Community and Voluntary

The Community of Ardagh offers a wide range of activities, catering both for young and not so young. These activities include something for everyone.

The voluntary housing came about through a listening process in October 1997. The houses were built for the elderly of the parish,who are living in isolated rural areas. The houses were built as a single unit. The occupants have security and they also have company while retaining their independence. These houses are situated close to the village and the occupants can take part in the local social events and have excess to all amenities.

The social club
The social club was founded in June 1997 by Fr. lane, Fr McBride and John Joe Kenneally, so that the elderly could come together every Tuesday to meet neighbors and friends,which otherwise they would not have an opportunity to meet. A bus provides the transport from outline areas.The social club meet in the hall at 2pm. A group of local volunteers provide tea and sandwiches for the group. They play bingo and cards and local musicians provide entertainment. Occasionally the local priest comes to celebrate Mass.

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This amenity was opened in December 1998, it cost £84,000 to set up. The money for the project was raised by local people and West Limerick resources subscribed also to it. The people from the parish and surrounding area use this facility in their leisure time. It is situated in the community hall. Equipment available includes exercise bikes,treadmills,weight training,and a sauna and steam room.

Newcastle West Golf Club was founded in 1938, and in 1994 moved to a splendid new course situated just off the N21 road way near the village of Ardagh. The Arthur Spring designed course is set on a hundred and sixty acres of unspoiled rolling quiet country side. It has been built to the highest standards of sandy free draining soil. An extensive practice area, driving range and putting area are also included. The par is 71 with the standard scratch 72 from the championship tees and 70 from medal tees. Hazards include lakes,bunkers,streams and trees. The fine stone buildings have been renovated to provide modern changing rooms while the old stables now house a bar and restaurant facilities unique in atmosphere and character.

The Ardagh Hall
This was once a school house. It was renovated by Ardagh Development Association and it is now the meeting center for all the organisation of the parish. Among the activities taking place in the hall are... dancing classes, gymnastics, card games,concerts and plays. One section of the building is allocated to the Heritage center in which a lot of historical information of the parish from penal times to present day is available. On display also is a wooden replica of the Ardagh Chalice crafted by a local wood turner John Joe Kenneally.

Twelve years ago the Vincent de Paul Society was formed in Ardagh to attend the needs of the vulnerable people in the parish. They assist people who have difficulty in paying rent if they are in arrears or any debts they incurred through no fault of their own. They organise an annual holiday in Ballybunion as well as day tours and provide a social alarm for those who need it. The society depends on the support of local people who have always been very generous

The guild was formed in 1974, its objectives being those of the National Association i.e. to bring women together in fellowship and through CO- operative effort, to develop and improve the standard of rural and urban life in Ireland having due regard for our Irish culture, and encourage the use of the Irish language in the affairs of Bantracht na Tuaithe. From the guild's foundation in 1974 its members have participated in craft classes which included weaving, leather classes, dress making and drama.
They raise funds for a Christmas Party for Senior Citizens, and act as hostess for events such as the visit of the Bishop for Confirmation.

The community games club was formed to enable the children of the parish to compete in various events, such as basket ball, set dancing, running, and high jumps, at county and national level. Some of the children represented the club in the national finals in Mosney. The under 13 basketball team got a silver medal in the county final.

A group of music lovers in the parish got together in 1970 and formed the Comhltas Ceoltoiri Eireann branch. It involves all age groups, and partake in all the competitions and fleadhs in the surrounding areas. They also compete in Scor and community games, where they have won many awards. They organise concerts and ceilis and bring much enjoyment to the people of the parish

This group commenced productions ten years ago. It's members come from a wide area of West Limerick and have won several awards in Charleville and Scariff Drama Festivals. They produce a play every year which is staged in March. These plays are presented in different center's and all the proceeds go to charity. There is a new members night held in the Community hall in Ardagh every September.

In 1974 the teams of Ardagh, Carrickerry, Coolcappa and Kilcolman joined up together to form St. Kieran's Club. Ardagh Parish was noted for its hurling skills whilst Kilcolman and Coolcappa were renowned for football. Down through the years they have won many championships, both at the West and at County level, in all sections from under age to senior. They have brought honour and fame to the locality and have attracted a large band of supporters.