Abbeyfeale notes 29 June

PROLOGUE: "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
Khalil Gibran .

DEATH; The deaths have occurred of Breda Delee (née Dillane) The Belfry, Abbeyfeale, and formerly of The Pound, Templeglantine and of Margaret O’Halloran, Clash Rd. May they rest in peace.

INVITATION: Gather by the Feale Chairperson Orla Dennison has issued an invitation to the launch of this year’s Gather by the Feale to be held on Friday July 3, at Jack Ryan’s bar on Main Street, Abbeyfeale at 9pm when full details of the coming event will be revealed. The Festival will take place from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 20. All are welcome to what promises to be a very enjoyable evening.

BROADCASTING LIVE TO THE WORLD: The church Webcam is now officially switched on and broadcasting live. Almost anyone in the world can now view live broadcasts of events in Abbeyfeale parish church by logging onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. A direct link from the parish website has been set up.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW CITY AND COUNTY MAYOR: Abbeyfeale’s Cllr. Liam Galvin F.G. was elected City and County Mayor at the annual meeting of Limerick City and County Council on June 26. He is the first joint Mayor of City and County to come from Abbeyfeale. Minister for Finance Micheal Noonan T.D., Sean Kelly MEP, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. and Dan Neville T.D. were among the large attendance at a welcome home function for Mayor Galvin in the Railway Bar on Friday night last.

HERMITAGE GREEN TICKETS ON SALE: Ticket sales for Hermitage Green are really brisk so if you would like to attend the celebrity gig of the festival then call to the Festival Office in Mary Dan G’s or go on line – https://www.paypal.com/ie/cgi-bin/webscr – the group were recently signed by Sony and are set to go global so this may be your only chance to see them locally. 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.

RACE TO THE TITLE 10K: The Gather By The Feale will be holding local registration on Wednesday week, July 8 at Fealefit @ 8.30pm, just to make things that bit easier!!

HARNETT REUNION UPDATE: Jer Kenneally made a video of the count in the Town Park at the time of Harnett Reunion in 2012 and posted it on YouTube. He got a message from a lady in the US some time ago and sent it on; “My grandmother was Ellen Harnett. She married Denis O’Connell and they lived in Clash in Abbeyfeale. My father John and his 6 sisters emigrated to the US after his parents died and they were raised here by their Uncle Fr. John Harnett also of Abbeyfeale. We have a very large family in The San Francisco Bay area and we do have family reunions every couple of years. I assume most of the Harnetts in the video are related to us so if you are every out this way you would be welcome to our reunion.”

GATHER BY THE FEALE UPDATE: There’s just three weeks left to go until Spin City Carnival moves into the Square on Thursday, July 16 and then it’s all systems go for a weekend of fun and frolics, mayhem and madness. Everybody’s tastes are catered for, so if it’s culture you’re after, then check out the Glorach for a mix of music, visual art, drama and spoken word and the launch of an exciting new heritage performance arts project. Admission is free and all are welcome. Or maybe you’re up for a trip on the wild side, so why not join our local undertaker and Chiropterologist James Harnett who will lead a Bat Walk in the Town starting at dusk while back on the Main St., Morgan McMahon and friends will be setting off on the Darts Run through the pubs. Friday is a family day, starting in the morning with the Craft and Food Fair in the Square which will be joining the weekly Farmers’ Market. So far, stalls confirmed include organic jams, gluten free breads, Mido’s Choice, paintings, jewellery, crochet blankets, sand art, Oriflame products, sugan chairs, and children’s handmade swings. Later that day, the children will be visiting Fitzgerald’s Stables and participating in the Novelty Motor Parade from the Church yard to the Square, Spin City will be in full swing in the Square, the hilarious Battle of the Businesses will get underway and then a special event for all the family is the Cinema under the Stars at Fr. Casey’s with the Lion King – so come equipped with blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy a totally new experience for Abbeyfeale. Then, it’s back uptown to dance the night away to Paddy Quilligan in the Ploughman, The Vikings in Jack O’Rourke’s and more. There’s an early start on Saturday morning with The 10K Race for the Title. It’s a Road Race to decide who is the Fittest Parish, Business, Clan, County and Athletic Club, it’s suitable for all levels of fitness – you can run or walk. The first annual Soapbox Derby gets underway down Abbeyfeale Hill at 2pm – past the graveyard and ending up at the Funeral Home – reports of hammering and cutting and painting are coming from all the local parishes so the first ever Soapbox Derby promises to be a sight to behold. Then it’s back home, to get all glammed up for the Celebrity gig of the year in the Festival Marquee at the Grove from 8 – 10.30pm with lead act Hermitage Green supported by our own local bands ‘No Direction’ and ‘Sound as a Pound’ – another first for Gather by the Feale and tickets are selling out fast. Then later, with the adrenaline still pumping, it’s back up to the Main St. where live music includes Oracle in Donal and Ann’s, D J Martin Murphy (the granddaddy of them all) spinning the discs at Jack O’Rourke’s, The Wild Rovers in Matt McCoys while the Tennessee Two are taking the stage in the Ploughman. Sunday is another day for the family with a monster Family Fun Day at the Grove from 2-6pm. Some of the planned events on the day include Zorb soccer, All Ireland Tug of War and Sheaf Tossing, mini athletics, bouncy castles, face painting and more. The Battle of the DJ’s is in the Festival Marquee from 8pm is the big event of the whole weekend for the teenagers while Spin City with its hurdy-gurdies, bumping cars and Ferris wheel brings the night to an end in the Square and another wonderful weekend to a close.

NEWS FROM THE GARDEN: The parish community garden is in fine fettle these days, the Brothers of Charity work there every Monday afternoon. We are delighted to welcome James McKenna – our new Tus worker.

YOUTH CLUB: Leaders night out Saturday, July 18 contact Noreen, Mai or Evelyn to book your seat.

SINGING CLUB: West Limerick Singing Club are now holding their monthly singing session on the first Friday of each month. The next night in Philip Enright’s Wander Inn will be Friday, July 3.

FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to all the Fealefit crew that took part in Hell of the West Triathlon in Killkee last weekend, our first time taking part in an Olympic distance Triathlon! Training now turns to Dublin Marathon, Training commences Saturday, July 11 and is free of charge. Fealefit Couch to 10k training continues every Friday. Training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness in preparation for our Festival 10k on Saturday, July 18 – Gather by the Feale’s ‘ Race to the Title ‘ Training continues this Friday.
Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION: This collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.

ST. ITA’S FAITH CAMP: Lorraine Woulfe and (Baker Extraordinaire) Martina O’ Sullivan are organisers of the yearly faith camp and say;” Please pray for the success of this year’s camp which takes place on August 4-7 in the Boys School. This is a Non Profit event.”

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.

RACING; Abbeyfeale Horse & Pony Races attracted a huge crowd and some excellent racing and tight finishes kept fans entertained throughout the afternoon. There was a treble for Danny Sheehy who extended his lead for the Irish Field National Title, while there were doubles for Rory King, Mikey Sheehy and Darragh Maher. Tralee jockey Ross Sugrue rode his first career winner when The Whistler won the opening race. An excellent day’s racing and congratulations to the organizing committee on another well run meeting.

BROWN BREAD MAKING: The local ICA branch would like to offer congratulations to Martina O’Sullivan who took part in the Aldi Brown Bread competition last week at the Federation meeting in Caherconlish and came second. Local members were highly impressed by her bread making skills and reports are that results were very tasty. Martina is not a member of the ICA but the head hunters are out for her now!

BY THE FEALE SOAPBOX DERBY: 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.

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

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: Abbeyfeale chapter of St. Vincent de Paul are looking for new recruits. The activities of the Society include: Meeting people, visiting them at home, finding out their needs both practical and emotional, offering support for all their needs sometimes practical, sometimes financial, sometimes just listening and encouraging. Fundraising from time to time and weekly meetings of the local committee.

LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26 and Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15. Fee €120. Bookings 087 3966399.

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 7pm, Mass on Saturday 11am followed by Confessions, Vigil Mass 7pm, Sunday 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Pat McKenna and his parents Catherine and John. Thursday Confessions after 10am Mass. Friday is the First Friday. Saturday 11am James Kelliher, Collins Park. 7pm Julia Chris Fealey, Convent St., James O’Grady, Meenkilly. Sunday 9.30am John Micheal Kennelly, Knocknasna, Thomas and Chrissie Coffey, Clash Road. 12 noon Eileen Chris Foley, Dromtrasna, Jack and Nell Healy, Knocknasna. .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

SEISIÚN BEGINS: The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sponsored traditional entertainment programme for the Summer season commences this week at more than forty 40 centres throughout the country. The Devon Inn Templeglantine is one of these centres, where on Thursday nights a host of musicians, singers and dancers combine to present a top class show of Irish traditional entertainment for visitors and locals alike. There is a cast of up to twenty entertainers on each night, many of whom have achieved All Ireland honours. Towards the end of the night, time is allowed for audience participation and for a bit of set or céilí dancing. The Templeglantine Seisiún takes place on each Thursday night at 8.45pm.

DUAGH GRAVEYARD MASS: The Duagh Annual Graveyard Mass will be held at 8pm on Thursday, July 23 at Springmount Cemetery.

FETE: The annual Rathfredragh Cheshire Home Fete will take place on Sunday, July 5.

RALLY FOR LIFE: in Dublin on Saturday, July 4. Bus transport available from Tralee. To book a place please phone 085 142 2512.

AUCTION OF RAMBLING HOURS ARTEFECTS: Josie McCreesh is auctioning the contents of her Brosna Rambling House on Saturday, July 11 @ 11am. For further details contact Pat O’Donovan on 087 9977340.

SWIMMING LESSONS: Two weeks of swimming and water safety classes in Glin starting, Sunday July 5 and Monday August 3. Register on the day at 9am at the pier. Contact Iosla 087 120 9965.

OPEN DAY: Moorepark Open Day Wednesday, July 1.

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. Contact Ivana on 069 61316.

These initiatives is 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

UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: “Yesterday morning at 7.20, my surgeon called to see me. It’s the first of two visits he makes every day since my surgery. After examining me he told me has he had good news. All the pathology, that is the tumour they removed is, is cancer free. This is good news he told me and I felt it. It is better than winning the lotto because the lotto won’t give you your health back. This news brought joy to everyone I told, the best possible result! Side by side with that I am being weaned off morphine. I lost my pump yesterday. Every little discomfort in the body is now amplified and do I feel things as I’m in cold turkey. All needed and necessary on my way to the front door of the 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.

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.

LEARN A SKILL: Rural Skillet has a course beginning in Listowel on July 1 and running over four days. Over those four days participants will be immersed in the business of managing a Food Business, topics include: Food Safety, HR, Menu Planning, Costings, Customer Care, Table Service and Wine Appreciation. To find out more or register email: info

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 Sheehy’s 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: My Name Is "Meth"

I destroy homes, I tear families’ apart, take your children, and that’s just the start.

I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

If you need me, remember I’m easily found,
I live all around you – in schools and in town.

I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.

I’m made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child’s closet, and even in the woods,
if this scares you to death, well it certainly should.

I have many names, but there’s one you know best,
I’m sure you’ve heard of me, my name is crystal meth.

My power is awesome; try me you’ll see,
but if you do, you may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go,
but try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

When I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie,
you do what you have to — just to get high.

The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms
will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.

You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad,
when you see their tears, you should feel sad.

But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.

I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I’ll be with you always — right by your side.

You’ll give up everything – your family, your home,
your friends, your money, and then you’ll be alone.

I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
when I’m finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned – this is no game,
If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll ravish your body, I’ll control your mind,
I’ll own you completely, and your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I’ll give you while lying in bed,
the voices you’ll hear, from inside your head.

The sweats, the shakes, the visions you’ll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.

But then it’s too late, and you’ll know in your heart,
that you are mine, and we shall not part.

You’ll regret that you tried me, they always do,
but you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away,
if you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I’ll be your master, you will be my slave,
and I’ll even go with you, when you go to your grave.

Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It’s all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

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.

VISIT THE SALESIAN SISTERS: “Rise of the Roses has blossomed from friendships formed through the Michaela Foundation. We have all been invited to help them with a special project .They were inspired by Pope Francis’ call for Religious Congregations to ‘wake up the world’ and they asked us to help them come up with a way to promote and celebrate this ‘Year for Consecrated Life ‘ (Nov 2014-Nov 2015). Together, through the intercession of St Brigid, St Clare, St Therese & St John Bosco, and the inspiration of the late Michaela McAreavey, the Holy Spirit has helped them to devise: Rise of the Roses. This group of young people will be visiting the Salesian Sisters in Fernbank, Limerick on Saturday, August 1 and invite all young ladies aged 14 – 30 to join them. As Salesian Sisters in this diocese we would love to see as many as possible attend and we look forward to meeting you all there. “To learn more about this group see: https://www.facebook.com/riseoftheroses?fref=ts http://www.riseoftheroses.org/

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

DAY TRIP TO VALENTIA: All Day Trip on Sunday, July 26, to Valentia Island, one of Ireland’s most westerly points lying off the Iveragh Peninsula in the South West of Co. Kerry. Valentia is joined to the mainland by bridge – via Portmagee. This a really beautiful trip taking in breath-taking scenery. When we arrive on the Island we will be met by our guide Ted who will take everyone around the Island in a mini bus and you will be absolutely delighted with the views that you will see. Going right up to the Valentia Slate mines, view the Lighthouse, and you will see something that you haven’t seen before the footprint of a prehistoric animal – a tetrapod. There is lots more but I am not going to spoil it by telling you I will leave that to our experienced guide. We will be calling to the River Island Hotel in Castleisland for our breakfast and dinner on the home ward journey. We will being picking up outside the Church in Abbeyfeale and points en route. This is a very popular trip and the bus is already half full. So early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Contact Maureen Finnegan 087 9845102. Everyone most welcome.