PROLOGUE: "Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator." Confucius
DEATH: Sincere sympathies to the Fitzgerald family, Railway Bar on the death of Mike. May he rest in peace.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Eilish Murphy, daughter of Dan and Maureen Abbey Tiles on her recent marriage.
MONTHS MIND MASS: For the late, much loved and lamented Fr. Willie O’Gorman in Mountcollins Church on Friday, October 3 at 8pm.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of local radio will take place on Sunday, October 5 at the Community Centre. NCW (next to the entrance to the Demesne and the GAA pitch). Gates open 7.30am. Sale finishes 1pm approx.
TABLE QUIZ: A Table Quiz in aid of the Butterfly Club will be held in Jack and Aine Ryan’s Pub, Main St. on Friday, October 3 at 9.30pm. Spot prizes, finger food and your support is requested.
MEEENKILLY N.S. CARD GAME: Card game starts Tuesday, October 7 at 9pm with the first night as always for Milford Hospice. New and old players welcome.
I.C.A. The Branch held a party in celebration of 45 years as a Guild on Tuesday, September 25. Our guest of honour was Phyllis O’Halloran, the President of the Limerick Federation. We were also fortunate to have, as guests, two founder members. The theme for the evening was nostalgia, storytelling, poetry and of course, feasting. The I.C.A. back in the sixties was a different organisation to what it is today. It was very strictly run with the younger members being greatly in awe of the officers and committee. Today, things are very relaxed and more fun. On Tuesday, October 7 at 7.30pm we are hosting an Open Night for charity with Chef Mark Doe at the Community Education Centre, Mountmahon. A raffle will also be held. Tickets for cost €10 and can be obtained from any of the members or at the door or by calling 068 31145. Funds raised will be donated to Bumbleance.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: James Harnett writes; In 1964 Moss and Ita Harnett decided to convert their sitting room in the Killarney Road into a small grocery shop. At that time the Killarney Road was outside the town, in the country, and it did not even have a footpath. Ita often recalled how she paid for three poles to be erected in order to bring the phone line out from town and was delighted to get her new phone number, Abbeyfeale 52. Abbeyfeale was much different then. Walking from Killarney Road in to town there were many businesses; Mick and Kathleen Herlihy’s grocery shop , Liz Doody’s grocery, Mag Doody’s drapery, Mary Pa’s, Johnny Kelly’s with the wonderful selection of sweets, Begley’s who herded the cows in the road every evening, milked them in their yard and sold the milk around the town, Davy Lyons’s with all the lovely biscuits displayed in the glass topped tins, Agnes McEnery’s, Paddy Donoghue with all the hand-made furniture and gas bottles, Mike Moloney’s Garage, Jim Gleeson the harness maker, Kelly’s School, Patie Roche who stocked everything from a needle to an anchor with musical instruments hanging from the ceiling, and we wondered at how he could find even the tiniest item you would ask for. Next was the Garda barracks and then Quirke’s bar, which was unique as it was fascinatingly three steps below street level. Jimmy McElligott had his electrical shop just before the Square and Moloney’s General Stores was where McElligott’s Pharmacy now stands. Moloneys was a big employer in the town and did a huge business. I am sure I am forgetting some, but the town really was a hive of activity those days.To celebrate what now looks like survival (on reading the above list), the Harnetts are inviting special guest “Christy” from Fair City to cut their 50th. Anniversary cake in Moss Harnett’s on Saturday, October 11 at 1.00 p.m. As Christy has now left Fair City it is an opportunity for the people of Abbeyfeale and the surrounding areas to meet Christy, thank him for all the entertainment down the years and ask him about his most memorable moments in the series.
BENEFIT CONCERT: There will be a great nights entertainment starring local talent such as traditional/modern Irish music group Draiocht, local folk singer Kadie Harnett and the Glorach Youth Theatre in aid of Aware at the Glorach on Friday, October 3 next. Bookings 087 1 38 39 40. Doors open 7.15pm, Show 8pm.
HAVE WE BOTTLED IT’ – A HARM REDUCTION SEMINAR: Devon Inn Hotel, Thursday, October 9 at 7pm. Organised by Abbeyfeale and District Initative in conjunction with Limerick Social Services Council Ltd., sponsored by the Mid-West Drugs and Alcohol Forum with input from the transition students of Colaiste Íde and Iosef. Key-note Speakers: GROW – Christine Fitzgerald. HSE – Anna O’Neill. MWRDAF – Mick Lacey. LSP – Phelim Macken..
COME DANCING: Classes resume at the Community Centre, New St. on Friday, October 3 from 8.30-10.30pm. Learn to waltz, fox trot, Slosh, Jive etc. Beginners welcome.
GTI CIT REUNION: Ann Curtin has organised a staff reunion in The Devon Inn Hotel Saturday, October 11 from 9pm. Tickets €10. Contact 087 6594668 or call to The Coffee Pot, Main St. Abbeyfeale for information and bookings.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: TLC4CF was founded by friends and family of people with Cystic Fibrosis in the Tipperary, Limerick and Clare region. There will be an Afternoon Tea Dance on Sunday, October 12 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse with all proceeds raised going to the group to help fit out the new cystic fibrosis unit in University Hospital, Limerick which is due to open next year. Dancing to Kevin Flynn and Country Roads from 3 – 6pm. Admission €5. Teas served. Raffle.
COME DANCING: Classes resume at the Community Centre, New St. on Friday, October 3 from 8.30-10.30pm. Learn to waltz, fox trot, Slosh, Jive etc. Beginners welcome.
GLORACH CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS: Lorcan Curtin Glorach PRO writes “Everybody has story to tell, as the old adage goes, and here at the Glórach Theatre we hope that people will get a chance to explore and develop the rich storytelling tradition inherent in the Abbeyfeale area. We are delighted to announce that acclaimed Kerry poet, Eileen Sheehan, winner of the Brendan Kennelly Poetry Award in 2006, will be giving four creative writings workshops beginning on Friday, October 17. Eileen will be introducing innovative ideas to prospective writers in an informal atmosphere, exploring different ways of bringing stories and ideas to fruition on paper. Don’t miss this chance to get that wonderful story you have put into writing, for further enquiries, ring0871383940.
ARA NA FEILE: The next meeting of Ara Na Feile will take place on Wednesday, October 1 at 2pm in the Adult Educational Centre in Abbeyfeale. Events will be dicussed for the coming months. New members welcome.
ART EXHIBITION: Talented young local artist, Evelyn Murphy, who recently completed four years in the Limerick School of Art and Design where she specialised in Fine Art, is proud to announce the opening of her first solo exhibition entitled "Effigy", at the Glórach Theatre on Friday, October at 8pm. Her portraits are reflections of herself where she imagines life trapped in a doll, and all are vivid, vibrant and sometimes mysterious. World renowned local artist, Liam Flynn, will officially open the exhibition and all are welcome.
FASHION SHOW: A gala fashion show in aid of the invalid section of Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held in Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine on Wednesday, October 15. Cheese and wine reception. Show starts @ 8.00pm. Lots of valuable prizes. Tickets €10 available from committee or at the door. Please support.
FEALE FIT: Best of luck to all the crew taking part in the Killarney Adventure race this coming Saturday. Our latest Couch to 5k which will commence this Friday, October 3 at 6pm at Fealefit. Fealefit are going on an Activities day to Blackwater Castle in Castletown roche just outside Mallow Sunday November 2. If anyone is interested in joining us on day trip please contact us. All welcome & great day out guaranteed. Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie087 7771552 for details.. Check out www.Fealefit.comfor all details on Classes.
COMHALTAS CONCERT: Talented Abbeyfeale musician, Natasha Sheehy has been selected for the forthcoming Comhaltas Concert Tour of Ireland which commences on October 12 at An Cultúrlann, Dublin and winds its way through the four provinces visiting fourteen venues. The concert will be hosted by CCÉ, Teampall an Ghleanntáin at Halla Inse Bhán on Wednesday, October 22. Tickets for the event (€10) are now on sale and can be obtained locally from the Comhaltas craobh members (087 9654451)or at Buckley’s shop, Vincent at Sheehy’s Abbeyfeale, Eilís at O’Donoghues shop, Abbeyfeale. Also included in the talented line up of artistes which are drawn from Dublin, Clare, Mayo, Limerick, Sligo, Armagh, Cork, Kerry and Cavan are John Harnett (Dancer) Tournafulla and John Collins ( Storyteller), Newcastle West. Enquiries to 069 84039 or 087 9654451.
SUE RYDER: We are increasing our selection of winter clothing and footwear on a daily basis, all at great prices.
RUN OR WALK FOR MILFORD HOSPICE: The Dromtrasna Challenge, a fundraising effort for Milford Hospice, will take place on Saturday, October 18 at 3pm in Dromtrasna, Abbeyfeale. The choice of a 5 mile run or 4 kilometre walk will cater for all abilities, young and old. Registration begins at 2pm in Dromtrasna National School. Hot refreshments will be served in the school afterwards for all participants. CUISLE, a four piece fusion of traditional Irish Music and Celtic Rock will provide the entertainment for the post-race party at The Winners Circle Abbeyfeale. A barbeque will be served in the Beer Garden on the night. All are welcome. Donations at the door if desired to Milford Hospice. This is one part of a fundraising effort by Kieran Flannery, Dromtrasna for Milford Hospice. Kieran will also run the New York Marathon on the 2nd of November for this great cause. ALL proceeds go directly to Milford Hospice. Your support would be greatly appreciated. For more information visit www.dromtrasnachallenge.com or like us on facebook.
GUITAR LESSONS: Daniel Hannon Barry Guitar lessons every Saturday. Contact 0879978609.
ADULT CHOIR: Practice has resumed on Wednesday, September 24 at 8pm in church. New members are welcome.
YOUTH CLUB NOTES: Abbey Teens in St. Ita’s Friday 8-9.30pm. Teens Together in the Sports Complex 8-9.30pm. Yolo in St. Ita’s Saturday 7.45-9.15pm. There are a few places available in each club for new members. Parents please note that the club is only responsible for the young person after they sign in and they must sign out if leaving before the end of the club. Contact Kate Murphy 087 6210490 or Anthony Scannell 087 2264023.
PREPARING FOR THE MISSION: The next Mission Meeting will be on Thursday, October 2 in Fr. Casey’s at 8pm in preparation for the Mission to be held in the parish from November 1-7 next.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: A Bereavement Support Programme for Adults will commence in St. Ita’s Hall on Thursday, September 25 from 7:30-9:30pm and continue on the following Thursdays. For information contact 31262, 31741, 51984, 31322 or 311203.
ENHANCEMENT SURVEY: Check out Abbeyfeale Community Development Facebook page for survey to complete in order to have your views heard on the enhancement of Abbeyfeale https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M3WJPZ3 or contact Micheal Lane, secretary of the Abbeyfeale Community Development Association, for a hard copy.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. Parish 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. Please note no 8.15am Mass this week. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Colaiste Ide agus Iosef students Mass. Saturday 7pm Joan and Moss Fitzgerald, Ballaugh, Ellen and Micheal Quille Ballaugh. Sunday 9.30am Terry Morrissey and grandparents David and Nora. Johnny and Peggy Stack, Craughatouke. 12 noon Patrick and Mary McEnery, Kilconlea. St Anthony Novena takes place each Monday at the 7pm evening Mass. Adoration on Tuesday and Friday from 10am – 10pm and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. 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.
BAPTISMAL MEETING: Tournafulla on Tuesday, October 7 in the Sacristy @ 8pm.
CEILI CLASSES: Ceili classes in the GAA Club Abbeyfeale on Wednesday @ 9pm. Beginner’s Top of the town Athea Monday 8.30pm. Learn how to dance in Athea. If you already dance come to Abbeyfeale.
LESSONS: Lessons on concertina and fiddle from beginners to advanced with Lisa. Contact 087 3182574.
BINGO BUSSES: Eoin 087 2522402 leaves for Castleisland from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue at 7.40 pm every Tuesday and Dinjoe goes to Shanagolden.
BADMINTON: Every Thursday night at the Sports Centre from 8-9 PM. Beginners welcome. Barbara 087 7403277.
BRIDGE: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club has commenced every Thursday at 7:30 pm at the Railway Bar. Visitors welcome. Anybody interested in Bridge Lessons contact 087 3344909. The AGM will be held on Thursday, October 9 @ 7:30pm @ Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale.
BUS SERVICE: Cork Colleges Bus Service: Fitzpatricks of Listowel & Abbey Coaches. A bus will serve Abbeyfeale (5.20pm), Newcastlewest (5.40pm), Dromcollogher (6pm) each Sunday evening and will return on Fridays at 1.30pm and 6pm. €10 per seat, Call 087 3966399.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean ups of the graveyard are held every Tuesday from 7-9 pm weather permitting. The committee would like to thank everyone who has answered their appeal for financial help to enable the building of a wall at the top of the graveyard. Any information you need about the project/wall can be provided by Marion Roche 087/1344743 or Denis Daly 087/9880015.
SUICIDE PREVENTION EVENT: There will be a High Tea and Talk Event in St’s Hall Abbeyfeale on Wednesday, October 1 from 10.30am to 12.30pm to help mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Suicide Awareness Week and October’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The aim of the tea morning is to get people to talk about mental health with individuals giving an input on fighting the stigma surrounding Mental Health and Tips on Beating the Blues. All funds raised goes to Suicide or Survive (SOS) – an Irish charity focussed on breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues and ensuring that those affected have access to quality recovery services that are right for the individual. If you are interested in volunteering to give a helping hand on the morning please contact Mary on 087 9382883.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: The Abbeyfeale Parent and Toddler Group meets every Tuesday in St. Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale from 11am to 12.30pm. This is a social and enjoyable outing involving nursery rhymes and table top activities helping to promote the importance of play and communication. Also an opportunity to meet, chat and have a cup of tea. New Mum’s, Dad’s and Toddlers are welcome. No booking required. Contact Mary, West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.
ADAPT: Domestic Abuse Services, Limerick will shortly be holding a series of information and support sessions for family members or close friends of women who are living with domestic abuse. The sessions will help those close to a woman to understand the complex dynamics involved and will be a support to people who are concerned about the safety of a woman and her children. Ring Deirdre on 061 412354. ADAPT has a support worker in Abbeyfeale each week to meet women one to one by appointment. The worker can listen to women and support them in keeping themselves and their children safe. Ring Sheila on 061 412354 for more information or to make an appointment.
ARDFERT DAY OF PRAYER: There will be a special day of prayer on Sunday, October 12. Contact Rita Horgan for details.
FINE GAEL AGM: The AGM of the Limerick Constituency will take place on Monday, October 6 at 8pm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare. All are welcome.
FASHION SHOW IN ROCKCHAPEL: Rockchapel Parents Association are holding a fashion show in Rockchapel Community Centre on Friday, October 10, at 8.00 p.m. Shops modelling on the night are O’Shea’s and Linehans from Newmarket; Annette’s & Marelle’s from Abbeyfeale; Niche from Killarney and Minx and Wild Pair from Tralee.
Prizes up for grabs include 1 night B&B for 2 and a 4 course evening meal in the Ballygarry House Hotel. Tickets available from shops or at the door on the night. A great night guaranteed.
LEARN TO SPEAK IRISH: Irish language classes in Duagh. Contact Paul for information on 087 937866.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Reminding all those who hold a security system from us that now is the time to check that it is working. The battery sometimes goes down and the monitoring company will be able to see if that has happened but you need to press the button and talk to them. We also ask people to keep an eye out for strange vehicles in the area, take the number and ring it into the local station on 068 31100, the Garda on duty will be able to check it out on the computer. It is up to us all to be observant.
YOUTH ACTING COURSE: West Limerick Resources will be running a two day youth acting course on Saturdays October 4/ 11, 11am-5pm in Newcastle West, subject to demand. The course is free of charge and open to young people aged 10-16 years living in the West Limerick area. Limited places available. To apply contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
DANCING IN BALLYHAHILL: Seamus O’Sullivan has started set dancing classes in Ballyhahill on Monday nights from 8.30pm – 10.30pm.
FIELDTRIP TO SEEDSAVERS: West Limerick Resources is running a one day field trip to Seedsavers in Scarriff Co Clare on Saturday October 11 for members of West Limerick Tidy Towns Groups and those involved in other environmental projects such as community gardens. Training will cover a variety of topics from growing from seed to seed collection. Bus will depart Newcastle West at 10am and return at 5.30pm. Limited places available. Contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
ENGLISH CLASSES FOR MIGRANTS: English Conversation Classes for Migrants Newcastle West Family and Community Hub which is located in the Community Centre. The classes will run for 10 weeks, Wednesday evenings from 7:30- 9pm. Text Irene at 087 2298204 if interested.
BUSINESS MENTORING: Are you thinking of starting your own business? Have you an idea that you would like to discuss with someone or are you an existing small business who would like advice on new product development or new direction for your company? Are you a new or existing business in need of advice and guidance? West Limerick Resources is offering a free and confidential one to one business mentoring service to businesses based in the West Limerick area. Contact Eleanor on 069 66299 or Joan on 069 66294.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Afraid you’ll freeze, choke or faint during a speech? Even the best speakers were once terrified novices, feeling the same symptoms as you when facing an audience. Fear no more! Toastmasters is the best place to learn, to build your confidence, and to push yourself outside your comfort zone. It’s a safe place where there is no penalty for failure! If you would like to learn more then why not come along to the next Toastmasters meeting at the Desmond Complex on Wednesday, October 1 at 8.30pm. Further information from Bill on 087 9079223.
WORKSHOP: A Wellness Workshop understanding and taking charge of your mental health takes place on Monday, October 13 in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West 9.30am to 4.30pm. Booking is advisable Contact Jacqui on 1890 577 577 Workshop run by Suicide or Survive.
SEAN NOS DANCE CLASSES: Sean Nos dancing class in the Top of the town Athea Thursday evening with the Mc Cormack Kelly School of Dancing . There is a step dancing class at 6.30pm for children followed by the children’s Sean nos Class at 8.00pm. Adult Sean Nos Class at 9.00pm.
THANKSGIVING 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.
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).
LOUGH GUR CELEBRATION: The inaugural Lough Gur Spirit of Place Celebration, featuring a series of public lectures, talks, contemplative tours and music in the heart of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, will take place on October11/12. Speakers at the two day celebration will include Dr. Frank Prendergast who will explore finding of his most recent archaeoastromical study of Lough Gur’s Great Stone Circle, popular academic Billy Mag Fhloinn, travel writer Paul Clements, artist Robert Ryan, author Michael Quinlan and spiritual singer and theologian Dr Noreen Ni Riain. Ticket prices start at €10. Go to www.loughgur.com for full details or phone 061 385186
CHARISMATIC: Cork & Kerry Charismatic Renewal Conference – Cork International Airport Hotel –October 18/19. Talks, Testimonies, Healing Service. Come and join us for a spirit-filled weekend! Info: 087 9524334.
CELEBRATION MASS: Mass on Thursday, October 2 @ 7pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Limerick to celebrate the visit of Saint Pope John Paul to Limerick 35 years ago.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 