Kildimo Community Notes W/E Feb 11 2012

Fr John Donworth PP leading the prayers at St Brigids Well,Cartown,Kildimo Lá'le Bríde 2012

REMEMBERANCES:  Among those remembered in liturgical celebrations recently are included Maureen Fitzgerald of Cloongownagh and Morgan Malone of whose first anniversaries occur.  On the weekend of February 11, Masses will be celebrated for the McCann family, Eamonn Lyons and Kathleen Hartnett.
 

NATIONAL SCHOOL:  Application forms are available from the school office at 394500 for the coming year students.  Final date for submissions is April 16 2012

 

GAA VIOLENCE!  Much in the news nowadays is the examples of bad-tempered clashes between GAA teams.  As a caution before climbing your high horse of indignation against such encounters, be aware that our history might induce a firm adherence to terra firma.  Back in 1959, according to the news item supplied by one of those involved in the case, representatives of our local club found themselves before Justice D.F. Gleeson in the City Court.  We hope that Justice Gleeson was no relation of either Thomas or Stephen Gleeson who brought our heroes before the Justice of the same name.  Many of the local team are still around to tell the tale and it might not correspond to the report as outlined in the local press.  Flag- poles, fists and hurleys were given unorthodox use in the melee and the referee and his brother came off  the worst with black eyes and contusions and a couple of nights as guest of the Regional Hospital.  This victim, who was also the referee, described the game as “robust and rough” and when you consider that our neighbours from Ballybrown were the opposition, you might well understand that as true.  Solicitor M.  Tynan put up a good defence for the Kildimo men; you might say “the sixteenth man” on the local team.  The ultimate decision and referee of this courtroom encounter, sans hurleys and flagpoles, Mr Justice Gleeson- no relation of the two brothers- decided on behalf of the Gleesons and fined club members a total of £12.  He cautioned that if hurleys had been (proven to have been) used as weapons, he would indicate a jail term.  A ‘dacent’ man surely and understanding of our national pastimes.
 

ROAD SAFETY:  You may have noticed that traffic into Kildimo village from the Ferry Bridge is now proceeding at a much reduced rate of speed.  This is because of the Co Council’s and the Roads Authority new speed monitoring instrument that records and flashes its message to drivers.  A very useful device in controlling speed and enhancing road safety for villagers.
 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:  With the start of the new University semester, the Kemmy business students have begun their work on studying the social and economic strengths and weaknesses of Kildimo and its environs.  They will bring a refreshingly new and objective approach to our local environs where those of us who are in constant contact with may not always recognise such strengths and indeed weaknesses.  It is likely following their initial study of our records that they will be seen on the ground studying the environment at first hand.  For this latter phase, you are likely to come into contact with them as they monitor local opinions in regard to our future development.
 

A GUARD NO MORE:  There was a big turnout for Noel Nicholson’s retirement party at ‘De Bucket’ on Saturday night, February 4.  Noel received many testimonies and tokens from the various local clubs and organisations in which he was involved professionally and socially.  His wife Martina who manned the barricades behind the front line, was also given due praise for her support.  We look forward to many more years of their generous contributions to local clubs and events.  
 

ANN THANKS:  The hard-working parish clerk Ann Hayes wishes to convey to parishioners her thankfulness for the generous response to the recent church collection on her behalf. Go raibh mile maith agaibh. 

 

HEALTHY COOKING/EATING:  Following the success of her recent classes in Pallaskenry and in order to accommodate those who didn’t make them, Nuala Kavanagh will host those same classed in Kildimo GAA Clubhouse.  The courses begin on Tuesday, February 21 with two sessions daily from 10.30 am and from 7.30 pm of two hours duration.  All aspects of healthy cooking and dealing with food intolerances will be dealt with.  Anne Marie O’Connor a Nutritional Therapist will add her expertise as will Maggie Hanley on the virtues of wheat grass.  And all for €60.  Enquiries to Nuala on 087 6493720 or visit her on www.jkscookingparties.com. 

 

BANTRACHT NA TUAITHE: Book Club facilitator May Galvin was very pleased with the turn out for the February gathering at ‘De Bucket’ Pub Ferrybridge recently. Following a good discussion it was agreed that the chosen book ‘My Best Friends Girl’ by Dorothy Koomson was a very good choice .When the group meet again in early April there will be an opportunity to discuss ‘A Years Turning’ by popular author and Irish Times columnist  Michael Viney.

 

COMMUNITY LOTTO:  Numbers 2, 5, 11 & 16 were drawn in the community lotto draw of January 31, for a Jackpot of €10,400.  No member predicted this combination so ‘Lucky Dips’ of €20 each were drawn by Paddy Kelly, Frances O’Donoghue, Richie McKeogh, Marie O’Curry and Caroline O’Connell. Watch out for the draw for a special package on all tickets bought on St. Valentine’s Day.

 

GAA LOTTO:  On January 30, numbers 3, 13, 16 & 28 were drawn for a Jackpot of €20.000.  No member predicted this combination so ‘Lucky Dips’ of €50 each were won by Bert Moylan, Alan Fitzgerald, Ann O’Dea and Maurice Fennessy.  The Jackpot has been capped at €20,000 for many weeks now so this could be your lucky break!

MEMORIAL FUN RUN:  It’s now twenty years since Joey Hannan met his death while cycling home from work and the memorial committee are organising their annual event in his honour on St. Patrick’s Day.  Walkers will take off at 1.15 pm and runners at 2.00 pm. Participants will be entertained to a refreshing cup of tea afterwards and prizes will be awarded for the best ‘Fancy Dress’.  The same night there will be an Irish night at the Scout’s Den with €5 admission with all proceeds going to worthwhile charities.  Enquiries about the event to Christy at 087 0682662 or Niall at 087 0522347

 

PASTORAL CENTRE:  Limerick Pastoral Centre in Denmark Street has issued their new Calendar of Events for 2012.  The lofty aims of this Centre are pursued through a wide range of courses aimed at promoting health of body, mind and soul.  Rooms at the Centre are available for hire by all and include all modern educational aids.  Among those using the Centre are self-help groups promoting mental health, addiction support and families suffering bereavement.  Staff at this facility is Fr. Noel Kirwan, Director; Karen Kiely, Administrator; Noirín Lynch, Development Officer; Fr. Chris O’Donnell, Director of Youth Ministry and Aoife Walsh, Youth Ministry Co-ordinator.  Enquiries by phone to 061 400133.

BOXERCISE CLASSES:  The Community Centre Pallaskenry is the place to be if you’re interested in participating in ‘Boxercise’.  John at ((087) 9115411 will give you details or turn up at 7.00 pm on Tuesday evenings. 

BANOGUE INVITES:  This year’s annual parish musical is the very popular ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ which will be staged on February, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 8.00 pm.  You’ll see Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull and come away humming classics like, ‘There’s no business like show business’, ‘Doin’ what comes naturally’ and lots of others.

GEORGE AHERNE RIP

GEORGE AHERNE RIP
December 9th 1960 – January 5th 2012

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

The death took place on January 5 2012 in Changchun City, Jilin, China of George
Aherne, formerly of Old Kildimo, Co Limerick and Doolin, Co. Clare. George was a well
known member of the Aherne family, son of Mai and the late
Christy, father to Maura Rose and brother of Noel, Kevin and
Mairead. Georges life was one filled with positivity, spirit and
adventure and he touched everyone with his zest for life. He was
the ideal son, always loving, always respectful and willing to
help with the many projects that were underway in our house
over the course of the years.George was born in Carrickerry in
December 1960 and was Mai and Christy’s first born son. His
early education was spent in Ballyloughane and Ardagh,
followed by Kildimo National School where his family had
moved in 1970 when his father was appointed local creamery
manager.

Even at an early age, George has a huge interest in agriculture,
mechanics and the outdoors spending many hours working with
the local farmers and his father. From the age of four he spent
most summers at the Heffernan’s in the Old Mill and latterly saving hay with the Liston’s,
Nash’s and Mulqueens in Old Kildimo. George completed his secondary education at
Colaiste Mhuire in Askeaton and it was a natural progression that he went to University of
Limerick where he studied Electronic Engineering. George had a natural aptitude for
Electronics, electrics, mechanics and construction. When he graduated he worked for four
years for Varian in Limerick initially in an engineering role before being promoted to a
management position.

George always loved the outdoors and wanted to travel and immigrated to the US in
1986 and it was there that he discovered and developed a second career in construction.
George initially worked in San Francisco where he learned the trade of carpentry and
developed first hand knowledge of timber framed housing and the detailed joinery work
that was expected in the US. He had a great love of wood and was immensely creative in
solving any problem put in front of him. His ideas were never run of the mill and he was a
perfectionist, always trying to achieve the best result for whoever he was working for at the
time. He was always a very vocal exponent of timber frame housing even when that method

where he used his previous management experience and his practical carpentry skills.

George lived for a number of years in northern California where his daughter Maura was
born before returning home to Ireland when Christy passed away in 2001 when he settled
in Doolin, Co. Clare. George became part of the fabric of life in Doolin and he absolutely
loved the music and the craic, the lively debates in McGanns and the diversity of the
people he met, all of whom gave him a different perspective on what was going on in the
world. He was happiest in Doolin and it was there that he met with Teresa, his partner,
who completed the circle for him. Doolin loved George too and George would have been
delighted to see the huge numbers of people who came to his wake – the village will be a
little quieter, a little less controversial and a little less passionate without him.

George had many interests such as Travelling, Man United and horseracing but his
greatest interest was in politics and economics. He had a huge mind, one which was never
restricted by what he read in the papers or heard on the news. An average political
discussion with George would last a couple of hours and would end with all of the
protagonists saying goodbye to any of their previously held beliefs. The breadth and depth
of his knowledge of world affairs was quite extraordinary and he both entertained and
educated everyone he spoke politics and economics with.

Over the course of his life George was faced with a number of challenges. However there
was nothing that his courage, determination and conviction could not overcome and he
faced everything, including his illness, with marvellous positivity.

George began his final adventure a little more than 50 days ago, when he travelled to
Changchun in northern China for treatment for his illness. While he was there he made an
exceptional impact on the Jilin University Hospital care team so much so that he became
the topic of conversation over dinner each evening for the staff and their families. He made
friends easily and they will plant a tree at the hospital in his memory on March 12th which
is a lucky day in China.

George passed away on January 5th 2012, and remained positive to the end which sums ups
his personality and zest for life. His motto was and always be “Forward and Positive, Live
every day like it was your last, and don’t worry about the small stuff”

George’s months mind Mass will be celebrated in St Joseph’s Church Kildimo at 12.00 on
Sunday February 19 2012.

Compiled by his sister Mairead McKenna

Kildimo Community Notes W/E Feb 4 2012

Gemma Harte,Human Ressource Managemen (Hons) Graduate from Univ.of Limerick

MILFORD VALENTINE’S PARTY:  The Woodlands Adare is the venue for the sixth annual fundraiser for Milford.  Partygoers will be entertained from 7.00 pm with local traditional musicians in the Lobby.  The four-course dinner follows with entertainment to suit all ages afterwards.  ‘Taylor’s Twist’ from Galway will get the dancing going with their lively trad and modern music.  If you’re still standing after that, DJB will continue into the night.  Tickets at €45 are available from Joan at 086 162560 or 069 82166.

 

INFORMATION FOR PENSIONERS:  The West Limerick Caring for Carers group in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners will hold a free information morning on Monday February 6 at 10am in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West.  Information will be provided regarding pensions and taxation, the household levy, water charges and septic tank charges.  Public representatives have also been invited to attend.  Contact Caring for Carers on 061 469484 or 393115 or email caringforcarerslimerick@eircom.net
 

RECENT WEDDING:  The Griffin family of Faha celebrated the happy nuptials of their daughter Amanda to Aidan O’Neill of Camheen, Mungret, on December 16.  The civil ceremony was conducted at the Lakeside Hotel Killaloe with the Bride’s Matron of Honour Siobhán Walsh and Kieran O’Brien standing with the Groom.  The Flower Girls were Amanda and Aidan’s daughters Shannon and Lauren.  Representatives from both families proclaimed the readings and Amanda’s brother Bryan and his girlfriend Mags provided music and song.  The happy family have resided in Faha since their partnership and they have the good wishes of their families and friends for their continued happiness.  
 
 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The graduates of the Kemmy Business School from U.L. will have as their Primary Research Objectives the engagement with the local community and the organisations within it.  The knowledge level of the members of the community in regard to the overall development project for the village and its environs will be a primary concern of theirs.  Following on from that will be an assessment of interest and involvement in such a project.  Consideration will be given to the best use of local facilities, for example, how best integrate the Library facility into community activities. They will also research community perceptions in regard to the possible integration of the old creamery into any development plan. 

 
 

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS:  Bridgewater Management are presenting a course for those contemplating starting a business.  The venue is the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel and the course is on five consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning on February 14 at 7.00 pm.   The course will cover all aspects of business start-up and management and the fee is €50.  Booking is essential to the County Enterprise Board at 061 496520.  Kilmurry Lodge is at www.kilmurrylodge.com. 

BANTRACHT NA TUAITHE: Kildimo members are resuming activities this week and will be meeting at ‘The Seven Sisters’Pub,Old Kildimo on Wednesday night at 8.15pm.Programme for period to June 2012 will be among the matters on the agenda and all members are invited to attend. 

MOTION AT COUNCIL MEETING:  At the January meeting Councillor Patrick C. Fitzgerald moved a motion that Limerick County Council requests the national roads authority to meet a deputation comprising of representatives from the Community Council and residents of the Kildimo area. The residents are campaigning for the realignment of Court cross Kildimo, on the N69 Coast Road to facilitate a right-hand turning lane. Councillor Fitzgerald stated that this area is one of the most dangerous locations on the N69 route. Mr Fitzgerald stated that motorists and residents making their way to their homes at Faha, Ardlahan and all places towards Ringmoylan, find it extremely dangerous to navigate their way off the main road. Several accidents have been recorded in this area over the past decade. The same Councillor expressed of a fear that serious fatalities may occur in the future. 

RETIREMENT PARTY:  A well-deserved party to mark his four decades service to law and order will be celebrated for Noel Nicholson.  All are welcome to see him off at ‘De Bucket’ on Saturday February 4 at 8.30 pm.  A native of Co. Roscommon, he joined the ‘boys in blue’ as a clean-shaven twenty four old and on completion of his training he was posted to Edward Street Station, beginning his life’s career that was wholly served in Co. Limerick.  His boots and cap will be finally put to storage in Pallaskenry Station which was his last of many postings.  With his wife Martina, he looks forward to a long and active retirement in his adopted Curraheen where Martina and he have reared their four children.  Lots more to give Noel!

COMMUNITY LOTTO:  Numbers 3, 6, 16 & 18 were drawn in the community lotto draw of January 24, 2012 for a Jackpot of €10,350.  No member predicted this combination so ‘Lucky Dips’ of €20 each were drawn by Dylan Hogan, Con Downes, John O’Mahony, Mary Rogan and A & D O’Brolcháin. Watch out for the draw for a special package on all tickets bought on St. Valentine’s Day.
 

GRADUATED:  Congratulations to Gemma Harte of Ballynacarriga, daughter of Michael and Rosario who recently graduated with an honours degree in ‘Human Resource Management’.  Gemma received all her early education in Kildimo National School and Salesian College, Pallaskenry.  She hopes to continue her upward educational climb by embarking on a Master Degree in September, also at UL. 

 

GAA LOTTO:  On January 23, numbers 5, 16, 22 & 24 were drawn for a Jackpot of €20.000.  No member predicted this combination so ‘Lucky Dips’ of €50 each were won by Stephen Downey, Daniel Tierney, Paddy Mulvihill & Tony Purcell.  The Jackpot has been capped at €20,000 for many weeks now so this could be your lucky break!

CITIZENS AGAINST CHARGES:  A meeting to address the issue of new charges for citizens and other matters of a similar nature will be held at the Devon Inn, Templeglantine on Monday, February 6 at 8.00 pm.  An earlier meeting in NCW on the subject was so well attended that this larger venue is necessary to deal with all the issues related to the assault on rural living.  Apart from charges related to septic tanks, household tax, water and other charges, the demise of the rural village and its facilities is draining the life blood from such areas.  All public representatives and TD’s are invited to hear your opinion on these vital topics.  For further information contact Pat O’Donovan Chairman on 087 9977340/ 069 62713 or Mike Kennedy Secretary on 069 62260.

FREE PHILOSOPHY: Mary Immaculate College have a series of Philosophy talks on Wednesday evenings at 6.00 pm, in the new Tara Building, Room T206.  On February 15, the talk will be a joint venture between Doctors Vittorio Bufacchi from UCC and Siobhán O’Sullivan from the host college.  The title of this presentation is ‘Social Injustice- What it is and How to fix it’.  Who better to fix things than philosophers?

PASTORAL CENTRE:  Limerick Pastoral Centre in Denmark Street has issued their new Calendar of Events for 2012.  The lofty aims of this Centre are pursued through a wide range of courses aimed at promoting health of body, mind and soul.  Rooms at the Centre are available for hire by all and include all modern educational aids.  Among those using the Centre are self-help groups promoting mental health, addiction support and families suffering bereavement.  Staff at this facility is Fr. Noel Kirwan, Director; Karen Kiely, Administrator; Noirín Lynch, Development Officer; Fr. Chris O’Donnell, Director of Youth Ministry and Aoife Walsh, Youth Ministry Co-ordinator.  Enquiries by phone to 061 400133.