Cussen, Fr Michael Noonan and Fr Larry Madden at 11.30am on Monday. Family members participated during the ceremony and Fr Joe paid tribute to Connie and Angela who would have celebrated their 61st wedding Anniversary on the following day ( Tuesday June 24). They were a very united couple who always attended Mass and religious ceremonies. The Communion Reflection ”The Dash” read so proficiently by daughter Ailish was a lovely tribute and summed up Connie’s long and fruitful life.
Connie was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy to his wife Angela (nee Sammon), daughter Ailish, sons John and David, siblings Sr. Bridget, Ailish (Moloney) and Michael, daughters-in-law Breda and Maureen, son-in-law Liam, grandchildren Sarah, Killian, Jack, Meadhbh, Conor, Eoghan, Leah and C.J., nieces, nephew, relatives and friends. Ardagh has lost a real gentleman and character whose unique presence will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in Peace.
MARY O’CONNOR: The death has taken place of Mary O’Connor,(nee Culhane) Duncaha, Shanagolden, in her 98th year, peacefully at Beechwood House Nursing Home Newcastle West on Monday June 23, surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her beloved husband John, brother Michael, sisters Ellen and Kathleen. Reposing took place at St Colman’s Church, Kilcolman on Thursday June 26, from 6pm – 8pm. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Tim Curtin, Fr Denis Mullane and Fr Mossie Costelloe in Kilcolman church on Friday at 12 noon. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful, offertory gifts, thank you, and Maura and Donie performed appropriate hymns and music.
Fr Tim’s homily was based on the role of a mother within a family as he paid tribute to Mary. She had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart, and it was fitting that her Requiem Mass was celebrated on its feast day. Barnigue was her native place and her teacher Helen Hardiman from Galway gave her a love for the Irish language. She married John O’Connor on June 25, 1958, and they were blessed with 6 in family. Farming was their livelihood, and Mary was also a home maker, whose life centred around her family and looking after their needs. In later life she enjoyed the company of her four grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by family, but her name will live on in their lives as they recall the happy days spent together. Mary was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. Sympathy to her children Terry, Pat, Mary, John, Joe and Eileen, sons in law Aidan and Martin, daughters in law Marie and Mary, grandchildren Emer, Eoin, Helena and James, nieces, nephews, kind neighbours and friends. May she rest in Peace.
RETIREMENT WISHES: The Board of Management of St Molua’s National School made a presentation to Eileen Ambrose to mark her retirement after teaching there for 30 years.
EVELYN STACK: A special thanksgiving Mass in appreciation of Evelyn Stack to mark her retirement as a teacher (38 years) in Carrigkerry National School was celebrated by Fr Frank O’Dea in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Wednesday June 25. A large attendance included past and present teachers and staff, present and past pupils, family members and friends to pay tribute to her long and dedicated service. Following Mass all assembled at the school for presentations, speeches, photos and refreshments. Anne Horan INTO President paid a lovely tribute to Evelyn who commenced teaching in Carrigkerry in 1987 after a short time spent in Kildare. Past principal John Looney also spoke in praise of her contribution to the development of the pupils in her care. John Mulvihill Chairperson of the Board of Management spoke thanking her for her long and dedicated service to the school. A number of presentations from the school, management, teachers etc followed. Evelyn in reply thanked all for attending and praised the Carrigkerry people for their kindness and support down the years.
It was extra special to see members of the Stack family present and their close links with Carrigkerry School. Evelyn’s mother Mary Barry who grew up nearby at Barnigue Cross, taught in Carrigkerry from 1954 to 1957, before her marriage to James Stack
from Dromcollogher. Her sister Margaret attended Carrigkerry School while living with her grandmother Katherine Barry for a number of years. Both were present and renewed acquaintances with past pupils. Two beautiful cakes were cut and distributed to all present as people mingled and took photos to remember the occasion and to link the past with the present. We thank Evelyn for choosing Carrigkerry to impart her knowledge there, and for her long and dedicated service to teaching. She spent more time there than Joe Duffy of RTE fame who commenced his career in 1989. May her retirement be lengthily and enjoyable and blessed with all she wishes for.
PARISH CLERK’S COLLECTION: The Ardagh/Carrigkerry parish clerk’s collection will be taken up in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday July 12, and in St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Sunday July 13. We are very lucky to have such dedicated people in charge of both churches. Please be generous with your donations.
DESMOND LEAGUE AWARDS: Congratulations to Eoin McEnery from the Creeves Celtic club who has been selected on the Desmond Leagues Premier Team of the year, 2024/25. He was chosen in attack after contributing many goals and assists during the season. He also plays hurling and football with St Kieran’s and is a very popular figure around the locality. Congratulations to Adam Bennett Carrig Celtic, Division 2 Player of the year and along with team members, Jack O’Sullivan, Anthony Molyneaux, and Ray Brouder, all selected on the Division 1team of the year. Congratulations to Mike O’Sullivan Kilcolman Rovers, Division 3 Player of the Year and along with team member Conor Finucane selected on the Division 2 team of the year.
BUY A BRICK FUNRAISER: Carrigkerry Playground/Sensory Garden Committee launched their ‘Buy A Brick’ fundraiser on Easter Monday. If you’d like to have a brick with your name/family name or in memory of someone special, then please follow the link below to purchase or alternatively contact a member of the committee. It’s a one-off fee of €50 to have your brick added to the wall. A ‘’In Memory of Section’’ has been added where you can purchase a brick and dedicate it to a deceased loved one. The link was not working properly but it has now been updated and is more user friendly. You can contact any committee members who include Pat King, Leanne Greaney, Maggie O Connor, Grainne Mc Coy, Lorraine Hannafin O’Sullivan, Aine O’Connor, Teresa Hayes, Helen King, Emer O’Connor or ring 087-2750061 https://carrigkerryplaygroundgarden.clubforce.com/…/mem…
LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery draw took place on Monday June 23.The numbers drawn were 13,17,28,29, and there was no winner of the €7,400 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received € 40 each, Nora Moriarty, Abbeyfeale/o Moloney’s, Vera and Ed Ballingarry c/o Neary’s, Tommy Greaney Kilcolman, William Collins Shanagolden, Kate Ambrose Ardagh. Next week’s Jackpot will be €7,500. 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.
LADIES FOOTBALL: Limerick lost to Sligo by 2-13 to 1-4 in the 4th match in the All-Ireland Junior Ladies Football Championship played at Cloonacool Community Park on Sunday June 22.Sophie Hennessy and Captain Róisín Ambrose from the Old Mill club were members of the team. After the loss Limerick exit the championship.
COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to all the medal winners from the St Kieran’s club at the Limerick Community Games Athletic finals held in Mungret on June 21/22.
CAR BOOT SALE: A Car boot sale will be held in the Community Centre Newcastle West on Saturday July 5, from 8-30am to 2pm. To book a place (€12) call 069-69584. Indoor and outdoor places are available. Admission €2 and tea and refreshments will be available to purchase.
GARDEN FETE: The annual Rathfredagh Garden Fete will be held on Sunday July 6. The committee are asking people for donations of second-hand goods for the bric-a-brac and other stalls. Items can include jewellery, handbags, shoes, books, soft toys, CDs, DVDs, ornaments, household goods, etc. The items can be dropped off at Rathfredagh Cheshire Home.
CEMETERY MASS: The Lismakeera Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday July 7, at 7.30pm. The annual Reilig Mhuire Mass will be celebrated in Askeaton on Sunday July 13, at 3pm. It would be appreciated if the graves of people without living relatives were attended to. All grave owners are invited to attend and pray for their deceased relatives.
WILLIE CLANCY WEEK: The Willie Clancy Summer School is held each July in Milltown Malbay in West Clare. For one week the town and surrounding area plays host to thousands of musicians, singers and dancers from all parts of the world. From early until late an overflow of people throng the workshops, pubs, halls and spill out onto the streets for outdoor entertainment. Many people take their yearly holidays to coincide with the festival and stay in local accommodation. The festival attracts a large following from Limerick interested in traditional music song and dance. Willie was a musician who played the Uileann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle. He is buried in the local Ballard cemetery and his statue can be seen on the main street. On Sunday July 6, Taylors Cross Céilí Band will be playing in the Mill Marquee from 9.30pm. Admission € 10 and a great night of set dancing is promised.