PROLOGUE: "One mistake does not have to rule a person’s entire life."
Joyce Meyer
COMMUNITY ALERT: The annual church gate collection takes place on Saturday and Sunday at all Masses. Your support will be most welcome.
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.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: John Mc Auliffe, Knocknagoshel will provide the music at the monthly afternoon tea dance in Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, May 11 from 3-6pm. This will be a fundraiser for the community garden.
CREDIT UNION OFFICE CLOSED: The local office will be closed during the week to facilitate the installation of a new computer system and will reopen on Thursday, May 1 at 10am.
GET WELL WISHES: All good wishes to Maura Heck Collins for a speedy recovery to good health.
LENIHAN REUNION: If you’re a Lenihan or connected through marriage keep July 3-6 free for a reunion.
BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK; Kadie Harnett from Clash, daughter of Pat and Nita (nee McCarthy, Cahir)and a granddaughter of Jackie and Eily, Purt is blessed with the voice of an angel and recently released her first single entitled ‘ A Mother’s Rosary’ which has been generating much airplay on local radio stations. She is already working on a second single and hopes to release an album before the end of the year. If people are looking for cd’s which are for sale for €5 they can contact Kadie on 087 2976254. Well done too to ‘Sound as a Pound’ the Abbeyfeale based traditional group who are also getting plenty of airtime with their lively selections of polkas.
WL102FM RACE NIGHT: West Limerick 102 Community Radio are holding their 4th Race Night in Dan Cronin’s Bar the Square Newcastle West, on Friday, May2 at 8pm. They are seeking people to sponsor one of the races, or to buy a horse for € 10. Any business people or individuals interested are asked to contact the Radio Station on 069-66200. A great night of fun is promised and a raffle for fabulous prizes will be held.
WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES UNDER THREAT; There will be a Public Meeting on the threat to the future of West Limerick Resources and its supports on Wednesday, May 7 in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West, starting 8pm. Please attend to learn how changes to the local development sector will affect your community and you. The meeting will outline the government’s proposed changes under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and how these changes threaten the community’s ownership of and involvement in the future delivery of the local supports and could potentially lead to the closure of West Limerick Resources. You can also sign a national on-line petition in support of local development companies, available at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-local-development-companies
ALBUM LAUNCH AND CEILI: A C.D. will be launched at the Ploughman Bar on Friday, May 2 during the Fleadh. It is entitled ‘Where the River Shannon Flows’ and is by Richard and Den. All profits from the sale of the disc will go to Recovery Haven, Tralee.
WHAT A NIGHT: Carol and Shane who organised the recent Garth Brooks night at the Railway Bar have sent us the list of winners on the night and say “There were some serious movers and shakers on the dance floor with some winners to be announced, so in no particular order it is with great pleasure we inform you of the following: Winner of best dressed male – John ‘ The Tache’ Manton. Winner of best dressed female – Erin ‘The Squaw’ Sugrue. King of the rodeo – Des Scanlan. Queen of the Rodeo – Jackie Quirke. Best line dancer – Kelley Harnett. Our two tickets for Garth’s concert in Dublin went to Garth’s biggest fan – Marian Quirke. We would also like to thank Mike Murphy frozen foods and chef Deirdre Prendiville for keeping everyone well fed. Spot prizes on the night were compliments of Tom Murphy Hardware / Tesco / Ger Smith Carryout /Abbeyfeale Farmers’s Market/ Twohig’s Supervalu / Fealefit / Clarion Hotel Limerick and hamper from Carol & Tom Fitz of the Railway. Thanks to all the entertainers on the night – Kevin Mc Carthy, Pat O Donnell and Marian’s Line dancers. Also a big thanks to Eileen & Sean from Fealeprint. Last but not least an especially big thanks to the public for supporting the event, here’s to Summer 2014 in Abbeyfeale!! Yeah Haa!!!”
NEW STUDY: There was a very interesting article in the Irish Independent last week about a new study from the London School of Economics which showed that dancing brings a person more happiness than even a raise in wages – Marian’s social dancing class takes place every Friday night from 8.30-10.30pm at the Community Centre, New St., – happiness guaranteed.
HEALING OF SILENT MEMORIES: Ceremony for naming of babies/children who have died as a result of miscarriage, afterbirth or sudden infant death at the church of The Immaculate Conception. NCW on Wednesday, May 7 at 8pm. Everyone welcome.
ALZHEIMER’S TEA DAY: Madeline Noble O’Connor has issued an invitation to a tea day at the Adult Education Centre on Wednesday, April 30 from 11-2pm and Eileen O’Brien hosts one at her home in Bridge St., this year it takes place on Thursday, May 1 from 2-6pm.
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
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.
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)
NOVENA: St. Anthony’s Novena Monday evening @7pm Mass.
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.
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 began on Saturday, April 26, leaders are still needed, if interested please contact either Fr. John or Fr.Joe. The new club will commence on Saturday, May 24 next.
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.
LIMERICK AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME: A consultation is planned with Older Adults on Thursday, May 1 from 2-4pm at St. Ita’s Housing and Day Care Centre, Convent St. A discussion will be held under the following headings: Housing and Accommodation, Safety and Security, Participation in social, economic and public life, Value and Respect, Opportunities to learn, develop and work, Information and Communication, Health and Community Services, The build and social environment and Transport. All are welcome.
.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: Wednesday 10am Tom Lane, Killarney Road. Friday 10am Purgatorial (First Friday )
Saturday 11am Richard Tobin, Convent St. 7pm Tom & Patrick McCarthy Caher
Nora O’Keeffe St Ita’s Road. Sunday 9.30am Denis & Ellen Collins and Geary family
Patrick Collins, Glenashrone Month Mind 12noon Margaret Broderick 1st Anniversary.
Hannah O’Donoghue.Friday is the First Friday of the Month. Confessions on
Thursday after the 10am Mass.
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.
.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. Registration will continue at Feale Fit (opposite Kostal)Mountmahon on May 3 from 11am- 12 noon. Anyone who has registered online and would like to collect their event T-shirt can do so by bringing your receipt with you. If you need more information contact Breda 087 7715734.
VINTAGE RUN: Knockdown Vintage Club and Estuary Macra will hold a charity modern and vintage run on Sunday, May 4 starting and finishing at the Knockdown Arms, Athea. Light refreshments will be served after the run and there will be a free raffle for participants. A great afternoon’s entertainment is promised.
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.
BEES AND BUGS ON THE BOARDWALK IN THE BOG IN BALLYLANDERS: Griston Bog in Ballylanders is the site for a mini nature festival from 3-5pm on Saturday next during the Ballyhoura Walking Festival. For 2 hours there will be different hands-on nature activities, including a mini-safari, birdwatching, pond dipping, art activities and live music. Bring a picnic and relive the old times of ‘tea on the bog’ – without having to cut the turf! Griston Bog is accessible to everyone with a boardwalk throughout.
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
FEALE FIT NEWS:Thanks to everyone that came out and supported our Easter 5k run / walk last Sunday and well done to all our latest Couch to 5k graduates! Best of Luck to all the Fealefit crew running The Great Limerick Run this weekend coming! NEW Walking group, ‘ Fealefit Walkers’..If you wish to improve your health & fitness and meet new people then Fealefit is the place to be every Monday / Wednesday & Friday at 6pm – definitely suitable for all levels of fitness. Contact Shane087 2891015 for details. Nutritional Seminar Friday, May 9 at Fealefit 7pm with Eileen Lane 0873950063, Nutritional tips on how to lose weight coming up to the summer & also the importance of intolerance testing. Check out www.Fealefit.com for details on Classes..
RAMBLING HOUSE: Ita McQuinn holds a Rambling House every third Monday of the month in the Community Centre, Monagae from 8pm. The next one will be on May 19.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: A big thank you to all who supported the table quiz in the Winners Circle on Friday night last with proceeds going to’ Gather by the Feale.’ Teams from Leens Hotel, Abbeyside Players and Gather by the Feale committee members were joined by locals and visitors for questions set by Packy O’Connor – the question setter from Hell who had us all scratching our heads and some of us googling under the table – you know who you are! Auctioneer Declan Woulfe was the Quiz Master and did his best to give us clues and hints. Carina, Jimmy and team won and donated their prize to the fund. Cllr. Liam Galvin was the lucky winner of the hamper. Thanks too to the Abbeyside Players who donated some of their takings from the last night of their performance of’ Too Close to Home’. Next meeting of the committee will be on Tuesday, May 6 at Leens Hotel. We would be delighted to have people join us and maybe get involved with the running of an event during the festival July 16-20 next. Our regular meetings take place on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 8-9.30pm at the Search and Rescue premises on Bridge St. 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.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. The shed was officially opened by the Chairman of the Men’s Shed Movement John McEvoy, on Friday last. In a far ranging speech he spoke about the benefits of men having a place to meet, work in, socialize and generally just hang out. Of course the Men’s shed also benefits the community as we can testify from the signage made and erected for the Arts W/e last October and the beautiful sign made for the community garden and the clearance work carried out there by Peter Croker. Contact Chairman Dennis Collins for further information on 087 6497671.
IRISH COUNCIL FOR PRISONERS OVERSEAS: The ICPO was established by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference in 1985. It works on behalf of Irish prisoners overseas to provide information, support and advocacy to both the prisoners and their families. Prisoners overseas face discrimination, language barriers, dealing with unfamiliar legal systems and sometimes extreme hardship with limited access to basic necessities like food and water. The ICPO operates a Pen Friend Scheme and if you would like to join you should contact ICPO, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare or ring 015053156 or email icpo
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.
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.
BEREAVEMENT INFORMATION EVENING FOR PARENTS: Milford Care Centre and Anam Cara, the national organisation that provides support services to bereaved parents and families, are hosting a Bereavement Information Evening in the Milford Care Centre, Castletroy on Thursday, May8 from 7- 9pm.This event gives parents an opportunity to hear an experienced bereavement professional talk about the many challenges families may face after the death of their son or daughter and is open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age of their child or the circumstances of their death.The guest speaker is Brid Carroll and the topic for the evening is’ Coping with loss when a child dies’. There will be time on the evening for questions and to talk with other bereaved parents. This information evening is provided free of charge to parents. Milford Care Centre and Anam Cara will need to confirm numbers for this event so please let them know by email to info, or by phone to (01)4045378 or 087 9637790 before Wednesday, May 7.
BODYCARE WELLNESS CENTRE: The Bodycare Wellness Centre has moved to 3 Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale.. Telephone Chris O’Shea 0872293636.
PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND JUNE 18-25, 2014 – fully escorted pilgrimage to Poland in the footsteps of Pope John Paul 11 – in celebration of his canonization year. Direct flights from Shannon – coach from Kerry. Contact -0214277700 or 0667131328.
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.
IRISH CANCER SOCIETY TREK: Contact the Irish Cancer Society for details on their five day trek in the Indian Himalayas in an area known as Little Tibet.
SMALL GRANTS: The Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force invites applications for once-off Small Grant funding from Community, Cultural, and Voluntary groups that are not eligible for funding from another source. Projects must be based in the Mid-West area (Clare, Limerick City & County and North Tipperary). Applications for grants (min. €500 & max. €2,000) should be directly relevant to the MWRDTF Strategic Plan and to the National Drugs Strategy.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 