PROLOGUE: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else."
Judy Garland
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to the family of the late Mary B. Dalton, Purt whose funeral took place over the weekend and also to the family of the late Sr. Berchmans (Nelius Murphy’s sister late of Church St.,) who died in Cork last week. May they both rest in peace.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: Preparations are under way for the holding of the annual Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s March. The parade will set off from Coláiste Íde agus Iosef and proceed on down Main Street and past the reviewing stand in The Square. To help defray the costs of the parade a Church Gate Collection will be held before all Masses on this Saturday and Sunday. Your support would be greatly appreciated. A meeting of the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will be held in St Ita’s Hall on next Monday, March 2 at 7pm. Anyone willing to lend a hand will be very welcome. An Afternoon Tea Dance in aid of the St Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse on Sunday, March 8 between 3pm and 6pm. Dancing to Mike’s Solo Band. Teas will be served and there will also be a raffle. Admission €5. There will also be a Table Quiz in Cryle View Bar on Friday, March 13 at 9pm in aid of the parade. Further details will be announced shortly.
DANCING QUEEN: A spectacular production will take place in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale on next Thursday, February 26 and Friday 27 at 7:30pm.“Dancing Queen” is a T.Y production and all 69 students play a part, under the tuition of the musical director Miriam Ball. It is based on the story of hit movie Mamma Mia and includes many of Abba’s hit songs ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Money Money Money’ and “Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie’.T.Y student Nikita Murphy says that the show is a “roller-coaster of emotions”. The plot has many twist and turns, promising to keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a show full of singing, dancing, laughter, lies and tears. It ends with a trip down the aisle and the students are promising it is a show you will never forget.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CARD PLAYING ?: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club is holding an open night on Thursday, March 5 in the Railway Bar @7.30 pm. Bridge lessons can be arranged. Tel: 087 3344909
PRESIDENTS PRIZE: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club recently held its Presidents Prize nights – the winners were Mary O’Sullivan and Marion O’Connell, 2nd Betty O’Leary and Marian Flannery 3rd Ann Eggleston and Gerardine Ward,. President of the Club Nicola Stack sends congratulations to all.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION ACTION GROUP NEWS: Classes commencing in the Abbeyfeale Adult Education centre in March – Furniture Restoration, Horticulture, Men on the Move & Crafty Corner. For more information please contact Adult Education Centre on 068 31198.
CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL FUND: The Abbeyfeale Drama Group present The Mating Season this week on Thursday 26, Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1. Doors open 7pm. Show starts 8pm. Admission €10. Kathleen Harnett has been in touch to say that on Thursday night the proceeds of the raffle are going to the Connie Harnett memorial fund for St Ita’s Day Hospital NCW. A great night is promised and Fr Joe may even don his chef’s hat again. Having seen the play on Pancake Tuesday and enjoyed Fr. Joe’s cooking I can assure you that a great night is in store.
C.D. LAUNCH: All the best to Kadie Harnett, daughter of Pat and Nita who has just brought out her second single ‘Seven Spanish Angels on a three song C.D. It is available from Ann Lyons, Moloneys, Post office, The Market Store (veg shop), Marielles and also in some bars including the Ramble Inn, Donal and Ann’s and Matt McCoy’s, Kadie can be contacted on 087-2976254.
SERIES OF LENTEN TALKS: Talks will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 11, and 18 in the GAA Clubhouse.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: Come along on Sunday, March 15 to Halla Inse Bán 2.30pm for a walk along the Tullig Wood Loop.
PRACTICAL GARDENING COURSE: With the cold snap appearing to abate and the days gradually becoming longer many people’s minds turn towards getting work done in the garden. Here at the Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre (old VEC) we are delighted to announce that we plan to run a QQI Level 4 Practical Gardening course, with modules in Growing Fruit and Veg, horticultural methods, work experience and IT. The course will be running from Monday to Wednesday, 9.30-2.30, with a starting date of Monday March 2. For further enquiries, contact Síle at 069-77636 or Pádraig at 068-31198.
GLORACH NOTES: PRO Lorcan Curtin writes: The countdown is on to Tuesday, March 10, when our hilarious Sam Cree play, Family Fever opens.This laugh a minute a comedy which is set in the Galbraith household features a variety of characters and amusing situations that include daughter Myra having a baby, a love struck daughter and an elusive mouse. The cast is made up of experienced actors and exciting fresh faces, and further performances will take place on March 12, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Curtains up at 8pm each night at the Glórach Theatre, a show not to be missed.
I.C.A.: Rita Horgan is holding a creative writing workshop on Saturday February 28, at the De Bucket Pub in Ferrybridge, Kildimo, from10.30am, when registration takes place’ until 2.30pm. Refreshments will be served on arrival, and at lunch-time. €15. Contact Rita 068 31405 to confirm attendance. Our next guild meeting will be held on Tuesday March 3 at the Community Education Centre, Mountmahon commencing at 7.30pm. Our guest speaker will give a talk on skincare. New members will be welcome.
IT’S THE REAL McCOY: Due to the unprecedented numbers attending each night and people still being turned away Athea Drama Group have decided to perform the play for one final night on this coming Sunday night at the Memorial Hall at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK: The nomination process for the PPN Secretariat is now open. Further information on ppn or Sinead Doody on 061 407127.
MEENKILLY CARDS: Winners; Sheila Breen, PaddyO’ Sullivan, Billy Broderick. Runners up; Maurice Collins, Michael Kelly, Mary Phil McCarty. Table prize; Con Lane, Liam Lane, Johnny Stack. Door prize; Larry Mcauliffe, Gobnait Scanell. Tickets;
Andy Keane, Mary Phil McCarty, Lisa O Donnell, Kathleen McCarty, Dan Reidy, Becky O’ Donnell and Joan Audsley.
ACTION ON ALCOHOL WEEK: If you would like to organise an event in your community for Action on Alcohol Week 20-24 April then register on www.alcoholforum.org
YOUTH CLUBS: No club Friday night. Yolo club are in St. Ita’s on Saturday and Teens Together are in the Sports Complex on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15pm.
PAMPERING DAY AT THE DEVON: The very successful 2nd annual pampering day is booked for the Devon Inn on Sunday, March 22 from 3-6pm and will make a wonderful gift idea for Mother’s Day and birthdays. Demonstrations on hair and makeup, mother and daughter photo booth and a fashion show are among some of the events planned for the afternoon. Tickets at just €10 are available from the Festival office at Mary Dan G’s, the Devon Inn and Leens Hotel. Follow us on Gather by the Feale facebook page, twitter @GatheringAfeale, our blog gatheringabbeyfeale.blogspot.ie or our webpage abbeyfealefestivals.wordpress.com
WL102FM: The station is having a fundraising race night on Friday, March 20 in Cleary’s Bar, Newcastle West. The main reason for this fundraiser is to raise funds for the upgrade of the transmission equipment in Abbeyfeale. This is of vital importance to ensure that the transmission is constant in the area and not sporadic.
ABBEYFEALE SHINE LIGHT ON STONE: In these times of public upheaval and all too frequent private troubles, the care we get from our family and community is more precious and valuable than it ever was. In Abbeyfeale, a number of community groups have come together to create a space where such care and compassion can be acknowledged and thrive. The Light on Stone project is a collaboration between Abbeyfeale Town Park and Glórach Community Theatre. Both groups have been active in Abbeyfeale for years and were aware of the need for those who are bereaved or in a caring role to have spaces and activities in the community that they can call their own. Last year two local women Mary O’Connor and Mary Shanahan got together in a successful bid for seed funding under the Milford Hospice Compassionate Communities Initiative. With some additional support from West Limerick Resources, the project is developing a reflective space in the Town Park and bringing carers and bereaved together for a series of workshops and creative activities which will have huge social and networking benefits for this group. Local artists Gerry Fenniman and Ruairí Dennison are working with the Town Park staff to develop the Light on Stone garden. James Harnett, who has had the vision for this space for a long time says ‘the Town Park Committee welcomes this project very much. We are working together in a creative and collaborative way and the result will give a whole new dimension to the use of the park’. The space will include innovative art pieces as well as traditional sculpture and landscaping and is on track for a community opening during the Summer Solstice. The developmental side of the project is set to kick off on Wednesday 4th March with a Cafe Conversation in the Old Tech in Abbeyfeale at 11.00am. Mary O’Connor explains ‘the café conversation will focus on exploring why people need to be more open about death and bereavement as well as acknowledging the frequently undervalued work of caring’. Dr. Kathleen McLoughlin, co-ordinator of the Compassionate Communities Initiative, will facilitate the conversation and is also speaking at the Lenten talk that evening in the GAA Clubhouse at 7.30pm. Further ‘Creative Time Out’ sessions of Light on Stone will be hosted at Glórach over the coming months. Mary Shanahan says: ‘There’s a warm welcome here for anyone who’d like to be involved. It’s a hard subject but we all have care and bereavement at some stage in our lives and no matter what, there is some light for us in sharing’. If you would like to get involved contact Mary O’Connor on 0879382883 or Mary Shanahan on 0872237363.
SPACES FOR JOBSEEKERS: Are you out of work? Are you looking for a space to share, vent, learn and socialize with people in the same boat? Join ‘Spaces for Jobseekers’ in Abbeyfeale which meets on a weekly basis and is open to old and new members of all ages. Activities include training, information sessions etc. The group meets in the Old Tech, Room 10 on Mondays at 2.30pm. If you are interested, please contact Ivana at West Limerick Resources on 069 61316, or simply come along and check what it’s all about.
ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services will shortly be starting a new group for women who have experienced domestic abuse. This group is called ‘Let’s Talk’ and will run for 20 weeks in Newcastle West. It is an introduction to support groups and is only for women who have not been in a domestic abuse support group previously. It is about meeting others who have had similar experiences and beginning to talk and make sense of what has happened with the support of trained and experienced facilitators from ADAPT.Women over 18 and from any area are welcome. Women should contact Jess at ADAPT 061 412354 for details. ADAPT also has a worker in Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West each week to meet women on a 1-2-1 basis. This is a confidential service for those who would like to talk with an experienced worker who will listen and support a woman and help her to make her own decisions while keeping her children and herself safe. ADAPT has a 24 hour freephone helpline 1800 200 504 and 24 hour access to safe refuge in Limerick. Services ADAPT offers are available to women over 18 years of age and their children and are free of charge.
GETTING WEST LIMERCK ONLINE: Learn the basics of how to browse the internet, use emails and make Skype calls. Training will take place in small groups (maximum 8 per class) and led by skilled tutors. Classes will take place Thursdays March 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th from 10am-12noon in the Con Colbert Community Centre, Athea. Free of charge however places are limited. Laptops and other hardware provided. Contact Finn at West Limerick Resources on087 7591951 or 069 61316. Get Ireland Online is a digital literacy initiative from ICS Skills.
FURNITURE WANTED: Unwanted furniture is needed for the West Limerick Resources Back2New Community Upcycling Project in Newcastle West. Back2New furniture upcycling project provides work placements for long term unemployed individuals. We re-design or re-purpose furniture that is unwanted or being thrown out by local households. Unfortunately we cannot take sofas, beds or woodworm! We can collect, if furniture is suitable. Please contact Michaela on 087 2727742 with any queries.
PRESCHOOL: Teach Mhuire Montessori Pre School have part time places for immediate start. They are also taking bookings for the free preschool year for 2015.
SUE RYDER: Come in and have a browse, you could find the perfect jacket for as little as €2. Books are also just €1, with 4 books for only €3. 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. Thank you for your continued support.
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. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 4. Further information from Bill on 087 9079223.
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. Perpetual Adoration has commenced and will continue for the duration of Lent. St. Anthony Novena takes place each Monday at the 7pm evening Mass. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena each Friday morning at 10am. 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.
CAFÉ CONVERSATIONS: You’re invited to join us for a cup of tea and a chat at The Community Education Centre, Abbeyfeale first ever Compassionate Communities Café Conversations on Wednesday, March 4 from 11am to 1pm.The theme for the morning is ‘Why is it important to talk about death, dying, loss and care? To book your FREE place contact Mary-Mobile moconnor The conversation is facilitated by Dr. Kathy McLoughlin Milford Care Centre Limerick.
The Compassionate Communities Project ‘Light on Stone Project for Abbeyfeale’ is an initiative of Milford Care Centre Limerick, Glorach Community Theatre, Town Park Abbeyfeale & West Limerick Resources.
Dr. Kathy Mcloughlin will also attend the Lenten Talk March 4 at 7.30pm in the GAA Club-house Abbeyfeale. She will give the background and ethos of the Milford Care Compassionate Communities project and she will also facilitate the group to explore what are the hallmarks of a compassionate community and how can we develop our own parish community towards ever greater compassion in our time and in the future.
BEE KEEPING COURSE: The course with tutor Seamus Quinlan of the Kingdom Beekeepers will take place on Tuesdays starting on February 24 at the Adult Ed. Centre, Mountmahon from 7-9pm. Further enquiries 087 6866450.
MEN’S SHED: The Men’s Shed is open every Monday evening from 6-9pm. New members are always very welcome.
MUNSTER FINAL; The Templeglantine Comhaltas Pléaracha na nÓg (u18) group will be participating in the Munster Final of the Pléaracha competition on Sunday afternoon, March 1. The event will take place at Halla Inse Bhán and some of the finest young talent in Munster will be taking part. Each participating group will put on a half hour stage show consisting of music, song, dance and story and it promises to provide a delightful evening of Irish traditional entertainment, an occasion not to be missed.
CONCERT: West Limerick singing club are hosting a traditional fundraising concert on Saturday, March 14 in Fr Casey’s, Clubhouse in Abbeyfeale. It will include top class Musicians, Singers Dancers and storytellers. So please come along and support. Starting at 8pm sharp and admission is only €10. Spread the word.
REMEMBERING ZOË: Cyclists are lining up to take part in the Remembering Zoë 1st Annual Memorial Cycle on Saturday, May 16 with entries being received from all over the country. If you would like to participate in either of these cycling events please contact the cycle organisers: John Collins (087) 2258808, Tom O’ Shaughnessy (087) 6820506. Later that evening Micheal Collins and his band will provide the entertainment for a benefit dance in Fr. Casey’s and then on the Sunday a family fun day encompassing a dog show, athletics, kiddie disco, basketball and camogie blitzes as well as loads of surprises will bring the weekend to an end. All proceeds will go to Bru Columbanus and FirstLight, both of these organisations have been of inestimable help to Alisha and the Scannell family. A donation will also be made to the Hope Foundation. The committee would like to offer all good wishes for a speedy recovery to Jim Doody who was one of the organisers of the cycle until his recent accident.
FASHION SHOW: Friday, March 6 at 8pm in Tintean Theatre Ballybunion in aid of Tarbert Comprehensive School.Cheese and wine reception with musical interval. Door and spot prizes. Tickets €10 Mary Chute 087 6986744, Maxine Brown 087 6268503 Listowel, Rita O’ Shea,087 7941471, Glin,Pat Noonan 087 2331568, Loughill,
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RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday February 26 from 9.15 pm. Admission free, tea/coffee served.
HISTORY LECTURE; A lecture on ‘The Life & Times of J.D. Bourchier’ by Professor Michael Foley, Lecturer in Journalism at DCU, will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Tuesday March 3 at 7.30 pm.
MAUREEN’S TOURS: There is just one space left on the Spring Break Friday, April 24 – Monday, April 27. Day Trip to the Mansion House on Wednesday, April 1, leaving NCW at 8.30am. Mansion House is home to the Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke who was elected on Friday, June 6, 2014 and is the three hundred and forty fifth Lord Mayor of Dublin. We will be having a guided tour of the Mansion House. Breakfast at 11am in Naas and we will be returning to the hotel in the evening at 5pm. for choice of dinner menu. Early booking is recommended. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
.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.
BINGO BUSSES: Eoin 087 2522402 leaves for Castleisland from outside Tuohig’s Supervalue at 7.40 pm every Tuesday and Dinjoe goes to Shanagolden.
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.
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).
BEREAVEMENT SUPPPORT: The local group can be contacted at 068- 31230/51984.
LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION: Membership details can be found on the following website:http://www.limerickbees.net
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 