Road Racing Fundraising Weekend Postponed

Please note that this event has been postponed until further notice due to a clash with a cycle race in Athea village the same weekend

He is on the road again !

Joe Ahern is walking 100 miles for the month of May to raise money for The Irish Heart Foundation.

Joe has raised a large amount of money over the years by doing walks like these and deserves all our support.

If you would like to support Joe please contact 086 8155614

Blood Appeal

Following the May Bank Holiday weekend, the IBTS urgently needs to rebuild blood supplies. As of 9:00 a.m. this morning (Wednesday 7th May), our stock levels have dropped. For example:

• O negative: 2.0 days
• B negative: 2.2 days
• A negative: 2.7 days

We are reaching out to the Listowel Community with an appeal for blood donors to attend this Clinic:

Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th May

Listowel Arms Hotel 4:50pm – 8:10pm

New donors welcome at all clinics.

Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment.

Donated blood plays a vital role in patient care — 65% supports cancer treatments and 5% is used in childbirth-related care. Every donation truly matters.

Thank you again for your continued support

The Way I See It

By Domhnall de Barra

There was great interest in the election of a new Pope in Rome this past week. People waited in St. Peter’s Square to see the white smoke appear from the chimney of the place where the Cardinals were housed during the voting process. Since then there has been great speculation about the new pontiff, someone who was not thought to be among the front runners for the position. He is a very well educated  man with a background in the missions in Peru where he would have encountered a very different kind of life to the one he enjoyed growing up in the USA.  People are wondering and hoping that he will continue in the same way as his predecessor, championing the poor and the downtrodden and trying to bring the church into the 21st century.  There is much that needs changing but we must not expect too much. The Pope has only so much authority when it comes to change. During the ceremonies we saw rows of elderly, well fed men in long robes parading from chapel to chapel and it is these who decide what changes will or will not happen.  Pope Francis wanted to do many things but there are a significant amount of cardinals who are what might be called “old school” and they want to go back to the days of the Latin Mass, segregation of the sexes in Church and a very strict observance of the rules as they applied centuries ago, especially in relation to anything other than heterosexual relations. They also don’t want to give women any power and see them as traditional home makers only. There is no doubt that, unless change comes, and comes soon, the numbers of practising Catholics will fall again. There are huge changes in a few years. When I was young, churches were full at every Mass. There had to be several Masses on Sunday to accommodate those who attended and every Saturday night the confessional boxes would be busy with people trying to get absolution for their sins. The Rosary was said in every house and every meal had a prayer before and after. Nowadays, there aren’t enough attending Mass to justify even one Mass on a Sunday in some places and there is such a shortage of priests that some parishes don’t have Mass at all on a regular basis.  I don’t know how many families still say the rosary but I would say they are few and far between. The question of allowing married men to become priests should be top of the agenda along with the ordination of women. The fact is they are badly needed at the moment due the lack of vocations in this country. The few priests left are run off their feet trying to look after several parishes. It is to be hoped that the new Pope will win over some of the objectors and write a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. We await developments.

I took a walk up the bog road on Sunday last and noticed a good few people turning and footing turf. Due to the prolonged dry spell, turf has dried in record time and some of it is now ready to draw home, or at least that is what it looks like. The old people would not agree. They said that too much sun after the turf was cut was bad for drying because it put a hard skin on the outside of the sod but left the middle a bit raw. They used to say that the best weather for turf was breezy, showery weather. I don’t know but I think that if the newly cut turf gets enough wind along with the sun, it will dry all right. I wasn’t surprised to see so many people in the bog because they are working all the week and this is the only time they have to save their fuel for the winter. They have to take advantage of the fine weather because it will not last forever and when it breaks it might be a long time before another good spell comes. This would not happen long ago though. Sunday was strictly observed as a day of rest, the rule being no unnecessary servile work was allowed on the Sabbath. The only time I saw that rule being broken was in the summer when there was mixed weather and there was hay to be saved. If the Sunday was good and the weather was going to break, the hay would be made up on that day because to leave it might be to lose it entirely. They did not break the rule because it then became necessary work so there was no transgression. Sundays are fast becoming just another day of the week and it is a great pity. It was great therapy for people to put on their best clothes on a Sunday and go to Mass. Afterwards they would meet the neighbours, do a bit of shopping in the local shops and the men might even visit the pub for a swift drink.  I remember Sunday mornings with great affection. My father had a lorry and we picked up people on the road who gladly jumped over the rails into the back to gat a lift to Mass.  In those days the women and the men  sat on different sides of the church so until I was old enough I sat in the women’s aisle with my mother. My abiding memory is the smell of stale sweat which did not change when I was old enough to stand with the men. After Mass we would be treated to an ice cream and maybe be given the price of a comic to read. These comics were magic to us and brought us into a new world of cowboys and Indians or great war heroes. I couldn’t wait to get home and read every line from cover to cover and then go out and pretend I was the cowboy fighting off the dreaded redskins!   How times have changed.

Church Notices

Priests: Fr. Tom Mangan 087-2348226, Fr. Willie Russell 087 2272825, Fr. Dan Lane 087 2621911.

Mass Intentions Sat 17^th May 7.30pm

Bridget Keane (1^st A/v) and her grandfather Ned Quinn. Patsy O’Connor (South Keale),  his parents Ann & William and brothers Joe & Jack. Denny Barrett. Paddy Collins (The Nursery).

Margaret Cummins & her grandmother Mary Vaughan.

All masses are streamed live on https://www.churchservices.tv/athea

Baptisms take place on the fourth weekend of the month. Parents who wish to baptise their child in the next few months should contact Siobhan on 087-3331459.

Parish Administration: Tues-Fri 11am-1pm. call Siobhan on 087-3331459, outside of these hours text or email [email protected]     Facebook:  Athea Parish Church Community

Athea Community Council  Lucky Numbers Draw 12/05/’25

No’s Drawn: 4,  23,  28,  32.  No Winner

Lucky Dips

Ann White,                         Cratloe

Noreen Barry,                   Cratloe

Sarah Brouder,                  Hillcrest House

Shonagh Mahony, c/o Ned Mahony

Sellers Prize:  Collins’ Shop & E. Fitzgerald

Next Draw:  19/05/’25   Venue:  White’s

Jackpot €25,600

by Tom Aherne

LOCAL NURSERY: O Connors Riverside Nurseries in Barnigue,  Carrigkerry have a large selection of planted containers, patio and container plants, alpines, herbaceous plants (plants that come every year) available to purchase. They can also be  located in Abbeyfeale every Tuesday and  in Newcastle West on Thursday and Saturday. Continued success to them.

SLOW DOWN: Limerick Council have erected a flashing slow down speed sigh  at the Old Mill. There is a 50km speed limit sign there already but motorists coming from the Carrigkerry direction are inclined to ignore it. The new sign is to be welcomed around the dangerous junction at the bridge.

FUNERAL GROUP:  The Ardagh Carrigkerry Funeral Group  members are Ardagh : Bernard Kennelly, Chuck Lee. Carrigkerry: Sr. Margaret O’ Sullivan, Helena King, Kathleen Hayes, Marie Culhane, Margaret King.

CONFIRMATION: Congratulations to all the children from Ardagh and Carrigkerry schools who received the sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday May 7. Congratulations also to the children of Ardagh school who received their First Communion  on Saturday May 10.

PLAYGROUND FUNRAISER: Carrigkerry Playground 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. The committee members 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. https://carrigkerryplaygroundgarden.clubforce.com/…/mem…

LOTTERY DRAW: The Ardagh Development Association and Saint Kieran’s GAA joint weekly lottery   draw took place on Monday  May 5.The numbers drawn were 2,6,9,29,and  there was no  winner of the €6,700 Jackpot. Congratulations to the five lucky dip winners who received  € 40 each, Archie Madigan Ardagh, Peig O’Connor the Commons Ardagh, May Gallagher Ardagh, Jimmy and John c/o Neary’s, Noreen O’Meara Coolcappa. Next week’s  Jackpot will be €6,800. 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:  No draw was held this week. The next West Limerick 102fm 50/50 draw will be held on Friday May 16. 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.

LIGHTS PRESENTATION: The Tony Noonan  Christmas Lights Display raised €30,240 for four mid West charities, Limerick Suicide Watch, Milford Care Centre, Slí Eile Churchtown, Cork and Recovery Haven Cancer Support House Kerry. The presentations were held recently at the Longcourt Hotel Newcastle West.

GAELIC GAMES: St Kieran’s lost by 3-17 to 2-14 in the West Senior Football Championship semi final played in Adare on Monday May 5.

St Kieran’s  lost to Granagh/Ballingarry by 2-18 to 1-15 in the West Junior B Hurling League in Ballingarry on Tuesday May 6.

St Kieran’s defeated Castlemahon by 2-13 to 2-10 in the West Junior B Football League semi final played in Ardagh on Wednesday  May 7. They play Father Casey’s in the final at Newcastle West on Saturday May 17, at 7pm.

LADIES FOOTBALL: Róisín Ambrose (0-1) from the Old Mill club was on the  Limerick team that defeated Kerry  by 1-16 to 1-4 in round 2 of the Munster Senior B Football Championship at Mick Neville Park on Friday May 2.

SOCCER NEWS: Creeves Celtic lost 2-1 (Jack O’Sullivan) away to Rathkeale in the Premier Division of the Desmond League on Sunday May 4. Carrig Celtic already champions  lost 4-1 away to Glin Rovers B in Division 2.Kilcolman Rovers defeated Glantine/Mountcollins B 2-0 away in Division 3 with goals from Mike O’Sullivan and Mike Cremin.

FITNESS CLASS: St Kieran’s GAA Club are holding a fitness  class for adults  on Fridays from 11am to 12 noon, at Ardagh Community Hall. €5 per person per class, followed by refreshments and  a chat. For more information call Paula on (087)2223581.

MARY’S FOOD AID:  A group called Mary’s food aid to Kenya was formed in our pastoral unit in June 2023, the aim is to provide food to those who are hungry. Our contact in Kenya is a priest of the Kiltegan Fathers, Fr. Tom Laffan. Fr. Tom lives in the parish of kokichoggin in the northern part of Kenya and is a native of Murroe/ Boher Co. Limerick. All help will go directly to those in need. Where Fr. Tom lives many people suffer from hunger, when food is available many families cannot afford to buy it. Any donation is greatly appreciated and can be lodged at Desmond credit Union Newcastle West and a receipt will be provided. The Money is transferred directly to Fr. Tom and his team and there are no expenses involved. We give an account during the year of the amount sent; we transferred €2,500 this week to Fr. Tom Laffan. Thanks for your ongoing support of ‘Mary’s Food Aid to Kenya.

MEN ON THE MOVE: St Kieran’s GAA healthy club committee are delighted to bring a new programme to the community. Men on the Move is an 8-week physical activity programme which takes place twice weekly in the evenings. The Programme is for Men only and is facilitated in such way that everyone participates at their own pace. This programme is as much about the social engagement/involvement as the physical activity. Each session lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour and consists of 40 minutes cardio, 20 minutes’ strength- including warm up/cool down/stretching. Activities within the sessions can include Team Challenges/team games/circuits/walking/jogging/boxing/walking soccer etc the activities are always chosen in consultation with the group. Also included is a workshop on wellbeing and healthy eating which will be delivered throughout the programme. Location: St Kieran’s GAA Club Ardagh. Calendar: Mondays and Wednesdays: May 12. – July 2. Time: 8pm – 9pm. The cost is €30 for the programme. Please register at the link below. https://limericksports.ie/…/men-on-the-move-10/2025-05-12/

ITAS NIGHT: Ita’s rambling house will be held in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West on Friday  May 16, at 7.30pm. All musicians, singers, storytellers, dancers and listeners  are welcome to attend  for a great night’s enjoyment.

TROCAIRE APPEAL:  A reminder of the Trócaire Lenten appeal to help communities in the developing world.  Trócaire boxes were available in the local church porches,  from the start of Lent.  We were 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/donations need to be returned to the churches now, so they can be forwarded to Trocaire to distribute abroad.

CHURCH DATES:   The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church Carrigkerry on Saturday May 17, at 11am. The First Holy Communion Ceremony will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Saturday May 24, at 12.30pm and in St Kyran’s Church Coolcappa at 10.30am. The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in St Colman’s Church Kilcolman on Tuesday May 20, at 10am.

MAY FAIR: The annual Vintage Rally and May Fair will be held in Dromcollogher on Sunday May 18. It is a major fundraiser for the Dromcollogher and District Respite Care Centre. Sister Bridie O’Sullivan from Carrigkerry still involved,  has been a volunteer, fundraiser and great supporter  of the fair over the years. All support will be greatly appreciated.

GROTTO ROSARY: The Holy Rosary will be recited at Churchtown Grotto each evening during May at 6pm. Rosary at the Grotto Foynes Church each evening during May at 7pm.  Rosary at  the Marian Shrine Rathkeale every evening during the month of May at 6.30 pm and all are welcome.

VISITOR CENTRE: The Glin Knights Visitor Centre located next to Glin Library is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free to see this very interesting exhibition.

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.

OLD RECTORY: The Old Rectory Ballywilliam Rathkeale is open to the public from May 1 to November 30. The opening hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. It will be open also during Heritage Week from  Saturday August 16 to  Sunday  August 24. The admission is € 8 and additional information by calling 087-8269123.

FLEADH CHEOIL: Croom is the venue for this year’s  County Limerick Fleadh Cheoil, hosted by the Ahane/Herbertstown Comhaltas branch. It will be held from Friday May 30 to Sunday June1. A great weekend of music, song, dance and enjoyment is promised.

by Kthleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT.

Can you believe it we still are experiencing the most beautiful weather in a long time with no break yet even for a drop of rain which I’m sure the farmers especially are hoping for to bring along the grass growth and Silage Crop. The turf that has been cut a few weeks ago is in great condition and doesn’t a bit of sun make all the difference and makes everything that bit easier ,except of course for the daily watering of the flowers etc but sure as the saying goes——we can’t have jam on both sides.

Sincere Congrats are extended to Timmy Hanrahan of Clash Athea who celebrated his 90th birthday recently with a lovely get together of his family at the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastlewest . Here’s to many more years of good Health to Timmy . A great time was had by everyone.

A nice crowd attended The All Ireland Rosary Rally here in the Church Grounds in Athea on Saturday afternoon last . Well done to the leaders Margaret McAuliffe and Pat Higgins who led the get together  which also took part all over Ireland  at the same time on Saturday.

Someone was mentioning on the radio recently that the Art of letter writing is gone out the window  and isn’t it a pity. It told the Story of an elderly Lady that took to writing an address on an envelope to herself as she was living alone and just so that the postman would call and talk to her for a few minutes even though there was nothing inside the envelope .Its SAD really when loneliness is a huge issue for elderly who have no one and I suppose now with the cost of stamps there isn’t much posting .

I just heard the other day of a couple of new words that have been added to the English Dictionary, and they definitely sound like Irish additions . One is YERRA and another would you believe is SPICE-BOX.

Another article I happened to read recently was that one in 5 parents think that asking their kids to do a few jobs around the house  think that it’s harmful, heartless and cruel,  can you believe it. What is the World coming to at all. Some parents it stated that it was Madness to pay children for something they should be doing anyway like learning to make their beds properly ,tidy their rooms and maybe mow the lawn if older. Other Parents it stated may hand out 40 Euro a month or so  to empty the dishwasher ,clean the car or do a bit of weeding . Other Parents on the other hand decided it was easier to do the work themselves rather than having the sink for example overflowing with bubbles after using nearly a bottle of washing up liquid . But I think if they are shown in the first place the proper way to do things they will eventually get the knack .

Thought For The Week

Dreams are the Seeds of Change .Nothing ever grows without a seed ,and Nothing ever changes without a Dream.