PROLOGUE: A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat at his feet. He held up a sign which said: ”I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in the hat. A man walking by took a few coins from his pocket & dropped them into the hat. He took the sign, turned it around, & wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people gave money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognised his footsteps & asked “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?” The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way”. What he had written was: “Today is a beautiful day & I cannot see it”. Duagh parish newsletter.
PRAYER FOR GOOD WEATHER: All – powerful and ever-living God, we find security in your care and love for us. Give us the fine weather we pray for and need. May the harvest be secured and the hard work and efforts of so many of our people come to fruition. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
DEATH; Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Mary Begley, Cryle View whose death occurred recently. May she rest in peace.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEWS: This Wednesday the Special Olympics Torch will be carried by Abbeyfeale’s Sean Healy- one of the Special Olympic Athletes arriving at the Courtenay N.S. at 11.45am. The Special Olympic All Ireland Games take place next weekend in Limerick with 1,500 athletes competing for the chance to represent Ireland at the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles. We wish Sean the very best of luck and indeed send special good wishes to all the people from the Brothers of Charity NCW who will be taking part and a special mention of my cara, Imelda Chawke.
PRACTICAL GARDENING COURSE: Tutor Lorcan Curtin writes: “As we enter the final week of the course, it is important to reflect on the achievements of the present group over the last nine months. Aside from successful growing of vegetables and propagation of cuttings at the centre, we have left an indelible mark on the wider Abbeyfeale community. In tandem with the Tidy Town’s committee, we planted the beds in the square, the resplendent colours of the violas contrasting with the more permanent hedging plants that were set. We also set fruit plants in the town park, with the long term aim of establishing a public orchard, and we extended our horticultural skills to helping out in the community garden. A memorable year, and hard to believe it passed so fast. Here’s to a good summer and the possibility of a few harvest celebrations during it.”
TABLE QUIZ: Kevin Reidy’s son Aaron is travelling out to Nicaragua this summer to do charity work and there will be a Table Quiz to help him raise funds on Saturday, June 21 in Thomas T.J’s. Everyone welcome.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale in aid of WL102fm community radio will take place at the Community Centre, NCW (next to the GAA pitch and the Demesne) on Sunday, June 15 from 7.30am. Further information 06966200.
ADORATION SUNDAY: The Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration invites all Parishioners on a special Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday, June 22. Full programme organised for Adults and children. The programme begins at 11.30am with workshop on Adoration for children. Tel Martina 087/ 278834. Bus leaving a 6.15am
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: Plans are nearly finalised for the Festival and include a Heritage talk with Eamon Ó Liatháin, The Viking Plunder, Music on the gig rig in the Square with No Direction, Young Woulfe Tones, Kadie Harnett, Sound as a Pound, Margaret O’Shea’s pageant with Ara na Feile members, Tug of War and Sheaf Tossing, Rambling House, Art workshops, Feale’s Fittest family, Nolie Roche Tag Rugby Tournament, Viking Slave Auction, Family Fun Day, Battle of the DJ’s, Teddy Bears picnic, 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.
LENIHAN GATHERING: Norma Healy got in touch with the following news; “A “MountcollinsLenihan Gathering” will take place in Mountcollins on the weekend of July 4-7. Everyone with any Lenihan connection will be very welcome. The weekend will commence on Friday 4 in Tommy Mick’s Bar with a “Meet and greet” session followed by the launch of a 236 page book on the “Lenihans of Mountcollins”. The book will be launched by a well-known personality – and it will be on sale during the weekend and afterwards from the following: Norma 087 2746399. Billy 087 7811004 Marie 087 9731846. Jimmy 087 2303817. Seamus 087 9552775. This will be followed by a music session in the bar. Light snacks will be available. On Saturday, July 4 we will assemble in the cemetery in Mountcollins and visit the Church of the Assumption, and family graves. We will then travel to Clonfert cemetary in Newmarket, where Mrs Shiela Sheehy (neeLenihan) will show us the graves of our ancestors. Shiela will also take us to St Beircheart cemetery in Tullylease and then on to the old homestead in Ballinaguilla..
On our return to Mountcollins we will visit the site of the old school in Caherlevoy and then on to the new school. From there we will travel to the farm where the first Seán Lenihan settled in Caherlevoy – now owned by Batt Leahy. At 8.15pm we will assemble in the Community Centre in Mountcollins for a historical talk by Eamon Ó Liatháin.
After we will have some extracts from the Parish Records and Census and Tithes for perusal. All can be discussed over tea and refreshments…Then it’s on to Tommy Mick’s bar for a rousing music session. On Sunday at 12.30 we will have Mass for all Lenihans, past, present and future, with lots of Lenihan participation. After Mass there will be a barbecue with an open air traditional music session. Ansin a chaire its slán abhaile le muintir Uí Loineacháin”
ADAPT CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services Limerick Church Gate Collection takes place on June 14/15 all over County Limerick. It is vital for the upkeep of the Refuge in Limerick and the support services ADAPT provides in the community.
GLORACH THEATRE AGM: Please note that the AGM is this Thursday and not next so it will take place Thursday June 12 at 8pm in the theatre which is located adjacent to the Abbeyfeale Daycare Centre. As outlined at the recent public meeting new members are required for the board to play an active role in increasing the use and membership of the facility for the benefit of the wider community. The current board would like to thank all those who attended their public meeting and hope that it is the start of a new phase for the Glorach Theatre
HORSE AND PONY RACES: All roads lead to Relihan’s Inch , Duagh on Sunday June 22 for the annual Horse and Pony Races – a great day out for all the family.
ABBEYSIDE PLAYERS: After their recent successful run with the comedy, Too close to Home, the Abbeyside Players are delighted to announce that we managed to donate money to the following local groups and organisations. St. Ita’s Day Care Centre, Gather by the Feale, Dromtrasna NS, Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns Association, NCW musical society, Penny Dinners, SVP and the Irish Cancer Society. Not a bad start for our first year in existence. Once again, a massive thanks to all who supported us, and here’s looking forward to future productions and opportunities to invest back in our community.
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: A great weekend was had by all in Oakwood not least by PRO Anthony! He would like to say a huge thank you to Billy Mangan for the safe drive over and back and to all the leaders for their organisation of the trip and of course thanks to the young people who made the weekend such a pleasant experience for all. Leader’s night out on Saturday, July 5. New Facebook page for the youth of Co. Limerick https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
SEARCH FOR A STAR: Well done to Kadie Harnett who is through to the final of’ Search for a Star’ in Ballydesmond on Friday night June 13 Kadie is hoping for plenty of support on the night soasi’ to that end a bus will travel from Abbeyfeale and anyone who travels will be entitled to vote for her. For further information please contact Pat on 0876258929. Kadie’s first single ‘A mother’s rosary’ is available by popular demand at Ann Lyons’, The Square.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting.
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. Anyone in receipt of Unemployment Benefit, Disability Benefit or Lone Parent Allowance. Preference will be given to those aged between 18-35 but 20% of places will be given to those outside this age bracket. Contact Adrienne on 069 79110 abbeyheritageproject
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. Register at greatsoutherntrail by June 14th. A registration fee of €10 is payable in advance to Great Southern Trail, 9 Bishop Street, Newcastle West.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to all Fealefit members that competed in the following events over the weekend; Dingle Adventure race, Lyre 5k, and the Meelin 4 mile for the Twomey Remorial. Abbey United Summer Soccer camp registration tonight Wednesday, June 11at 8.15pm at Abbey United Clubhouse. Special Olympics 2014 start this Thursday night in limerick so if you have the time please go along and support some of the events over the weekend www.specialolympics.ie for all details, 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 runs July 22- 25. Contact Shane 087 2891015 for details. Check out www.Fealefit.com
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: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Canon John O’Shea P.P.: Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Fr Joe Foley CC: Tel: 087 – 2618412. 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: NO 8.15 am Mass on Friday Friday 10am Tim Spillane, Mountcollins & London. 7pm Feast of St Anthony. Saturday 11am Margaret & Thomas Enright and sons, Danny & Paddy and grandson Thomas. 7pm John Leahy, New street. Jim Lane, Knockalougha. Sunday 9.30am Danny & Tom Foley, The Hill. Mary Quirke, St Ita’s Road 1st Anniv. 12noon Joan Broderick, Shanballa Month Mind Nora Ita Leahy, Knockbrack Month Mind
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. 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.
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
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. 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
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.
LOUGH DERG: :Daily boats to the Island from 10.30am – 3:00pm 7 days a week until
August 13. No booking necessary. Further info contact 071 9861518 email: info
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. Dancing Weekend Break Friday17- Monday, October 20. This has become an annual event. Leaving Newcastle West just sit back and relax and view the beautiful scenery and listen to our driver/courier who will tell you about the places we pass through and visit. Staying at the beautiful Yeats County Hotel, Rosses Point, Sligo, complimentary use of the award winning Leisure Club. Special package rates for Eros luxury Spa, Seaweed bath, manicure, facial, massage and more. Every night after dinner there will be great music for dancing and on the Sunday evening after dinner we will board our bus for the famous Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim which has recenty been refurbished, brand new dance floor with even more of a spring in it, a brand new bar. The Showband Era Museum is taking shape and Jerry Finneran has received a lot more memorabilia, he has the original piano played by the late Miami Showband, you could see posters from the Olympic Ballroom, Newcastle West and much more. If anyone out there has any showband memorabilia and would like to give it to the museum for posterity it will be well received. When we are going there in October we could take it. During the day wed will be out sightseeing and visiting places of interest. 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 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.
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.
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 