PROLOGUE: "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." Lucille BalL
DEATH:We offer our sympathy to the family of Batt Murphy, Brighton and late of Glenashrone. Funeral from Harnett’s funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday @ 11am. May he rest in peace.
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.
CINDERELLA: A special Musical production of ‘Cinderella’ with a twist takes place next week on Thursday and Friday night at 7:30pm in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef, This is the first musical ever staged in the school. The production directed by Miriam Ball features members of the TY class.
THANK YOU: Ballaugh Wrenboyswish to thank sincerely all who supported them on St Stephen’s Day. The wrenboys collected €2,137.80 for Nano Nagle Special School and Abhaile Respite, Listowel and Milford Hospice. Each received €712.60. They would like to thank everyone for the enthusiastic welcome they received in the houses they visited. Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir.
YOUNG MUMS GROUP: Young mothers are being invited to join a new group will support their personal development. The group will start in February in Abbeyfeale and names are now being taken. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.
RAINBOWS SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN: Rainbows is a free support group for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years that is designed to assist children and youths who are grieving a death, separation or any other painful transition or change in their family. Run by trained volunteers, the programme is not counselling or therapy service but is instead a safe, confidential setting where children can share their grief associated feelings with each other and with these trained facilitators. New progammes will begin in Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale in early 2014 and will run for one hour per week for twelve weeks. For an application form or information please contact Theresa Shanahan at West Limerick Resources on 069 79113. Further information is available on www.rainbows.com. Deadline this Friday January 24.
ABBEYFEALE MALE VOICE CHOIR; Practice every Thursday @ 8pm in St Mary’s Boys NS. New members welcome from all over West Limerick and North Kerry.
YOUTH CAFE: A meeting to re-organise the youth cafe in St. Ita’s Hall will be held on Friday, January 31. The venue and time to be confirmed.
BEE KEEPING CLASSES: Plans are in train to run a class in bee keeping in the Adult Education Centre starting in February. Names are now being taken for those wishing to participate. Contact 068 31198.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Fealefit will commence NEW Couch to 5k training in mid-February, further details in coming weeks. Half Marathon / 10 k training for the Great Limerick Run every Saturday at 9am,Training is FREE!!!!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.
BIRTHDAY WISHES: Congratulations to Stephen Roche, Meenkilly who celebrated his 21st. Birthday at a party in TJ O’Riordan’s Bar, Main St., last weekend.
ARA NA FEILE ACTIVE RETIREMENT: Our AGM was held on January 15 and the following officers were elected; Nancy Wall Chairperson, Joan Leahy Vice Chairperson, Bridie Collins Secretary, Josephine Halpin Assistant Secretary, Bernadette Ahern Treasurer, Mary Moloney Assistant Treasurer, Ann Hennessy PRO, Tess Lane Assistant PRO.
Committee; Marion O’Connor, Mary Theresa Cahill, Madeline O’Connor and Mary Healy.
Last Saturday members of the group travelled to UL to see the renowned show River Dance. A great afternoon’s entertainment was enjoyed by all. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, January 29 @ 2pm in the Adult Educational Centre. We look forward to welcoming new members.
MEENKILLY N.S. CARD GAME RESULTS: the results for Tuesday, January 14.
Winners with 13 games each: Jimmy O’Connor, Sean Hartnett, Eileen Reidy.
Beth Collins, Paddy Sheehan, Dan Casey. Door prize: Paddy O’ Sullivan, Donal O’ Connor.
Table prize:Nora O’ Riordan, Betty Daly, Marion Roche. Tickets: Pat Fitzgerald, Billy Broderick, Marian Quirke, Jamsie McEnery, Betty Daly, Liam Lane.
ICA NEWS;
The Mainistir na Féile Guild of the ICA will resume activities on Tuesday night 28th January at 7.30pm.
at the Community Education Centre, Mount Mahon. All members are invited to attend.
New members very welcome – if you would like to make new friends do come along.
‘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!!
INSE BÁN MACRA CLUB: The inaugural meeting of Inse Bán Macra was held last Thursday. The following are the new officers Chairperson Maria O Sullivan, V Chairperson Selena Gardiner, Secretary Myles Cunningham, Assistant Secretary David Mulcahy, Treasurer Ben O Shea, Assistant Treasurer Shane Brouder, P.R.O Sean Cunningham and assistant John O Donnell.
On Friday night last the club got a great welcome at Mungret G.A.A club house where we took part in a quiz held By the city Macra club. There was great Craic to be had on the night with over 25 tables. Names are being taken for the mystery tour leaving the South Court Hotel, Limerick on Saturday, February 1. Get names into Myles by Thursday if interested.
Our next meeting will be held in the Halla Inse Bán Temple Glantine on Thursday, February 13. All new members are welcome,Any new members contact Brigid Walsh on 0860822038
or come along to our next meeting. Calling all persons aged between 17-35 years of age with an interested in the sport, public speaking, performing arts and travel or perhaps just the social interaction then Inse Bán Macra wants you. Therefore Limerick Macra are giving one lucky individual the chance to win to a free membership to first time members only and all you have to do is like and share our photo of Uncle Sam on the Limerick Macra facebook page, the closing date is this Sunday, January 26. Check out www.facebook.ie/limerickmacra for more details, terms and conditions apply.
‘COME AND SEE’ – THE STORY OF LOURDES; Fr. Micheál Liston’s book ‘Come and See’ is for sale in several shops around town.
MONAGAE RAMBLING HOUSE: Dates for 2014 have been changed to the third Monday of the month. The first one of the year took place last Monday with a great crowd present so mark the third Monday into your diary for the remainder of the year. They were there from Cork, Kerry and Limerick with one man having travelled from outside Ennis with everything from stories, song, recitations, music and a set from the Carrickerry Wrenboys. Next Rambling House will be Monday, February 17 from 8.30pm.
ITA’S SETDANCING CLASSES: Learn to set dance in Monagae every Thursday night from 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
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. 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: 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.
SUE RYDER: Manager Maria Moloney says “Here at Sue Ryder, we are getting ready for 2Spring, so in order to finish our spring clean we are commencing another half-price sale on clothing and shoes today. Come and have a browse, we have a large selection of winter jackets and boots which will be priced mostly at just €2 or €3 from today!Sue Ryder Is a not-for profit organisation, a registered charity that has been providing secure and independent housing for the elderly in Ireland for over 25 years. We are grateful for all donations of clothing, shoes, bags, bria-a-brac and toys to sell in our shop in main street, Abbeyfeale. However, we can also raise funds from recycling old clothing, bags and shoes. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items, quilts or pillows. Thanks you for your continued support.”
RATHFREDAGH WALK: Rathfredagh Cheshire Home Annual Walk is taking place on Sunday, January 26 @ 10.00am from Barna to Rathfredagh Cheshire Home (along the old railway line). Transport is provided from Rathfredagh to Barna on the day. Also if people decide to only walk from The Courtney Lodge in Newcastle west to Rathfredagh, transport is also provided for anyone who wishes to avail of it. This year there is also a cycle taking place in conjunction with the walk. The cycle will start @ 9.00am from Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock to Rathfredagh Cheshire Home and return journey @ 11.30am from Rathfredagh Cheshire Home to Kilmallock. Refreshments are provided on the day. If anyone requires any more information about the cycle or wishes to take part in the cycle, please contact Tom O Keeffe @ 087 9793556. If anyone would like a sponsorship card please contact Rathfredagh Cheshire Home on 069 83100. Rathfredagh Cheshire Home would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
SET DANCING WEEKEND: The West Limerick Set Dancing club’s workshop weekend will run from Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9 at the Devon Inn Templeglantine.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Literary & Cultural Centre, The Square, Listowel on Thursday January 23 from 9.15 pm. A great night’s free entertainment is guaranteed. Tea/coffee served. Tel. (068) 22212/57927.
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.
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.
MARIAN’S DANCING: Classes have resumed every Friday night in the Community Centre, New St. at 8.30pm. Learn to waltz, jive, foxtrot, siege of Ennis, slosh and much more.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: A special service for those bereaved by suicide will be held in Newcastle West R.C. Church on Sunday, January 26 at 4.00pm. All are welcome to attend.
DRAMA: ‘ The Honey Spike ‘: the play by Bryan Mac|Mahon is taking place in the Community Centre, Granagh at 8pm on the nights of January 24, 25, 26 and 31 and also on February 1 and 2. Shop & Raffle each night. Adm. Adults €10, Students €5.
The play tells “a tale of the Irish roads, of a tinker and his wife.
It’s a tale of trouble and wildness and a child that’s born to life.
There’s mating in it, birth and death and drink to flood a dyke,
So here’s how they raced the coloured road that led to the Honey Spike."
We meet Breda & Martin Claffey, a young tinker couple who have travelled from their native Kerry to Antrim, because they wanted to see ‘ the top of Ireland’. However, Breda is pregnant and she decides that her child is to be born in the Honey Spike – the ‘lucky’ Kerry hospital. They have Martin’s mother Poll-Poll and his stepfather Mickle for company which at times is not very helpful !They have a run-in with soldiers at the border, priests in the Midlands and feuding clans in Kerry. The past is waiting for Breda at Puck Fair in the shape of Winifred McQueen, the gypsy girl who wanted Martin for herself.!
SUPPORT SERVICE: Do you, or someone you know, need help and support with someone
else’s drug/alcohol/gambling addiction or abuse? Bushypark Treatment Centre (a Clarecare service) offers weekly FREE Family Support Programmes in Ennis and in Limerick. These are drop in services, so no need to phone ahead or book a place. Just come! Tea/Coffee/Biscuits. Counsellor & Facilitator Led. Limerick Tuesdays 8-9.30 pm Pastoral Centre Denmark St., Wednesdays 3.45 – 5.15 pm Ana Liffey Drugs Project Building, The Fairgreen.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Catholic Schools Week takes place from January 26-Feb 1.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2014 is: ‘Catholic Schools – Centres of Faith and Learning’. The Diocesan launch of CSW will take place in the Woodlands
Hotel, Adare on Monday, January 27 at 6:30pm. The keynote address will be given by Prof Bart McGettrick. All are welcome.
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 Mame Harnett, Knockbrack, Thursday 11am Funeral Mass Batt Murphy. Friday 7pm Mary Enright, Caherlane Month’s Mind. Saturday 11am Margaret (Rose) O’Brien, 7 Hillview Drive. Saturday7pm Patrick O’Connor, Caherhayes Kitty Doody New Street 1st Anniversary.. Sunday 9.30am Betty Flynn, The Hill Month Mind & William Flynn, Anniversary. Sean & Shelia Finnerty, The Hill. 12noon Denis McEnery, Dromtrasna Collins. Paddy & Nancy Fitzgerald, Meenahela Adoration has resumed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8pm and Tuesday and Friday all day. Adoration takes place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm and all day on Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 10pm. 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. This is Christian Unity Week.
HUMOUR: In the Beginning God created the Earth and rested, then God created Man and rested, then He created Woman and rested. Then, neither God nor Man rested.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. The group would welcome donations of paint, wood etc. They are also hoping that someone might donate a small fridge.
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.
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, February 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.
NANO NAGLE SOCIAL which had to be cancelled before Christmas will now take place in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Friday, January 31 . Music by Heart and Soul. Lots of spot prizes on the night. Tickets are available from Nano Nagle School. Phone 068 21942. All welcome.
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
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,
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: The Dominican Biblical Institute,Upper Cecil Street,
Limerick will offer a Course on Inter-Religious Dialogue for six Tuesday evenings before Lent and for three Tuesdays after Easter. It will begin with a short overview of inter-religious
dialogue in the Church to date. This will set the context for how we approach Judaism and Islam – to appreciate them as faiths in the One God and in their likeness and differences in
relation to Christian faith. Dates: January 21 and 28. February 4, 11,18, and 25.
April 29, May 6 and 13. Time: 7.30-9.00 pm. Cost €5 per session. Course Director: Sr. Jo O’Donovan RSM. Her recent book, Understanding Differently, considers Judaism, Islam,
Hinduism and Buddhism, and Christianity’s relationship and dialogue with them.
USEFUL WEBSITE: OneStepUp.ie provides local contacts and useful resources for those looking for a particular course or information on further education and training opportunities in Ireland. The website which has been especially developed for use on a smartphone tablet or PC also includes Frequently Asked Questions and video testimonials from adult learners who have returned to education. Another feature of the new website is an online calendar which provides information about lifelong learning events and allows people to subscribe to hear about events taking place in their own area.
AL ANON CONVENTION|:
Al-Anon Family Groups is an organisation that offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers in an anonymous environment, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
Groups in the general Limerick area will participate at the Alcoholics Anonymous Limerick Area 34th Annual Convention which will be held at the Castletroy Park Hotel on the weekend of Friday January 31to Sunday February 2.The convention will commence with registration at 6pm on Friday with the last presentation starting at 9pm. Saturday’s business has a 10.30am start with the last session again starting at 9pm. Sunday’s proceedings run from 10.30am to the closing session which starts at 2pm. The suggested registration fee is €6. Leaflets are available at the back of the church or you can e-mail alanonlimerickmember
For more information about Al-Anon you can contact the information centre at (01)8732699 or check these websites: www.al-anon-ireland.org and http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/about
LIMERICK’S YOUTH TAKE TO THE STAGE: Limerick Youth Service will hold its annual Variety Show at LIT’s Millennium Theatre on Friday, January 24 from 7:30 -10.30 pm. The Variety Show will see young people participate in five categories: Dance, Song, Band, Music & Performance with the winners representing Limerick Youth Service at Youth Work Ireland’s National Finals in June. The evening will also see young people and volunteers add a touch of Hollywood to the evening as they strut their stuff in an ‘At The Movies’ themed Fashion Show. .Richard Lynch, joew or at 083-3718793.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 