PROLOGUE: "If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk." Robert Baden Powell.
NATIONAL TREE WEEK: An tIonad Glas, Drumcollogher – the Organic College ( 063 83604) has a selection of native Irish trees for sale.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Mike’s Solo Band will perform at the monthly Afternoon Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, March 8. Dancing from 3-6pm, teas served. Raffle. Admission €5. This is a fundraiser for Abbeyfeale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
FAMILY FEVER: The Glorach Theatre’s production of the comedy Family Fever by Sam Cree opens on Tuesday night, March 10 and continues its run on Thursday 12, Friday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22. Doors open 7pm, show from 8pm. Admission €10.
TABLE QUIZ: A fundraiser for Abbeyfeale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade also takes place at Cryle View Bar, Church St (recently taken over by J D’Harnett) on Friday, March 13 at 9pm. Tables of 4 €20. Your support to help keep our Parade going will be greatly appreciated.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Best of Luck to Abbeyfeale United Ladies who play Ballingarry Fc this coming Sunday in the Desmond Cup Final. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching this great group of girls all year. Fealefit Easter Midterm Kids Camp is fast approaching March 31 – April 2.Fealefit Running / Adventure race & Tri Athlon training every Saturday, all the training is free of charge and geared towards enabling people achieve goals they never thought were possible. Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training / classes & Upcoming Events.
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. Champagne and canapes, Demonstrations on hair and makeup, prizes for most stylish mother and daughter, glamorous granny, photo booth and a fashion show are among some of the events planned for the afternoon. The afternoon will be M C’d by Caroline Ryan of Style by Caroline who will do live demonstrations and give plenty of advice to all attending. 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
THE REAL MCCOY: The word has spread about just how good this play is with the result that it is going to be performed for one final night on Thursday, March 5. It stars our own Angeline O’Donnell and is directed by Annette O’Donnell – if you’ve heard the rave reviews then be at Athea Community Centre at 6.45pm before doors open at 7pm.
TOWN ENHANCEMENT PLAN: A public meeting will take place on Tuesday, March at Fr Casey’s GAA Club at 8pm. It will be hosted by Tom O’Leary, consultant engineer who will present his draft Town Enhancement Plan. It follows from a well-attended public consultation meeting held in late 2014.Hope you can all make this important meeting.”
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
MEN ON THE MOVE: A new fitness programme for men will commence on Wednesday, March 4 at Colaiste Ide & Iosef, Convent St. from 7 – 8 pm. This programme is sponsored by Limerick Sports Partnership. For further information contact Denis 087 6497671.
MEDIATION AND MINDFULNESS COURSE: Starts in St. Ita’s Hall on Tuesday, March 10 at 8pm and runs for 8 weeks. Further information from Breda 087 9267650/ Mark 086 8108330.
COISTE TIMOTHY O’NEILL LANE REQUESTS HELP TO HONOUR LOCAL LEXICOGRAPHER: In May 2015, Timothy O’Neill Lane, born in Gurteen, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick will be dead 100 years. Honoring and commemorating this man’s death is of great significance to the history of the modern Irish language and culture. It is for this reason that a committee (Coiste Timothy O’Neill Lane) has been established to give recognition to his vast body of work with the ultimate goal of commemorating appropriately his contribution to the Gaelic tradition. Coiste Timothy O’Neill Lane hosted its first event, the book launch of “Focla agus Foclóireacht T. O’Neill Lane” (author: Seaghan Mac an tSionnaigh and published by Coiscéim) about the man and his life’s work on December 11 last in Abbeyfeale. The committee would like to thank very sincerely all those present on the night including councilors Seamus Browne (SF), Liam Galvin (FG) and Fr. Joseph Foley, curate in Abbeyfeale. Many relations of Timothy O’Neill Lane were also present including Michae Lane and Noreen Lane Lomasney of Gurteen Templeglantine West and Tony O’Kelly and family from Knocknadiha, Tournafulla with whose family O’Neill Lane finally stayed until his death. Maureen O’Kelly was the custodian of his papers and books remaining after his death. These were recently bestowed on the Archives of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Seaghan Mac an tSionnaigh used these as research for his book. An English Language version of the book will be made available shortly. O’Neill Lane was an impressive scholar and linguist with a varied career predominantly working with language and words. He was a teacher (Templeglantine National School), a clerk with the Incorporated Law Society, London, a journalist with the Times of London, a correspondent for English papers in Paris, a writer of travel books especially in the context of Ireland and lexicographer or compiler of dictionaries especially the final and 2nd edition Lane’s Larger English – Irish Dictionary. He worked on the dictionaries from 1883 until 1915, the year he died and the year Lane’s Larger English – Irish Dictionary was published. The first edition was published in 1904.
Timothy was born in Gurteen, Templeglantine 1852, and following his death in May 1915 buried in Brosna, Co. Kerry in an ancestral Leane grave. His ancestors on the Lane side came from Knockcoolkeare, Mountcollins and Brosna. Mary O’Neill from Ahane Cross, Brosna was his mother. A ceremony and commemoration to honour Timothy O’Neill Lane is planned for Saturday, May 9. The ceremony and commemoration will take place in conjunction with the blessing of the grave in Brosna and the unveiling of a plaque in Templeglantine. . The committee would like to erect a headstone with a surround of curbing in keeping with the original headstone and flat grave marker of limestone on this double grave. These also need to be cleaned. Chips to cover 42sq.ft will be placed around the flat grave marker. Coiste O’Neill Lane would also like to place a plaque in Templeglantine. Coiste O’Neill Lane is calling on the people of West Limerick / North Kerry and further afield to come to our aid. The amount is totally up to the individual, but all contributions will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged. Further information from; 0863903244 / 06830925 E-mail: eamonnoliathain1 Dedicated account number for the Timothy O’Neill Lane Fund is :IBAN No:IE09 BOFI90413011389816 BIC No. /Swift: BOFIIE2D
ICA NEWS: Several ICA members attended the Federation meeting at the Woodlands Hotel on Thursday night. The guest speakers were two members of TLC (Team Limerick Committee) who are organising a County wide collection of litter on St Patrick’s Day. At our own meeting in the Community Education Centre on Tuesday night, Breda O’Grady from the Shakti Fitness & Wellness Studio in Abbeyfeale put us through our paces with activity and also relaxation exercises. Two more sessions have been booked for Tuesday March 10 and 31. On Saturday February 28 Rita Horgan ran a very successful Creative Writing workshop, with Mary Shanahan, poet & short story writer as facilitator. On Saturday, March 7 we will be joined by members from other guildsin the county for a walk in Abbeyfeale Park, commencing at 11.00am. An invitation has been extended to all ICA members in the county, to a Civic Reception on Friday March 6 at 1pm in the University Concert Hall in Limerick to honour posthumously ”Limerick Women Of Distinction" Charlotte Grace O’Brien, Sophie Pierce & Kate O’Brien. The event is being organised by Limerick City & County Council in association with University of Limerick in celebration of International Women’s Day and UL’s launch of Athena SWAN Charter. RSVP Marianne O’Reilly: 061- 407147
FIGHT NIGHT: Micheal O’Brien from the Six Crosses just outside Listowel is a qualified IABA Boxing Coach with a Black Belt in Korean Kickboxing. He is holding an International Kickboxing fight night at the Devon Inn on Saturday, April 11 next. Micheal who won a Silver Medal with the Irish team at the 2008 WKA World Championships in Florida and went on to win a Gold Medal in the WKC 2011 World Kickboxing Championships in Cadiz had worked with Zoe Scannell and has offered the proceeds of the night to the Remembering Zoe weekend. Tickets are on sale now in the Devon Inn @ €20 or €25 on the night. VIP tickets also on sale @ €100 per head including a ringside seat, 4 course meal and champagne. This is the first event of its type ever held in the Abbeyfeale area and will be a must for all sporting enthusiasts. For further details contact Micheal on 0879154209.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: Preparations are continuing for the annual Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will set off from the Convent at 4pm and proceed down Main Street to The Square. It will be led by the Rathkeale Brass Band. There will be a prize for the best float and also for the best decorated window. Participants are reminded that they are responsible for the insurance of their own floats and vehicles and will be asked to sign a waiver to this effect. We hope that people will turn out in big numbers to line the parade route and cheer on the various acts and novelties.An Afternoon Tea Dance in aid of the St Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse on next Sunday 8th March 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 13th March at 9m in aid of the parade. Everyone welcome. We would like to thank all those who contributed so generously to our church gate collection last weekend. Your support is greatly appreciated.
DANCING QUEEN: A spectacular production with great energy, colour, costumes, humour, singing and dancing took place in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef last week. Well done to the Transition Year students who were a credit to their mentors. The set was a work of art and helped us imagine sun, sea, sand and blue skies as the story unfolded. We will have another chance to experience the music of Abba when Abba Delicious perform their tribute show at the Railway Bar on Easter Sunday night.
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
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.
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.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Best of Luck to Abbeyfeale United Ladies who play Ballingarry Fc this coming Sunday in the Desmond Cup Final. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching this great group of girls all year. Fealefit Easter Midterm Kids Camp is fastapproaching March 31 – April 2. Fealefit Running / Adventure race & Tri Athlon training every Saturday, all the training is free of charge and geared towards enabling people achieve goals they never thought were possible. Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details.
See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training / classes & Upcoming Events.
SERIES OF LENTEN TALKS: Talks will be held on Wednesday, March 4, and then on Thursday, March 12 Lorraine Buckley who is the Faith Development Co-ordinator will lead a reflection on the Synod in Rome. All talks are held at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse from 7-8pm.
MEENKILLY CARDS: 3 teams with 13 games shared the prize money on Tuesday night.
Jer Roche, Jeffery Fitzgerald, Patsy Kelly. Gobnait Scanell, Sean O’ Connor, Dick Fitzgerald. Fintan Quirke, Dan Joe Casey and Beth Collins. Door prize; Beth Collins, Paddy O’ Sullivan. Table prize: Mossie Gleeson, Tom Neiligan, Maurice Collins.Tickets; Nora O’ Riordan, Sean Harnett, Billy Lane ,Christina O’ Donoghue, Nora Lyons, Eileen Reidy.
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.
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: Thursday 10am John Dunne. Saturday 11am Pa Colbert, Killarney Rd. 7pm Peg McCarthy, Caherlane, Margaret, Sean and Lukeen Scannell, the Hill. Sunday 9.30am Nora and Patrick Collins, Meenkilly and Betty Collins. John P. Lane, New St. 12 noon Vera Broderick, New St, Niamh Enright.
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.
YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey legends are in the church on Friday at 7.30 sharp, members need to return forms and a copy of passport or birth certificate for Oakwood. Yolo club are in the complex and Teens Together are in St. Ita’s on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15pm.. This weekend is the last week of registering, all forms have to be back and new members are welcome to join.
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.
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. Please donate your Tesco Blue Tokens to our container in the Abbeyfeale store.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPPORT: The local group can be contacted at 068- 31203/51984.
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.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: Come along on Sunday, March 15 to Halla Inse Bán 2.30pm for a walk along the Tullig Wood Loop.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK: The nomination process for the PPN Secretariat is now open. Further information on ppn or Sinead Doody on 061 407127. The next meetings for this area are at the Devon Inn Thursday, March 12 from 7-9pm and the South Court Hotel for city and county plenary Wednesday, March 25.
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. 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.
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. Thank you for your continued support.
LECTURE: The next lecture in the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society’s spring lecture series will be entitled A Forgotten Limerick Man, Sir Thomas Myles, and will be given by society member Paddy Waldron. Thomas Myles was born in Limerick in 1857, probably over the family shop in Catherine Street, and achieved fame in many fields including medicine, sports and politics before his death in Dublin in 1937. His dual roles as an establishment figure in Dublin and as a leading home ruler make him something of an enigma in Irish history. The lecture will take place at 8pm on Monday 9 March next in room T.1.17 in the TARA building at Mary Immaculate College. For further details please contact Pat O’Donovan P.R.O. 087 9977340.
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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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).
LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION: This month, County Limerick Beekeepers’ Association are pleased to welcome Tom Prendergast to Mungret GAA clubhouse on Thursday, March 12 at 8pm. Tom is another of Ireland’s best beekeepers, keeping 100 hives since he was very young in a number of Apiaries throughout Tipperary. He is much sought after to give lectures all over the country, including at Gormanstown. He also runs his associations Apiary. Tom’s lecture this month is titled ‘Opening the Hive’……spring management. He will discuss in detail the 5 Hooper questions when you open your hive and how to prepare your stock for the coming honey flow.Last month, County Limerick Beekeepers’ Association along with Eamonn Magee, President of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association presented Kiara Carroll, Julie Cantillon and Terri Keane, students from the Desmond College Newcastle West, with a Special Award of Excellence for 2015 for participating in the BT Young Scientist Competition . The girls’ project was in the senior biological section, it was a statistical investigation into the treatment of the Varroa mite and its effect on the native Irish honeybee, Apis mellifera mellifera. Membership details can be found on the following website:http://www.limerickbees.net
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
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.
CARERS ASSOCIATION: Are running day long Level 5 Care support training on five weeks starting on March 31in Georges Quay, Limerick. Further information 057 9370221.
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 23 FEB – 8 MAR 2015: The theme this year is ‘The Power in Your Pocket’. There are over 1.4 million farmers and workers spread across more than 70 countries in the world participating in Fairtrade. Many of them work on holdings of a couple of acres. Fairtrade enables them to provide for themselves and their families. You have the power to support them to build better futures for themselves and to improve working conditions around the world. You can support them one purchase at a time.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 