PROLOGUE: "People get so in the habit of worry that if you save them from drowning and put them on a bank to dry in the sun with hot chocolate and muffins they wonder whether they are catching a cold."
John Jay Chapman

DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family Mary Roche, Killarney road whose funeral took place on Monday and the family of Ann Keating, Coolanelig who was laid to rest in Reilig Ide Naofa during the week. We also offer sincere sympathy to the family of Dan Murphy, Killarney Road and Fáilte Bar. May they rest in peace.

CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale and Indoor market in aid of WL102fm will take place at the Community Centre, NCW next to the GAA pitch and entrance to the Demesne will take place next Sunday, April 19 from 8am – 1.30pm with gates open from 7.30am. Stalls €7/€10. Admission €2 per person, children under 16 free.

UNISLIM COOKERY DEMONSTRATION: Deidre Doody will be the celebrity chef at cookery demonstration in Fr. Casey’s on Friday, April 17 at 8pm in aid of Remembering Zoë and St. Ita’s Daycare. Tickets €10. All welcome.

TOWN PARK NEWS: The Trustees, management and staff of Abbeyfeale Town Park would like to express our sincere sympathies to Maureen and the Murphy family on the death of our founder, Dan Murphy. The people of Abbeyfeale and the surrounding area owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dan for his vision of the park and for bringing that vision to fruition. The park contributes greatly to the physical and mental health of the people of the locality. Though Dan’s shoes will never be filled, the best tribute we can pay to Dan is to continue the work he began and ensure that the park is well maintained and remains central to our community. Now that Spring has arrived all the hibernating inhabitants of the park have emerged from their winter snooze. The most obvious of these creatures are the bats. It was a good winter for the bats as the temperatures never plummeted to extremes, thus ensuring a very good survival rate. Four species of bat have been observed feeding in the park. If you happen to be walking in the park late in the evening, 30 minutes after sunset, look up and you will see the bats chasing the midges around the tops of the trees and hedges. The area around the pond is a particularly good spot. The presence of the bats indicates a healthy, clean environment. What is good for the bat is good for the human; variety of plants, no use of pesticides and a clean water supply. Jim O’Connor and staff ensure that the town park is managed in a manner that supports our mammals, birds, bees and insects.

GATHER BY THE FEALE BAG PACKING: The final fundraiser for the festival taking place July 17-19 next is our bag packing in Tesco next Saturday, April 18 and Super Value May 1 and 2. It takes a huge pot of money to run a festival with so many events, we have to cover stage and sound hire, security and insurance so if everyone who will benefit from a weekend of fun, frolics and general mayhem gave a small amount then it would make our job so much easier. If anyone would give us a couple of hours bagpacking we’d be delighted too, contact 087 6866450.

YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey legends are in St.Ita’s on Friday night at 8 till 9.30pm. Teens together are in the Complex on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15pm. TheYolo club are in St. Ita’s on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15. Anyone with interest in becoming a leader contact Kate on 0876210490 or Anthony 0872264023.

TRIP TO LOURDES: Muireann Hickey wrote a very well written and descriptive report for us on the recent trip that she made with the the Abbeyfeale Youth Choir to Lourdes. “On Monday. April 6, a group of us from Abbeyfeale and the surrounding area jetted off to Lourdes, France. The group consisted of members of the Abbeyfeale Youth Choir, Abbeyfeale Youth Club, Fr. John O’Shea, Sr. Perpetua and Sr. Delia (aka ‘The Girls’), Kathleen Quirke, Mary O’Brien, Bríd Murphy, Kate Murphy and Marie Lane.

Our trip commenced with an early (sleepy) start as we departed Abbeyfeale at 6:30am Monday morning, headed for Dublin Airport. We flew into Toulouse and travelled down to Lourdes, anticipating what the days ahead would hold for many of us first-time pilgrims!

That evening we made our way from the lovely Hotel Paradis down to the Grotto for the first time. The place was illuminated with candlelight which is a rosary procession which takes place every night. We said prayers at the Grotto and Fr. O’Shea shared some of his over-flowing knowledge with us as we sat by the river (yes, it was as picturesque as it sounds!).

On Tuesday morning we headed to a mass for the many HCPT groups which had travelled to Lourdes that week. For many of us, this was our favourite memory. Balloons were given out to everyone and the church was alive with colour. Priests wore funny wigs and smiling seemed to become highly contagious! The mass was celebrated in such an uplifting spirit. Upbeat hymns were sung by every single person present and one could not leave the mass without being uplifted by a feeling of sheer happiness and positivity.

That afternoon we were carried on an interesting tour of Lourdes, uncovering the life of Bernadette. We visited the ‘Boly Mill’ and also the parish church of Lourdes where the baptismal font where Bernadette was christened is located and we paid a visit to the grave of Bernadette’s family. We then made a quick stop at a local statue factory and also paid a visit to the beautiful rosary basilica which was brought to life for us (along with every other aspect of our trip) by Fr. O’Shea. We then headed to the underground basilica whose size must be seen to be believed. (The basilica can hold a whopping 25,000 people). We stayed there for a short while for the adoration and then it was time to head back for dinner.

That evening we headed back down to the grotto which was once again twinkling with candle light. It is simply a magnificent spectacle that celebrates the Virgin Mary and the light of Christ in our lives. We made our way down to the site of the apparitions where we were once again given the chance to walk around and appreciate the special place that it truly is.

On Wednesday morning we went to the small village of Barthrese where we celebrated mass with a HCPT group from Armagh and a group of girls from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Corbally, Limerick. This was a beautiful intimate mass filled with song and was enjoyed by all.

On Wednesday afternoon we got the opportunity to experience the baths which was very unique. Although it happens unexpectedly fast, it is very interesting and meaningful and certainly differed from many of the other activities. That evening we walked up a hill where beautiful life-size versions of the Stations of the Cross were located. We said a few words at each station and sung a hymn related to that event, again made all the more meaningful by Fr. O’Shea. This was also a favourite memory of many of the pilgrims as it brought to life Jesus’ struggle and pain he faced and is even more meaningful when visited during Easter.

On Wednesday night we were privileged enough to be able to take part in the candle-light procession which was truly beautiful. Candles were raised while the crowd sang ‘Ave Maria’ and everyone carried their own intentions in their heart and represented this with a candle. Again, this was a very intimate experience and was enjoyed thoroughly by all of us.

On Thursday morning we travelled a few miles outside of Lourdes to the ‘City of the Poor’ where we were given a lovely tour. We then celebrated mass outdoors amongst the trees, the blue sky and the glorious French sunshine. The only word to describe it was beautiful and the voices of us all and the girls from Corbally added to this beauty.

On Thursday evening we travelled windy, narrow roads up into the Pyrenees Mountains to the town of Gavarnie. The views were simply stunning. The town is back dropped by snow-covered mountains and a river runs through it also. As some of the girls described it, ‘It was like a picture on a postcard’. On our way down we quickly visited a graveyard where there is a commemorative headstone dedicated to Irish pilgrims who died in Lourdes and we softly sang a verse of ‘A Mhuire Mháthair’.

After our trip up the mountains, we spent our last night with the girls from St. Mary’s and were kept busy with ice-breaker games refereed by Kathleen and Mary. We got the chance to chat to the other girls and talk about our individual experiences in Lourdes. After that we carried our own ‘Abbeyfeale Folk Group’ candle down beside the grotto and lit it. The flame symbolised all the intentions and petitions we had brought with us to Lourdes and it was a very special and peaceful moment for the group. Every single person paused and appreciated the wonderful experience Lourdes had offered us and we finished our day with a prayer at the grotto.

On Friday, our last day, we celebrated mass in a convent close to our hotel and we were quite lonesome as we were sad to be departing. However Fr. O’Shea also called on us to reflect on the wonderful experiences we had all gained during our stay and we sang and clapped ‘This Little Light of Mine’ ending the mass and our amazing trip to Lourdes. After our bit of free time and lunch, we hopped on our bus and travelled to Toulouse Airport and by the end of the day we were home again in the (rainy) Emerald Isle.

Lourdes was certainly an uplifting experience. While we filled a lot of silence in the bus and hotel with music and song, there was also a great element of peace and solace to be found during our trip. Lourdes meant something different to every single person and it was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip. Fr. O’Shea’s vast knowledge and wonderful company made our Lourdes experience invaluable. Mary and Kathleen’s presence and music was also another main reason why our trip was as incredible as it was. Bríd Murphy played a vital role in organising our pilgrimage and was also great craic, as were our other leaders, Kate and Marie. Sr. Perpetua and Sr. Delia were, as always, as pleasant and wonderful as ever. As a group, we cannot thank our leaders enough for all their efforts during our pilgrimage and it is solely because of them that our trip was such a success.

Lourdes far exceeded our expectations and there is something wonderful to be found there to suit everyone. It is an incredible place of belief and peace and was extremely positive for us throughout. I cannot put into words nor can I describe how wonderful our experiences were and the constant fun and happiness amongst our group who really bonded and became very close as a result of the trip. As I mentioned before, it was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience that created special memories for us which we will cherish for many years to come.”

FEALEFIT NOTES: Fealefit will commence Couch to 10k training Friday April 24 @ 6.15pm at the Railway Abbeyfeale. Training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness, this is a beginners program to allow you first conquer the 5k and progress to 10k and all in preparation for our Festival 10k July 18 Gather by the Feale’s ‘ Race to the Title ‘
Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming Events! Any Volunteers for the Remembering Zoe Funday May 17 please contact Shane 087 2891015

MEDITATION FOR WELLBEING: Monday, April 20 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm for 6 weeks in An Cliabhan at the back of Glorach Theatre. This is a gentle, guided, beginner’s meditation to help you relax & take time out for you in your everyday life.
This is free of charge and a gift for those who are or have been caring for a loved one in their home or community. This is funded by The Light on Stone Project for Abbeyfeale supported by Milford Hospice & W.L.R. Contact Mary on 087 9382883 or 087 2237363.

I.CA.: Bridie O’Shea P.R.O. reports: At our meeting on Tuesday April 7 we selected the candidates for national office whom we’ll be voting for at the Federation Meeting in Adare on Wednesday April 22. Mairead Heffernan will be giving us a talk on skin care, at our meeting on Tuesday April 21. We hope to have a Pilates session on Tuesday May 12. The following week, on Tuesday May 19, we will be holding an auction in order to replenish our coffers. Sister de Sales, who previously showed us how to make the St. Brigid’s cross with rushes, will be our guest speaker for Tuesday June 2. Our annual outing is scheduled for Monday June 15 and arrangements are in hand for that at present. New members will be welcome at our meetings which are held at the Community Education Centre, Mountmahon, commencing at 7.30 pm.

REMEMBERING ZOË: .Margaret Curtin from the Glorach Theatre says; "As part of The Remembering Zoe Weekend there will be a very entertaining ‘Variety Show’ held at the Glórach Theatre, Abbeyfeale on Friday, May 15 starting at 8pm sharp. It will include a lot of the activities that Zoe loved to do. She loved Irish dancing and Traditional music and the show will also include songs from Zoe’s favourite group ‘One Direction’ and much, much more. Also performing on the night will be Zoe’s friends from Scoil Mhathair De. Adults are €10 and Children €5. There will also be a raffle on the night. To book tickets please contact me on 087 7565361". 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 COMMUNITY GARDEN: The garden is looking terrific these days under the care of Tus worker Micheal Scannell. Do call in to see it. The Brothers of Charity from Mountmahon have been setting seeds in the tunnel with Lorcan Curtin, Ann McEnery and Margaret McKenna and best of all we were just informed by Tesco, Abbeyfeale that for the next six weeks we are one of the participants in their community fund so please everyone put your blue token in our container and help us gather some funds.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The 21st. Fleadh is fast approaching and will be a bittersweet occasion for Maureen and the Murphy family following the death last week of Dan who was instrumental in bringing the County Fleadh to Abbeyfeale all those years ago. Fleadh by the Feale evolved from that and has grown to be a huge celebration of our traditional culture, music, song and dance as well as doing much to keep the Sliabh Luacra tradition alive and vibrant in this area. It was Dan, who prior to his illness chaired and M.C’d the event for many years and along with his wife Maureen did the donkey work that brought the festival to what it is today. Abbeyfeale owes the Murphy family a huge debt of gratitude and the turnout at Dan’s waking, removal and funeral was testament to the popularity of the man. But life must go on and the Fleadh will start on Thursday night with the prize giving for the schools’ Art Competition in the Library. Busking on the Main Street highlighting the up and coming talent of the young people from the area on Friday night will be followed by a show with the’ Ballaugh Boys’ on the Gig Rig in the Square. Then, on Saturday night we’ll have the newly formed ‘The Shelling’ on the Gig Rig. Loads more to look forward to over the weekend including the All Bone Playing, storytelling, sessions in the pubs and of course, the highlight will be the Celebrity Concert with the Kilfenora Ceili Band on the Sunday night in Colaiste Ide agus Iosef. Tickets for this unmissable show are on sale now at a very reasonable €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! Updates on Fleadh by the Feale Facebook page.

UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: “There has been so many times this week that things have happened that raise me up, events as silent as a heartbeat, but also as life giving.
These moments came mainly through people, when I feel they have gone the extra mile to support me. The place of the extra mile isn’t as crowded and I feel it in the kindness and non- neediness people gift you with by their presence. They come at it from a different side.
There is a powerful blanket of support that we wrap each other in, often unaware that were doing it. Bernard Collins, Asling and others are witnesses to the road less travelled being a path of discovery and depth. "The familiar, precisely because it’s familiar, remains unknown"
Too much sunshine makes a desert, and it isn’t always lightness and brightness!
There are places I have to go to alone, and that’s part of the journey too.
For someone like me, who lives so readily in the head, I am finding that it is with that that blocks out acceptance that I seek acceptance, to paraphrase John Moriarty.I’m on the road to the horizon of healing and thanks to everyone for their felt support, interest and care”

COMMEMORATION FOR TIMOTHY O’NEILL LANE: The Commemoration will take MEENKILLY.place on Saturday, May 9 with the Blessing of the ancestral grave in Brosna, County Kerry @ 3.00pm by An t-Athair Mícheál de Listiún. An unveiling of a display table will take place next to Hall Inse Bháin in Templeglantine after the ceremony in Brosna. A reception will be held in Halla Inse Bháin afterwards.

ATHEA DRAMA GROUP: DVDS of our production of ‘It’s the Real McCoy’ are available to buy at Brouder’s Shop Athea and Ann Lyons in Abbeyfeale.

CAINT GAN EAGLA – TALK WITHOUT FEAR 2015: The annual Irish Stammering Association annual conference takes place on Saturday, April 18 in the Hilton, Kilmainham from 9.30am – 4pm to hear speakers, share experiences and meet people who stammer. Special sessions for parents, young people and adults who stammer. Free to members. Seehttp://www.stammeringireland.ie for more information.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPPORT: A support programme for Adults is held every Thursday night from 7.30 – 9pm in St. Ita’s Hall. The local group can be contacted at 068- 31203/31262/31741/31322 or 51894.

HORSE AND PONY RACING: For the continued success of this meeting we urgently need new committee members. Anyone interested can contact Toddy McMahon on 0872029395, or Vincent O’Connor on 087 1470013.

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 15. Further information from Bill on 087 9079223.

MEENKILLY N.S. CARDS: Winners with 2 14s; Mossie Gleeson, Tom Neiligan, Jer Roche. Larry Mcauliffe, Dee Harnett, Eileen Finnegan.
Door prize; Nora Riordan, Maurice Collins. Table prize; Billy Lane, Maurice Collins, Joan O’ Grady. Tickets; Beth Collins by 2. Seamus Lane Sean o Conner by 2 Mary O’ Connell Mag Cross by 2. Betty Curtin.

ST. ITA’S FAITH CAMP: This annual camp will take place on August 4-7 in the Boys N.S. If you would like to help out please contact Lorraine on 086 3765751 or Martina on 087 2788834.

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 8.15am Ita O’Connell recently deceased family members. Wednesday 10am Michael Casey, Caherlane . Thursday 10am Theresa Danaher. Friday 10am Michael Foley. Saturday 11am Teresa Danaher and Ita Danaher.

. 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.

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.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: Walk/Run will take place in Newcastle west on May 9 @ 4.15am in aid of Pieta House.

MEN’S SHED: The Men’s Shed is open every Monday evening from 6-9pm. New members are always very welcome.

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HEALTH TALK: Kerry General Hospital will be hosting a FREE public evening on Bowel Cancer and Stoma Care Awareness on Monday, April 20, from 7.00pm- 9.30pm. This talk will be delivered by Consultants and Specialists from Kerry General Hospital. There will be viewing of NEW stoma products provided by all companies and light refreshments from 6.00pm. Presentations begin at 7.00pm sharp. All welcome.

PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST: The Kerry Branch of Mothers and Fathers Matter is holding a public meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 8pm in The Malton Hotel, Killarney. The title of the meeting is”Putting Children First: Article 41 on the Family of The Irish Constitution”. The meeting will examine the child-centred philosophy of Article 41 and how that would be significantly changed by the referendum. Among the guest speakers is Breda O’Brien, a columnist for The Irish Times and The Irish Catholic.

DAY TRIP: Maureen Finnegan NCW says” Monday, May 18 – we have a sweet treat for everyone as we are going to the Skelligs Chocolate Facotory in Kerry. We will be takiing in all the beautiful scenery and many places of interest. Breakfast and four course dinner in the River Island Hotel, Castleisland. Going to print we have a few seats available so immediate booking is advisable. Contact Maureen 087 9845102.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Ireland’s Annual Collection – Friday, April 24- Volunteers needed. The money raised on the day will be used to ensure its promise of offering people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in sport in their lives. If you can spare one hour please contact Ann McCarten 086-849437 or Maureen Finnegan 087 9845102. Thank you.

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

HISTORICAL TALK: Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society will hold what promises to be a most interesting talk by Prof. Micheal O’Siochru TCD on ‘The Down Survey Project (North Munster)’ on Monday April 20 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.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE: Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will takes place from June 21 -26. For further details contact 061/314111 email pilgrimage

CYCLE AGAINST SUICIDE: Saturday, May 2 next, over 500 cyclists will arrive into Limerick as part of a 14 day awareness cycling event. We are a voluntary organisation and are looking to the community for help in welcoming these cyclists to our city & county. There are a number of ways we need your help from an hour decorating to providing a Homestay bed for weary cyclists. If you’d like help us or would like more information please contact Martin or Lorraine at 087-4484278 or email Cycleagainstsuicide.limerick

LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS: For information on beekeeping classes contact our Education Officer, Donal Cooper (087 2742916) or any other member of the Committee. Membership details can be found on http://www.limerickbees.net

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.

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.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).

COUNTRY MUSIC ON THE INTERNET: Joe’s Country Kingdom www.irishcountrymusicradio.com Saturday 9pm-Midnight (Irish Time)

Tuesday 8-11pm (Irish Time) features Irish Country Music, Irish traditional music, humourous stories and Cowboy Corner.

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

FETAC TRAINING: Broadford Sports Programme is currently taking registration of anyone who may be interested in joining the course this September. The programme offers FETAC Level 5 Sports Recreation & Exercise Full Major Award and is based out of the Broadford Enterprise Centre. The programme is aimed at those that are unemployed and a training allowance is provided for those in receipt of a social welfare payment. For more information or to register your interest please phone Tony – 0877515692, Julieanne – 0877505431 or Adrienne – 0872773294.

BIODIVERSITY WORKSHOP: It’s that time of year, when big, fresh and beautiful queen bumblebees are on the wing. It’s a great time to get familiar with the different species of bumblebee or refresh your memory. We are running a free Bumblebee identification workshop on Saturday, April 18 in University of Limerick from 10.30am – 3pm. The workshop will be led by Dr. Una Fitzpatrick of the National Biodiversity Data Centre. It is suitable for beginners or people who wish to refresh their bumblebee identification skills. Book your free place at bit.ly/Bumbles . Bring a packed lunch or buy one in the cafeteria and a net if you have one. Nets can be purchased on the day, together with identification swatches.

This free workshop is possible thanks to the generosity of UL Environmental Committee, National Biodiversity Data Centre and Science Foundation Ireland.

RALLY OF THE LAKES: Plans are at an advanced stage to create a motorsport festival on the streets of Killarney town during the annual Rally of the Lakes – the three-day event will begin with a ceremonial start in the town centre on Friday evening at 7pm May 1.


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