PROLOGUE: "Have the wisdom to walk away from things and people that aren’t good for you." Thema Davis .

EVERYONE WELCOME TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF EDUCATION IN MEENKILLY N.S.: Meenkilly N.S. is holding its Centenary Celebration on Saturday, June 13. The celebrations will start with the celebration of Mass by Bishop Brendan Leahy at 12 noon and will be followed by light refreshments and live entertainment. This is a Community Celebration and all present and past pupils are invited as well as members of the wider community.

ALMOST HALF PRICE OR LESS FASHION SHOW AND SALE: The annual Fashion Show takes place in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, June 14 at 3pm. Tickets €10 with all proceeds to Scoil Mháthair De.

CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale in aid of WL102fm will take place on Sunday, June 14 at the Community Centre, NCW. Gates open 7.30am.

GATHER BY THE FEALE SOAPBOX DERBY RULES: The 1st annual Soapbox Derby will take place down Abbeyfeale Hill on Saturday, July 18 from 2-6pm next during Gather by the Feale. It will be followed by entertainment in the Festival Marquee in the Grove with No Direction, Sound as a Pound and Limerick band Hermitage Green. Entries are now being accepted for the Derby and the following rules apply:
1. MAX LENGTH FOR CAR IS 2.4 METERS,
2, MAX WIDTH IS 1.4 METERS,
3 .CAR HAS TO BE AT LEAST 125 MM FROM ROAD.
4 .MAX WHEEL SIZE IS 600 MM,
5 . CAR MUST HAVE BRAKES FITTED,
6. CAR MUST HAVE ROLL BAR, THIS CAN ALSO BE USED FOR PUSHING, WEAR A HELMET,
7. PLEASE FIT A TOWING EYE TO FRONT AND REAR OF YOUR CAR.
8. THE DRIVER MUST BE 18 OR OVER. WEAR A HELMET AND WILL BE FULLY INSURED.
9. TEAMS OF 3, 2 PUSHERS, 1 DRIVER
10. THE CAR MUST HAVE FULL FLOOR, AND SIDES AS HANDS AND FEET MUST BE INSIDE CAR AT ALL TIMES.
11. EACH CAR HAS TO PASS SCRUTINY NO EXCEPTIONS.
12. IF WE HAVE ENOUGH INTEREST WE WILL BE HAVING A LADIES RACE TOO.
13. IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – GATHER BY THE FEALE.

ORAL HISTORY GROUP ABBEYFEALE: The next meeting of the Abbeyfeale Oral History group will be on Wednesday June 10 at 7pm in the Cliabhan at the Glorach Theatre. The group shares an interest and passion for local history and especially the value of the personal stories and life experiences of the people who have lived here over the years. If you are interested in becoming involved ring Mary 087 2237363.

ABBEYFEALE HORSE AND PONY RACES 2015: The annual Abbeyfeale races take place this year on Sunday June 21at Relihans Inch, Kilcara, by kind permission of John and Anthony Relihan. The hard working Committee would like to thank all our sponsors and everyone who placed ads in our race card. Without the continued support of our sponsors this meeting would not be the success it is today. The racing aside, this event is also a fundraiser for a number of charities in West limerick and North Kerry and thousands of euros hae been donated to local charities down through the years by the organising committee

The numerous amounts of young jockeys that have competed over the years and gone on to great success on the racetrack proper shows the high standard of racing that Abbeyfeale provides. This day is more than just racing and the emphasis is on providing a great family day out so there will be face painting and bouncing castles for the children. There will be a full bar and food served in the two Marquees, with live music by Michael O Brien after racing. As our Limerick hurlers will be taking on Tipperary in the Munster Semi Final patrons will be able to watch the game live on the large TVs provided on course. This year we will also have the best dressed lady competition, kindly sponsored by Annette’s Fashions Main St., Abbeyfeale. Here’s hoping for sunshine so everyone will have a great days racing by the banks of the River Feale.

The highly competitive local race will again attract huge local parish rivalry and rumours are a few dark horses are being kept aside for this competition – the entry rules are as follows:

Rules for 2015 Local race as set out by the committee of Abbeyfeale Horse and Pony races

Horses that have not won under HPRA rules

1 runner per owner, Pony to carry pony weight, Horses to carry 9 ½ stone, Distance 1 mile.

Entries to be made on Monday night (with Ernest and Francis Tyner 0879759500), no entries after this date. Horses and Jockeys to come from surrounding parishes Abbeyfeale, Athea, Templeglantine, Listowel, Duagh, Knocknagashel or Tournafulla. All horses must be micro chipped and will be checked. Committee’s decision is final.

YOUTH CLUB NOTES: Abbey legends were in Oakwood last weekend. A great weekend was had by leaders and youths. The weather was great and the fun mighty so what a way to end up the club after 3 and half years. It was a fitting way to finish for a brilliant butch of youths and of course the leaders who gave their time over the years. Leader’s night out on Saturday, July 18.

REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean up every Thursday evening from 7-9pm weather permitting.

DISGRACEFUL CARRYON: There is a video on youtube purporting to show a young thug in a hoodie kicking in the door of a house in the Square Abbeyfeale during the recent Bank Holiday. The house is occupied by one elderly female resident so wasn’t he the brave lad to cover his head, kick in the door and then run away.

TOWN PARK NEWS: A huge crowd attended Abbeyfeale Town Park on Sunday last for our Dog Show 2015. The weather was glorious and there were almost 200 entries. People brought their four-legged friends from all over Cork, Kerry and Limerick. It was particularly rewarding to experience the joy and pride of the little boys and girls when their dogs won rosettes. A raffle took place in conjunction with the show and also a “Guess the name of the Puppy?” competition. Thank you very much too toall the people who donated raffle prizes, also our judge Claire Sheehy, our commander-in-chief Norma Healy and all our volunteers on the day. We would particularly like to thank Jim O’Connor and his staff for all their work on the park throughout the year and for having the park turned out so beautifully on the day. Thanks too to John O’Connor and his brother Timmy who provided the sound system. Most importantly, we thank all of you who came and supported the dog show. The upkeep of 28 acres of Abbeyfeale Town Park is an expensive business and your contributions go directly into that fund. The park serves the whole community, young and old, 365 days per year. It benefits both the physical and mental health of all who use it. If you have not been to the park, please come along and experience it for yourself.Again, thank you for coming to the dog show and we hope to see you back again in 2016.

THIRD ANNUAL GATHER BY THE FEALE JULY 16-19: We are down to six weeks to go before the mayhem begins and the third annual Gather by the Feale gets underway. Indeed all interests are catered for this year with the Carnival in the Square, the Bat walk, Darts Tournament, Food and Craft Fair, children’s novelty fancy dress motor parade, the Battle of the Businesses, Outdoor Cinema, the first annual 10k Race for the Title and the first annual Soapbox Derby. That’s not to forget the All Ireland Tug of War and Sheaf Tossing, Zorb Soccer, arts and crafts, Fitzgeralds Stables for the under 13’s,, Hermitage Green in the Marquee at the Grove supported by No Direction and Sound as a Pound, Battle of the DJ’s and live music in various pubs and of course, if the arts are your thing then check out A Cradle of Swans at the Glorach Theatre – a mix of music, visual art, drama and the spoken word. There will be plenty of surprises as well so book your holidays and prepare to be entertained, amused and enthralled by what the committee have come up with this year.

RACE TO THE TITLE: Gather by the Feale are shooting a Fun Promo clip to promote the ‘Race to the Title ‘ Festival event and all local businesses and people are welcome to be part of it. Please Contact Shane 087 2891015 if interested or for more details.

FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to all the Fealefit crew that took part in the Dingle Adventure race and Up the Creek Tri-Sprint over the weekend! Fealefit Couch to 10k training every Friday. Training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness in preparation for our Festival 10k July 18Gather by the Feale’s ‘ Race to the Title ‘ Training continues this Friday @ 6.15pm at Fealefit Abbeyfeale. Dublin Marathon Training commences start of July!
Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events

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. Group meets on a weekly basis and are open to old and new members of all ages. Activities include training, information sessions etc. The times are as follows: Abbeyfeale, The Old Tech, and 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.

LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE: Saturday May 30 – Monday June 1, Tuesday June 30 – Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26 and Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15. Fee €120. Bookings 087 3966399.

LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE: The annual pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday, June 14 is now booking. Contact Sean Broderick 068 31213 or Bernard Broderick 068 31565.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE: Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will takes place from June 21 -26. For further details contactpilgrimage

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: A support programme for Adults is held every Thursday night 7.30 – 9pm. The local group can be contacted at 068 31203/31262, 31741, 31322 or 51894.

WEST LIMERICK TOURISM: West Limerick Tourism is a voluntary organisation established to raise the profile of tourism in West Limerick and to foster a spirit of support and co-operation among the tourism and hospitality trade in West Limerick. West Limerick Tourism has a committee of nine drawn from various sectors including accommodation, visitor attractions, retail & pubs, visitor services and heritage. West Limerick Tourism has a membership of approximately forty but would like more businesses to get involved. The annual membership rate is €30 and a membership form can be obtained by e-mailing visitwestlimerickmedia. Please note that accommodation providers must be Failte Ireland approved.

SUMMER BRIDGE: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club “Summer Bridge" at 7.30pm in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale, members, beginners and visitors all welcome.

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

SAGART PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: The annual pilgrimage takes place on from September 22-27. Contact Fr. John or Fr. Joe.

GATES CLOSING: Please note that for the summer months the town park gate will be locked each night at 9.00 p.m.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. CounsellingAppointment 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 -+67/7pm, Mass on Saturday 11am followed by Confessions, Vigil Mass 7pm, Sunday 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Friday 10am Tim Spillane London/Mountcollins. Saturday 11am Feast of St. Anthony. 7pm Sean Leahy, Meenhela. Jim Lane, Knockalougha. Sunday 9.30am Mary Quirke, Hill Rd. Margaret and Thomas Enright and deceased family members. 12 noon Peter Rockcliffe, Barbar Bridge. Paddy O’Loughlin, Dromtrasna Collins Months Mind. Novena to St. Joseph Monday at the 7pm evening Mass. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena each Friday morning at 10am. Adoration every Tuesday and Friday from 8am – 10pm and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. It is now the responsibility of family members and relatives, if they require a visit, to let the priest know when people are in hospital

A CARING CAREER: A new course of the Kilmeedy Healthcare Support Local Training Initiative (LTI) will run from August 312015 to June 25 2016 in Aras Ide, Kilmeedy, Co Limerick. During this full time course, participants will complete two Major Level 5 (FETAC/QQI) Awards in Early Childhood Care & Education and Healthcare Support. This course is funded by LCETB (formerly FAS). Any enquires please do not hesitate to contact Helen or Catherine on 063 87960 or 087 6952990.

BROADFORD SUMMER CONCERT: The concert which is held annually takes place on Friday, June 12 in the Community Centre. This is always a sell out so be there by 7pm to get a seat.

LSSC COUNSELLING PROJECT: We offer counselling quietly and with respect for the depression, stress, bereavement and relationship difficulties that people faced and we aim to keep doing it. If you want more information or wish to enquire about our project, please contact our Centre on 061-314111.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION SEMINAR: Towards 2016 – A Drug and Alcohol Prevention Seminar. SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday June 17, 2015. The Mid-West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum and the Western Region Drugs Task Force in partnership with the Diploma in Drug and Alcohol Studies at the University of Limerick want to hear your voice! Join us for the big THINK IN…An interactive seminar to consider good practice and the future direction of prevention work in the drug and alcohol sector. HAVE YOUR SAY.

LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of Limerick Beekeepers Association will take place on Thursday, June 11 at 8pm in Mungret GAA club. Membership details can be found on the following website: http://www.limerickbees.net Guest Speaker: Ms Eleanor Attridge CFL Topic: Taking Advantage of Swarming. Eleanor Attridge holds a Senior Cert and Beemaster from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association and she is also a CFL, Certified Federation Lecturer. She got five first prizes in the National Honey show at Gormanston 2014 for her Leamlara Honey along with a number of other placements and was awarded highest points overall in show. Eleanor is a very accomplished East-Cork beekeeper, attaining her CFL lectureship last year. She travels widely in the Munster area delivering talks to many beekeeping associations. She lectures on many topics of interest to beekeepers including Taking Advantage of Swarming. Limerick Association are looking forward to welcoming her to our own association and hearing of her experiences with swarms.

IRISH DANCING: The popular Irish Step dancing and Sean Nos Dancing classes continue in the Top of the Town each Thursday evening with step dancing at 7pm and Sean Nos following at 8pm. Beginners most welcome.

MEN ON THE MOVE: For all the fathers, uncles – MEN WANTED – Are you Male aged 30+? Join Men on the Move to get fitter, have more energy & meet new people. Limerick Sports Partnership is having a FREE Information and Taster Session in the Community Centre, Raheenagh next Tuesday, June 16 at 7pm. This Men Only Programme is not competitive in nature and has a focus on physical activity for functional fitness. Please spread the word and bring along some friends and work colleagues.

MAUREEN’S JUNE DAY TRIP: We are going to the beautiful Glen of Aherlow on Sunday, June 21 which will be at this time of year a blaze of colour. Also we will go to Swiss Cottage in Cahir and we will be having our breakfast and dinner in Kilfinane. Names are being taken now so if you’re interested in a good day out now is the time to contact Maureen 087 9845102.

IRISH COUNTRY icmrrequests

RAMBLING HOUSES: Ita McQuinn has changed the date of her Monagae Rambling House to the 2nd Monday of each month instead of the 3rd so the next one will be Monday, June 8 and everyone is welcome – singers, storytellers, musicians, dancers and those who just like to sit and listen and enjoy. Every performance needs an audience. 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.

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, humorous stories and Cowboy Corner.

UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: By Fr. Pat Moore — Jun 5, 2015 12:52pm

So much has happened since my last posting amid so little movement. I have been in my native Asdee, weather has been cold,so little outside movement.
My team of carers around me, we have watched a pair of finches rear their brood in a bird box the industrious Tommy Healy placed outside the kitchen window, (i.e. Tommy, chancellor of the exchequer and well known ornithologist!)The swallows have reared their first brood and are teaching them how to fly. My nephew Shane and Sarah came from Mayo to see me and were accompanied with their eight day old son, Shay, wearing a Kerry Jersey.
What a joy to welcome a new, healthy generation and bless them for it is in blessing that we are blessed.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO SOMETHING FOR DUAGH: We, in our Sports Complex have entered a completion? Dulux Ireland will give the winner 5000euro of paint for the outside of our building free. If you go to Dulux Ireland Facebook page Select: let’s colour project. Type in Duagh Sports Complex in the search box, under vote now. View the clip and give it your vote. Everyone can vote once per day. We have worked very hard as a community to bring it to this stage, we are debt free and up and running making a modest profit. Every vote helps!


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