PROLOGUE: O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
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.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Sean O’Mahony, Caher, Ita Leahy, Knockbrack and Ann Romain Gallager Hillview Drive. May they rest in peace.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life to Karen Browne, Railway Road and Brian McKenna, Athea who were married in the Church of the Assumption last Friday.
CONFIRMATION; Taking place at the Church of the Assumption on Friday, May 7 at 10.30am. Church Car Park will be closed Thursday night and Friday morning to facilitate the ceremonies.
KILLEENAGH BLESSED WELL: The Rosary will be recited at the well every Friday night at 8pm during Mary’s month of May.
OPEN DAY AT ST. ITA’S DAY CARE CENTRE: The Day Care Centre will be having an Open Morning this Wednesday from 10.30- 1pm to highlight its role in the community.
YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey legends are in St. Ita’s on Friday 8-9.30pm. .Teens Unite are in the sports complex and the Yolo club are in St. Ita’s both clubs run from 7.45-9.15pm.
RAMBLING HOUSE IN KNOCKALOUGHA: Mick Sheehy lived in Knockalougha and now his house has been turned into a Rambling House which will be open on the 3rd. Tuesday of each month.
.BEALTAINE: Newcastle West Film Club will be showing the film ‘Quartet’ this Wednesday May 7, at 7pm. in the Desmond Complex. This is part of the annual Bealtaine Festival for older people. Admission is Free.
ADORATION: A committee meeting will be held on thisWednesday, May 7 at 8pm in the Sacristy.
SEAN KELLY MEP TO VISIT ABBEYFEALE: Come out and meet our local man in the European Parliament as he canvasses Abbeyfeale on Monday, May 12 from 10.30am. Sean Kelly is a native of Kilcummin – a few miles from Killarney and just 30 from Abbeyfeale.
PARISH CULTURE PROJECT: A meeting of those interested in the Parish Pastoral Council’s culture project will take place at St. Ita’s Hall on Thursday, May 8 at 8pm. All are welcome.
‘A MOTHER’S ROSARY’: Kadie Harnett’s first single is available by popular demand at Ann Lyons’, The Square.
IDE NAOFA PASTORAL AREA MEETING: The next meeting will be held in St. Ita’s Hall on June 3 at 8pm and will be attended by Noirin Lynch from the Pastoral Office, Lorraine from Faith Development and Chris and Aoife from Youth Ministry.
BURREN OUTDOOR RETREAT: Celebrating the spectacular Burren from Friday next, May 9 – Sunday, May 11 at The Red Gates, Corofin, Co. Clare. Contact sacristy for further details.
TRAVELLER MEN PROJECT: The Abbeyfeale Foroige Youth Carpentry Project sold their handcrafted products in the Milk Market in Limerick city on Friday last. Their products include: Bread boards which come in 3 different sizes and cheese boards all made from Irish Oak. Multipurpose foot stool/ step which can also hold books/dvds. All these products were hand crafted and made in Abbeyfeale by young traveller men living in the area and are a credit to them and their tutors. I have one of the bread boards and I can say without fear of contradiction that it is top quality. If any local businesses would like to stock their products please contact: Linda/ or / Chris at the Foroige Youth Centre in Newcastle West.
FAIR DAY IN ATHEA: The next fair day in Athea takes place on Sunday, May 11.
LENIHAN REUNION: If you’re a Lenihan or connected through marriage keep July 3-6 free for a reunion.
COFFEE MORNING; Rose and Mike O’Donnell, Knockbrack would like to say a sincere thank you to all who supported their recent coffee morning which raised €520 for the Carers Asssociation.
CURA COLLECTION: This collection for the crisis pregnancy support service offered by the Catholic Church will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.
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
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.
LISTOWEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Open Day, Tuesday, May 13 from 10.00 a.m. -1.00 p.m. For Adults wishing to return to Education. Steps to Success – Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a second chance education programme for adults over 21 in receipt of a social welfare payment. Details regarding the course and eligibility for the course will be available on the day.For further information please contact the school on 068-21023.
YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR: Entries are being sought for the 16th FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition which has been launched recently. Young farmers in Limerick who are actively involved in the running of a farm, full or part time, are invited to apply. A county winner will be chosen who will go through to the all-Ireland final in September. The competition was launched by organisers, Macra na Feirme, sponsors FBD and partners, the IFA. The overall winner of the competition will receive a bursary to undertake international travel and study farm practices. Young farmers can also be nominated for the competition. Anyone who nominates a young farmer will go into a draw for two nights B&B for two adults in any FBD hotel including dinner on one night. Forms are available from Macra na Feirme national office by phoning 01-426 8900, from your local IFA or FBD offices and for download on www.macra.ie and www.ifa.ie. You can also apply online – just log on to macra.ie. The closing date for applications and nominations is May 30.
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
SUE RYDER: Manager Maria Moloney writes “Hope you all had a great bank Holiday weekend. Our shop is filling up with colourful summer clothing and footwear so please come in and have a browse. We still have some planting pots available priced at just 20 for €1, and our books are only €1 each.We are always grateful for donations of clothing, shoes, bedding, curtains, jewellery and especially bric a brac. Thank you once again for your continued support. Here is a little reminder of the kind of things we take in…….
Everything and Anything
Declutter your wardrobe, look under your bed,
Check out your attic, garage and shed
I’m sure you’ll find items you no longer need
We will find homes for them, that’s true indeed!
We need clothing and shoes, of all shapes and sizes
Unwanted gifts and unwanted prizes
We would also like curtains and bedding, or that china tea-set you have since your wedding
Books, bric a brac, cutlery and glasses, jewellery and toiletries
For the lads and lasses
So please take some time to look round the house
We take in almost everything, but not your partner or spouse!
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: Limerick National City of Culture has begun taking applications for volunteers who wish to get involved in this year’s exciting programme of events. This year Limerick will be the national stage for a host of acts, arts and events from the best in local talent to internationally renowned artists performing in Ireland for the first time. The Limerick National City of Culture Volunteer Team will help shine a light on Limerick and lift the lid on the best that the city has to offer as Ireland’s premier cultural venue in 2014.
POSITION AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE: PAUL Partnership is seeking to recruit a Public Health Nurse to support the work of the HSE in Primary Care in Limerick City. The position is offered on a fixed term contract basis for 9 months, renewable subject to funding.
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.
LINE DANCING: Learn the boot scoot boogie, the Tush Push, the Montreal shuffle and more every Friday night at the Community Centre, New St. from 7.30-8.30pm.
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
BALLYSEEDY WOOD DAWN CHORUS; Meet at the woods at 4.15am on Sunday, May 18.
.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: Saturday 11am Kathleen, Tom and Aenie Collins, The Hill. Adoration on Tuesday and Friday from 8am – 10pm and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. 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
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 need more information contact Breda 087 7715734.
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.
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: 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.
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. 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.
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.
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, May 8 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.
GOSPEL RISING MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LIMERICK: Saturday 10th May
13:30 – 15:00 Lunchtime Gig Thomas St, outside The Still House. Free
15.30 – 17.30 Gospel Music Taster Workshop Choir Room, Redemptorist Centre. €10
20.00 – 23.00 Main Festival Gig George’s Quay, outside The Locke Bar. Free
Sunday 11th May
12:00 – 14:00 Super Soul Sunday Gig George’s Quay, outside The Locke Bar. Free
Check the website www.gospelrising.com
MCAULEY CONFERENCE IN MARY I: This year the McAuley Conference at Mary Immaculate College, South Circular road on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th May will explore the life and ministry of Pope Francis, one of the world’s most inspiriting leaders.
Since his election he has begun a reform of the papacy and of the Church that has captured the imagination of the world. This conference will take time to examine: how his vision has been shaped by his Jesuit formation and his previous experiences in leadership; what are some of the significant themes that are emerging in his efforts to renew the Church and its mission.
Friday May 23rd
●14.00 –17.00 Emerging Scholars’ Presentations
●18.30 Registration
●19.30 Introduction to the conference with Dr Eugene Duffy, Conference Convenor and opening of the conference by Bishop Brendan Leahy ●19.50 Pope Francis: Untying the Knots (Mr Paul Vallely)
●21.00 Reception
Saturday May 24th
●09.00 Registration
●09.30 Opening Prayer
●09.50 Jesuit Echoes in Pope Francis’ Ministry of Consolation and Service (Rev Brendan Comerford, S.J.)
●10.45 Break
●11.00 The Priority of Mercy and the Necessity of Justice: Ethics and Pope Francis (Dr Ethna Regan)
●12.00 Evangelii gaudium, An Ecumenical Reading (Professor Eamonn Conway and Dr Jessie Rogers)
●13.00 Lunch
●14.15 “Go, Francis, and Repair my Church” (Dr Eugene Duffy)
●14.50 Divorce, Remarriage and Holy Communion: What can Pope Francis do? (Dr Patrick Connolly)
●15.30 Wasting Time with People (Ms Alice Leahy)
●Conclusion
The cost is €75 payable in advance and includes lunch. For further details contact Dr Eugene Duffy at (061)204968 / eugene.duffy
orMs Deirdre Franklin at (061)204507
MIND IN THE FLESH: Female bodies in contemporary performance. Dance Symposium presented by Dance Limerick from Thursday, May 8 – 10. At Dance Limerick and The LimeTree Theatre. Booking
Focusing on female bodies in contemporary performance, the Mind in the Flesh symposium incorporates artists’ talks, debates, performance lectures and workshops, alongside some cracking performances by exciting world renowned artists, including Liz Aggiss, David Hoyle, Lucy Suggatt and Editta Braun Company. 061 467813 orwww.dancelimerick.ie
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 