PROLOGUE: "When life’s problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate." Ann Landers
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: The Seamus Sheehy Duo will provide the entertainment in Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, June 8 from 3-6pm for a tea dance in aid of Nadine Smith who is travelling to Uganda in July as part of of Nuture Africa’s 3 week volunteer programme. Teas served. Raffle and spots. Admission €5. Tickets are on sale at Ann Lyons, The Square. Your support would be very welcome.
EXAMS 2014: With the sun shining it can only mean one thing, exam time! We would like to wish you all the very best of luck.
LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE: The annual pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday, June 22. Details from Sean Broderick 068 31213 or Bernard Broderick 068 31565.
YOUTH CLUB NEWS: Congratulations to the six young ladies from Abbeyfeale who were recently presented with certificates on completion of junior leader training with Limerick Youth Service. The young people took part in Involvement Training for Young People, an interactive programme designed by Youth Scotland and delivered by Limerick Youth Service. The training focused on areas such as communication and committee skills while improving the social and personal development of a young person. ‘The aim of the programme is to assist young people in developing the skills needed to be leaders, be it in their youth clubs or others aspects of their lives,’ said Eithne Stembridge, Limerick Youth Service. ‘The training also worked with young people in planning and organising activities, engaging in discussions, respecting diversity and understanding roles and responsibilities,’ explained Ms. Stembridge. Following their very successful performance of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday Abbey Legends are off to Oakwood Theme Park in Wales on Friday next. They will be leaving from the Churchyard at 3pm and will return on Sunday morning about 11am. We hope that both members and leaders have a great weekend and wish the members all the best as their club comes to an end. Leaders night out is planned for Saturday July 5 next with all leaders asked to contact their chairpersons if going. New Facebook page for the youth of Co. Limerick https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
SEARCH FOR A STAR: Kadie Harnett is through to the semi-final of Search for a Star in Ballydesmond on Friday night June 6, she is hoping for plenty of support on the night. Kadie’s first single ‘A mother’s rosary’ is available by popular demand at Ann Lyons’, The Square.
WEEKEND IN MEELIN: Elber Twomey who lost her husband and two children in a horrific accident caused by a suicidal driver in England two years ago has organised a weekend in North Cork next weekend to remember her deceased family. She says “The aim of the weekend is to remember Connie, Oisín and baby Elber Marie with love and promote the reality of how precious life is”. It is hoped to raise funds in their names for the hospitals that looked after the family and for suicide charities in Ireland. Elbers parents were both much loved and respected teachers in St. Josephs Secondary School, Abbeyfeale for many years. The weekend will be opened by Liam O’Connor & Micheál O Muircheartaigh in the Hi-land Newmarket @ 8.30pm on Friday, June 6 with doors opening at 7.30pm. Tickets at €20 are available in Tuohig’s Supervalu. On Saturday there will be a family walk and a run starting at 5pm in Meelin village followed by a Thanksgiving Mass for all the people, organizations and communities that supported them since July 2012 in St Joseph’s, Meelin on Saturday at 8pm.. This will be followed by a table quiz in the hall at 9pm. Then on Sunday a charity cycle starting and finishing at Rochchapel community centre will leave at 8.30am on either a 55km or 110km cycle. You can register for the cycle, run or walk by texting 087 7155972. The weekend will finish on Sunday with a Football and Hurling Blitz. Further information on www.twomeyfamilyremorial.com
MEETING: Get involved with the Parish Mission next November. Come to the first meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at Fr. Casey’s at 8pm. There will be plenty of jobs to be done to help make this week special and volunteers are needed. Help make a difference in your community.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting.
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire, Bruree House will be holding her annual church gate collection in Abbeyfeale next weekend. Any support will be much appreciated in these hard times. We would like to thank our very loyal collectors who year after year stand out in all kinds of weather to help us with this worthy cause.
SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY: The Annual Broadford Summer Concert takes place in Broadford Community Centre next Friday, June 6 from 8pm. If you’re a music lover then get there early as it sells out fast.
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
REFORMED BOY RACER: Met John, my boy racer friend, the other day, a young lad that we were all giving out about because of his love of noisy cars and making donuts on newly tarred roads. He is real proof that the years bring sense to us all – he is now one of the movers and shakers behind Relihans the Breakers and Dismantlers who have re-located to the Clash Road Industrial Estate, Tralee 066 7126066. When I met him I said “what about the donuts”, he said “ did you bring me some”! So the next time your vehicle, like mine, needs a part John is the man to sort you out.
GREEN SHOOTS: Walk around Abbeyfeale these days and you’ll see signs of economic recovery everywhere you go. Well done to Grace Harnett, daughter of J.D and Betty (Flynn) and granddaughter of Mary Dan G. Main St. who has opened up a new hair salon – Rock Hair Sissors Beauty and Hair beside her parent’s dry cleaning business in Church St. Then, continue up around the corner and admire Pia’s flower shop which also affords you the chance to detox with her wonderful mixtures of fruit and vegetables. At Joys corner look across the street and admire the painting jobs from T. J. O’Riordan’s down and hopefully by the time this goes to press the new Gather by the Feale logo will adorn the Adrelenin window. There are three new shop fronts up the street – interior décor, children’s and Lyons’s New St. and Listowel have opened a second outlet on the Main St. The tidy towns committee are working hard on planting pots and beds around the town and all in all the town is looking vibrant and attractive in the summer sunshine.
BON VOYAGE: James Flaherty, son of Ned and Bridget, Knocknasna and Abbey Tyres has relocated to Dubai after being chosen from numerous applicants for a job there selling houses. James – a noted thespian is a big loss to the drama groups from Listowel, to Athea to Abbeyfeale but we know that he will put all his new experiences to good use on stage when he returns to live here in time to come.
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 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.
.CONFIRMATION OUTING: A Confirmation Outing will take place on Saturday, June 7. Confirmation co-ordinators are asked to send the names and numbers from each school to Fr John O’Shea. We wish everyone a great and enjoyable day out.
. 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. Articles are welcome for a forthcoming publication “ Abbeyfeale Life and Culture, Past and Present” Final submissions by Friday. June 27 to Parish Office.
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 , 068/51984 Console 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 : 087 – 9708282, Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: 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: Thursday 8.15am Nell & Jack Gleeson, Killarney Road. Thursday 10am Novena to St Anthony begins.
Saturday7pm Ned Lyons, Cooleenlig, Jerry, Kathleen & Danny Herilihy. Sunday 9.30am Patrick & Vera O’Connell, Purt. Hannah Broderick O’Connor, Bogmount. Sunday12noon Niall O’Mahony, 48 Collins Park. Willie Harnett, Dromtrasna O’Brien. Adoration on Tuesday and Friday from 8am – 10pm and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. Next Friday is the First Friday of the month. Confessions on Thursday after the 10am Mass. 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.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: 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. This will be followed by a jam session (music not food!) so bring along your guitar, bohran or whatever and get stuck in and if you can sing, sure, there will be the welcome of the world for you. Tickets €5 with all proceeds to Gather by the Feale. Plans are moving swiftly on for the Festival and include a Heritage talk and walk, Margaret O’Shea’s pageant with Ara na Feile members, Tug of War and Sheaf Tossing, Rambling House, Art workshops, Feale’s Fittest family, Welcome Home Concert at the Glorach, Nolie Roche Tag Rugby Tournament, Viking Slave Auction, Family Fun Day, Battle of the DJ’s, Cookery event, Craft Beer Pub Trail, Food and Craft Fair, Gospel Mass, and much much more.
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.
FAMILY FITNESS PROGRAMME: A new fitness programme aimed specially at mums, babies and toddlers has started 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.
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
FEALE FIT NOTES: 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. Contact Shane 087 2891015 for details. Juice Plus information night at Fealefit Wednesday June 4 at 8.30pm..Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE: A Remembrance Service will be held in St Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle, Limerick on Sunday, June 15 at 3pm.This service will bring families together in support and hope to remember their loved one who has died at University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle in the previous year up to the end of April 2014.You and your family are most welcome to attend. If you wish, please bring along a photo or symbol of your loved one to place in the Remembrance Area.
FREE PHONE NUMBER LAUNCHED: A new free phone number has been launched for the Samaritans in Ireland. It is 116123.
COUNTRY MUSIC RADIO: “ Hi, Joe Harrington here. Just thought I’d remind you that Joe’s Country Kingdom is coming up on www.irishcountrymusicradio.com Three hours of Country and Irish music. You can request a song by way of the red button on the home page. You can chat with others listening in to the programme by going to ICMR Presenters page on Facebook. Looking forward to your company. The following are the times for the Saturday and Tuesday programmes around the world. Joe’s Country Kingdom on Saturdays ; Ireland Saturday 9pm – to midnight, Sydney Sunday 6am – 9am, Brisbane Sunday 6am – 9am, Vancouver Saturday, 1pm – 4pm, Ottawa Saturday 4pm – 7pm, Newfoundland Saturday 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Wellington Sunday, 8am – 11am, Cape Town Saturday, 10pm – 1am Sunday, San Francisco Saturday 1pm – 4pm, Kansas Saturday 3pm – 6pm, New York Saturday 4pm – 7pm, Indiana Saturday 4pm – 7pm.” Ann O’ Halloran from Abbeyfeale also presents a show during the week.
RAMBLING HOUSE IN KNOCKALOUGHA: Mick Sheehy lived in Knockalougha and now his house has been turned into a Rambling House by his nephew Jim Lyons which will be open on the 3rd. Tuesday of each month. The next night will be Tuesday, June 17 and if it’s a nice night there might even be a bit of platform dancing on offer.
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
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
LENIHAN REUNION: If you’re a Lenihan or connected through marriage keep July 3-6 free for a reunion.
SUE RYDER: The shop is full of summer clothing and books to read by the pool. Thank you once again for your continued support.”
NOVENA: St. Anthony’s Novena Monday evening @7pm Mass.
DEATHS FROM STIMUNANTS: The HSE has issued an alert in respect of stimulants which have been implicated in the deaths of two people recently and others in the last 4 weeks as well as a number of hospitalisations. 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.
SOLEMN NOVENA: The Annual Solemn Novena in honour of Our Mother of Perpetual Help takes place at Mount St. Alphonsus, Limerick from Friday, June 13 to Saturday, June 21. Times of the sessions each day:7am, 8am, 10am (9.30am on Saturday 21), 11.30am,1.10pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm, & 10.30pm.
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.
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.
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.
SIAMSA TIRE: The national folk theatre of Ireland based in Tralee is celebrating 40 years of producing the best of Irish culture. It is open from May – September, is well worth a visit and is always a great night out if you have visitors to entertain. They have four shows covering a whole year’s cycle of living and working the land, the Blasket Islands, the Children of Lir and a journey through Ireland in music, song and dance. Further information from 066 7123055 or www.siamsatire.com
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 