PROLOGUE: "The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important." Martin Luther King, Jr.
DEATH: The death has occurred of Tadhg Harnett, retired publican, New St. Sincere sympathy is offered to his family. The death has occurred of Peig (Margaret) Mac Namara(née Collins)Woodlawn, Kildysart, Clare and formerly of Dromtrasna Hartnett, Abbeyfeale, wife of the late Patrick. Sympathy is extended to her bereaved family. May they both rest in peace.
ABBA DELICIOUS TRIBUTE SHOW: Gather by the Feale are proud to present the music of Abba as performed by the Abba Delicious Tribute Show in the Railway Bar on Easter Sunday night. This is a glamtastic stage show which takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride though the 70’s with white flares, platform shoes, and full costumes. The show is an authentic throwback to the carefree times of the 70’s with all of Abba’s greatest hits. Hear all the hits live, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Supertroopper, Fernando and many more. The show features lights, lasers, props and costumes changes and is a perfect reconstruction of the energy and excitement of Sweden’s greatest export. Tickets €10, show starts 9pm.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The Fleadh by the Feale is celebrating its 21st year this May Bank Holiday and the committee wish to announce that tickets for the Celebrity Concert featuring the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band Show are now on sale. The concert will take place on Sunday May 3rd in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale. The Committee is once again delighted to announce that KOSTAL Ireland GmbH is sponsoring the show and it promises to be a night to remember. Celebrating over 105 years in the music business The Kilfenora Céilí Band is an expert in their field. They are coming to Abbeyfeale hot on the heels of the launch of their new album ‘Now is the Hour’. You cannot afford to miss an excellent night of entertainment, with music that celebrates the richness of our heritage; embraces the present and most definitely carves a niche for the future. Tickets for this unmissable show are on sale now at €20 from Slice of Life Main Street Abbeyfeale 068 32655, Abbey Tiles Main Street on 068 31109, John O’Sullivan on 086 3165848 and Celine McNally on 087 7697672. Don’t miss out!
LENTEN WALK: We invite each family of the parish to join us on a Lenten Walk on Sunday, March 29 @ 3pm. We will meet at Dromtrasna School. The prayers at the Well will begin @ 4pm. The Pastoral Council encourages anybody who has not been to Killeenagh to use this occasion to visit the Blessed Well. This will be a spiritual and historical experience as we recall St Ita’s Journey.
TOWN ENHANCEMENT PLAN: A public meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 31 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. All those with an interest in the future of our town should be there.
TROCAIRE DAWN TO DUSK FAST: This fast takes place on Good Friday, April 3 and families are invited to place money saved on food on the day in the Trocaire Box.
FAMILY FEVER: The Glorach Drama Group have a sellout production on their hands with the comedy Family Fever by Sam Cree and howls of laughter issue each night from the theatre. You will never look at farmer Donal Woulfe again without visualizing him prancing around the stage in a red negligee. The final night will be on Friday next, March 27, the show starts at 8pm with doors open at 7pm. Book on 0871383940.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: Ceremonies will be held in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, April 12 from 3pm to celebrate the Divine Mercy.
ABBEYFEALE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: The sun shone and the crowds turned out in great numbers last Tuesday afternoon to witness one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day Parades held in Abbeyfeale for quite some time. Templeglantine Comhaltas opened proceedings with a lively session of music on stage in The Square for which they deservedly received a loud and enthusiastic reception. Rathkeale Brass Band led the colourful parade of floats and pageants down Main Street and past the reviewing stand while crowds thronged the footpaths and cheered the participants every step of the way. The parade itself was an innovative and imaginative display of colourful fun, and festive frolics. The participants again outdid themselves with some great floats and pageants. The entrieswere innovative and humorous, and a huge amount of work and imagination must have gone in to each and every one of them. Credit is due to all the participants, the clubs and the organizations who really entered in to the spirit of the occasion and put on a brilliant show. Without them there would be no St Patrick’s Day Parade in Abbeyfeale. Prize for best float went to the Athea Drama Group, while Best Window Display was won by the Sue Ryder Charity Shop. The organizing committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful running of the parade again this year; Twohig’s Supervalu who were the main sponsors of the parade. Kathleen Collins of Jack Foley’s Bar who helped raise funds with an afternoon tea dance and also provided food and refreshments. Paddy Finucane who ran a very successful pub quiz in Cryle View Bar. The many local bars who contributed to help with the various expenses. The people who gave so generously to our church gate collection. Local gardai who kept the traffic running smoothly. Templeglantine Comhaltas who performed so brilliantly on stage. Rathkeale Brass Band who led the parade. All the participants, and also the people who decorated their shop windows so beautifully. All Star Logistics who provided the stage and reviewing stand. The many volunteers and stewards who worked quietly but effectively behind the scenes. And finally, all the people who turned out in such great numbers to add their support to this year’s parade. A big thank you to everyone. Go raibhmíle maith agaibh go léir!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CARD PLAYING: 6 FREE introductory Bridge Lessons, lessons will commence Tuesday, March 24 @ 7.30pm in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale. All welcome. 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, April 1. Further information from Bill on 087 9079223.
REMEMBERING ZOË: A variety concert will take place in the Glorach Theatre on Friday, May 15 to open the weekend of festivities celebrating the all too short life of Zoë Scannell, the concert will feature some of Zoë’s young friends. Then on Saturday the 105km cycle of 8 parishes as well as the shorter circuit of Abbeyfeale parish will take place and if you would like to register please contact John Collins. (087) 2258808 or Tom O’ Shaughnessy (087) 6820506. Later that evening, Michael 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 has already been 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: Wednesday 10am Eva White, Killarney Road. Thursday 8.15am Pascal McCarthy Thursday 10am Willie Sheehan & Madge Sheehan Knocknasna. Friday 10am Michael Scully late of Mountmahon & London Anniversary. Saturday 11am Patrick (Sonny) O’Sullivan, The Hill. 7pm James O’Mara, Church Street, James & Nora Dennison, Convent Street. Sunday 9.30am Danny & Eileen Collins, Clash Rd. 12noon Mary Shannon, Main Street. William, Michael, Paul Quirke Caherlane.
Perpetual Adoration has commenced and will continue for the duration of Lent. If you are unable to commit to your hour for some reason then please organise a friend or failing that contact Fr. Joe 087 2618412. St. Anthony Novena takes place each Monday at the 7pm evening Mass. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena each Friday morning at 10am. Stations of the Cross every Friday morning. 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.
BEE KEEPING COURSE: The course with tutor Seamus Quinlan of the Kingdom Beekeepers will take place on Tuesdays at the Adult Ed. Centre, Mountmahon from 7-9pm. Further enquiries 087 6866450.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey legends are in the church on Friday at 7 pm. The yolo club and teens together are going to Newcastle west on Friday night leaving at 7.30 sharp and back at 11pm approx… No clubs on Saturday night.
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: A support programme for Adults will commence in St. Ita’s Hall on Thursday, March 26 from 7.30-9pm. The local group can be contacted at 068- 31203/31262/31741/31322 or 51894.
COFFEE MORNING: Parkinson’s Awareness Week will run from April 6-11 and as part of this the Mid-West Branch of the Parkinson’s Association will hold a Fundraising Coffee Morning at Bobby Byrne’s Wolfe Tone Bar, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick, on Thursday, April 9 next from 10.00am to 12 noon. This is part of our continuous and ongoing efforts to raise much needed funding – wee do not receive any State support. There are approximately 450 people in the Mid-West who suffer with Parkinson’s disease. The Mid – West Branch is run by voluntary effort so all monies raised are used for the provision of services for patients.The services include information meetings addressed by Guest Speakers with specialist knowledge of Parkinson’s disease; Physical Therapy, Hydrotherapy and Speech Therapy through the medium of signing.
TOWN PARK NEWS:Plans are now at an advanced stage for the Annual Town Park Dog Show on Sunday May 10. The amount of people out walking their dogs and teaching them tricks is quite noticeable as the day draws closer. Rumour has it that there will be a particularly strong entry from Dromtrasna. Ross Harnett was seen purchasing a large amount of dog shampoo and deodorant recently. Knowing Ross, his dog will be highly competitive. Full details of the event will be published soon. The Town Park Committee would like to thank Tesco for their cheque of €495.33. This is most appreciated.When visiting the park you will notice two projects in progress. The first is the Light on Stone space which is located just past the park office. This will be ready for the official opening in June. It is a community project involving different local groups and is part of the compassionate community movement. It will be a wonderful addition to the park when complete and a peaceful retreat for the carers in our community and those bereaved.The other new development is the building of new toilets to replace the existing one. The new toilets, designed by Kevin Kennelly and funded by Limerick City & County Council, will comprise of one disabled cubicle along with one all-purpose cubicle. We would like to ask those who use the park to respect the amenities. Do not damage any property or destroy flowers or plants. The park is a very important ecological site and we need to protect it.
PRIDE OF PLACE: Limerick City and County Council are currently seeking expressions of interest from communities interested in taking part in this year’s Pride of Place Competition. Pride of Place is an all-island competition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. Its focus is about people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities. Entry is by way of county, city or district council nomination only. http://www.limerick.ie/council/pride-place-2015
ENROL IN SCOIL NAOMH PÁDRAIG: The country, co-educational, catholic primary school located at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick is now accepting enrolments for September 2015. Come and visit us to meet our teachers and see our facilities. Arrange an appointment for a time convenient to you. Tel: 068 32121 Mobile: 087 9601506 Email: knocknasnans Website: www.knocknasnans.ie
WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS: The Noonan Family, Tullig North would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone who supported the lighting up of their home last Christmas. They raised €17,640 for local charities.
CARERS ASSOCIATION: QQI Fetac Level 5 Care Support training in Limerick March 31. Contact 057 9322920.
PERMANENT TSB VISIT: The staff of Permanent TSB, Newcastle West will visit Abbeyfeale on Friday March 27. Staff will be available to discuss all aspects of day to day banking from 10am to 5pm in New Street, Abbeyfeale. For enquiries or to make an appointment please phone Deborah, Risteard or Karen on 087- 3931193.
FUND FOR TIMOTHY O’NEILL LANE MEMORIAL: If you wish to make a donation to the memorial bank contact details are as follows; IBAN No: IE09 BOFI90413011389816 BIC No. /Swift: BOFIIE2D.
LIGHT ON STONE PROJECT: You are invited to get involved in the Light on Stone Project for Abbeyfeale. If you are caring for somebody or grieving and would like to get involved and take some creative time out. Please come to meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 2.30pm in Glorach Community Theatre. This is an opportunity to meet others and have a part in deciding your creative time Out. If you have any queries please contact Mary Shanahan on 087 2237363 or Mary O Connor on 087 9382883
.FIGHT NIGHT: Michael 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. Michael 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 Michael on 0879154209.
CLEAN UP LIMERICK: The big clean-up for Limerick city and county will take place on Good Friday between 9 -1am. Team Limerick Clean-up (TLC), is an initiative sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, and supported by Limerick City and County Council.
The scheme will be urging all members of the public to get together on Good Friday, April 3 to collect and recycle litter in their local area in an effort to tidy up the city and county.
That’s also a fast day so this will help take your mind off your rumbling tummy!
BUSINESS NETWORK: The Kerry Association London and Tralee Chamber Alliance co-hosted a business networking event in Tralee on the eve of the Kerry v London National Hurling league clash.
The idea behind the new alliance is to create more business opportunities between the British capital and County Kerry. The informal gathering in the Abbey Inn in Tralee, the official home to the London Rose Centre during the Rose of Tralee festival each August was attended by a host of business leaders and dignitaries from both sides of the Irish Sea including Arthur Spring TD, Jim Finucane Mayor of Tralee and John Drummey, President elect of Tralee Chamber Alliance.London-based Kerry people included Noel O’Sullivan, chairman of the London County GAA board and Dermot O’Grady and Sean Moriarty of the Kerry Association London.It is hoped that the Kerry Association in London will act as a point of contact for Kerry people who wish to set up business in London. Likewise it is hoped that Tralee Chamber Alliance will pave the way for established Kerry businesses in London to offer their products or services to the local market. The alliance was co-founded by Kieran Ruttledge of Tralee Chamber Alliance and Sean Moriarty, vice chairman of the Kerry Association after the pair met at the Ploughing Championships in Laois last September.
Mr Moriarty said: “London is a world capital and there are many ideas we have learned there that we can bring back to Kerry. Likewise setting up a business in London is daunting but our members have the expertise and can advise new comers on the pitfalls. It is a two-way street to help benefit Kerry people on both sides of the Irish Sea. “
The informal nature of the new alliance will continue with a London V Kerry golf day being planned for early summer in Tralee.
HISTORICAL LECTURE: Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society will hold their monthly talk on Monday, March 30 on ‘Ritual Animal Sacrifice in Irish Folk Tradition by Dr. Billy Mag Fhionn at Room T.1.17 Tara Building, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick at 8pm Further detail contact Pat O’Donovan PRO, Key House, Newcastlewest 087 9977340 / 069 62713. All are welcome. No admission charge.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK. The next meeting for this area will be at the South Court Hotel for city and county plenary Wednesday, March 25. : Further information on ppn or Sinead Doody on 061 407127
SPACES FOR JOBSEEKERS: ‘Spaces for Jobseekers’ in Abbeyfeale meet on a weekly basis. 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.
DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE: 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! Donations for the shop and recycling are always welcome and appreciated. We can recycle clothing, shoes and bags. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items and duvets or pillows. Thank you for your continued support.
IRISH COUNTRY icmrrequests
MAUREEN’S TOURS: 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: Membership details can be found on 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
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 