PROLOGUE: "If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."
J. K. Rowling

CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale and indoor market held in aid of WL102fm takes place on Sunday next July 12 with gates open at 7.30am. Cars €7, vans €10, car and trailer €10. Set up in the yard or the hall. Further information 069 66200/087 6866450.

HERMITAGE GREEN AT THE GROVE: The Limerick band who were formed in 2010 , have toured extensively over the past 5 years selling out gigs in Ireland, UK, Australia, Middle East, France, South Africa and the US. They have played Sydney Harbour on Australia Day and in front of 7,000 people at the Electric Picnic, their most recent TV appearance was on the Miriam Show last Saturday night. The members of Hermitage Green are; Darragh Graham – Djembe, Tenor Banjo, Vocals
Darragh Griffin – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Dan Murphy – Dobro, Lead Guitar, Five String Banjo, Harmonica, Vocals, Barry Murphy – Electric Bass, Vocals, Dermot Sheedy – Bodhran, Drums, Percussion. Their debut EP ‘The Gathering’ went straight to No 1 in the I Tunes chart and now five years later have been signed to Sony so this may be your only chance to see them locally before they go global. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting up and coming band then log onto http://www.hermitagegreen.com/ Ticket sales are really brisk so to get to the celebrity gig of the festival call to the Festival Office in Mary Dan G’s or go on line – https://www.paypal.com/ie/cgi-bin/webscr

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL NEWS: On Friday last a team of six officials from the National Roads Authority [NRA], Galway County Council., Roscommon County Council and Westmeath County Council cycled the Abbeyfeale – Rathkeale section of the Great Southern Trail [GST] on a fact-finding mission. They are spearheading the development of the Galway-Dublin Greenway which is on EuroVelo Route2 from Moscow to Galway. The GST is on EuroVelo Route1 along the Western seaboard of Europe. I found the out the following by Googling Euro Velo Route 1; “ EuroVelo is a Europe-wide network of proposed cycle routes, a section of EuroVelo 1 runs from Belfast around the Atlantic Coast and across to Wexford. The EuroVelo routes should supposedly have: have no gradient above 6%, be wide enough for two cyclists. have an average of no more than 1,000 motorised vehicles a day, be sealed for 80% of its length, be open 365 days a year, have provision points every 30 km (19) miles, accommodation every 50 km (31 miles) and public transport every 150 km (93 miles). It seems to me that our Great Southern Trail fulfils all these requirements but it is a hidden gem here in West Limerick.

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.

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

LOCAL HISTORY: A book entitled “The Irish in the American Civil War” by Damien Shields has been published in America recently. It contains the story of Maurice O’Donnell, Chapel St. Abbeyfeale who died in 1915 and who fought for the Confederates decades beforehand. He was struck by a bullet to his right leg, fell whilst in hospital recuperating, damaged his hip and was left permanently disabled. He returned to Ireland at some stage and showed up in the census of 1901 as a 72 year old farmer living with his wife Hanora and again in the 1911 census now living with a great granddaughter 14 year old Elizabeth Doody. Does anybody know who this man was and are his relations still living here. Let me know on marianharnett1 and I’ll follow it up next week.

MORE LOCAL HISTORY: This Friday evening, July 10 marks the 30th. Anniversary of the first funeral at Harnett’s Funeral Home. The late Thomas Enright of Mountmahon, died at his residence on July 9, 1985 and his funeral took place on the following evening at Harnett’s Funeral Home, with the removal at 7.00 p.m. to the Church of the Assumption. The second funeral was that of the late Patrick M. Harnett, Tullig North, who died at his residence on August 31, 1985 and the third funeral was that of the late Denis Dillon, Meenahorna, who died on October 30, 1985. Three men first but who was the first woman in?

GATHER BY THE FEALE UPDATE: The brochure was launched last Friday night by our new Mayor and Lady Mayoress at a very enjoyable function in Aine and Jack Ryan’s, Main St., where the music wasn’t too loud or the speeches too long and the food was delectable. It is now available all around town so pick up a copy and see for yourself the wealth of events planned for the weekend after next.

REMEMBERING ZOE: The presentation of cheques to the nominated charities of the Remembering Zoe Charity Weekend Fundraiser will take place next Saturday night, July 11 at 9pm in the Winners’ Circle, Bridge St., The committee has issued an open invitation to everyone to come out and enjoy finger food and music.

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

FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR: There is huge interest in the annual food and craft fair taking place on the Cobbles in the Square on Friday, July 17 with a variety of stalls booked including a Fairy Toad Stools stall which also sells Fairy Tutus, wings and wands, Jewellery, Ornaments and knic Knacks, felted brooches, crochet baby blankets, coins and antiques, sand art, Oriflame products, soaps, gluten free baking, organic jams and sugan chairs to name just some of the goods on offer.

SINGING CLUB: West Limerick Singing Club are now holding their monthly singing session on the first Friday of each month in Philip Enright’s Wander Inn, Church St., Abbeyfeale at 9pm.

ST. ITA’S FAITH CAMP: Lorraine Woulfe and 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.” Enrolment forms are available in the Church porch, Danny Scanlan Paints Convent St., and Eurosaver Bridge St.

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.

FEALE FIT NOTES: Registration evening for Race to the title 10k this coming Wednesday 8 from 8.30pm – 9.00pm at Fealefit, Mountmahon. Dublin City Marathon Training commences this Saturday July 11 at 8.30am and is free of charge. Join Fealefit on our Blackwater Activity weekend August 15/16. Overnight camping stay with BBQ and a day jam packed with activities like water tubing and paint balling. Deposit €20 required (Total price €99 excl Bus).

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 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.

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: Wednessday 10am Mary, James Keane, Judy, Margaret, Denise and Maria..Saturday 11am Ann Keating O’Connor, Dublin. 7pm Jeremiah Moriarty, The Hill. Sunday 9.30am Maureen McCarthy, Caherhayes, Martin Nolan, Clash. 12 noon Jeremiah Healy, Upper Purt. Monday 7pm James Bennis 1st. Anniversary. 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.

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.

IRISH TV: Check out local stories on http://www.irishtv.ie/

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

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

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.

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.

HELPLINE: 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/

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.

A VISIT TO FUNGI:. Maureen Finnegan is heading to Dingle on Sunday August 23. She says; “We are going to Dingle & going out on a boat to say "hello" to Fungi. This is a trip suitable for both the children and adults and everyone is most welcome. This might seem a while away but we need to book the boat and the bus and so far we have more than half filled the big bus. So it is important to book your seat early if interested. We will be going to the River Island Hotel, Castleisland for our breakfast and returning in the evening for dinner as we are always looked after very well. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.”

AN TIONAD GLAS DROMCOLLOGHER: The Organic College Dromcollogher will be hosting ‘A Summer Open Day’ on Sunday, July 19 from 2-5pm. Tours of the gardens, plant sale, homemade organic ice cream and much more. A lovely family day out. Admission free.


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