St Kieran’s Heritage Association held a launch night in Ardagh Community Centre on Saturday December 9th. John Hough was MC, and he welcomed all present and then introduced chairman John P O’Sullivan. John spoke about the work of the association, and issued an invitation to members of the audience, to come along to their meetings and to get involved. He praised Secretary Mary Kury for her high work rate in getting the Heritage Calendar ready. He also complimented her on compiling a fine detailed history of Ardagh.
The prizes for the 2018 Heritage Calendar photo competition were then presented and congratulations to all who submitted photos and won prizes.  The photos of Kelly O’Brien, Jessica McGrath, Méabh Kelly, Emma Hanley, Colin McGrath, Hazel Ambrose, Kate Power, Antonia Madigan, and Emma Kinnane, are included in the calendar. The attractive Calendar with the Ardagh Chalice on the cover, plus The Fenian DVD compiled from last March was available for sale at €10 each.
Mary Kury’s book, simply called ‘Ardagh’, was launched by Liam Irwin, who is an expert on local and national history. He delivered a 25 minutes address, which was wide ranging about the book and Mary’s contribution to local history. He went through the headings and subjects included in the book linking them to national happenings of the time. He also paid tribute to her father Jerry McMahon, whose research and wide knowledge, of local history form part of Mary’s book. He finished by saying Mary has done Ardagh some service, with her fine history. The 440-page book was also on sale for €30 and it would make a lovely Christmas present.
Mary thanked Liam for his kind review and gave an insight into some of the work involved in the book. She spoke about her father and his work in taking photos, which began in 1945, and the process involved and cost of printing. From his negatives many are now reproduced in the book. She paid tribute to the late Tim Crowley who did so much for the village, and issued a call for more people to get involved in parish activities, and more women to get involved in the Association.
Tea and cakes were served to the good attendance that was present after the 50-minute launch. It was a very enjoyable evening and thanks to all who have supported the Association during 2017. Next year promises to be another action packed year with the 150th anniversary of the finding of the Ardagh Chalice to be recreated. All the above are now on sale at Greaney’s Shop and Butcher’s, Ardagh, Moloney’s Daybreak, Carrickerry and Newcastle West Bookstore. Happy Christmas to all.