PROLOGUE: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of Joan Broderick. Shanbally and New St. whose death occurred last week. May she rest in peace.
SEARCH FOR A STAR: Kadie Harnett sent me an email on marianharnett1 “Just want to say a word of thanks to everyone who supported me the last night for the singing competition in Ballydesmond. A big thanks to all who came and voted for me. I am delighted as I qualified and am now through to the semi-final which will be on in Ballydesmond again on Friday night week June 6th.” Kadie’s first single ‘A mothers rosary’ is available by popular demand at Ann Lyons’, The Square.
PARISH MEETING: Get involved with the Parish Mission next November. Come to the first meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at Fr. Casey’s at 8pm. Help make a difference in your community.
AREA MEETING: |Pastoral Area Meeting June 3 in St. Ita’s Hall at 8pm.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting.
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.”
ARA NA FEILE PAEGEANT: Congratulations to Margaret O’Shea who wrote the script, produced, directed and performed in the pageant last Wednesday along with nine other members of Ara Na Feile Active Retirement Group. We learned the history of Abbeyfeale from the time of the arrival of the White Friars though music, dance, song, prose, a wonderful sketch and recitation and if only all history lessons were as enjoyable I’d have done a lot better at school! We met the characters of Abbeyfeale, heard about the crafts people who populated the lanes and enjoyed stories about some of the characters in the town in bygone days. If you missed it you’ll have another chance to see it during Gather by the Feale July 16-20 next. Next meeting of the club Wednesday, May 28 at 2pm in the Adult Ed. Centre.
GLORACH THEATRE PUBLIC MEETING: We are extremely lucky to have a purpose built theatre in our community but it needs to be used or we’ll lose it. Even when it is not in use it is costing money to maintain it and the committee need help from the community – new members, new ideas, and new users. 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. It is very important that this meeting will be well supported. All are welcome.
PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT: Abbey Heritage the local training initiative which operates from St. Ita’s Hall every September to May and which offers a second chance education to early school leavers among others is now welcoming applications for its new Fetac Level 4 course with Modules including; Customer Service, Functional Maths, Digital Media, Health Related Fitness, Business English, Communications, Information Technology and more. Contact Clare or Kathleen on 068 51790 or email abbeyheritageproject
GALA DANCE: The Railway Bar Abbeyfeale are hosting a Gala Celebration dance with All Ireland Glor Tire winner, Michael Collins and his band on Friday, May 30. This will be a fundraiser in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association. A fantastic night in store for a great cause. Please Support.
BAPTISM MEETING: Next baptism Team meeting in Tournafulla on June 10 @ 8pm in the Sacristy. To book a Baptism contact the sacristy 068/51915 during Mass times.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL MID SUMMER WALK: On Saturday 21 June 2014, the fourth annual 36km Great Southern Trail Midsummer Big Walk will commence from Abbeyfeale (Old Railway Station at 10.30 a.m.) and travel the 36km route of the old railway to Rathkeale. Devon Road Station and Tullig Wood are passed en route with the ascent continuing on to Barnagh (the highest point on the trail) which is 13km from Abbeyfeale. We suggest that a packed lunch be brought and enjoyed at Barnagh with its panoramic views and an old railway tunnel to explore if you wish. Then it’s all downhill for 10km to the busy town of Newcastle West where a break for afternoon tea might be taken. The final 13km to Rathkeale brings us past Ardagh where the famous Chalice was found in 1868. In Rathkeale certificates will be presented to those who completed the entire 36km (22 miles) on foot. Register at greatsoutherntrail by June 14th. A registration fee of €10 is payable in advance to Great Southern Trail, 9 Bishop Street, Newcastle West.
TOWN PARK : Abbeyfeale Town Park Committee would like to thank all those who supported our recent Dog Show; Jim O’Connor and the park staff who prepared the park and the arena so beautifully, Norma Healy and Claire Sheehy and their helpers who ran the event so efficiently; all those who donated raffle prizes, all the volunteers who helped with the stewarding and ticket sales. Finally, thank you the people who came in such large numbers and supported the Dog Show, which is a major contributor to the upkeep of our wonderful park for the summer. We want you to come and visit the park and use its facilities and we hope that you see the constant improvements made to the park, courtesy of your donations. Hope to see you all again at Dog Show 2015.
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 photos or information for the second project contact the office. They will be scanned and given back immediately.
KILLEENAGH BLESSED WELL: The annual Mass takes place on Friday night at 7.30pm.
FAMILY FITNESS PROGRAMME: A new fitness programme aimed specially at mums, babies and toddlers will start this Thursday May 29 at 11.15am in the Abbey Feale town park. The Buggy Fit exercise regime is an outdoor class designed to help mothers lose the weight and get in shape while having fun with their baby and toddler and meeting other mums. The classes suit all fitness levels and structured so that everyone works at their own pace. If wet, class will be indoors at St Ita’s hall. Contact Maggie on 087 9866533 or Mary on 087 9382883. These classes are an initiative of West Limerick Resources and Limerick Sports Partnership and free to those in receipt of Social Welfare payments.
OPEN A.A. MEETING: An awareness raising open public meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous will take place in Duagh N. S. on Bank Holiday Monday, June 2 at 8.30pm. If you would like to see how this group works to help people who have issues with excessive drinking then you should go along to this meeting. Everyone welcome.
HEALTHY EATING SUMMER COOKERY CAMP: West Limerick Resources Healthy Eating Summer Cookery Camp for 9 to 12 year olds runs from July 7-11 in the Community Education Centre, Abbeyfeale. Kids will learn about preparing healthy foods, tips on nutrition and creativity with food. The camp is open to both boys and girls and will run from 11am to 1pm each day. Free to those from the West Limerick area whose family is in receipt social welfare payments. Booking is essential. Only 12 places available. Ring Mary on 087 9382883.
SET DESIGN COURSE: As part of the West Limerick Drama Initiative, West Limerick Resources will be offering a short set design course in Newcastle West on Saturday’s June 7/21from 10am – 12 noon. The course is free of charge and open to those involved in community based drama in the West Limerick area. Limited places available. To book contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
YOUTH CLUBS: Anthony Scannell PRO writes “No clubs next weekend as Clubs are finished for the summer. A big thanks to all leaders for their hard work and help – without them the clubs wouldn’t run. Hope to see everyone after the summer and hope all have a great summer.”
FEALE FIT NOTES: Best of luck to all Fealefit runners taking part in the Cork City Marathon Relay Bank Holiday Monday June 2. Fealefit runners are out training every Saturday morning at 9am, all are welcome. Lots of great runs & trips away planned for the summer. 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. Fealefit Kids Summer Camp Early bird deadline is June 1, make sure to register your child in time to avail of the great savings on offer, camp runs July 22- 25. Contact Shane 087 2891015 for details. Juice Plus information night at Fealefit Wednesday June 4at 8.30pm..Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.
SOCIAL DANCING: Dancing this Thursday night at the Edel Quinn Hall in Kanturk is to Mick Duggan Sound and Micheal Collins Band.Dancing 9.30-12am. Admission €10. Free raffle on door ticket.
FREE PHONE NUMBER LAUNCHED: A new free phone number has been launched for the Samaritans in Ireland. It is 116123.
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
HUMOUR: Whatever you do in life give 100% – unless it’s donating blood.
TRAVELLER MEN PROJECT: The Abbeyfeale Foroige Youth Carpentry Project will showcase their bread boards which come in 3 different sizes and cheese boards all made from Irish Oak at the Farmers’ Market in the Square on Friday morning. They also make a multipurpose foot stool/ step which can also hold books/dvds. All these products are 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
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.
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
WRITERS WEEK Listowel Writers’ Week Literary & Historical Tour departs from on Saturday May 31 at 2 pm from the Seanchaí and will visit Duagh, Lyreacrompane & Knocknagoshel. Tickets available at (068) 21074. An Arts & Craft Fair will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Sunday, June 1from 11 am. Free admission. The Kerry Women Writers’ will be showcasing their work through prose and poetry at St. John’s in the Square from 4.30pm on Sunday, June 1.
LENIHAN REUNION: If you’re a Lenihan or connected through marriage keep July 3-6 free for a reunion.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: Mad about the 80’s? You’d be mad to to miss this!!
We are delighted to team up with Ruby’s nightclub for a trip back in time with a 80’s theme night on the June bank holiday weekend. So dust down the leg warmers, the mini skirts, fingerless gloves, those oversized tops and let’s not forget all the fantastic accessories!! Best dressed to be announced on the night!! Then the following weekend Sommelier Garry, head buyer with Carry Out Off Licence Outlets will conduct a wine tasting session from 8.30pm on Friday, June 6 in the intimate surrounds of Aine and Jack Ryan’s hostelry, Main St.
We would be delighted to have people join our committee 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.
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 10am Tim, Ellen and Eileen Healy, Caherlane. Friday 7.30 Mass at the Blessed Well. Saturday 11am Sean O’Mahony, Caher Months Mind. 7pm Ellen, James and Thomas O’Connor, Tade and Mai Heck Collins, Ballaugh. Sunday 9.30am Dick Collins, Knockbrack Months Mind. John P. Murphy Sheskin. 12 noon Margaret and Tim Finnucane St. Ita’s Terrace, Anne Romain Hillview Drive Months Mind.
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.
NOVENA: St. Anthony’s Novena Monday evening @7pm Mass.
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.
DEATHS FROM STIMUNANTS: The HSE is today issuing an alert in respect of stimulants which have been implicated in the deaths of two people in the last 4 days and others in the last 4 weeks as well as a number of hospitalisations.
While investigations are ongoing into these cases, it is believed that they are as a result of the ingestion of an Ecstasy like substance. Green Apple and Green Rolex (green pills with an apple or rolex symbol) appear have to been implicated in some of these incidents. Other stimulants indicated include cocaine, and amphetamines which in some circumstances have been taken in combination. Therefore, those who take drugs should be specifically warned of potential dangers linked to these substances or using drugs in combinations. The physical signs that have presented are severe agitation, extremely rapid heart rate and extremely high temperature. Even with prompt medical attention unfortunately some people have died taking these stimulants. There is sufficient evidence available to recommend that people do not take these substances or if their friends are in possession of these that they should not be consumed. In 2011, there were 365 drug related deaths of which 23 were cocaine implicated (21 in 2010, 53 in 2009) and 11 ecstasy implicated (less than 5 in 2010 and 2009).
Health professionals are reminded to be vigilant and the public are advised that taking drugs carries serious health risks. It is important that anyone displaying negative side effects following the use of drugs seek medical help immediately. For support around drug and alcohol use the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9.30am and 5.30pm. This confidential service has both a freephone Helpline helpline).
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 June 16.
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.
IRISH MUSIC NIGHT: A trad session at the Shamrock Bar Newcastle West on Sunday June 1 after Limerick Tipperary game will be in aid of the Martina Tierney Barna Fund. Martina is a M.S. patient and a great effort is being made by the community to support her. Great music and craic promised with spot prizes finger food etc.
MEN’S SHED: Meetings take place every Monday from 6-9pm. Contact Chairman Dennis Collins for further information on 087 6497671.
MAUREEN’S DAY TRIPS: 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. On Sunday, August 10, if there are sufficient people interested we will travel to see Ireland’s largest one day show – The Tullamore Show- leaving NCW at 8.am. sharp. There are over 600 stands to visit plus lots more. Early booking is advised. Contact Maureen 087 9845102. We will be having our Annual Dancing Week End th is year in the Yeats County Hotel, Rosses Point and of course we will be going to the newly refurbished Rainbow Ballroom of Romance from Friday October 17 – Monday, October 20, everyone most welcome to what is always a fantastic break. Contact Maureen for more information and booking.
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 62222.
IRISH CANCER SOCIETY: The Irish Cancer Society is offering a free transport service to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments in University Hospital Limerick. For more details patients can contact their treatment team in the hospital or call Gail on 01 2310 566.
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.
BINGO BUSSES : Dinjoe goes to Shanagolden every Tuesday from the church at 7pm and Eoin 087 2522402 leaves for Castleisland from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue at 7.40 pm every Thursday.
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.
MOTHER AND BABY CLASSES: Held every Thursday from 12 – 1pm in the Town Park. Contact Maggie on 087 9866533.
GARDEN FETE: Lady Harrington, The Glen, Ballingarry will open her gardens this year on Sunday, June 15 for a lovely relaxing day – plants, local produce on sale and teas in the courtyard.
NOT GLASTENBURY BUT GREENBELT: Looking for something different this summer? To meet interesting people, hear good music and be challenged? Then Greenbelt might be for you! Greenbelt is an arts, faith and justice festival with a long and rich history. Over 40 festivals have been held since 1974, without a break. Takes place this year from August 22-25. http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/
CONFERENCE: Following the success of last year’s Conference, the Council for Marriage and the Family of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is holding its second Annual Conference, “Marriage and Family at the Heart of the Parish” on Saturday, June 14 next at the Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe College, Dublin. Guest speakers include Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Dr Tony Fahey of UCD.
Further information is available from Ms Trish Conway at Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Tel:cmfconference.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 