B 4:
Before you speak, listen
Before you write, think
Before you spend, earn
Before you invest, investigate
Before you criticize, wait
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.
William Arthur Ward
LENT BEGINS: Ash Wednesday is on March 5 and so the season of Lent gets underway. Since ancient times the church has entered this holy season encouraging us to take up the disciplines of prayer, fasting and alms giving, not as ends in themselves, but as ways of denying ourselves and drawing close to God.
PERPETUAL ADORATION: Perpetual Adoration will take place again this year. This chart is available behind the Tabernacle if you wish to sign your name for one hour a week in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament during Lent. Adoration will begin on Monday, March 10.
HARRIERS: The Abbeyfeale Harriers would like to thank everyone for their support at the recent hunting festival. The participating packs were The Dungannan Foxhounds & The Minerock Harriers, The Macroom Foxhounds, The South Tipperary Harriers & The Rockfield Harriers, and The Scarteen Foxhounds. The hunt followers came from all over Ireland and beyond. They would also like to thank the publicans who kindly sponsored the food after each hunt, the Scartaglinn Harriers and the Rockfield Harriers for hosting the meets in Scartaglin and Farranfore and most importantly the landowners in the areas that were hunted and who have always been very supportive. We hope everyone enjoyed the weeks hunting and camaraderie.
WINTER WONDERLAND: Tony, Hannah and Siobhan Noonan would like to express their sincere gratitude for your continued support to their Christmas Wonderland of lights. The proceeds of which will go to Local Charities. The amount collected this year was €14,545.
ENTERPRISING CHILDREN: The children from St. Bridgid’s N.S., Duagh are participating in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. They will be selling clay, magnetic St. Bridgid’s crosses which have been blessed at a cost of €3 each. Your support would be greatly appreciated .
ADORATION COMMITTEE: A Meeting of the Adoration Committee will take place in the sacristy on Thursday February 27 at 8p.m. Adoration each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8pm and Tuesday and Friday 10am-10pm.
NATIONAL SPRING CLEAN; Your involvement last year helped National Spring Clean 2013 become the largest campaign to date: 5351 clean up events took place and over 550 tonnes of litter was collected.
Registration for the 2014 Campaign is now open so to take part this year and receive your free clean-up kit please visit: www.nationalspringclean.org
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square on Thursday February 27 from 9.15 pm. Tel. (068) 22212/57927.
CARD GAME: Meenkilly card game results Febuary 18. Another great crowd with taking part. Winners with 14 games: Pat Curtin, Catherine Collins, Julia Murphy. Runner up with 13 games each: Liam Lane, Con Lane, Joanie Audsley. Door prize; Joanie Audsey, Donal O Connor. Table prize; Tommy Neiligan, Dee Harnett, Mossie Gleeson.Tickets; Marion Roche, Pat Curtin, Helen O Donnell ,Dick Fitzgerald ,Paddy O Sullivan, Ellie Lane. Meeenkilly card game takes place each Tuesday night starting at 9 pm. All are welcome,
SERIES OF TALKS: Lenten series of Talks on Wednesdays March 12, 19, 26 & April 2. Mark these dates in your diary.
WELCOME SPRING: A concert celebrating the arrival of Spring will take place at the Glorach Theatre on Saturday, April 12 and will be headlined by the Ballaugh Wren Boys Charity Group. You’re getting plenty of warning so mark this night down in your diary.
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE; A meeting was held in St Ita’s Hall on Monday night to discuss details of this year’s Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will depart from the convent at 4pm on Monday, March 17. It will be led by the Rathkeale Brass Band and will proceed down Main Street past the reviewing stand in The Square before dispersing out by the town car park. There will be prizes for the best float, best window display and best dressed family. Participating floats and vehicles are reminded that they are responsible for their own insurance and will be asked to sign an agreement to this effect before being permitted to join the parade. Further details will be announced next week.
FUNDRAISER: A tea dance with music by Noel Cronin will take place on Sunday, March 30 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse with all proceeds going to Abbey Heritage Local Training Initiative which provides second chance education to early school leavers in the locality.
DEATH; The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) Tumulty, Collins Park and formerly of Colbert’s Terrace, Abbeyfeale. Paddy played football for Abbeyfeale in his younger days and later worked as a steel-fixer at the large construction site at Aughinish. Sympathy is extended to his bereaved cousins, relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: A programme for bereaved adults will take place from 7.30 – 9pm every Thursday night in St. Ita’s Hall. Further information contact 068/ 31203, 31708, 31302.
GLORACH NOTES: Lorcan Curtin PRO says;” Preparations are well under way for our new production of Too close to Home by Jimmy Keary, a prolific playwright from Westmeath. This hilarious comedy looks at the perils of playwriting, daydreaming and deceptions, with many twists and turns along the way. We are scheduled to take to the stage towards the end of next month, don’t miss it.”
WEST LIMERICK 102FM: West Limerick Resources are organising a one night training session on News and Current Affairs next week on either March 4,5, or 6. If anyone is interested please contact Connie Broderick on 06966200 by this Wednesday at the latest.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Shane O’Connor says; “Well done to everyone that started our latest Couch to 5k last Friday! Still not too late to give it a go, guys. Join us every Friday at 6.30pm at the Town park. Training is FREE and suitable for all levels of fitness wishing to learn how to run. Fealefit are planning another Hill climb for Sunday March 23 – after the success of Mangerton we plan to climb Mount Brandon, if interested in joining us Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for further details .Finally anyone interested in being part of Fealefit’s Paddies day Float please contact us. All welcome.. Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.”
YOUTH CLUB NOTES: Abbey legends are in St. Ita’s Friday night 8-9.30pm. The Yolo club are in St. Ita’s Saturday night and Teens Unite are in the church 7.45-9.15pm.
INFORMATION NIGHT RE: YOUTH CAFE: Foróige supported by Limerick Youth Service will hold an information night on in St. Ita’s Hall on Wednesday, February 26 from 7-8pm. If you are interested in working with youth and have a couple of hours free during the week to volunteer please contact Maurice on 086 2428949 or Bríd 086 – 2043599.
PARENTING PROGRAMME: A Pavee Point Parenting Programme will run on Wednesday February 26 and March 26, 2014 in the Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre from 10am – 12 noon. The parent programme consists of a presentation and activities which explore the value of education, enrolment processes for pre-school, primary and secondary school structure, the difference between the Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied, attendance, the Education Welfare Board, bullying and discrimination and access programmes for University and Grants. This programme is run by West Limerick Resources with the support of the VEC.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CULTURE PROJECT: As Limerick is the City of Culture for 2014 Abbeyfeale Parish Council are proposing that the community would complete a project on ‘The Culture of Abbeyfeale past and present’. They are asking for people to get involved in research on community groups and services with the Church as the central element. Community groups are asked to email the parish office on fealechurch with 50-100 words on their history and present activity.
FEALE MONTESSORI: An open day will take place at the preschool on the Killarney Road on Thursday, February 27 at 3pm. Bookings may be made for the coming school year.
LANGUAGE AND PLAY ABBEYFEALE: The Abbeyfeale Language and Play group runs every Tuesday morning in St Ita’s Hall from 11am-12.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to develop friendships in a safe and friendly environment, while their children play and socialise together. The groups is supported and facilitated by West Limerick Resources with professional Language and Play facilitators also attending some sessions. New members are always welcome.
FLOOD RELIEF FOR ST. MARY’S PARISH, LIMERICK: A fund, jointly administered by St. Mary’s and the Vincent de Paul has been set up to help with the provision of food, fuel, clothing and bedding to parishioners who were affected by the recent flooding. Cheques can be made payable to Flood Relief c/o St. Mary’s Parish, Athlunkard St., Limerick.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Due to popular demand a second Parent and Toddler Group will now meet on Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm in St. Ita’s Hall Abbeyfeale. The Parent led group provides children with an environment in which they are able to play independently with other children, while still having the security of their parents close by. This can be a great help in building a child’s confidence. The group is supported by West Limerick Resources. New members are always welcome.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF JIM REEVES: A concert will be held on Wednesday, February 26 in the Woodlands Hotel, Adare to commemorate the 50th. Anniversary of the death of the singer Jim Reeves. Tickets and further information from 061 605100.
DRAMA WORKSHOPS: West Limerick Resources will be offering a series of drama workshops across the West Limerick area this spring. The short courses will include acting, directing for stage and technical skills. Courses are free of charge and open to anyone living in the West Limerick area. To apply for a place please contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
AL ANON: The Al Anon Family Group will have its weekly meeting in the Reparation Convent, Laurel Hill Ave, Limerick from Thursday March 6 at 8pm. Old and new members welcome. Details from Carmel (061-379849) or Frank (087-2059092).
NCW FILM CLUB: The club meets in the Desmond Complex . Friday, March 7. The film this month is “Wadja" a Saudi Arabian drama. Commences 8pm. €7. Refreshments available.
LEARN IRISH: Irish classes resuming for Adults every Wednesday night in Duagh. Contact Paul 087 937 8663.
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.
ANNUAL DINNER DANCE: West Limerick Region P.T.A.A. Woodlands House Hotel, on Sunday, March 9, 2014. Music by Seamus Sheehy. Dinner at 6pm sharp. Taille €24. Contact Mary Lynch for tickets 087 7719440 or your local Pioneer Centre.
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.
BEE KEEPING CLASSES: Plans are in train to run a class in bee keeping in the Adult Education Centre starting soon. Names are now being taken for those wishing to participate. Contact 068 31198. The delay in starting is in part due to the damage inflicted by the storms on the Education Centre but it is hoped to get underway shortly.
ICA NEWS; The Mainistir na Féile Guild of the ICA has resumed for the season and meets again on the first and third Tuesday of each month 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.
"ONE FOR THE ROAD" NOW ON SALE: The newly updated edition of "One More For The Road" by Raymond Fennelly is now available to purchase from Ann Lyons shop in The Square. Price €8.00. The book is also available from Amazon and Kindle. For more details check the local Abbeyfeale On Line website at; http://abbeyfealeonline.blogspot.ie/
GLORACH THEATRE: Lorcan Curtin PRO and playwright reports; “Preparations are well underway for a new comedy to take place at the Glórach Theatre at the end of March. If laughter during rehearsals is a barometer for an enjoyable play, then the audience are in for a spectacular treat!” St. Patrick’s weekend will see a musical celebration as well with details to follow.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR COMPUTER CLASSES IN ABBEYFEALE: Volunteers required to teach basic computer skills in Abbeyfeale. Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications or experience. Course will run from 3- 4pm on Wednesdays for six weeks (starting date to be confirmed). Contact Nora on 068 31198.
‘COME AND SEE’ – THE STORY OF LOURDES; Fr. Micheál Liston’s book ‘Come and See’ is for sale in several shops around town.
CRAFTY CORNER: Knitting and crochet class on Tuesday nights 7.30 pm in the Adult Education Centre. New members welcome – just come along on the night.
ITA’S SET DANCING CLASSES: Learn to set dance in Monagae every Thursday night from 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Abbeyfeale Drama Group will be performing ‘Separate Beds’ at Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse March 1, 2, 4 and 8 next. Doors open 7pm. Show starts 8pm. It’s a comedy with a great strong cast including stalwart s Dick Woulfe, Mary Murphy and worthy successor Richie Roche who has taken up Dick’s mantle and who is able to convey comedy or pathos with a twitch of an eye. So if you’re up for a good hearty laugh then this is the place to go.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: Gather by the Feale (July 16-20,) 2014 festival will be based on the arrival of the Vikings and their routing by Brian Boru. Next meeting Tuesday March 4 at the Search and Rescue, Killarney Road at 8pm. A fund raising bag packing will take place at Tesco on Friday next from 10am – 5pm and we badly need volunteers to work for an hour or two on Friday to help us raise funds for the new festival. If you have a couple of hours free on Friday please contact 087 6866450 or log onto our new Facebook page Gather by the Feale. See 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 “We currently have an extensive range of winter clothing, including coats, jackets, scarves and footwear. At the moment we have a range of new musical instruments including Spanish guitar left for €49. 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. Thank you for your continued support.”
THOUGHT "Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head." Ann Landers.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Athletes and Volunteers meet every Tuesday at 7pm. in the Community Centre, NCW. If you would like to become a volunteer please contact Rose McMahon (087 9845102) who will be pleased to give you all the details. Well done to Abbeyfeale’s Sean Healy who has been chosen to go forward to the All Ireland Games.
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.
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 068/51984Console 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: Intentions for the week; Friday 10am John & Elizabeth Horgan. Saturday 7pm Padraig O’Cleirigh, Peggy Foley, Ballaugh Month’s Mind Sunday 9.30am Rico Kelly Month’s mind 12noon Niamh Enright 2nd Anniversary.
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 M
BAPTISMAL MEETING: The next Baptismal Team Meeting will be held in Athea Church Sacristy on Tuesday, March 11 at 8pm.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. The group would welcome donations of paint, wood etc. .
CHANGE IN MASS TIMES: There will be no Mass at 10am on Monday mornings but instead an evening Mass at 7pm. There will be no 9am Mass on Saturday.
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 from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue 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 of 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.
PHONE CALL SERVICE: 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.
TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters meet twice monthly on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to May. Next meeting Wednesday, March 5 at 8.30pm. If you would like to gain self confidence in your public speaking abilities then this is the place to go. For further information contact Donnacha on 086 8494505. Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Brian Carroll a very valued member of West Limerick Toastmasters who died recently.
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.
HOLIDAY BREAKS: Maureen Finnegan says; “Would you like a week end away? We are going to one of the most picturesque places in Ireland and steeped in history. Leaving NCW on Friday, May16 at 10am. We will have dancing on Friday and Saturday nights to the music provided by Micheal English and his band and stepping it out to Locklin’s Bar! Dancing again Sunday night and returning home after a hearty breakfast on Monday 19. We will be based in the Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway the home town of the famous Sam Maguire who is well known to all who follow G.A.A. We will be out an about during the day. This is a giveaway price for this great break. Contact Maureen 0879845102 for more details and booking.
TEA DANCING IN CARRICKERRY. The tea dancing will return on Sunday March 23.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 