PROLOGUE: "Love is stronger than differences. We all live on the same planet. We walk on the same earth. We breathe the same air. No matter where I was born, no matter what color skin I have or what religion I was raised to believe in, everything and everyone is connected to this one life. I no longer choose to prejudge others, to feel either superior or inferior. I choose equality — to have warm, loving, open communication with every member of my earthly family. I am a member of the earth community. Differences of opinion are wonderful, colorful varieties of expression. Today my heart opens a little bit more as I go about creating the world I want to live in." Victoria Halik
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Bridget Sheehan, Collins Park who died recently. We also offer our sympathy to the family of the late Sr. Mary O’Riordan who was born in Ballaugh, Abbeyfeale, joined the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at the age of 16 and ministered in the USA until her recent death at the age of 93. She was devoted to the Divine Mercy and her influence prompted her sister Sheila O’Connell RIP Kilconlea to establish Divine Mercy Sunday in the Church of the Assumption. May they both rest in peace
CAR BOOT SALE: The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of local community radio WL102fm will take place at the Community Centre, Newcastle west (next to GAA pitch) on Sunday next, May 18. Gates open 7.30am. No reservation of pitches necessary. Further information 069 66200.
CHURCH NOTICE: There will be no 8.15am Mass on Friday morning next and the churchyard will be locked Friday night in order to keep parking for the First Holy Communion families on Saturday.
ANNUAL TOWN PARK DOG SHOW; Committee member James Harnett reports; “The biggest and best Fun Dog Show in Munster takes place next Sunday May 18 in Abbeyfeale Town Park. Judging in 12 classes along with many other side events including agility demonstration, doggie shop, guess the name of the puppy, great raffle, and lots more. Lots of additional rosettes this year. Refreshments available on site. A great day out for all the family – this is a fundraiser for the upkeep of our beautiful town park. So please come along on Sunday 18th starting at 2.00 p.m. Don’t let the weather deter you – as marquees will be erected if required.”
FREE PHONE NUMBER LAUNCHED: A new free phone number has been launched last Tuesday for the Samaritans in Ireland. It is 116123.
PARISH CULTURE PROJECT: The Parish Council Project is divided into two sections. The first being an information brochure to highlight organisations and events in our parish. The second – a larger project Abbeyfeale Parish life and culture past and present. In order to get the brochure done we need each organisation in the parish to send in a short synopsis of what the organisation does, where it is held, when, time, dates and contact details. If you have any interesting old photo’s or information for the second project contact the office. They will be scanned and given back immediately.
WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES MEETING: This was a very well attended meeting. Some of the suggestions put forward included asking people to contact all the candidates who are seeking election and find out where they stand on the plans to remove Leader funding from the company. We were also asked to sign an online petition available on the West Limerick Resources website. I felt that there was a lot of shouting and roaring at the meeting which did nothing to help the situation. It is my personal opinion that when reasoned discourse goes out the window then the mob mentality sets in very quickly.
THANK YOU: On behalf of the Special Olympics National Bucket Collection on Friday, April 11 last Mary Healy would like to thank everyone who gave so generously. The total amount collected was €700.50.
GLORACH THEATRE PUBIC MEETING: New members, new ideas, new users wanted! There will be a public meeting on Thursday May 29 at 8pm to discuss the future of Abbeyfeale Community Theatre, An Glorach. The meeting will take place in the theatre which is located adjacent to the Daycare Centre and is being called to allow individuals and groups from the area have a direct input into shaping the future of the community facility with the aim of maximising if for the benefit of the entire community. All are welcome.
ICA: The Mainistir na Feile guild held their meeting on Tuesday, May 6 last. Bridie O’Shea PRO has the following report; “Nine of the members attended a very lively Federation AGM at the Woodlands Hotel on April 30 last. As part of the celebrations for our 45th year, a weekend trip from June 13-15 to the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway is planned. A deposit for this will be required at our next meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at the Community Education Centre. New members are always welcome.”
KILLEENAGH BLESSED WELL: The Rosary will be recited at the well every Friday night at 8pm during Mary’s month of May.
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. The next night will be Tuesday, May 20
‘A MOTHER’S ROSARY’: Kadie Harnett’s first single is available by popular demand at Ann Lyons’, The Square.
YOUTH CLUB NOTES: PRO Anthony Scannell reports; “All clubs are walking the railway on Friday weather permitting, leaving from St.Ita’s at 7pm sharp, leaders will need high vis jackets. If the walk doesn’t go ahead the Yolo club will run on Saturday in St. Ita’s from 7.45-9.15pm. Registration for new club is on May 24 from 7.45 till 8.15pm. Leaders are still needed for this club and anyone interested is asked to contact Fr. Joe or Fr. John.
DINJOE’S OFF TO SHANAGOLDEN BINGO: I met Dinjoe Doran last Friday at the Farmers’ Market and he told me to remind everyone that he travels to Shanagolden Bingo every Tuesday and leaves from the church at 7pm. He says he never comes home without someone on the bus bringing a big hoult of the money on offer! Talking of the Farmers’ Market we have a new stall, it’s a mobile café offering; a selection of different coffee drinks including Americano, latte, cappuccino, mocha, Irish coffee along with tea and a large selection of herbal teas, hot chocolate, chai latte’s and so on. The café will also serve fresh homemade food from Kitty’s Patisserie Killorglin, Flor Griffin is the owner and he provides a canopy with a seating area as well so now you can come and meet your friends for a coffee in the Square – Abbeyfeale is turning cosmopolitan – all we want now is the sun to shine out.
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.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Well done to all the Fealefit crew who ran The Great Limerick Run and the Riocht 5k / 10 miler over the past 2 weekends, great achievement for all involved! Fealefit runners are out training every Saturday morning at 9am, all are welcome. There is also Ring of Kerry training every Sunday morning at 8am, both groups are suitable for all levels of fittest and are free of charge, Contact Shane 087 2891015 for details.. Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.
TRAVELLER MEN PROJECT: The Abbeyfeale Foroige Youth Carpentry Project sold their handcrafted products in the Milk Market in Limerick city recently and customers were highly impressed by the quality of the work they had produced. 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. Foroige are making a huge effort to try to get meaningful employment for young Travellers here in Abbeyfeale so it would be good if this new initiative is supported by the community. If any local businesses would like to stock their products please contact: Linda/ or / Chris at the Foroige Youth Centre in Newcastle West 086 0476785 linda.hassett
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
ARA NA FEILE: Councillor Liam Galvin was present at our last meeting and a very information discussion took place on current topics. The Committee would like to thank Liam for his time. On Wednesday last, we also visited the Day-care Centre for morning tea and scones. It was great to catch up with the local residents and we look forward to returning again soon. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 14 @ 2pm in the Adult Educational Centre.
LENIHAN REUNION: If you’re a Lenihan or connected through marriage keep July 3-6 free for a reunion.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: 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.
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 organizers Macra na Feirme, sponsors FBD and partners 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.
NAMES: According to Wikipedia the following were the most common names in the census returns for Abbeyfeale in 1901 and 1911. Collins, O’Connor, Harnett, Lane, O’Donnell, Broderick, O’Connell, O’Sullivan, Flynn, Healy, Horgan, Cotter, Fitzgerald, Moloney, Leahy, Colbert, Connell, Dillane, Keane, Lyons, McCarthy, Sheehy, Curtin, Hartnett, Roche, Daly, Donoghue, Doody, McAuliffe, Murphy, Quirke, Scannell, Sullivan, McElligott.
SUE RYDER: Manager Maria Moloney writes “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.”
.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 8.15am Francey Healy, Dromtrasna. Thursday 8.15am James Collins, Dromtrasna, Friday 10am Bridget O’Connell, New St. Saturday 7pm James Collins 2nd Anniversary, Henry McGill Springmount 1st Anniversary. 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.
. TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters meet twice monthly on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to May. Next meeting Wednesday, May 21at 8.30pm. This will be the 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.
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 in May 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
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. Check out Nuture Africa on 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.
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
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
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.
FUNDRAISER: A dance has been organized for Martina Tierney, Barna on 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.
COURSE IN PASTORAL MINISTRY: Accredited by the Diocese of Kerry, this
course is aimed at all those who are involved in parish pastoral councils, liturgy
groups, finance committees, safeguarding children committees, and other ministries.
It is for those who are already involved in ministry in their parish, and all who wish
to become more involved in their parish. The course will be held over 20 nights in both Ardfert and Killarney starting next September. For further information contact Frances Rowland on 064 6632644.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MCAULEY CONFERENCE IN MARY I: This year the McAuley Conference at Mary Immaculate College, South Circular road on Friday, May 23 and Saturday 24 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.The cost is €75 payable in advance and includes lunch. For further details contact Dr Eugene Duffy at (061)204968 / eugene.duffy
or Ms Deirdre Franklin at (061)204507
LAUNCH: Julianne Hadden is an Irishwoman living in Britain and she has just released a book that may be of interest to parents and teachers alike. In her press release she says; “Are our schools in danger of grinding to a halt because of the increasing number of disruptive pupils?” The press release goes on to say “New author Julianne Hadden is stunning parents and teachers alike with a simple intervention she has developed that’s having a dramatic effect on young people on the brink of becoming unreachable. She shares her surprisingly simple strategies and results in her new book The Jepeca Way. After one of her first pilot programmes, a school said, “Julianne’s work was rated as the singular most effective intervention that the school had seen in several years.” The number of pupils in the UK with behavioural and mental health problems is on the rise, and 42% of teachers say that they did not get sufficient training on how to cope with this. ‘The Jepeca Way’ by Julianne Hadden is published by Filament Publishing Ltd on May 8, 2014 at £12 ISBN – 978-1-910125-02-1 Available in paperback from bookshops, Amazon and direct from the author on www.jepeca.com
NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY WEEK: Celebrate Ireland’s unique nature and wildlife during National Biodiversity Week May 17-25! National Biodiversity Week provides us with lots of great opportunities to get up close and personal to nature. Explore and enjoy our unique landscapes, from beaches and bogs, to rivers and urban canals, to forests and mountainsides. It’s amazing what you can discover, even in a familiar place! There are guided walks, talks, wildlife surveys, exhibitions and more. Check out the IEN website for information on events happening in the local area.
MOTHER AND BABY CLASSES: Held every Thursday from 12 – 1pm in the Town Park. Contact Maggie on 087 9866533.
LIMERICK’S SEE CHANGE GREEN RIBBON EVENT: The Milk Market, Sunday, May 18 from 12-4.30pm, Music, Information stalls on mental health and much more, children’s entertainment and much more.
A REMINDER OF WHERE WE COME FROM: “We lived on Knock Maol. That’s a wild old hill six miles out from Listowel. There were three families of us on the hill, Colberts, Corridans and Connors, Lord Listowel was our landlord. We had to pay him £20 for our share of the hill; the others had to pay the same. It was too much for them. We never knew anything but hunger an’ starvation in our house, eating spuds three times a day & easin’ them down with sour milk, when we had it. Everything else, oats, calves and pigs, went to pay the rent. Would you believe it? I had never tasted a mouthful of bacon,
mutton or beef until I joined the Lincolns, although I spent all my time feeding pigs, sheep and cattle. The nearest we went to it was the odd time we boiled a sheep’s head for soup or filled its puddings with blood and mashed potatoes for a Sunday dinner. To make a long story short, we failed to keep up with the rent & Lord Listowel gave orders to clear us all out. They came on Small Christmas Day in Jan 1863, bailiffs, peelers an’ soldiers, and’ had us out on the cold bog before dawn. They burned down the houses for fear we’d go back into them when their backs were turned and took my father and the other grown-up
men into the workhouse in Listowel with them. They did that ‘out of charity’, they said, because Lady Listowel wouldn’t sleep the night, if the poor creatures were left homeless on the mountain. They left me an’ my brother Patsy to look after ourselves. We slept out with the hares, a couple o’ nights, eatin’ swedes that had the ice in the heart o’ them an’ then we parted. He went east an’ I went west towards Tralee. I must ha’ been a sight, after walkin’ 20mls on my bare feet an’ an empty belly. But I wasn’t hungry for long.
From “A Hostage to Fortune” by Joseph O’Connor 1984(Duagh Parish Newsletter)
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 