| CHRISTMAS PRAYER: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the pure Vir |
PROLOGUE; "It’s never too late to be what you might have been."
George Eliot
CANTATA IN PARISH CHURCH: Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Nativity play at 1pm and Cantata at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 11 in the Church of the Assumption. 1(A cantata (literally "sung", past participle of the Italian verb "cantare") is a vocal 1composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often 1involving a choir. Wikapedia)
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: The annual cake sale will take place in St Ita’s hall on Sunday December 14 from 10am– 2pm. Everyone welcome. Come early. Funds in aid of Fr. Tim Galvin`s mission. We hope all our usual bakers will support this worthy cause. New bakers always welcome.
FARMERS’ MARKET: Every Friday in the Square from 9.30-1pm. Get your locally grown chemical free vegetables, farm fresh turkeys, free range hen and duck eggs, Christmas cakes and puddings, jams and chutneys smoked salmon and much more more. Buy local.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE: Come to Abbeyfeale parish church to celebrate the Joy of Christmas on Sunday, December 14 at 7pm with Christmas carols and music. Everyone welcome.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: An Afternoon Tea Dance in aid of Chernobyl Children will take place at Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, December 14 with music by Blue Moon. Dancing 3-6pm. Raffle and teas served.
GOOD NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE: Delighted to be able to report that the Community Education Centre is open for business with several courses going on at the moment including Desktop Publishing Wednesday with 2 classes from 10:30 to 12: 30pm and 1:00 to 3:00pm, Kennel Club and Bee Keeping on Tuesdays, After school club (for girls) Thursday 2:45 to 4:45pm and lots more. A new
programme of courses will be starting in the New Year – for more information ring (068) 31198.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Thanks to all who supported Fealefit’s annual Festive 5k Run / walk last Sunday December 7 and well done to our latest Couch to 5k crew who completed their first competitive 5k. Fealefit Xmas party this Saturday December 13 in The Winners Circle at 8.30pm -a great way to finish off a hard years work and all are welcome. Have you ever dreamed of completing a 10k / half / Full marathon or Triathlon, if so contact Shane 087 2891015 for details, training commences in the New year and is free of charge. Check out www.Fealefit.com for all details on Classes.
BEE KEEPING COURSE: The course with tutor Seamus Quinlan of the Kingdom Beekeepers has commenced and will run until Christmas. It is being held at the Adult Education Centre Abbeyfeale every Tuesday from 7-9pm and we welcome new students. Further information 087 6866450.
ADVENT GIVING TREE: Take a leaf off the tree in the sanctuary and bring back a gift next week. These will be distributed to the elderly of the parish by the youth of the parish before Christmas.
ARA NA FEILE ACTIVE RETIREMENT: The next meeting is on Wednesday, December 10 @ 2pm at the Adult Educational Centre.
CHRISTMAS FAIR IN DUAGH: Duagh Development Association are hosting their
Annual Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Craft Fair Sunday, December 14 in Duagh Sports & Leisure Complex. Craft Fair 10am-3pm / Santa’s Grotto 12pm-3pm. Live Music and Children’s Entertainment. Complementary Cookies and Hot Chocolate. All welcome.
MEN’S SHED: The Men’s Shed is open every Monday evening from 6-9pm. New members are always very welcome.
CHRISTMAS FEST: There will be an evening of food, crafts, talks and music at the Organic College, Dromcollogher on Thursday, December 11 from 5-8pm. All welcome.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ: Charity Christmas quiz on Friday, December 12 at 8.30pm in the Cellar Bar. All proceeds to Noonan’s Christmas Lights for Charity. 30pm €20 per table max 5 people. Raffle with Spot prizes on the night and Finger Food.
CHRISTMAS PRAYER: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in a stable in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At the same hour, vouchsafe O My God, to hear my prayer and grant my petition. Amen.
CARD GAME: There will be a 41 card game in Cryle View Bar, Church St. for the next two Sundays at 7.30pm, with proceeds to Fr. Tim Galvin in South Sudan. Winners on Sunday, December 7 were Paddy O’Sullivan, Eamon Sheehy and Paddy Finnucane.
TIMOTHY O’NEILL LANE 1852 -1915: Timothy O’Neill Lane was born in Gurteen, Templeglantine. His father was a native of Knockcoolkeare, Mountcollins and his mother a native of Ahane Cross, Brosna, hence the O’Neill in his name. He was a famous lexicographer, a primary teacher, a journalist with The Times of London and a writer of travel books. He is especially famous for his compilation of two English-Irish dictionaries (1905 and 1915). The Coiste Timothy O’Neill Lane Committee has been set up recently to commemorate appropriately this outstanding man and his contribution to the Irish Language and to the Nation. This committee includes Éamonn Ó Liatháin(chairman), John Joe O’Sullivan (secretary), Tadhg Ó Maolcatha(treasurer), Larry Begley, Séamas Ó Súilleabháin, Michael Lane(Templeglantine),Liam Ó Léanacháin, Séamus Lane and Lorcán Mac Curtáin. The Coiste is organising a book launch in the Public Library, Abbeyfeale between 6.30-8.00p.m. on Thursday, December 11. The book in question is a biography and a critique of O’Neill Lane’s work as lexicographer. Author: Seaghan Mac an tSionnaigh Book: Focail agus Foclóireacht T.O’Neill Lane. An English language version will be available in the New Year. Refreshments will be provided at the reception. Fáilte roimh chách. An Oíche Cheoil with top local traditional musicians including Dónal Murphy will take place afterwards in Murphy’s Bar Main Street, Abbeyfeale. All are welcome.
MEENKILLY NOTES: Winners with 14 games; Maureen Fitzgerald, Billy Lane, Kathleen McCarty. Runners up with 13 games; Breda O’Connell, Mary, O’ Connell Billy O’Connell.
Table prize; Nora Lyons, Dan Brosnan, John Lyons.
Door prize: Bridie Collins Paddy O Sullivan. Tickets; Jackie Harnett, Julia Murphy, Christina O’ Donoghue, Jackie Broderick, Seamus Murphy and Dan Casey.
Don’t forget only 2 nights of cards left before Christmas. Plenty of prizes on offer.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey legends have no club on Friday night. Teens Together and the Yolo club are going to a disco leaving the church at 6.30pm sharp and back about 11 pm.
ICA NOTES: PRO Bridie O’Shea writes; Our final meeting of this year was held at the Community Education Centre, on Tuesday December 2. Our own very talented artist Rita Horgan kept us very busy, applying collage decorations to all kinds of objects, plates, boxes, decorations for the Christmas tree, etc. It’s a very relaxing hobby. By the time this goes to print, we will have enjoyed our Christmas dinner, and a guided tour of the museum, at the Seanachai Centre in Listowel. After our Christmas break, the first guild meeting in 2015 will be on Tuesday, January 20, commencing at 7.30pm at the Community Education Centre, Mountmahon. New members will be welcome. We wish a Happy Christmas to one and all.
PPN MEETINGS: Limerick City and County Council have arranged two meetings to provide groups who have registered with them the opportunity to come together and explore in more detail the role and structures of the PPN ( Public Participation Network).
Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30pm in the Fitzgerald Suite, Woodlands House Hotel, Adare. Thursday, December 11 at 10am in the Harris Suite, 6th Floor, Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick.
CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM: The family of the late Connie Harnett have been in touch to say: “A fundraising swim will take place in Ballybunion on New Year’s Day at 1pm. All money collected will go to the Day Hospital at St. Ita’s Hospital, NCW including both the Physio and OT departments who gave support and help to Connie for many years. No words would be enough to thank them for all they have done for us and others. We hope the money raised will go some way to helping them. Anyone interested in swimming or sponsoring a swimmer can contact Mary @ 087 7919414or Kathleen @ 086 3151447.”
SUE RYDER: In Sue Ryder this week, we have an extensive array of winter clothing, including hats, scarves and children’s coats. We also have a limited selection of perfume and soap sets that make ideal stocking fillers for Christmas. We have just started to sell raffle tickets for our Christmas draw. The 1st prize is one of our fantastic doll’s houses (worth over €140) and the 2nd is a child’s building tool set. A strip of tickets costs €2 or get 3 strips for €5. We are always delighted to receive donations of clothing, footwear, bags, working toys and bric a brac. We regret that we are unable to recycle old duvets, pillows, broken toys or electrical items. Also we desperately need paper or plastic bags. so when you are doing your Christmas shopping over the next month, please remember to save the bags for us. Thank you for your continued support.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: Nollaig Shona agus gach dea-ghuí don Bhliain Nua 2015 ó Slí an Mhór-Dheiscirt. Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year of 2015 from the Great Southern Trail. The GST www.southerntrail.net will host a walk/cycle along the Greenway on Saturday, December 27 at 2.30pm commencing at the old Abbeyfeale Station. The round trip for walkers is to the Kerry Border and back (4 miles total) while cyclists will go to Tullig Wood, Templeglantine and back (10 miles total). Refreshments will be provided afterwards at the adjacent Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale. Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir!
Text or telephone 086 813 4061 for any enquiry. Those travelling by public transport to Abbeyfeale should take the 12.35pm bus from Limerick – serving Adare (12.55), Rathkeale (1.10), Newcastle West (1.20), Templeglantine(1.30); or the 1pm from Tralee – serving Listowel (1.30), Duagh (1.45). Return buses to Limerick ( 4.55 and 6.55pm); Tralee (4.40 and 6.40pm).
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: The annual Christmas Craft Fair will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square, Listowel on Sunday December 14 from 11 am. Santa & Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance with carol singing, storytelling and face painting for the kids. Admission is free!!
COMMUNITY ALERT: A big thank you to the Men’s Shed, Town Park workers and Search and Rescue for their tremendous work in putting the crib, Santa’s sleigh and Santa grotto as well as lighting up the streets. We have been asked to try and keep all our Christmas shopping local, do less shopping on line and keep money in our local economy. Spending money locally keeps it circulating in the area and everyone benefits.
WREN BOYS: King of the Wrenboys, Paddy Finnucane has issued an appeal for musicians, singers and dancers to join with St. Ita’s Wrenboys on their annual fundraising outing on St. Stephen’s Day. He can be contacted at McElligotts Furniture, Main St.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Ita McQuinn holds her monthly Rambling House on the 3rd. Monday of the month in Monagae Community Centre while Mick Sheehys Rambling House, Knockalougha is held on the 3rd. Tuesday of each month from 9pm.
MARIAN’S DANCING: There will be no further classes until after Christmas.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: The committee of Relig Ide Naofa would like to thank everyone that contributed to the building of the wall at the top of the graveyard. The work has made great progress and will greatly enhance the cemetery when it is complete. As we would have found it very difficult to raise all of the funding Limerick County Council came on board and gave us great help. We were assisted in all aspects of our work by Mark Collins and we thank him. The cemetery will be decorated for Christmas and hopefully this will be pleasing to all.
There will be prayers and a ribbon and candle ceremony on Sunday, December 21 @3pm.
RECONCILIATION SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS: Monday, December 22 at 7pm in the Church of the Assumption. All welcome.
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. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Maureen Burke (sister of Kitty Murray) who died recently in Dublin Months. Thursday 10am Mary and John Fitzgerald. Friday 10am Thomas T. J. O’Connell and family members. Saturday 11am Fintan Morris. 7pm Bridget Healy and the Saunders Family Knocknasna. Ramey Leahy, New St., Sunday 9.30am Paddy Barry and family Caherlane. Tom Dillane, Kilconlea Lower. 12 noon Joan Simmons and Jimmy Doody Kilconlea. Frank Foley and family. Mind .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.
BINGO BUSSES: Eoin 087 2522402 leaves for Castleisland from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue at 7.40 pm every Tuesday and Dinjoe goes to Shanagolden.
BRIDGE: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club every Thursday at 7:30 pm at the Railway Bar. Visitors welcome. Anybody interested in Bridge Lessons contact 087 3344909.
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.
ADAPT: There is 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.
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).
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters hold their meetings in the Desmond Complex on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from September to June from 8.30 – 10.30pm. Next meeting on Wednesday December 17. Further information from Bill on 087 9079223.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPPORT: The local group can be contacted at 068- 31230/51984 /31262.
USEFUL WEBSITE: OneStepUp.ie provides local contacts and useful resources for those looking for a particular course or information on further education and training opportunities in Ireland. The website which has been especially developed for use on a smartphone tablet or PC also includes Frequently Asked Questions and video testimonials from adult learners who have returned to education. Another feature of the new website is an online calendar which provides information about lifelong learning events and allows people to subscribe to hear about events taking place in their own area.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 