PROLOGUE: "It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to our parish priest Canon John O’Shea on the sudden death of his brother James. We offer sympathy to his wife Kathleen, sons Paul and James and daughter Marisa and grandchild Alio James. The late James, along with his wife was a great supporter of Abbeyfeale Parish and attended all the events held in the church and had made many friends in the area. May he rest in peace.
ABBEYFEALE MALE VOICE CHOIR; Practice will resume on Thursday, January 16 @ 8pm in St Mary’s Boys NS. New members welcome from all over West Limerick and North Kerry.
ST. ITA’S WRENBOYS: Helena Quinn from Purt and home from London for the Christmas holidays was a welcome addition to St. Ita’s Wrenboys this year. Helena had spent two months earlier last year working on Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan and she was anxious to help with the annual fundraising effort. King of the Wrenboys, Paddy Finucane would like to say a huge thank you to all those who contributed in any way to the success of the day from the people who welcomed them into their homes, to the drivers, musicians and collectors and a special thanks to the O’Connell family who as ever had the sandwiches and tea ready for the session at the end of the night. The Wrenboys raised €2,178 and donated it to Fr. Galvin.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: The first of the afternoon tea dances for 2014 at Fr. Casey’s will feature the music, songs and stories of Big Maggie on Sunday, January 26 next. Dancing from 3-6pm. Admission €5. Raffle and teas served. This is a fundraiser for West Limerick 102fm – our local community radio station. Please support.
BEE KEEPING CLASSES: The parish community garden has a hive of bees and we are wondering if there is any interest in us running a bee keeping class. Please contact 087 6866450 if you would like to learn the ancient art of keeping bees.
ST. ITA’S DAY: There will be Mass in both Ashford and Raheenagh on Wednesday next, January 15 followed by visits to graveyards in both parishes and the day finishes up with teas and dance in Raheenagh Hall from 9.30pm. It’s always a great night.
ARA NA FEILE ACTIVE RETIREMENT: Our first meeting of 2014 will take place on Wednesday, January 15 @ 2pm at the Adult Educational Centre. All members old and new are welcome. Our AGM will also take place at the meeting.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: Triona Tobin, Chairperson says “A very big THANK YOU to everyone who made donations to our account in the Credit Union over the Christmas period. We have forwarded €3,000 to Fr. Tim which he is going to use it as school fees. Fr Tim is still doing his wonderful work in South Sudan and thank God it is safe in his district. He sends his New Year Blessings to you all. We look forward to meeting him in the summer’.
MEENKILLY N.S. CARD GAME: PRO Marion Roche reports “Another great crowd with 12 tables taking part. Winners with 13 games; Jackie Harnett, John Quirke, Bridie Collins. 2 teams with 12 games each;Sheila Breen, Billy Broderick, Paddy O Sullivan
Mossie Gleeson, Tom Neiligan, Patrick Murphy. Door prize ; Nora Riordan, Billy O Connell. Table prize; Julia Murphy, Catherine Collins, Pat Curtin. Tickets; Dan Brosnan by 2, Liam O Connor, Marion Roche, Breda O’Connell, Johnny Stack
Sincere sympathy from all the committee and players is offered to Micheal O’ Kelly and his family Killarney Rd., on the recent death of his wife Phil O’ Kelly and also to Mossie Collins, Caherhayes on the death of his brother William C Collins. Once again Meeenkilly card game takes place each Tuesday Night starting at 9 pm, All are welcome.”
‘ST0P IT NURSE’: Athea Drama Group presents a production of the comedy ‘Stop it Nurse’ by Sam Cree. Performances will take place in Con Colbert Memorial Hall, Athea on Thursday,January 23, Sunday 26 and Thursday 30 continuing Saturday, February 1 and Sunday 2 at 8pm nightly. Suitable for all ages, the play promises much-needed belly laughter and sore ribs. The show is set in the men’s surgical ward of a hospital which is run by the stern ward sister (Hannah Finnegan) who is aided by hard working nurse Holmes (Claire O Connor) and the not so bright trainee Freda Ferguson (Karina Buckley) The play tells the story of opposing supporters Sammy Mc Cracken (Damien Ahern) and Felix Devlin (Jack Denihan) who collide on the way into the Cup Final between Athea United and Carrig Celtic. Their hospitalisation ends the peaceful stay of the agreeable Bert Cooper (Donal Woulfe) and Harold Smiley (Roger Ryan) who has a strange sense of humour and likes to see pain inflicted on others. When the eccentric spinster and hospital visitor Miss Cherry (Annette O’ Donnell) distressed Phyllis (Laura Quille) and her tank-like brother Mad McGurk (Tony Halpin) together with cantankerous Martha Cooper (Margaret Reidy) and Bert’s bit on the side Dolores (Margaret Mary Mullane) are added to the equation things take a hysterical turn! You have a recipe for hilarious madness and mayhem all in the setting of the hospital ward from hell ! The Play is directed by Theresa O’Halloran is a play not to be missed!!
ABBEYFEALE FARMERS’ MARKET: Helga Henn returns on Friday next with her selection of locally grown vegetables, free range eggs, sprouted seeds and green tomato relishes.
‘COME AND SEE’ – THE STORY OF LOURDES; Fr. Micheál Liston’s book ‘Come and See’ is for sale in several shops around town.
GLOR TIRE: Micheal Collins from Tournafulla, band leader with the Micheal Collins Band is a contestant on the new series of Glor Tire on Tna G. The first show will take place on Wednesday, January 8 at 10.30pm and Micheal is looking for votes so that he will be able to stay in the running. He is asking everyone who knows him to support him over the next few weeks.
PANTO: A bus will travel to Puss n Boots performed by the one and only Killorglin players in the I.N.E.C. Killarney on Sunday, February 16, leaving N.CW. at 4.30pm. We will pick up en route at the bus stop outside the Church in Abbeyfeale at 4.45pm. You will have time for refreshments before the performance commences at 6pm. Early booking is advised as this is a very popular event. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: Our first meeting takes place at Leens Hotel on Tuesday, January 21 at 8pm. Anybody with an interest in helping with our first annual festival will be welcomed with open arms at this meeting. Dates for the festival will be confirmed on the night. We hope to have our AGM in early February. Check out our new Facebook page Gather by the Feale or our website :https://abbeyfealefestivals.wordpress.com for regular updates.
COUNTRY MUSIC RADIO: Our own Ann O’Halloran is broadcasting to the world three days every week Wednesday 5-7pm, Friday 1-5pm and Saturday 10-1am. Log onto studio and leave a request for her.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Shane O’Connor says “Fealefit will commence Half Marathon / 10 k training for the Great Limerick Run this Saturday, Janurary 18 & every Saturday from then on at 9am,Training is FREE!!!! Talk on Nutrition specific to half marathon ie, carb loading, hydration etc on January 18 at 8.30am pre – training ( small charge ).Never too late to join & all welcome!!! Fealefit will be working in conjunction with St Ita’s Ac Abbeyfeale to coach Little Athletics & develop children’s Athletic capabilities and fitness every Monday 5PM @ Abbeyfeale United Soccer Pitch starting Monday, January 20.. Also New is the Fealefit Loyalty Card to reward your constant support!!. Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for further details. Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes..
RATHFREDAGH WALK The annual walk in aid of Rathfredragh Cheshire Home will be held on Sunday, January 26. The starting point is the top of Barna, walking the railway line to Newcastle West, and on to Rathfredragh via Lacey’s Cross and the Bruff Line. Transport will be available from Newcastle West to Rathfredragh if anybody requires it. The walk will commence at 10am.
SET DANCING WEEKEND: The West Limerick Set Dancing club’s workshop weekend will run from Friday 7th February to Sunday 9th February at the Devon Inn Templeglantine.
PILGRIMAGE: Lay ‘Dominican Pilgrimage to Fatima 7 nights, Hotel Tres Pastorinhos departing Dublin October 2 €799 pps. Includes all meals for the duration of your stay and Insurance. Singe Room Supplement €25 per night. If paid in full by February 3 there is €100 off price or if you pay a deposit of €200 by the same date then there is €50 off price. Spiritual Director travelling with group. Further details from Bro. Michael Neenan O.P. phone 01-4048100 or contact Maureen Finnegan 087 9845102. Pligrimages Abroad – Lauri Duffy Travel.
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS PROGRAMME: Participants are now being sought for a new Employability Skill Programme which will start this January and run two mornings per week ( Monday & Friday) from 9.30am-1.00pm. The course will cover core modules include Functional Maths, Team-work, Work Experience and a language (tbc). The course is a FETAC level 4 programme delivered by the Limerick Education and Training Board. Limited places available. Contact Finn at West Limerick Resources on 069 61316 or email ffitzgerald
COMMUNITY ALERT: Elderly people are very vulnerable at this time of year with the changeable weather and threat of storms, ice and snow. The local branch of community alert would urge people to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their neighbours, offer to do the shopping, check that they have enough firing inside and call and visit them. All fire alarms should be tested at least once a month. Carbon Monoxide alarms should be placed on a work surface or window sill in a kitchen or any room with a stove or open fire.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: Volunteers required for English Language classes in Newcastle West in the New Year. Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications or experience but must be willing to commit to volunteer 1.5 hours per week for an 8-10 week period to support small groups of 3-4 people at a time to develop their English language conversation skills. Contact Irene at West Limerick Resources on 069 66298 or email iocallaghan
ENTERPRISE START PROGRAMME: Applications are now being sought for the Enterprise Start Programme which will begin in the newly opened Red Door Business Incubation Centre in Newcastle West in early 2014. The EnterpriseSTART training programme, delivered by LIT, will be used as the means of identifying the most suitable candidates for the center’s eight incubation spaces which was developed by Newcastle West & District Chamber of Commerce and funded in part by West Limerick Resources. See: www.reddoorbic.ie or call the centre on 069 77751.
MARIAN’S DANCING: Classes resume on Friday night next in the Community Centre, New St. at 8.30pm. Learn to waltz, jive, foxtrot, siege of Ennis, slosh and much more.
SUE RYDER: Manager Maria Moloney says; “Our books are still only 50 cent each. We are always delighted to receive donations of clothing, footwear, bags, working toys and bric a brac. We regret that we are unable to accept old duvets, pillows, broken toys or electrical items. As we have no means of recycling these items, the charity has to pay to dispose of them. Thank you for your continued support.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: ‘The place where we all feel valued, welcomed and can take our place’.
Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425, Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 Console 061-306792. Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Accord 069/61000 NCW, John O’Shea P.P.: Tel: 068 – 31157 Mobile: 087 – 9708282,Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: Mobile : 087 – 2618412 C.M.A.C. Counselling: 069 – 61000 – Limerick 061 – 313287, Cura: Limerick 061 71318207 Tralee: 066 27355. Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Monday at 7pm, Mass on Saturday 11am followed by Confessions, Vigil Mass 7pm, Sunday 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Noel Downey, Church Street ,, Thursday 10 amBridie O’Connell late of
Knocknasna. Friday 7pm Phyl O’Kelly Killarney Road, Months Mind, Saturday 11amMichael Roche, Church Street. 7pmJoan E Leahy Ballybehy South, Matthew & Teresa Byrne, Dromtrasna . 9.30amJames Gardiner, Purt., Paddy Walsh, Dromtrasna Anniv.
12noon Kathleen Harnettt, Mountmahon, Patrick Broderick, Dromtrasna Collins Adoration has resumed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8pm and Tuesday and Friday all day. A new wooden display with a variety of inspiring CDs, prepared by Catholic priests and eminent Catholic lay people. These talks are guaranteed to deepen your appreciation and understanding of our Catholic Faith.” First Holy Communion will take place on May 17, 2014. With the data protection laws, priests no longer have access to the patient lists in any of the hospitals. Priests have no way of knowing when someone from their parish is in hospital. It is now the responsibility of family members and relatives, if they require a visit to let the priest of their parish know who is in hospital. Adoration will resume again on Tuesday January 7 at 8a.m.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. The group would welcome donations of paint, wood etc.
CHANGE IN MASS TIMES: The 8.15 Mass on Saturday morning has changed to 9am. There will be no Mass at 10am on Monday mornings but instead an evening Mass at 7pm.
BODYCARE WELLNESS CENTRE: The Bodycare Wellness Centre has moved to 3 Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale.. Telephone Chris O’Shea 0872293636.
BUS: Contact Eoin on 087 2522402 re bus leaving Abbeyfeale Square at 7.40 pm every Tuesday for Castleisland Bingo.
PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: The Abbeyfeale Parent and Toddler Group has resumed on Tuesday mornings from 11- 12.30pm in St. Ita’s Hall. Safe play environment is provided; baby/toddler social skills improve. Language and play skills develop. This is also an important time for Mom and Dad’s to meet, have a cup or tea and chat. Music and movement facilitators will visit the group. New Parents are made especially welcome. Contact Mary on 097 9382883 with any queries.
THE RED DOOR BIC : If you are interested, or if you know anyone interested in starting their own business, please e-mail info or ring the chamber office at 069-77751.
THOUGHT: Never forget that a lie can circle the globe before truth can lace up its shoes. Anon.
ENTERPRISE START PROGRAMME: Applications are now being sought for the Enterprise Start Programme which will begin in the newly opened Red Door Business Incubation Centre in Newcastle West in early 2014. The Enterprise START training programme, delivered by LIT, will be used as the means of identifying the most suitable candidates for the centre’s eight incubation spaces which was developed by Newcastle West & District Chamber of Commerce and funded in part by West Limerick Resources. See: www.reddoorbic.ie or call the centre on 069 77751.
THE OPTIMISTIC GROUP: The Optimistic group (Formerly the NCW Jobseekers Network) meets on Thursdays in the NCW Community Centre from 1:30–3:30 pm. The group recently began a selection of training which will run up to Christmas including Confidence in Communication, Art, Healthy eating and cooking on a Budget. This is an open door, drop in, relaxed format with a social group aspect. New members are always welcome. Further details are available from Dearbhla at West Limerick Resources’ Rural Employment Service (RES) on 069 61316.
PHONE CALL SERVICE: West Limerick Connects is a friendly phone call service operating out of three Day Care Centres in West Limerick. Through this project, phone calls are made to older people at a fixed time every week, to check on their well-being and inform them of local events and services. This service is free. FEALE CONNECTED, the Abbeyfeale branch, has recently trained new Volunteers and so has the capacity to take on more Clients. If you would like to receive a weekly phone call, please contact 087 329 0483 or 087 118 4160. FEALE CONNECTED would like to thank St. Ita’s Daycare (Abbeyfeale) and the Community Foundation for Ireland for their kind support to this service. This is a West Limerick Resources initiative.
THINKING OF GETTING MARRIED: Accord Marriage Care Service, Newcastle West, provides Marriage Preparation Courses for couples choosing to get married in the Catholic Church. There are still some places available on our January Course which takes place on Saturday, January 18, 2014. For further details, please phone 069-61000 or email accordnewcastlewest
TOASTMASTERS: Next meeting of West Limerick Toastmasters Wednesday, January 15 at the Desmond Complex from 8.30pm – 10.30pm. This will start off the new season and people thinking of joining are made especially welcome on that night. For further information contact Donnacha on 086 8494505.
ADULT SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: A support group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 7-9 pm at Console House, 114 The Grange, Raheen. Family, friends, work colleagues and community bereaved by suicide all welcome. You do not need an appointment to attend. Further information 061 306792.
GROW MOVEMENT: Grow – the community mental health movement – meets on Thursday’s at 8pm, in the Station Room in The Desmond Complex Newcastle West.
LIVING LINKS: Living Links provide practical help, information and support to persons bereaved by suicide. Phone 061-400133 /087-7998427.
USED STAMPS: Please send all your used stamps to either St. Patrick’s Missionaries. Kiltegan Fathers, Kiltegan, Wicklow or the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Castleview Gardens, Clancy Street, Limerick. Both these orders can sell the stamps and thereby use the money for the missions.
ARDFERT RETREAT CENTRE Saturday, January 25 from 10.30 am – 5.00pm A Day of Reflection with Brendan Comiskey SS.CC – "To be baptized is to be called by God into a special place”. Booking 066-7134276 e.mail: ardfertretreat
VOLUNTEERING ABROAD: An all-day seminar will be held in the ITT North Campus, Tralee on Saturday, January 18 for anybody interested in volunteering abroad. This is being organised by Kerry One World Centre, contact susan or ring 066 7181358.
IRISH GRINDS: Leaving Cert Irish 2014. One day intensive course in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Saturday, January 25, 2014 . For further information 086-6635323,or gaeilgeard,
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 