PROLOGUE: It was only a cup of water, with a gentle grace bestowed. But it cheered the lonely traveller upon life’s dusty road. None notice the cup of water, as a beautiful act of love, save the angels keeping records, away in the land above. The trifles in secret given, the prayer in the quiet night, And the little unnoticed nothings, Are great in our Saviour’s sight. Abbeyfeale Parish Newsletter.
HERMITAGE GREEN TICKETS GO ON SALE: Tickets for Hermitage Green at the Marquee in the Grove are now on sale at the Festival Office in Mary Dan G’s and in Leens Hotel. Tickets are €20 and you will also receive a 2015 Gather by the Feale wrist band which will give access to many of the festival’s events which will be happening over the weekend of July 16 – 20.
ABBEYFEALE ENHANCEMENT PLAN: This is an important time for Abbeyfeale and we encourage all individuals and groups interested in the future development of the town to actively engage in the finalisation of Abbeyfeale’s Enhancement Plan. Comments or feedback on Abbeyfeale’s Community Enhancement plan are due by Friday next June 19 at 5pm to Suzanne Rowley, West Limerick Resources, St Mary’s Rd., Newcastle West, Co Limerick or by email to srowley
CHURCH WEBCAM: A new Webcam is currently being installed in the Church. When it is set up in the next few days it will allow Live Broadcast of Church Services so that people who cannot attend will be able to log on to the church with their smart phones, Tablets, Desk tops or Laptop computers. A good internet connection will be necessary. The equipment is currently being tested and hopefully details on how to connect will follow next week.
GATHER BY THE FEALE UPDATE: We’re down to five weeks until the ‘Best little Festival in the West’ gets underway and things are moving apace. The brochure is gone to Feale printing (as much as we can, we spend all monies in the local economy’), the Hermitage Green concert tickets are on sale, the wrist bands have been ordered, there’s hammering and measuring going on in sheds, outhouses and garages as the Soapboxes take shape and the people planning to take part in the Race to the Title are pounding the hills and dales around Abbeyfeale getting into shape too. There’s just one more fundraiser happening next weekend – Man v Food in T.J. O’Riordan’s Bar and a big thank you to our hardworking committee member Mary Talbot O’Riordan and her husband T.J. for hosting it. It gets underway at 8pm with live entertainment provided by local trad rock band with a hint of Country and Western thrown in ‘Sound as a Pound.’ There’s a couple of surprises this year too but you’ll have to wait to read the brochure which will appear around the town shortly – no pressure Eileen!
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: The Rural Employment & Education Service (REES) works with people who experience barriers and who feel they need support to enter or re-enter employment, explore education/training opportunities or wish to become self-employed. We are based in the Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West and also operate an outreach service. REES outreach will take place in Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre (former Tech) on Thursday June 18th, 9.30am-1pm. Contact Ivana on 069 61316.
OPENING OF REFLECTIVE SPACE IN ABBEYFEALE: The community is invited to the opening of Light on Stone Reflective Space in the Town Park on Wednesday June 24 at 7pm. The project has been a collaboration between the Glorach Theatre and Abbeyfeale Community Leisure Town Park and consisted of a series of developmental activities, Cafe Conversation, Meditation Classes, a Drumming workshop and the design and completion of a Reflective Space in the Town Park. The art pieces were designed and crafted by local crafts people and embody the themes of care, loss and compassion. It is dedicated to the value of compassion, acceptance and peace. It is a quiet space where people can enjoy nature sit and relax. Come, sit awhile, to be with oneself or with friends. Everybody is welcome to the opening to experience the power of community music drumming and refreshment. The Reflective Space funded by Milford Hospice Centre Compassionate Communities Seed Grant and supported by West Limerick Resources
BIG TODDLE FOR BARNARDOS: Toddlers in Abbeyfeale are getting ready for the Annual Big Toddle for Barnardos will take place in the Town Park Abbeyfeale on Tuesday, June 23 from 11am to 12.30pm weather permitting, followed by Teddy bear picnic. Toddlers bring their own teddies and snack and play clothes. If any parents of toddlers would like further information call into the Parent and Toddler Group which meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall 11am – 12.30pm or call 087 9382883.
FEALE FIT NEWS: Well done to all the Fealefit crew that took part in the Kerry Head run in Ballyheigue, Lyre 5k and Boruman Tri-Sprint in Killaloe 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 18 Gather by the Feale’s ‘ Race to the Title ‘ Training continues this Friday @ 6.15pm at Fealefit Abbeyfeale. Dublin Marathon Training commences July 11 and is also free of charge. Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events
GATHER BY THE FEALE BATTLE OF THE BUSINESSES: The Feale’s Fittest Business is the most coveted title and the holy grail of all business challenges. Have you got what it takes to beat the defending Champions and bring the title back to your place of work, have you got the stamina, have you got the motivation, have you got no shame and a sense of humour!!! We’re now recruiting from all the Local Businesses,
Contact Shane 087 2891015 with your team details or for further information.
GATHER BY THE FEALE MOTORCADE: Children’s Fancy Dress Motorcade, July 17, 2015 @ 6.30pm. Travelling from the Church yard to Town Square, All types of Kiddies un-motorised transport welcome. Meeting at 6.15pm, Festival Wristband must be worn to Qualify for Monster prizes. Contact Shane 087 2891015 for further details.
LIFESKILLS PROGRAMME: Come and join us as a First Step to Boost Your Confidence. Self Confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of our lives, yet so many people struggle to find it. The good news is that self-confidence really can be learned & built on. Working on your self-confidence is well worth the effort! West Limerick Resources is offering four short practical workshops to find your confident self in 1. Healthy Eating & Nutrition, 2. Personal Care & Grooming, 3. Presentation of Self—First Impression and 4. Communication & Confidence in the Newcastle West Family & Community Hub each Thursday from June 25 – July 16 from 10am—1pm. Free of Charge and open to those in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment. Contact: Adrienne on 087 2773294 or call to the WLR office These initiatives are funded under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 which is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative.
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.
ABBEYFEALE HORSE AND PONY RACES 2015: The annual Abbeyfeale races take place this year on Sunday June 21 at 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: Clubs are on their summer break. The Yolo club are heading to the Burren on Saturday morning leaving from the church at 6.45am sharp and back about 10. 30 on Sunday morning… Leader’s night out on Saturday, July 18.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean up every Thursday evening from 7-9pm weather permitting.
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.
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: Tuesday June 30 – Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26 and Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15. Fee €120. Bookings 087 3966399.
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. 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 -+67/7pm, Mass on Saturday 11am followed by Confessions, Vigil Mass 7pm, Sunday 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Paddy and Mai O’Connor, Islandboy. Saturday 11am Dan and Madge Cusack and deceased family members. 7pm John Leahy, Corner House, New St., Richard Gleeson, Kilconlea Lower. Sunday 9.30am Bridget and Maurice Harnett, Dromtrasna, Mikie Scannell, Dromtrasna. 12 noon, Eileen and Con Harnett, Richard Fealey, 22 Cryle View Manor. 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 31, 2015 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.
ARTS AND CRAFTS: An Arts & Craft Fair will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Sunday June 21 from 11 am as part of Listowel Food Fair. Free admission.
SEANCHAI RAMBLING HOUSE: The Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday June 25 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
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.
UPDATE ON FR. PAT: “This week has been spent in downtown Asdee, building up the spirit and energy with the fine weather, family and friends. Next Monday I have an operation for the tumour in the Bons Secours hospital in Cork. It will be a six hour operation, all the facts have been clearly outlined to me and I have complete trust in God and the process. The after care has also been highlighted as crucial and I will be, please God, in intensive care for up to a week.
I feel held and supported in the prayers and good wishes of so many and I am confident that this will sustain and enable my healing spirit. My faith tells me to trust the healing God that has been made real for me by the people around me and I have met in this part of the journey. I also feel connected with "those that have gone before me marked with the signs of faith"
When I had an operation in London, twenty years ago, my brother and my friend John O Donohue were with me. Four years later, in his memorable and bestselling book, "eternal echoes – exploring our hunger to belong", John recalled that time. In Chapter 4 john suggested we need to "be friend the places of pain". He valued the gentleness with which I was able to meet the illness and valued focusing on the horizon of healing and the shelter of the luminosity of my soul. John’s sister, Mary phoned me during the week. "John will be holding your hand too on Monday" she assured me,” as will all our dead, your parents and loved ones, and don’t forget your Saints and Angels!" I know this to be true and it’s the place my spirit is nourished in. The ongoing prayers of my parish and diocese, people who wrote and contacted through caring bridge. It all means so much and apologies for not having the energy to individually acknowledge each and every one. Continue to keep all on the healing road in your prayers.
John B. Keane benediction, from the Monks of Ballybunion as quoted in "The Street", where Joanne selects his best poems and ballads.
"That the frost never afflict your spuds,
That your cabbages may be ever free from worms,
That the crows may never pick at your stack,
that your she goat may never dread the puck,
And should you by good fortune, come into the possession of a female donkey may she be in foal."
May the Good Lord always leave us our sense of humour!
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.
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, July 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.
PARENTS BEWARE: There is an App free to download that young people are mad for especially when they don’t have to pay for it. It’s called ooVoo and it offers free high quality video chat with up to 12 people and instant messaging. It is also a magnet for men with nefarious intentions to groom innocent youngsters whom they befriend. Parents should know at all times who their children are conversing with online.
FOOD FAIR: Listowel Food Fair takes place from Thursday 18 June until Sunday 21 June. The programme of events has something for everyone. Free cookery demos, farmers’ markets, foraging, healthy eating and business workshops, baking competitions for adults and children, food trail, tasting menu dinner, a food photography exhibition and the inaugural All Ireland Craft Beer Championships are just some examples. This is Ireland’s longest running food festival so it is fitting that it culminates on Sunday 21 June, the longest day of the year and Fathers’ Day, with lots of family fun, a market, food and free entertainment in the Square from 12 noon. For full details visitwww.listowelfoodfair.ie
COBH OUTING: Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society will have a full day outing to Cobh and Spike Island on Sunday, June 28 leaving Limerick city at 8.000am. This should prove to be a most memorable visit which will give us an opportunity to view one of the world’s largest cruise liner ‘The Royal Princess’ which is 19 decks high and will be berthed in Cobh that day and will depart at 6pm. Cobh Traditional Sail Festival also takes place from June 26– 28. The visit will include Cobh’s famous Cathedral St. Colman’s, the Titanic Memorial, Lusitania Victims burial plot, Jack Doyle the Gorgeous Gael’s grave. We will also visit Spike Island with a viewing of the home of ‘Little Nellie of Holy God’. The trip includes guided tours throughout. As seats are limited early booking is advisable. Contact Pat O’Donovan PRO 087 9977340.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES: If you’ve experienced a personal setback, long-term illness, have a disability or are an early school leaver one of National Learning Network’s full-time Courses will give you the confidence to open up new opportunities for further training or employment. Our FETAC Courses range from Catering to I.T., P.C. Maintenance to Employer Based Training and our Employability Skills Programme is aimed in particular at early school leavers. To find out more: ring Val or Trish at 061 229777 or look up www.nln.ie
DRAFT ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PLAN APRIL 2015 (1).pdf
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 