PROLOGUE: "I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures." Lao Tzu
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Emma Ward Knockbrack and Aiden Guinane Ballaugh who were married in Abbeyfeale on Saturday, July 5. We wish them every happiness in their married life together.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 41 CARD GAME: There will be a special 41 Card Game in Fr. Casey’s on Saturday, July 19 with proceeds to Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan. Tickets are on sale at Fr. Casey’s, Batt Harnett’s, Ann Lyons’s and the Festival office at Mary Dan G’s.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale in aid of WL102fm, our local community radio takes place at the Community Centre, NCW on Sunday next, July 13 from 7.30 – 1pm. Spaces available from €7 for a car or €10 for a van. Further information from 06966200.
‘THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS’: The Glorach Youth Theatre will present their new summer show ‘There’s no business like Show business’ at the Glorach on Friday, July 25, Saturday, July 26 and finish the run on Sunday, July 27. Doors open 7.30pm, show 8pm sharp. Admission €10 with a family ticket also available. Every year this is a scintillating show so don’t miss out – there is so much up and coming talent in this town and you want to say when they are all celebs in years to come – “I remember them in the Glorach!”
LAUNCH OF GATHER BY THE FEALE: T.J and Mary O’Riordan’s was the venue for the launch of the first Gather by the Feale Summer Festival taking place from July 16-20 last Friday night. Once we got through the door, which was guarded by fearsome Viking warriors, we were welcomed with champagne and strawberries by buxom young ladies who stood in mortal danger of being carried off by the same fearsome warriors, but fear not, Chairman Jim O’Connor was there to protect the young ladies in his capacity as Chief Viking. Mick Galwey – a famous Kerry rugby player with an All Ireland medal in his pocket – arrived in from Currow to launch the Gathering and as thanks, Chief Jim offered him the Freedom of Abbeyfeale and told him he was welcome to graze his sheep in the Town Park for four weeks every summer. In reply, Mick sang the praises of Nora Riordan, the previous proprietor of the venue and (TJ’s mom) and reminisced about her being mother of three blond bewitching daughters. He spoke fondly of her homemade black puddings which she fed to him while he paid court to the youngest daughter. The impression given by Mr Galwey on hearing about his new rights was that he always had the freedom of Abbeyfeale and he’d rather have the puddings and what went with them that the bother of drawing his sheep from Currow to the Town Park where they would be in danger of falling into the duck pond.! Following the speeches the O’Riordan’s, Head chef Ricardo, who is a proud Brazilian and who was on a high as Brazil had just beaten Colombia 2-1 produced a selection of delicious finger food which was enjoyed by everyone. DJ |Jeremiah Roche finished off the night with a selection of music from the 60’s onwards which had the place throbbing. If the festival lives up to the promise of the launch then we are in for a wonderful week.
TRADER’S WAR: War has been declared! The business community are going to slug it out on Friday, July 18, from 8.30pm in the Square under Fr. Casey. Each business in Abbeyfeale has been invited to put up a team of four in fancy dress and then the mayhem will begin. Organisers have several surprises up their sleeves so don’t miss it. Music on the Gig Rig with Abbeyfeale’s own up and coming No Direction afterwards.
OPEN DAY AT AN T-IONAD GLAS: The annual summer open day at the Organic College, Dromcollogher takes place on Sunday, July 20 from 2-5pm. Tours of the garden and tunnels all afternoon, teas and coffee, visit Án Siopa Glás with its stocks of organic seeds, plants, jams, chutneys etc.
WHITE COLLAR BOXING: Limerick West Special Olympics would like to wish Liam McCarten the best of luck in his upcoming Charity White Collar Boxing Competition on Saturday, July 12 in the Devon Inn. Liam has nominated our Club as his charity and for this we thank him most sincerely, once again Liam, the best of luck.
ST. ITA’S FAITH CAMP: The camp takes place from Monday, July 28 –Thursday, July 31 in St. Mary’s Boys N.S. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in St. Mary’s during the 4 days of the camp. A request has gone out for people to sign up for Adoration from 11am – 3pm each day. A list is available for anyone wishing to put down their name at the door of the Adoration Chapel in the Church.
BAT WALK: As part of the Gather by the Feale festival, Abbeyfeale’s own Batman, James Harnett will lead an evening in the Town Park on Thursday, July 17 from 9-10pm. You’ll be able to see the bats in flight and listen to their calls using the bat detectors that James’s group known locally as ‘The Batty Undertakers’ has.
THE VIKING PLUNDER RUN: Lock up your daughters and bury the family silver – the Vikings are on their way. Chairman Jim O’Connor says “As part of this year’s festival Gather by the Feale, we are inviting all sports clubs local to Abbeyfeale to participate in our opening night on Wednesday, July 16. Last year, we had the very successful Nun’s Run and this year we want to go one further with The Viking Plunder Run through the main streets of Abbeyfeale. What we need are teams of 4 members each from all the sporting clubs in the locality to give it welly on the telly as they race down the town, however there’s a twist!! We’d like you to be on wheels of any description, so bicycles, skateboards, wheelbarrows and roller blades are all in – you might even bring out that vintage pram that you mother rolled you around the town in all those years ago. Remember there’s an option too for fancy dress. This is a great opportunity to show case your club colours and have a bit of friendly rivalry with the other clubs and be a challenger, off the field of course. There will be prizes for best dressed and best ‘vehicle’, so get cracking and bring your supporters, in colour of course.” If you’ve any questions, queries or suggestions please feel free to contact Aine Ryan 0879802849 or Mary O’Riordan 087 7645581 by Monday, July 14. There are only two requirements – the wheels must not be automated and you will have to be wearing a Gather by the Feale wrist band. The wrist bands are available from Leens, Mary Dan G’s, Ann Lyons and Tuohig’s Super Value.
GATHER BY THE FEALE PAGAENT: Due to unforeseen circumstances the pageant on the history of Abbeyfeale has had to be cancelled. It is hoped to present it at a later stage. A second cancellation is that of the Singing Club at the Ramble Inn on Thursday, July 17. The monthly Singing Club in the Ramble Inn will continue as usual.
GATHER BY THE FEALE RAMBLING HOUSE AT THE PLOUGHMAN: Calling all singers, dancers and chancers, musicians and story tellers. You’re all very welcome to come and perform at the Rambling House in the Ploughman on Wednesday, July 16 from 9pm. Refreshments served.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: The organisers of the Afternoon Tea Dance held recently in the Ballintemple Inn in aid of Milford Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported it and made it such a success. Thanks too to the shops and businesses who gave spot prizes for the raffle.
SEISIÚN IN TEMPLEGLANTINE: All those in the locality who enjoy a good night of Irish traditional entertainment will welcome the return of the weekly Comhaltas Seisiún show at the Devon Inn each Thursday night at 9.00pm during July and August. The show consists of top quality music, song, dance and story provided by a talented group of artistes, many of whom are from Abbeyfeale and several of whom have won All Ireland honours. The traditional show is aimed at both locals and visitors and is very enjoyable. Towards the end of the programme of entertainment there is an informal segment members of the audience perform if they so wish or join in a Siege of Ennis. All are welcome. This is the place to bring your visitors for a memorable night out.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to all the crew who took part in the Ring of Kerry on Saturday, it was a very enjoyable experience. Only a week to the kick-off of The Gather by the Feale Summer festival, Fealefit will have teams entered in all the great planned events from Tug O’ War to Tag Rugby, if you wish to be part of Fealefit’s Festival Fun, Contact Shane for details. Wondering what to do with the kids for the summer. Fealefit-Kids Summer Camp July 22 – 25 is the answer. A camp jammed packed with fun and entertainment for the kids and plenty of goodies’ for every child. Shane 087 2891015 for details.. Check out www.Fealefit.comfor all details on Classes..
SEARCH ON FOR MISS WEST LIMERICK 2014: The inaugural Miss West Limerick was Nadine Smith Abbeyfeale. She will hand over her crown in the Devon Inn next Friday, July 11 to her successor. Do go along and cheer on your favourite young lady as she vies with girls from all over West Limerick for the honour of being Miss West Limerick 2014. This is a fundraiser for local community radio.
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.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: After a hugely successful launch last weekend there are just seven more sleeps to go before Abbeyfeale is on fete! Plans are finalised for the Festival, the brochure has been printed and is available all around town and of course in the Festival Office which is located in Mary Dan G’s, Main St. The festival bands have also arrived and are available at the Festival Office, Leens Hotel, Supervalu and Ann Lyons. We ask everyone to purchase one for just €5 and wear it with pride for the week. This will allow admission to most events and the monies collected will go into a war chest for future Gather by the Feale’s. 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 , there’s a free night of dancing to Mike Condon at the Railway and the Rambling House in the Ploughman for the rest of us. Then, on Thursday there’s a workshop on Hair and Makeup for the girls, we won’t run the boys either if they turn up, 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 and a Bat walk in the Town Park for those of us not batty enough already. Friday has the food and craft fair with some of the stalls already booked including Jim Lenihan with hand crafted sugan chairs, bird boxes and garden seats, Jim O’Brien with home-made cheeses from Ballyhahill, Drumanilra Organic Farm with their freshly cooked burgers, Lizzie Lyons with her crab sandwiches and chowders, a chocolate fountain, a gluten free baker, a waffles stall and Flor’s coffee and cupcakes. This will be followed by the fancy dress Trade Wars with businesses in town dressing up and competing in the Square against each other – organisers have some surprises in store. Check out the supply of Viking outfits and helmet on sale in the Festival office at Mary D G’s to help out with fancy dress dilemmas. Later on we have No Direction on the Gig Rig and a Teen Disco with D J Killian Murphy in the Grove with N21 in Matt McCoys until late. 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 Tournament which will include BBQ, music with No Direction and plenty of activities for all the family. This will be followed by the 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 with the Threshing Mill Boys across the road in Matt McCoys. There’s also a 41 Card Game at Fr. Casey’s from 9-11pm and a festival special at The Railway Bar from 9.30pm with Micheal Collins. 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 and The Baldy John Show in Matt Mc Coys. See our website: for regular updates. We also have a Gather by the Feale facebook page.
CHARITY CEILI: The annual charity ceili in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place in Knockaderry on Friday, July 25 with music by the Striolan Ceili Band. Teas served. Everyone welcome.
LIVING LITERATURE: The Seanchaí Centre, Listowel will start its ‘Living Literature’ drama performances as part of the tour of the Kerry Writers’ Museum on Wednesday July 9. Performances will take place every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 noon & 2 pm during July & August. For more information tel. info.
DAY TRIP: Maureen Finnegan plans to take a group to Inis Oir (Craggy Island) Sunday July 13 leaving at 6.30am. It is essential that everyone is on time as we have a ferry to board and there is just one sailing. We will be stopping for breakfast in Mother Hubbard’s and returning there again in the evening for dinner. Everyone must have their seat paid for before travelling as a deposit has to be sent to the Ferry Company to secure our passage. We have 16 people on the waiting list so it important that anytime you see something you would like to go ring immediately ‘Go on! Go on!’ Contact Maureen 087 984510.
LIMERICK PIPE ORGAN FESTIVAL: Peter Barley plays Buxtehude, Hassler, Tunder, Weir, Mathias in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday, July 16 at 1.15pm – No charge.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm weather permitting. Annual Mass will take place on Thursday, August 21. Candles will be on sale. Please inform family members.
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM BILL CLINTON: "If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit."
ADARE TO SURVIVE: This unique obstacle challenge will take place in the grounds of Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare, Co Limerick, on Sunday 28 September.
DANCING/SIGHTSEEING WEEKEND: Maureen Finnegan says “We will be leaving Newcastle West at 9.30am. on Friday, October 17 returning Monday, October 20. If you want a relaxing journey just sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Our driver/courier will tell you all about the places that we are passing through and all the many interesting places that we will visit. One of the places that we will be stopping in is Knock. Now you’re ready for a great weekend of dancing in our Hotel ‘The Yeats County,’ Rosses Point, Sligo which is a beautiful spot. Complimentary use of the award winning Leisure Club and special rates at the Eros Spa in the hotel ie. Seaweed bath, massage and all the other treatments. On the Sunday after a four course dinner we will board our bus for the Famous Rainbow Ballroom Of Romance, Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim which has recently been refurbished. There is a Showband Era Museum here too which has the piano that was played on by the late Miami Showband plus much more. Don’t be surprised if you see memorabilia from the Olympic Ballroom that was in Newcastle West! During the day after a hearty breakfast we will be ready for road and visiting many places of interest. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
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 18-35 but 20% of places will be given to those outside this age bracket. Contact Adrienne on abbeyheritageproject
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 8.15am Members of the Harnett family
Banard. 10am William & Julia Madden. Friday 10am Timmy O’Brien, Clash Road Saturday 11am Sarah Drought 1st Anniversary Saturday 7pm Matthew (Sonny) Doody New street Maureen McCarthy, Caherhayes Sunday 9.30am Martin Nolan, 3 Hillview
Drive. 12noon Jeremiah Healy and Healy & Broderick family. Peter Rocklliffe, Barbars Bridge Month Mind. 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.
FREE PHONE NUMBER LAUNCHED: A new free phone number has been launched for the Samaritans in Ireland. It is 116123.
RAMBLING HOUSE IN KNOCKALOUGHA: Mick Sheehy lived in Knockalougha and now his house has been turned into a Rambling House 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.
YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL: Takes place at the Cistercian College, Roscrea, Tipperary from Thursday 14—Sunday 17 August. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for young people to experience the Roman Catholic faith and meet new people.
For more information and to book online see www.yough2000.ie or phone 01/6753690 .
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 . 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.
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 info
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.
RECENT COLLECTION: The ISPCC would like to thank all the Volunteers who organised the recent Church Gate collection A total of €546.72 was raised which will go a long way in continuing to provide vital services for Children and Families in the area.
ATTENTION ALL RUNNERS/WALKERS: Now in its third year, the Curragh-Chase 10k Run/Walk takes place on Sunday August 17 and continues to be one of Munster’s most popular and scenic 10K’s! We have sports packs as well as many promotional offers from our Sponsors for the first 500 registered! You can avail of these offers and be part of one of Munster’s most picturesque 10K’s by going to www.kilcornan.com or www.eventmaster.ie and register now.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 