PROLOGUE: "Hold on to what’s important. Let your worries go. No matter how you look at it, some things just don’t make sense. The way you choose to carry on is what matters." Author Unknown
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Peter Rockliffe, Tournafulla who died recently. May he rest in peace.
PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting to discuss the Abbeyfeale Community Enhancement Plan will be held at the GAA Clubhouse on Tuesday, July 1, at 7.30pm.The Plan will be funded by West Limerick Resources under the Rural Development/Leader Programme and the community and will focus on the following key areas: Developing enterprise, recreation and employment opportunities in Abbeyfeale, including destination tourism opportunities, products, culture and crafts; Parking and traffic management; Supporting local businesses; Enhancing our Town Park, Town Square and local amenities. This plan is not to be confused with the 5 year Local Area Plan commissioned by Limerick County Council which is entirely different. The meeting will be facilitated by Tom O’Leary of O’Leary & Associates, a consultant employed by the community to draw up a Plan using his expertise after full consultation with the community. All interested parties are invited to attend.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Catriona O’Connor, Knocknasna who married Kenneth Burke in Abbeyfeale last Friday. We wish them a long happy life together.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE FOR MILFORD HOSPICE: There will be an afternoon tea dance at the Ballintemple Inn on Sunday, June 29 from 3-6pm. Dancing to the fabulous Big Maggie. Teas served, raffle. All welcome.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2014: Pilgrimage will take place Tuesday, July 1- Thursday, July 3. Fare €120 which includes coach, boat and Island fare. Bookings 087 3966399 (9-6pm).
THE VIKING PLUNDER RUN: Lock up your daughters and bury the family silver – the Vikings are on their way. Gather by the Feale are asking the business community, community organisations and the local population to take part in The Viking Plunder Run from the Church Yard to the Square on Wednesday, July 16 starting at 7pm. We’re inviting you to travel on wheels under your own power so you can dust off the High Nelly, push a pram or a trolley, take a spin in a wheelbarrow, lie up on a bed, show off your skill on a skate board, roller skate down Main St., – anything you like, the wackier the better! There are prizes for the most original and funniest outfits and wheels. Give your means of conveyance a name and the best one will get a special prize. There are only two requirements – the wheels must not be automated so no snorting Harley Davidson’s and you must dress up – Viking helmets are available at Mary Dan G’s and you will have to be wearing a Gather by the Feale wrist band. Entries to Aine Ryan 0879802849 or Mary O’Riordan 087 7645581 by Monday, July 14.
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. 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 are now on sale and can be purchased from Batt Harnett, The Square and from Ann Lyons, The Square.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHT: Recovery Haven held their second annual Celebration of Light in the Town Park beside the Pond on Friday night last. It was a gorgeous evening and too warm for the midges who were also kept at bay by the smoke from the lighting candles. Denis Hobson was the Master of Ceremonies and we had music from Riona Curtin and songs from Rebecca Stryker and her first cousin Kadie Harnett and Elizabeth O’Donoghue all of which added to the ambience on the night. 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 2410212/08.
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Gearoid Harnett, Hill Road and Aidean Ward, Knocknagoshel who pledged to not touch alcohol until they reach their 18th birthdays. They showed great strength of character in making this very important pledge at the end of year National School Mass in Abbeyfeale on Tuesday.
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.
YOUTH CLUB NOTES: A great weekend was had by the Abbey Legends in the Burren last weekend. Leaders night out July 5. . New Facebook page for the youth of Co. Limerick https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
TABLE QUIZZES: A big thank you to everyone who supported the two tables quizzes over last weekend, they were fundraisers for our two young Missionaries, students Nadine and Aaron who will shortly be travelling to Third World countries and helping those worse off than themselves. Both young people are a powerful example of the humanity that is in our youth and we wish them bon voyage and congratulate them for their endeavours.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Wondering what to do with the kids when they get holidays on Friday?? There will be 2 great camps in Abbeyfeale in July – Abbeyfeale Uniteds’ Summer Soccer camp June 30 – July 4 and Fealefit-Kids Summer Camp July 22 – 25. Two camps jammed packed with fun and entertainment for the kids and plenty of goodies’ for every child. Fealefit Summer Bash this weekend in the Cellar bar at 8pm, a little reward for all our members for all the hard work, all welcome. Shane 087 2891015 for details. Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on classes.
ADORATION SUNDAY: Two busloads of parishioners travelled to Knock last Sunday with the Legion of Mary and the Adoration Committee.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: It’s almost here! The launch is taking place on Friday, July 4 at Mary and T.J’s Bar, Main St. from 8.30pm. The guest of honour will be the legendary Mick Galway and the entire programme will be unveiled on the night so be sure to come along and lend your support and meet the friendly Vikings who will be participating in some of the shenanigans over the long weekend that will be the Gather by the Feale. Plans are nearly finalised for the Festival and in line with the tradition established last year the Slave Auction will make a donation to charity, this year we will be supporting local charity, The Butterfly Club. The Slave Auction takes place on Thursday night from 9-11pm at the Winners Circle. We have made a conscious decision to be as inclusive as possible and cater for all age groups so on Wednesday there will be a Wobbly Circus for the smallies during the Viking Plunder, Tug of War for Seniors(!), Ladies and Under 21’s and Ramling House for the rest of us. Then, on Thursday there’s a workshop on Hair and Makeup for the girls, Shuttle Busses will leave for Feale Fit Boot Camp for the Fittest Family from 6pm, we have the Heritage talk with Eamon Ó Liatháin, there’s the Batchelor Slave Auction, a Bat walk in the Town Park and the West Limerick Singing Club in Philip’s. Friday has the food and craft fair with some of the stalls already booked including Drumanilra Organic Farm with their freshly cooked burgers, a chocolate fountain, a waffles stall and Flor’s coffee and cupcakes. This will be followed by the fancy dress Trade Wars, No Direction on the Gig Rig and a Teen Disco with D J Killian Murphy in the Grove as well as the Pageant on Abbeyfeale in song, story and dance at the Glorach. Saturday has a Treasure hunt for U10’s and 10’s plus in the Town Park, An Arts and Crafts Workshop in the Grove as well as the annual Nolie Roche Tag Rugby Tounament followed by Gospel and Folk Mass at 7pm and live music on the Gig Rig featuring Sound as a Pound, Kadie Harnett and the Young Woulfe Tones. Families are well catered for on Sunday in the Grove with the Family Fun Day featuring a Mega Slide, bungee jumping, animal roadshow, Bouncy Castle, Berge Motor Track , children’s Tug of War, Food and Ice Cream stalls and more. There’s also the 7 a side at Riverside Park, the Battle of the DJ’s on the Gig Rig in the Square and to finish there’s a Scatterin’ Disco in Ruby’s. We will have wrist bands on sale shortly so would ask everyone to purchase one and this will cover admission to most events for the Gathering. More details next week. All we need now is the weather and Ken from New Zealand is making reassuring noises but the power of prayer is undisputed so please cut out the prayer we include in the notes and say it every day. Joining Pa Sheehan, sisters Margaret and Mary nee O’Donnell and Nichola from Sue Ryders in offering to help out with the running of the festival are Mary Shanahan, Mary Barry, Denis Murphy and Katie Moloney – we are delighted to welcome them on board. See our website: https://abbeyfealefestivals.wordpress.com for regular updates. We also have a Gather by the Feale facebook page.
LENIHAN GATHERING: “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” and continue for the rest of the weekend with a varied itinerary laid on.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting.
OPEN DAY: "Blackhill Farm, Ballylin, Ardagh is holding an open day on Sunday, June 29 2- 6pm. All plant and vegetable growers and their families are invited to come along, join guided tours of the garden and newly planted orchard. You will be able to meet local growers and share tips on growing food and celebrate with our students who are graduating with certificates in Level 3 Vegetable Production".
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
PARISH CULTURE PROJECT: Articles are welcome for a forthcoming publication “ Abbeyfeale Life and Culture, Past and Present” Final submissions by Friday. June 27 to Parish Office.
ADAPT: The amount collected in Abbeyfeale last weekend for ADAPT was €526.60. This will help to maintain the services to women and children in the community and in the refuge. ADAPT extends sincere thanks to all the collectors who stood at tables and to Marina Hough who took care of things for each Mass.
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 Scoil Mháthair De School Mass. Saturday11am Madge and Dan Cusack, Cratloe. Saturday 7pm Richard Fealey, Maura Leahy, Knockbrack and Jerry Collins, Clash Months Mind. Sunday 9.30am David Leahy, Mick Collins and Maurice Griffin. John Micheal Keneally, Knocknasna. Sunday 12 noon Timothy and Bridget Harnett, Ballaugh. Mrs. Bridget Gardiner, Purt. Friday is the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 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.”
ABUSE OF STIMUNANTS: 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
HAVE YOU AN IDEA FOR SOMETHING NEW: Innovators are invited to apply online from 12th June and the finalists selected to participate at the National Ploughing Championships will be catalogued on the Irish Farmers Journal in early August. They will then have the opportunity to showcase their innovation during the National Ploughing Championships week from 23rd – 25th September in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 