PROLOGUE: Talk the way you’d like to be and you you’ll be the way you talk. Duagh church newsletter.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of the late Ita Danaher, Church Street and Jerry Collins, Clash Road whose deaths occurred last week. May they rest in peace.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: Novena commences Good Friday and ends on Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday). Ceremonies begin in the Church of the Assumption at 2.30pm with Confessions followed by Mass and Healing Service on Sunday, April 27 for Divine Mercy Sunday.
TOO CLOSE TO HOME: After much positive feedback and glowing reviews, the Abbeyside Players will be putting on one more night of their hilarious production, Too Close to Home by Jimmy Keary. If you missed the laughter that recently reverberated around the walls of the Rugby Clubhouse, then make a bee-line for an Halla Tadgh Gaelach in Tournafulla on Sunday April 27. Curtains up at 8pm, believe the hype, a wonderful nights entertainment lies in store for you.
SET CEILI: Limerick Set Dancing Club Ceili in Devon Inn Templeglantine on Sunday, April 27 at 4pm. Music by Star of Munster from Clare. Everybody welcome Teas served.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square on Thursday April 24 from 9.15 pm. Admission free, tea/coffee served.
GET WELL SOON: Best wishes to Hazel Fitzgerald, The Railway Bar, Knockbrack who ended up in hospital over Easter and missed out on all the fun Easter Sunday night at her family’s pub.
FIDDLE LESSONS: Do you need music lessons in the lead up to the Fleadh Cheoil? One-to-one or small group fiddle lessons available in the Abbeyfeale area, for traditional irish music. For more details, contact Melanie Murphy on 068 32182 or e-mail at melaniemurphy689
SINGING CLUB: Singing Club on Thursday, May 1 in Philip Enright’s.
SPRING CLEANING: Well done to Denis and Norma Collins and family who organised their annual clean-up of the Doctors Road, Knockbrack last Saturday. The place is shining but like the cuckoo – she’s back, the humbug sucking, Grey Silk Cut smoking, Abbeyfeale church going litter bug. The vegetable peelings are still neatly tied up in small plastic bags but she has taken to eating from Super Bites and left us some garlic sauce for our delectation. Her diet has gone downhill in general and now includes biscuit and caramel bars and donuts from Tesco but we’re glad to report that she supports local produce too and included some wrappers off Judy’s bread from Templeganine and Athea Black Pudding. All of these items are very neatly bagged in light green striped plastic bags which include any amount of Kileen Easy Clean blue cloths and Brillo pad packaging so the house she lives in must be as spotless as an operating theatre while all the detritus of her existence is dropped at the end of the Doctors Road on the shortcut she takes on her way to or from town.
ICA NEWS: PRO of the Abbeyfeale Guild reports “On Tuesday, April 15 the ladies of the Abbeyfeale ICA guild held the first meeting following the A.GM. This was an opportunity to take time out, just to wander down memory, lane, all the way back to 1969, when the branch was founded. The venue then was the old Technical School. The only founder member of the current membership is Rita Horgan. Rita is such a stalwart member, that as long as she has breath in her body, the Abbeyfeale guild will be going strong. We had a night of pure nostalgia, going through old photographs, checking out things like the £5 annual membership fee and being fascinated by the strange hair styles and clothes styles down through the years. There was a membership of 80 in 1969, but at that time there was a dearth of social clubs for women. Our numbers have dwindled somewhat since then, but we have quite a few long service members who are the backbone of the guild. Sadly, some of the founder members have passed away and it was nice to remember them. Some delicious refreshments, provided by Ann Broderick and Eileen White, finished off a very enjoyable evening. A short break at the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway, is planned for June. All members who wish to travel, should confirm this at the next meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at the Community Education Centre. New Members are always welcome. The Federation meeting will be held at 8pm on Wednesday, April 30 at the Woodlands, Adare. A bus will be leaving the church at 7pm on the night.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2014: The first pilgrimage will take place over the June weekend Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2. Fare €120 which includes coach, boat and Island fare. Bookings 087 3966399 (9-6pm).
MARIAN’S DANCING: Learn to waltz, foxtrot, shoe the donkey and much more at the Community Centre, New St. every Friday night 8.30 – 10.30pm.
BARN DANCE: The Garth Brooks Experience Barn Dance at the Railway Bar Easter Sunday night was a huge success with cowgirls and cowboys, Indian squaws, Madam’s and saloon keepers all enjoying a night of Garth Brooks covers, rodeo bull riding, barbecue hot dogs and burgers, line dancing and fun. Our line dancers from the Friday night classes were joined by a group from Kerry and the floor was jumping all night. The classes which are great fun are set to continue. What a night! It’ll have to be an annual event.
MEENKILLY N.S.: Winners with 14 games; Danny O’ Connell, Kathleen Leinihan, Mary McCarthy. Two Runners up with 13 games; Eileen Reidy, Sean Harnett, Jimmy O’ Connell, Kathleen McCarthy, Maureen Fitzgerald, Billy Lane. Door prizes went to Dixie Quirke and Paddy O’ Sullivan. Table prizes were won by; Kathleen Lenihan, Danny O’ Connell, Mary McCarty, Eileen Reidy, Jimmy O’ Connell and Sean Harnett. Raffle winners were Mary O’Connell *2, Maureen Roche, Maurice Collins, Noel Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Toddy O’ Connor, Dick Fitzgerald, Kathleen McCarthy, Eoin Lane and Sean O Connor.
The committee would like to say “A Big thank you to each and every one who attended the game throughout the year and also to all sponsors. We thank Murphys Bakery, Caherlane, Abbeyfeale for the beautiful apple tarts, hope everyone has a lovely summer.”
CANONISATION OF TWO POPES: The canonisation ceremony for Popes John XXIII and John Paul II will take place in Rome on Sunday next, April 27, the feast of Divine Mercy (Mercy Sunday). In Limerick city the event will be marked in St John’s Cathedral by the holding of devotions (which will include confessions, veneration of the image of Mercy, and veneration of relics of St Faustina) at 2.30pm, followed by Holy Mass, which will be celebrated by our bishop Brendan Leahy, at 4.45pm.The occasion will also be celebrated at the Marian Shrine in Knock where ceremonies will run from 12.45pm to 5pm, with concelebrated Mass at 3pm. The chief celebrant and homilist will be the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown.
RTE will broadcast the Mass for the canonisation with commentary by Fr Dermod McCarthy and Mary Kennedy from 8.55am to11am on RTE One Television. There will also be a special edition of Beyond Belief at 10.30pm on RTE One television in which presenter Mick Peelo will remind viewers of the lives of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII and explore the meaning, purpose and process of sainthood. Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala will be participating in the panel on this programme. Bishop Fleming was Vice Rector and Rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.
There is a web feature for the canonisations of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II on the bishops’ website at:
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2014/04/08/canonisations-blesseds-john-xviii-john-paul-ii/
VOLUNTEERING: The current Miss West Limerick, Nadine Smith from Abbeyfeale, who is a dentistry student in UCC will be travelling to Uganda in July/Aug 2014 as part of Nurture Africa’s 3 week volunteer programme. Nurture Africa works with vulnerable children in Uganda living with or impacted by HIV and AIDs by supporting them with access to education, healthcare and training http://www.nurtureafrica.ie/volunteer/ & https://www.facebook.com/nurtureafrica Nadine has decided to organise an afternoon tea dance to help with fundraising and it will take place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, June 8 with dancing to the Sheamus Sheehy Band. She would appreciate your support.
.EXPERIENCE MONASTIC LIFE: St. Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, Co. Waterford is holding a Monastic Experience Weekend at from May 16-18. The event is open to women who are discerning God’s call in their lives and who would like to discover more about monastic life. Cistercian nuns seek God and follow Christ in a life of prayer, solitude, silence and work in a stable, loving, vibrant and growing community of thirty six sisters. Currently, there are 2500 Cistercian monks and 1800 Cistercian nuns worldwide. Visit their website www.glencairnabbey.org
NATIONAL VIGIL FOR LIFE: The National Vigil for Life 2014 will take place in Merrion Square, Dublin 2 on May 3 from 3- 4pm.To volunteer your time and help or for more information, email nationalvigilforlife.
8702 or Katie 085 871 1100
PIETA HOUSE FUNDRAISER: On Saturday, May 10 NCW will be one of 39 venues hosting the Darkness into Light Walk/Run, which is the primary fundraiser for Pieta House. The 5 km course begins at the Community Centre at 4.15am through the Demesne, on to the N21 to Lacey’s Cross, in Gortboy to the square and finishing back at the Community Centre as daylight is breaking. If you are interested in taking part, do come along to the Red Door Gallery on Saturday, April 26 and May 3 from 10am- 4pm. to register. It is also possible to register at dil.pieta.ie
SAGART PILGRIMAGE: The 21st Anniversary of the Sagart Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place on September 22 for five nights and costs €715. Contact Fr John O’Shea or the Sacristy.
MEET THE CANDIDATES: The Ireland and the European Union are at a turning point. The next few years will decide whether Ireland emerges from recession with a serious commitment to building an inclusive society or if we will condemn another generation to poverty. At the same time, the European Union will be tested, to see if it can evolve into a genuine union working for people or a more divided society in a streamlined economy. The European Parliament elections every five years are one of our main chances to come in on this debate. The new Parliament has increased powers and this election will be important in deciding how they will use them to hold European Governments and institutions to account. EAPN Ireland, in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Ireland, is organising three regional seminars for anti-poverty groups, one in each European Parliament constituency. Each meeting will include an introduction to the workings of the EU, the role of the European Parliament and European social policy in the morning. In the afternoon, we have invited all candidates to take part in a discussion with participants (so far, roughly half of the 28 declared candidates have accepted). The meetings in the South constituency takes place on April 29 in Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre, St. Michael’s Courtyard, Denmark St, Limerick. For further information, please call 01 8745737.
WLR ON FACEBOOK; West Limerick Resources has just launched its own Facebook page. If you would like to be kept up to date with our on-going activities and upcoming events please follow us at https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources. Alternatively visit our website www.wlr.ie
YOUTH CLUB NEWS: New Facebook page for the youth of Co. Limerick https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick. Clubs will not resume until May 9. Leader training begins on Saturday, April 26, if interested please contact either Fr. John or Fr.Joe. Anthony who played Jesus in the depiction of the Stations of the Cross by the youth club members and who is PRO for all the clubs would like to say “.Well done and thanks to the members and leaders of Teens Unite for a great performance of the Stations of the Cross on Friday night last. A massive thanks goes to director Martin Tobin for all his hard work and time.”
NEW WALKING GROUP: ‘ Fealefit Walkers’ Starting Wednesday, April 23 at 6pm. Evenings are getting longer and the weather is improving so we encourage & even challenge you all to get out and get some exercise. If you are looking to get some light exercise, fresh air, improve your health & fitness and meet new people then Fealefit is the place to be April 23 and it will be definitely suitable for all levels of fitness. Contact Shane 087 2891015 for details. Check outwww.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Fealefit Easter 5k Run / walk this coming Sunday April 27 at 10.30am at Fealefit. Registration opens 9.30am. Post-race refreshments in O’Riordans Bar Abbeyfeale, All welcome!!!
NOVENA: St. Anthony’s Novena Monday evening @7pm Mass.
SINGING CLUB: Singing Club on Thursday, May 1 in Philip Enright’s.
SHARON SHANNON: The annual Fleadh by the Feale takes place over the May Bank Holiday with Sharon Shannon headlining the celebrity concert on the Sunday night and supported by the wonderful Colaiste Ide agus Iosef Ceili band. Free entertainment on the Gig Rig in the Square each night and sessions all over town. Tickets are now on sale for the Celebrity Concert from committee members; Slice of Life 068-32655, Abbey Tiles 068-31661, Maureen 086-3265762, Celine 087-7697672, John 086-3165848. A full programme of events is planned, finishing on Monday, May 5 with a fireworks display.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita McQuinn holds a Rambling House every third Monday of the month in the Community Centre, Monagae from 8pm.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Funding is now available for personal security systems so if you are over 65, living alone or with a person or persons over 65 then you can apply to any member of the committee – Mossie Gleeson, Micheal O’Kelly, Sean Broderick, Mary Jo O’Connell, John O’Sullivan, Seamus Stack, John O’Sullivan, Mary McArthur, Kathleen Collins, Brenda and Buddy Barry, Marian Harnett or Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue. The system costs €65 which is the percentage of the cost not covered by the grant we receive from the Dept. and each year following there is a fee of €65 paid to the monitoring company.
CARING FOR CARERS: The Limerick Lions Club have organised a sponsored 10 Km Walk in support of Caring for Carers, Limerick Branch – Sunday April 27commencing 11.30 am. If you wish to walk, run or jog for us, please contact Caring for Carers Centre, 1 John’s Street, Limerick – 061 469484.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: Well done to committee members Shane O’Connor and Carol Fitzgerald who organised the highly successful Garth Brooks Barn Dance as a fundraiser to help with the planned Gather by the Feale (July 16-20,) 2014 festival. There will be a table quiz in the Winners Circle on Friday night to help with expenses and we encourage you to attend and support all efforts to put together money for running the festival which will be based on the arrival of the Vikings and their routing by Brian Boru. The following is the draft calendar of some of the proposed events: Wednesday, July 16; Art Workshops, Heritage Talk on the town with Margaret O’Shea, Tug of War and Sheaf Tossing, Talk on the Vikings, Rambling House. Thursday; Feale Fittest Family Inter Parish Event, Glorach Variety Concert. Friday, July 17; Art/Poetry Workshop, Farmers Market/Craft Fair, Feale Fittest Family Inter Parish Event, Singing Club, Teenage Disco. Saturday, July 18, Craft and Food Fair, Noelie Roche Tag Rugby, Viking Hooley. Sunday, July 20 Gospel Mass, Teddy Bears Picnic and Family Fun Day. Viking Craft Beer Festival, Battle of the DJ’s. There will be more and we’ll keep you up to date over the weeks. Don’t forget to mark this week in your diaries and don’t be booking foreign holidays and the like for that week, we’re going to have the holidays at home this year! See our website: https://abbeyfealefestivals.wordpress.com for regular updates. We also have a Gather by the Feale facebook page.
FUNDRAISER: Liam Downes was in touch to say “A fund has been set up to raise funds for Martina Tierney from Barna. Martina was diagnosed with M.S. in 1997, she is now confined to a wheelchair and finds it difficult to use a regular car. We are hoping to assist the family to buy an adapted vehicle. A dance has been organised for June 27 @ the Devon Inn, music by Maura and Donie and other artists tickets are on sale for just €5.
We will be at Tesco, Abbeyfeale selling tickets on Friday, April 25 everybody who buys a ticket will be entered in a draw for a load of turf. All donations will be greatly appreciated ad go to this most worthy cause.”
GARTH BROOKS CONCERT: A draw will take place for 2 premium tickets for one of the Garth Brooks concerts in Dublin next July. All proceeds to ‘Gather by the Feale’ Festival July 16-20. Ticket are €5 each and available from Jack O’Rourke’s Bar, the Square, Abbeyfeale. Tel 068 31314.
THURSDAY NIGHT DANCING IN THE EDEL QUINN HALL: Johnjoe Herlihy has started to run dances in Kenturk and has organised a bus to travel there picking up in Duagh, Abbeyfeale, Brosna, Mountcollins and Rockchapel. Mike Condon Thursday, April 24. Further information from 087 9735113.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. The group would welcome donations of paint, wood etc. Contact Chairman Dennis Collins for further information on 087 6497671.
MAUREEN’S DAY TRIPS: “ I will be going on a day trip on Sunday, May 18, leaving NCW at 8.30 am for beautiful Mizen head, home to Dolphins, Whales Seals and a host of birds gannets, Kittiwakes, Choughs – the bird migration North-South flight path is just a mile off shore. Mizen Head Visitor Centre, guided tours, shop and café. If you wish you can walk along the path or go down the 99 steps and across the arched bridge you will be able to visit an Award Winning Maritime Museum in the Lighthouse well worth seeing. The rugged scenery is breathtaking. Those who wish for the leisurely view can sit and view from the Visitor Centre. We will be having our breakfast & dinner en route. For more information and early booking is advised as our previous trips were booked out in a very short while. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.” On Sunday, June 15 we are heading back to Kerry and stopping off at Ballyferritier to visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery factory and shop. How would you like to make a piece of pottery to take home? Contact Maureen for more information. Sunday, July 13 we will be visiting the smallest of the Aran Islands Inisheer or otherwise known as Craggy Island, if you have free travel then you will be able to travel on the ferry for free. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE: The service provides information on training & education opportunities and support in creating a career plan. You can contact Dearbhla or Finn in the Round House, Newcastle West on 069 61316 & Brenda in W.L.R main office N.C.W. on 069 622
NCW JOBSEEKERS NETWORK: The NCW Jobseekers Network or The Optimistic Group meets each Tuesday from 1:30-2:30pm in the NCW Community Centre. This space is for those who feel they could do with support to access information on training & employment opportunities in the area. This is an open door format, no registration is necessary. New members welcome & encouraged to attend. Contact Brenda at West Limerick Resources Rural Employment Service (RES) on 069 66297.
LANGUAGE AND PLAY ABBEYFEALE, Early Childhood Ireland Specialist Marie O’Doherty will attend the Abbeyfeale Language and Play group which runs every Tuesday morning in St Ita’s Hall from 11am-12.30pm. The group is supported and facilitated by West Limerick Resources. New members are always welcome.
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 group is supported by West Limerick Resources. New members are always welcome.
ORAL HISTORY COURSE: West Limerick Resources will be running an Oral History Training Initiative starts Tuesday April 22 in Askeaton. Training will consist of two elements. Participants will develop Oral History Interviewing techniques as well as examine the legal and ethical issues relevant to gathering Oral History. The second element of the training will focus on digital voice recording and editing techniques. Training will also explore how oral history can contribute to the local heritage of communities and identify suitable ways of showcasing their research. Training will run one evening per week for 10 weeks. The course is free of charge and open to people living in the West Limerick area. To register for the programme contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
DIRECTING FOR STAGE: A directing for stage course for those interested in amateur drama takes place in the Knockaderry Resource Centre on Thursdays April 24, May 1 and 8 from 7.30pm. The course is free of charge and open to anyone living in the West Limerick area. To apply contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
YOUTH ACTING COURSE: A youth acting course for young people aged 10-16 years takes place in Newcastle West on Saturday’s May 10 and 17 from 11am-5pm. The course is free of charge and open to those living in the West Limerick area. To apply contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
VOLUNTEER DISCOUNT CARD SCHEME: Limerick Volunteer Centre is seeking businesses to take part in its new Volunteer Discount Card Scheme. The Centre works to support over 300 organisations and 8000 volunteers across Limerick City and County. Businesses are asked to register with the scheme to offer special offers and discounts to card holders, supporting local volunteers and attracting new customers to their business. Contact the centre on 087 7387481 or email info. Website: www.volunteerlimerick.ie
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.
SUE RYDER: Manager Maria Moloney says “At last Spring is here and if you are spring cleaning, please remember that we would be grateful for any donations of clothing, bric-a-brac, shoes, bags, bedding, curtains and toys to sell in our shop in Abbeyfeale. We have recently received a generous donation of bedding pots and are currently selling the small pots at €1 for 20.Our summer range of clothing is increasing by the day, so feel free to pop in and have a browse.
OPENING: Glenville House and Gardens Ardagh announce the following opening hours for 2014. April 3-30, May 1-17. Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 1.30pm. 23rd August 23- 31 Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 1.30pm. September 6- 30 Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 1.30pm.The admission is adults € 5 Students € 3 children and OAPs are free.
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,Canon 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: 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 know when people are in hospital.
BODYCARE WELLNESS CENTRE: The Bodycare Wellness Centre has moved to 3 Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale.. Telephone Chris O’Shea 0872293636.
HUMOUR: A newly widowed lady is visited by her friend to find out how the husband died. The widow said “I was out in the garden pulling a turnip for the dinner when I heard the shout, I ran in and there he was dead as a door nail on the floor". The friend said what did you do and the widow replied “I opened a tin of peas".
BUS: Contact Eoin on 087 2522402 re bus leaving from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue at 7.40 pm every Thursday for Castleisland Bingo.
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TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters meet twice monthly on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to May. Next meeting Wednesday, May 7 at 8.30pm. This will be the second last meeting of the season so if you’d like to get a flavour of what goes on and maybe plan to join up in September you’d be very welcome to call in.
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.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE: Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes June 2014:- The Annual Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes -June 21-26 is now open for booking. The flights will be from Shannon and the fare is €709/ €599.
CALLING ALL ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT PRODUCERS: The first market took place last summer during The Gathering and we’re planning to build on its success during the 2014 Gather by the Feale July 16-20. We are looking for people who produce food or make crafts to set up on the cobbles in the Square under Fr. Casey on Friday and Saturday, July 18/19 from 10am -3pm. Contact us on 087 6866450 or marianharnett1
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 