.
PROLOGUE: The greatest freedom in life is to know that it’s not necessary to be liked. Actor John Hurt.
DEATHS: We offer our sympathies to the families of Zoe Scannell, James Bennis and Brian McAleer whose funerals took place during the week. May they rest in peace.
GATHER BY THE FEALE 2014: It’s here at last – the inaugural summer festival that will have Abbeyfeale on fete for the rest of this week. The forecast is good and would be better if like the brides of yore, we all put our Child of Prague’s outdoors for the next week. 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 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. 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, Mido’s Touch from Brosna with a selection of gifts, Liz with painted slates, a knitting and crochet stall, 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 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 helmets on sale in the Festival office at Mary D G’s to help out with fancy dress dilemmas – well done to Carol and Aine’s daughters who have been dressmaking all week and are keeping up with all the orders. 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: https://abbeyfealefestivals.wordpress.com We also have a Gather by the Feale facebook page.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSH: Josh Ennis, son of Kate and the late John and a nephew of Paddy and Thady Finucane, St. Ita’s Terrace and who lives in Brosna has been chosen to play for the Kerry minors. Rumour has it that Paddy, despite being a native of Abbeyfeale, is a member of the Kerry Supporters Club so the apple did not fall far from the tree.
MUSIC LESSONS: Lessons on concertina and fiddle from beginners to advanced with Lisa Contact 087 3182574.
CLERICAL CHANGES: Congratulations to our own Fr. Leo whose appointment to Parish Priest of St. Micheal’s Parish, Dublin Road has just been announced by Bishop Brendan Leahy. Other clerical appointments include Fr. Joe Cussen who is to be the new Parish Priest of Bulgaden/ Martinstown and believe it or not Fr. Joe Kennedy has reached retirement age but will move into and continue working in Killmallock. All of these men gave great service to Abbeyfeale and we send them good wishes.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2014: Pilgrimage will take place Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July27. Fare €120 which includes coach, boat and Island fare. Bookings 087 3966399 (9-6pm).
GATHER BY THE FEALE 41 CARD GAME: There will be a special card game at 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.
THANK YOU: Mr Pat O Callaghan, former principal of Knocknasna N.S., would like to express his deep-felt gratitude to the people who organised his retirement party, to all who attended on the evening and to Canon Neville who celebrated mass on the occasion. He wishes to thank all the people who sent cards, letters, presented gifts and wished him well on his retirement. He would like to acknowledge the contribution to the school and the local community made by the Boards of Managements and the Parent’s Councils over many years during his time in the school. Finally, he would like to express his heartfelt appreciation to the Parents/Guardians and children who supported the school during a very happy, memorable and rewarding career in Knocknasna National School.
‘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.
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.
FOUR MEN AND A DOG:
Irish traditional super group ‘Four men and a Dog’ which includes our own Donal Murphy on accordion will be performing at the INEC Killarney, Friday next July 18 during the Munster Fleadh. Doors open 7:30pm. Tickets €21, contact www.inec.ie or phone 064 6671555. A great night, not to be missed.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Best of Luck to all The Feale fit crew running the Killarney Half Marathon & 10k this coming weekend. The Gather by the Feale Summer festival has finally arrived, 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 Feale fit’s Festival Fun, contact Shane for details. Wondering what to do with the kids for the summer, Feale fit-Kids Summer Camp July 22nd – 25th. 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.
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.
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 your 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. 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. 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. Meet at the Church Yard from 6.30pm.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO ROME: A very special Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome
has been planned for this autumn to commemorate St John Paul II’s visit to Limerick and to attend the Beatification of Pope Paul VI. It will be led by Bishop Brendan Leahy from October 18-22 next and will cost €770 per person sharing. Tour organizers Cultural Connections Ltd In association with: Tom Mannion Travel T.A. 0178 IATA, ITAA. (Cultural Connections Ltd. Newtown, Rahan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland Phone grouptravel)
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.
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.
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.
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 has started its ‘Living Literature’ drama performances as part of the tour of the Kerry Writers’ Museum. Performances will take place every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 noon & 2 pm during July & August. For more information tel. info.
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.
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 10am Mary & Patjoe Woulfe, 12 St Ita’s Terrace. Friday 8.15am Ellen Healy, Dromtrasna. Friday 10am Jim White, Killarney Road. Saturday 11am Elizabeth & Mick Mulcahy and their daughter Kathleen Finn late of New Jersey & Kilmanihan. 7pm Colm Mangan Knocknagoshel Con & Mary O’Mahony and William O’Sullivan. Sunday 9.30am Fionnuala O’Donnell, Caherlane. Patrick O’Connor, Mountmahon. 12noon Mathew O’Connor, Dromtrasna. Mary Lane, Caherconnell.
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.
THE REBUILT CONFERENCE: This conference takes place Wednesday, September 10, and Thursday, September 11 in Maynooth College, Co Kildare. Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran authors of "Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter and Tools for Rebuilding: 75 Really, Really Practical Ways to Make Your Parish Better", present the compelling and inspiring story of how they brought their parish back to life. ‘Rebuilt’ is a story of stopping everything and changing focus. The result tripled their weekend Mass attendance, yielded increased giving, flourishing ministries, and a vibrant, spiritual revival. You are invited to share the vision, borrow their strategies, and receive a wealth of guidance on how to rebuild your own parishes. Evening Session – September 10from 7.30p.m. – 9.00p.m.’The Rebuilt Story’. Day Session – September 11| 10.00a.m. – 4.15p.m. ‘Tools for Rebuilding’, ‘An Irish Case Study” Planning for Rebuilding’.
Further information on http://www.alphayouth.ie/upcoming-events/2014/6/30/the-re-built-conference
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 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.
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.
DUAGH SUMMER FESTIVAL: Celebrity chef and Duagh native John Relihan is one of the organisers of a Food Festival planned for the weekend of August 9/10 next.
GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE: The annual Catholic Grandparent’s Association Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday September 2014. Bookings for the Diocese of Kerry Pilgrimage can be made from the 1st Sept.
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.
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.
CERTIFICATE: Limerick Social and Health Education Programme – autumn 2014. Certificate in Personal Development: year-long, part-time course commencing September 2014. Certificate in Social Awareness Community Empowerment: five weekend course commencing September 2014. The Limerick Social and Health Education Programme is a collaboration between a number of Limerick Groups/Agencies and the Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) which is funded by Limerick Regeneration, Mid-West Drugs & Alcohol Task Force and the HSE. It is an innovative, social-inclusion-focussed, inter-agency, long-term, programme dedicated to promoting individual/community health and well-being and contributing to social capital and social engagement in Limerick and its environs. Since the programme commenced in 2010 sixteen training courses have been organised with over 270 people being involved. This autumn, the Steering Committee of the programme is offering two courses: Certificate in Personal Development: year-long, part-time course commencing September 2014 and a Certificate in Social Awareness Community Empowerment: five weekend course commencing September 2014. The committee has secured grant funding to support participants to access these courses. The highly subsidised participant fee for each course is €150. A recent independent evaluation concluded that there is ‘….a very strong agreement that SHEP in Limerick is delivering a training programme that is at once unique and greatly valued.’ It also concluded that ‘… the SHEP programme portfolio is achieving real and meaningful change in the lives of many of the training participants. At all levels in the portfolio of courses (including Social Awareness and Community Empowerment, Facilitation and Tutor Training) the approach in the SHEP Programme is different because a long-term commitment to personal development, personal grounding and awareness is sustained throughout all the courses. At the foundation level of the programme, use is primarily made of an experiential group-work approach which starts from the life experiences of each individual and supports each participant’s unique, personal growth. If you would like to apply, a completed application form should be submitted by the closing date Wednesday, September 10. For further information and enquiries you can contact Helen O’Grady, Development and Outreach Officer, based in Limerick, on 085-8626844 or the SHEP Project Office on 021-4666180.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 