COUNTYWIDE
ASDEE
MIKE MCNAMARA, RIP
The local community lost one of the last of the old stock in the parish with the death of Mike McNamara of Craughdarrig.
Mike was a gentleman in every sense of the word leading an active life enjoying the freedom that farming life gave him.
A man of warm, kind and gentle disposition he came from a very well known and highly respected family.
Mike had a great sense of humour and wit and loved a bit of hop ball, banter and fun whenever he met neighbours and friends.
His parents were dairy farmers and when they passed away he carried on his dairy farming duties and retired from the scene himself when he reached pension age.
He farmed a nice parcel of land and he loved the freedom he got in the rural environment.
He was happy as Larry working on the land and he kept the family tradition alive until he retired.
Mike didn’t have to go far to find his wife as once he met Ballynoneen girl Mary Tydings they were destined for a life together and his wedding day was the happiest day of his life
They went on to become soulmates since they walked down the aisle back in the1986 and they enjoyed a great life together accompanying each other everywhere they went
His faith played a key role in his everyday life and he attended church every weekend with his wife Marty
He enjoyed sport and called to watch local teams playing at Craughdarrig Park and Jack Walsh Park in Tullahinell.
A great void occurred in Mike’s life back in November when his wife Mary had to go into Nursing Home care which left him with a huge sense of loss
His life was empty after this but got on as best he could in the circumstances with the assistance of his relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mike and his wife Mary lived very fulfilled lives together and made a huge contribution to the local community.
If there was any kind of social event in the area they always attended together.
They enjoyed going to Listowel for a bit of shopping and frequently dropped in for a cup of tea at café’s in the town and they always enjoyed meeting people they knew.
They never missed a Horse Fait In Listowel and always kept the great tradition of visiting Ballybunion to mark the end of the harvest on August 15th every year.
Wherever they bumped into any people they knew they would always stopped for a chat and they never had a bad word to say about anyone.
He had a great knowledge of local history and folklore and had great tales to tell about his younger days in Asdee and he had a great memory and could remember things from way back in his childhood years.
He loved all the old traditions in life and loved to chat with people who had similar interests.
He was an avid reader of the Kerryman and tuned into the Asdee
Notes every week to keep abreast with everything that was happening in the local community.
He embodied the spirit of community and camaraderie where hard work, resilience and a deep connection to the land shaped his character.
Mike and Mary’s lives was a testament to unwavering love and shared dreams and they wove a tapestry of companionship, laughter, and shared memories.
Mike’s quips and anecdotes lifted spirits and created bonds that transcended generations.
The townland of Craughdarrig will never be the same place after the passing of Mike but his memory will live long into the future through the great memories he has left behind.
Very large congregations turned out for his wake at Lynch’s Funeral Home in Ballylongford on Sunday evening.
A big congregation attended his Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church on Monday morning and he was laid to rest afterwards at Kilconly Cemetery.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Mary and all his relatives, neighburs and friends.
ASDEE GAA
National Club Draw: To those of you who participated in the National Club Draw, the Club thanks you. Unfortunately, there was no winner from the Club when the draw was held on March 27th.
Results: Senior County League, Rd.2 Asdee 1 - 02 Duagh 3-18, U-13, Rd. 2 Castleisland Desmonds A 4-09 Northern Gaels A 5-05 Rd. 2 Castleisland Desmonds B 2-04 Northern Gaels B 2-07.
Fixtures: Senior County League, Div. 5A, Rd.3, April 7th Austin Stacks B v Asdee at 2pm away. U-13 County Football League, Northern Gaels has entered 2 teams in this competition, Div. 6, Rd.3 April 7th Northern Gaels v Daingean Uí Chúis at 6pm.Div. 12 Rd.3 April 7th Northern Gaels B v Moyvane B at 6pm. U-15 County Football League - Div.7A, Rd. 3 April 10th Currow v Northern Gaels at 7pm. U-11 County Football GO GAMES 2024 - Phase 1 - Rd.1: April 11th Tarbert v Asdee/Bally at 6.30pm.
BALLYBUNION
CONDOLENCES
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Catherine Dalton (née McMahon), late of Rahavanig and formerly of Kilmorna. May she rest in peace.
MOYA
The 7th MOYA Festival will take place this May Bank Holiday Weekend. On Sunday there will be a huge market, the playground will host a Drumming Extravaganza, Bouncy Castles and other stalls including the Sea Rescue, SERA Husky and much more. All details for this year’s festival are on social media and through the MOYA website: www.moyaballybunion.ie
FREE ELECTRICAL AND BATTERY RECYCLING
ERP in conjunction with Kerry County Council will be hosting an Electrical Recycling Event on Saturday 18th May From 10am to 4pm, at Cahills SuperValu Carpark. Any item that has a plug on it or batteries in it will be accepted. Come early to avoid disappointment.
BREAST CANCER CYCLE
A 50km Fundraising cycle will take place on Sunday May 5th. All proceeds in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland. Cycle starts and finishes at Ballybunion health and Leisure centre. Registration on the day is €30 from 8am, Start time for cycle is at 9am, and everyone is welcome to attend. The route starts in Ballybunion, Listowel, Tarbert, Ballylongford and Asdee and back to Ballybunion
80’S NIGHT
The ballroom of the Cliff House Hotel or Sally’s Nightclub fundraiser for the Ballybunion Arts Festival which takes place in July, the organisers have organised a night Back to Sally’s on Saturday 20th April. Tickets are €20 but €10 if you’re in an 80’s outfit. Tickets are on sale at eventbrite.ie and at Beach Hive in Ballybunion and the Listowel Arms Hotel.
BALLYBUNION TIDY TOWNS
The AGM of Ballybunion Tidy Towns will be held Wednesday 1st May in the Community Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Tidy towns will also have a monthly meeting taking place on the 1st Wednesday of every month, in Cottage studios with entry from Cinema Lane.
BALLYBUNION LIBRARY
Check out our website www. kerrylibrary.ie for the many services on offer with free membership of Kerry Library. Story time will take place on Saturday 13th April at 11am, all are welcome to attend. Online Services Apps: Borrow box - offers thousands of e-books and audio books for All ages. Libby- interactive digital magazines. Transparent Language -- online language learning courses. Universal Class -- online education courses. There are also many services for schools available online. Computer, WiFi, printing and study facilities are available. Opening Hours: Tues-Sat Inc. from 10am-1:30pm and 2:30pm-5pm. ballybunion@ kerrycoco.ie
CASHEN VALE BOXING
The Cashen Vale Boxing Club has returned to its new home in Sandhill Road Ballybunion with the help of the local Vincent de Paul Society. Boxing in the area will benefit from this resurgence of the sport, which has a long and rich history in this area.
With the help of Vincent de Paul, more members can now access the training and resources needed to compete and grow in the field of boxing. Contact Maurice Falvey on 353860326133 for details
MEALS ON WHEELS
The Ballybunion meals on wheels service will be delivered 3 days a week, meals will be delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Anyone wishing to avail of delivery please contact Eileen Fogarty on 086 2234 965 or Con McCarthy on 087 418 4241. The areas covered are Ballybunion, Lisselton, Asdee and Ballylongford. The dinner will be delivered to your door by one of the men at the cost of €7 per meal.
COMMUNITY CENTRE
The booking office in the centre is unavailable due to refurbishments. Bookings can be made by calling the landline and leaving a voice message. These messages are monitored. Alternatively, and recommended if possible, email ballybcomcentre@gmail.com. Neil will be manning the emails and taking your bookings from 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Friday. Neill is temporarily working from his desk in the tourist office. We thank you for your cooperation during these times.
WINTERTIME 41 CARD TIME
Join us for a game of 41 in The Bunker. Every Friday night from 9pm until 11pm. €10 in - winners take half the pot. Everyone is welcome!
BALLYBUNION BADMINTON
Ballybunion Badminton takes place on Tuesdays 9-10 and Thursdays 8pm to 10pm, in Ballybunion Community Centre. New members are always welcome. If you have any enquiries please contact the Ballybunion Baseliners Facebook page. Or text 086 166 0682 strictly over 15’s.
ACTIVE RETIREMENT
Ballybunion active retirement group weekly meetings are held in the old convent, Doon road every Wednesday. New members are always welcome to join our activities. Creative writing, theatre visits, day trips, invited speakers, yoga and most of all good company. You can contact Pat Buckley on 086 3561 615.
BALLYDONOGHUE
LOTTO DRAW RESULTS
The numbers drawn for Friday 29th March 2024, were as follows, 3, 4, 20, 23. The Jackpot was €3,900 and there was no Jackpot winner.
The following won €30 lucky dips: Ann Mason - Online. June Whelan - Online. Molly O’Brien - Berrings. Georgie Loftus c/o Wyeths. Daithí Finn - Glenbeigh.
The following won three free tickets: John Mc Glynn - Online. Cian Houlihan - c/o Eddie. Helen Hennessy- Bedford. Next Jackpot will be €4,000 and it will take place in Coolard clubhouse on Friday 5th April 2024.
RESULTS
County league Division 3 Round 2 Ballydonoghue v Cordal took place last Sunday March 31st 2024 @ 2pm in Coolard. The final score was Ballydonoghue 1-15 and Cordal 2-7.
FIXTURES
County league Division 3 Round 3 Ballydonoghue away to St Mary’s on Sunday April 7th 2024 @ 2pm.
CROKE PARK
On Monday April 1st our U12 players followed in the footsteps of their hero’s they got to play in the U12 blitz in Croke Park.
It is a huge honour to represent our club in our national stadium and it will be a day they will never forget. Well done to all the players a huge thank you to the trainers, coaches, and family who travelled on the day.
COUNTY CLEAN UP
The County Clean Up is this Saturday 6 th April 2024.Get out there and clean up your County.Bags are available during the week, contact Eileen 087 6163138.Club Membership:Ballydonoghue Club Membership is now open for 2024. Please contact your local committee member to provide payment.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Is as follows: senior players €50. adults €30. senior citizens €20. underage players €20.
BALLYHEIGUE
GAA Lotto Ballyheigue GAA lotto draw was held at the GAA Clubroom last Tuesday the 26th March 2024. The winning numbers were 1, 8, 18,23. There was no winner of the jackpot. The quick pick winners are €50 Ger Fitzgibbon €25 Chleona Hussey and Tricia Casey. Next week the jackpot is €1,550. Ballyheigue GAA lotto is now available online on PLAY. CLUBFORCE.COM.
The online system will give the subscriber a number of play options. Thank you for your support.
SENIOR HURLING
Ballyheigue Senior Hurling team are due to play Crotta O’N eills this Friday evening April 5th , with the throw-in at 6.45 pm at John Joe O’Sullivan Park.
Intermediate North Kerry League: Ballyheigue play Kilmoyley at John Joe O’Sullivan Park in the North Kerry Intermediate hurling league this Wednesday evening at 6.30pm
FEILE UNDER 15 HURLING
Ballyheigue under 15 team played Tralee Parnells in the Feile Hurling competition on Sunday last at John Joe O’Sullivan Park. The local boys lost out to Parnelss on a score of Tralee Parnells 3. 14 Ballyheigue 2. 12
COMMUNION CALLS
TO THE ELDERLY:
Fr Brendan Walsh will bring Communion to the elderly next Friday, 5th April beginning at 1.30pm. Please inform relatives and friends.
ALONE
The organisation that enables older people age at home are looking for Telephone and Visitation Volunteers to support older people in the community. Call 0801 222 024 please or see ALONE.ie/Volunteer for more info.
RECOVERY HAVEN KERRY
Recovery Haven Kerry (Cancer Support House) are currently enrolling for an upcoming Cubs programme a bereavement programme aimed at children aged between 8 and 12 years years of age, who are dealing with the loss of a parent through cancer. Through play and art, children will learn about grief responses and learn how to cope with their feelings.
The free, 8 week programme begins on Tuesday, April 9th (4.30pm - 6pm) and names are now being taken on (066) 7192122.