PROLOGUE: "We don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it… because we need it. We all need it." Janis Joplin
FEALE’S FITTEST FAMILY: Have you got what it takes to be crowned The Feale’s Fittest Family?. Templeglantine has thrown down the gauntlet to Abbeyfeale and surrounding parishes with the Larkins and O’Connors stepping forward and offering to do battle in The Feale’s Fittest Family Competition during the Gather by the Feale Summer Festival 2014. Mind you the Larkin’s have half a leg in Abbeyfeale with grandparents Marie and Patsy living on the Killarney Road so their loyalties could be severely tried! Anyway now is your chance to show what your family and parish is made out of so contact Shane O’Connor 087 2891015 or Olive Sheehan 087 7645582 and take up the challenge if you’re from the parish of Abbeyfeale, Duagh, Knocknagoshel, Templeglantine,, Athea, Mountcollins, Brosna and Rockchapel! The competition takes place on July 17/18 as part of this year’s Gather by The Feale July 16-21. Enrolling takes place now.
PAGAENT: Margaret O’Shea wrote and will direct and produce a pageant on the ancient festival of Bealtine during on the Friday night of Gather by the Feale. The pageant will also portray in song, story and dance a sense of the history, the spirit and the flavour of the town of Abbeyfeale. Members of Ara na Feile will narrate, act, sing and dance on the night. Tickets for this night in the Glorach will go on sale shortly.
DOWN’S SYNDROME ICE CREAM DAY: Marian Roche has been in touch to remind us that this annual event will be celebrated at Meenkilly NS from 12 -1.30pm on Thursday, June 19 and this year they’re going to have the weather for eating icecream – a real bonus.
GLORACH AGM: Lorcan Curtin PRO writes: “Due to a misprint, there was a little confusion about the Glórach AGM. For all of you who have an interest in the future of the Glórach Theatre, the AGM will take place this Thursday, June 19at 8pm at the Glórach Theatre space, located beside St. Ita’s day care Centre. All welcome, so make your voice heard on the future direction of the Theatre”.
SEARCH FOR A STAR: A disappointed but very proud Kadie Harnett tells us that she was overwhelmed with the support that she got last Friday and the previous nights from all who travelled to Ballydesmond from Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas. Kadie and her family would like to say a very big thank you to all who travelled and voted for her. She had the biggest support on the night for the finals but was very disappointed with the low percentage of voting that she got from the judges. Kadie came third in the final of Search for a Star and she would just like to wish the other three girls in the finals and all the other competitors who participated the best of luck in the future.
TIDY TOWNS: A Clean and Weed from Mountmahon to the church is planned for June 18 from 7-8pm. Meet at the Adult Education Centre. All help will be gratefully accepted and those armed with shovels and brushes will be especially welcome. The wild flower meadow at the side of Fr. Joe’s may be full of weeds but please just close your eyes and pass by, the bees love ‘em! The committee would like to say a huge thank you to all who supported the church gate collection and donated €999.05. I was listening to Deirdre Walsh’s show last Friday on Radio Kerry and a man text in from Killarney to say how well Abbeyfeale was looking as he drove through during the week. Then, a second person contacted the show to say that he goes through town late in the evening and that there is often a lady working on the flowers so well done to Angela, Marie, and Margaret amongst many others who have the place looking smashing. There was no mention of the men who also do Trojan work in the town but it was great to have the ladies recognised.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHT: Recovery Haven are holding their annual Celebration of Light in the Town Park beside the Pond on Friday night next, June 20 with assembly at 7.45pm and candles lighting at 8pm. Recovery Haven Cancer Support House provides support and information to those on a cancer journey, their families or carers with all services being provided free of charge. 5 Haigs Terrace, Tralee near the Killarisk entrance to Manor West. Tel; 066 7192122/087 2410212/086 2719991.
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.
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.
CYCLE THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: In addition to the ‘Big Walk’ along the GST Greenway from Abbeyfeale to Rathkeale on Saturday, June 21 a cycling event has also been organised by Pedal Pursuits Bike Hire & West Limerick Resources and their partners.Rathkeale to Barnagh (23km) Start 10.30am – registration time 10am, Newcastle West to Barnagh (10km) Start 11.30am – registration time 11am, Abbeyfeale to Barnagh (14km) Start 11.00am – registration time 10.30am, Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne ar an lá.
HORSE AND PONY RACING: The annual Abbeyeale races are on this Sunday, June 22 at Relihans Inch, Kilcara, by kind permission of John and Anthony Relihan. The hard working committee would like to thank all our sponsors and everyone who placed ads in our race card, without their continued support this meeting this would not be the success it is today. The numerous amount of young jockeys that have competed over the last eight years and have gone on to great success on the racetrack shows the high standard of racing at the Abbeyfeale races. This is more than just racing, there is huge emphasis on providing a great family day out. This year there will be face painting, pony rides and bouncing castles for the children. There will a bar and food will be served in our two marquees with entertainment from ‘The Jig is Up’ and local traditional rock band Sound as a Pound providing the music. This year there is also a best dressed lady competition kindly sponsored by Annettes fashions. So, hopefully the sun will shine and everyone will have a great day at this picturesque grounds by the banks of the river Feale.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Best of luck to all the St Ita’s / Fealefit Little Athletes competing in the Community games in Mungret this weekend! Well done to all the Athletes that took part in the Special Olympics 2014 in Limerick over the weekend, an inspiration to all and an amazing experience to be part of it! Games motto “Let me be brave in the attempt” Abbey United Summer Soccer camp June 30 – July 4 and Fealefit Kids Summer Camp runs July 22 – 25.Shane 087 2891015 for details.. Check out www.Fealefit.comfor all details on Classes.
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. A big welcome to Pa Sheehan, sisters Margaret and Mary nee O’Donnell and Nichola from Sue Ryders all of whom have offered to help out with the running of the festival. The festival will hopefully become an annual event and for that to be sustainable we will need loads of input from the community. 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”
MORE RAMBLING HOUSE NEWS: Listowel Rambling House will take place on Thursday June 26 in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square from 9.15 pm. Admission free.
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: Abbey legends are heading to the Burren on Saturday next – the lucky ducks – leaving at 6.45am sharp from the church and back about 11am Sunday Leader’s night out on Saturday, July 5. New Facebook page for the youth of Co. Limerick https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting.
SUMMER FAIR: The Desmond Complex are holding a Summer Fair on Sunday, June 22. Entertainment on the day will include music throughout the day from local musicians, stalls including home baking and cake, hair braiding and nail painting, glassware, books/dvd’s/cd’s and handbags/scarves/belts. Hot food, ice cream and other goodies will be on offer. This is a fundraising event and also aims to make the people of West Limerick aware of the services we offer in this purpose built amenity which runs the Cairde Day Centre three days a week. All money raised will go towards transport costs incurred in the Day Centre. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Further information Kathleen Sheehy 086 3931936.
NUTURE AFRICA TABLE QUIZ: Stevie Smith of The Ploughman bar Abbeyfeale will be holding a pub quiz on Friday,June 20 at 9pm. The night is in aid of Nadine Smith’s volunteering in Uganda July 18-Aug 8 with Nurture Africa. A charity who works with women and children with HIV/AIDS. Table of four costing €20. Quizmaster for the night is Johnny Walsh. There will be many great raffle prizes on the night and a fun night is guaranteed.
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 next, June 21 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 A registration fee of €10 is payable in advance to Great Southern Trail, 9 Bishop Street, Newcastle West.
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: Wednesday 10am, Margaret O’Shea 1st Anniversary, Thursday 10am Peter and Eileen O’Connell, Purt. Saturday 11am Tim Spillane, Mountcollins/London. Saturday 7pm Richard Gleeson, Kilconlea Lower, Bridget Phil McCarthy Caherlane 1st Anniversary. Eileen and Con Harnett, Cragg. Sunday 9.30am Bridget and Maurice Harnett Dromtrasna. Micheal Scannell Dromtrasna Collins. 12 noon Nell and Jack Healy, Knocknasna. Paddy and Mai O’Connor Islandboy. Adoration on Tuesday and Friday from 8am – 10pm and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. 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.
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, July 22 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.”
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 July 21.
THOUGHT: 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.
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, 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.
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 