PROLOGUE: "To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not."
Akhenaton.
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Marie O’Donnell, Kilconlea Upr whose funeral took place last Monday. May she rest in peace. We also offer our sympathy to the family of the late Dan Flynn, Coolaneelig whose funeral took place last Thursday.
FUNERAL MASS: Requiem Mass for the late John Broderick R.I.P., of Upper Knocknasna who died in Adelaide, Australia will take place on this Saturday, July 25 at 11.00 a.m. in Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale. Interment afterwards in Reilig Íde Naofa.
GATHER BY THE FEALE: The festival under the leadership of Chairperson Orla Dennison, Secretary Olive Sheehan, Treasurer Bridget Harnett, Events Organiser Shane O’Connor and a small tightly knit committee, brought it all together despite everything that the weather threw at us from gales to thunder storms and pounding rain. We had a brilliant w/e, the town was throbbing, with shops, restaurants and pubs doing business and people getting to meet up with friends they hadn’t seen for 12 months. The celebrity concert was a great success with Hermitage Green playing a terrific set and our own No Direction didn’t let themselves down either. There are so many people we need to thank from the Town Park who hosted the Bat Walk, the Glorach who launched Cliabhán which included an Art Exhibition, poetry and drama, Morgan McMahon who organised the Darts Run, Fitzgerald’s Stables for hosting the children’s visit, Party Hire and Events Ltd. owned by Lisa Mc Mahon Winters (Barney and Elsan Mc Mahon’s daughter) and her husband Tony for generously sponsoring the Cinema under the Stars event. The GAA who brought the event indoors at short notice. Feale Fit for the children’s Motorcade and the 10K, Mike Scannell who organized the hilarious and very successful Soapbox Derby and all those who helped out with the Family Fun Day. The Battle of the DJ’s brought the festival to an end and was very well supported as was Spin City in the Square. A big thank you as well to Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue for all their help with stewarding events over the weekend. We will have a meeting in a few weeks to review the weekend and plan where we will go on from here and how we can build on the success of Gather by the Feale. By the way we were well supported by people from the local hinterland and so we ask people to support Duagh this coming weekend when they hold their own festival – “together we stand, divided we fall”.
YOUTH CLUB NEWS: The night may have been bad but that was the only thing that was – we enjoyed another great leader’s night out on Saturday night last. A big thank you must go to Mary, TJ and staff for the beautiful food and great service. The night was also the last night for the Abbey Legends leaders who received certs to thank them for three and half years’ service to their club. Our condolences go to Frances Hayes and her family on the deaths of Frances’s father Dan and Aunt Peg in the last week.
FEALE FIT NOTES: 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 excludes Bus)
Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events
ABBEYFEALE PARISH OUTING: In a new departure this year’s Parish Outing will not leave town until the afternoon and head to Killarney where patrons can enjoy all the facilities that the town has to offer including music in most pubs and hotels. You will also be able to spend time shopping. To book your seat contact 06831232 or 087 3966399.
TOWN PARK NEWS: The 8th. Annual Town Park Bat Walk took place on Thursday night last. This year the event was held as part of the Gather by the Feale Festival. The conditions were perfect on the night and a crowd of about 100 attended. Following a presentation on the bats of the park by Abbeyfeale Bat Group, Jim O’Connor, Anneke Vrieling, Seamus Lane and James Harnett led four groups in a walk around the park to seek out the bats. Everybody saw the bats and also through the use of bat detectors had an opportunity to hear them. The park is looking great, thanks to Jim O’Connor and the park staff. Thanks also to Moss Harnett Spar for sponsoring the refreshments and to the park committee for the use of the facilities.
EIRCODE: With effect from Monday, July 13, Ireland has launched a postcode for all ofIreland. For lots of information on Eircode, and to view a very handy new online tool called ‘Eircode Finder’ to look up the Eircode for any address, see www.eircode.ie There is also a helpline for people who are unable to access the website, or having other difficulties, at 0818 300 005. For further information on the Eircode Community Outreach Programme, see www.wheel.ie/eircode or www.irishrurallink.ie/eircode
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: The annual pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Tuesday, August 18.
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.
GLORACH YOUTH DRAMA: Due to some participants being involved in the festival over the weekend, the start date for our youth drama workshops with Chris Fitzgerald will be on Thursday, July 30starting at 7 pm. Limited places available, for further enquiries, ring 0871383940.
CAR BOOT SALE: Car boot sale during the Pattern in Knocknagoshel on August 15, contact 068 46384.
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. Closing date is Saturday, July 25.
REILIG IDE NAOFA: Clean up every Thursday evening from 7-9pm weather permitting. The annual Mass will take place on Thursday, August 20 at 7.30pm.
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.
GORTADROMA: The meeting last week was featured on UTV and this is the link if you would like to find out more; http://utv.ie/News/2015/07/17/Limerick-locals-oppose-200m-waste-treatment-plant-41258
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: Thursday 10am Patjoe and Mary Woulfe, St. Ita’s Terrace, Friday 8.15am Cornelius and Lucy O’Rourke. Friday 10am Nora Fealey, Ballybehy. Saturday 11am Funeral Mass John Broderick. 7pm Moss and Lily Colbert, New St. Brian McAleer, Bath, United Kingdom. Sunday 9.30am Charles Fealey, The Hill, Larry Collins, Killarney Road. 12 noon Joseph, Pat and Ita Riordan, Ballybehy. Mary Lane Meenkilly. 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.
FUNDRAISING NEWS FROM WL102FM COMMUNITY RADIO: Annual Flag Day will be held on Saturday July 25 in Newcastle West. As always your support is very much appreciated. €10 tickets for a summer holiday raffle in conjunction with ACE Travel South Quay NCW are on sale from the station. To purchase a ticket ring 06966200 from 9-5 Monday to Friday. Draw takes place live on air Wednesday, August 19 between 11.30am and 1pm.
NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE TO CROAGH PATRICK: Next Sunday, July 26 is the day for climbing Croagh Patrick. Confessions on the summit from 7.30am -2pm. Mass every half hour from 8am – 2pm.
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: This morning I visited the surgeon. He was very pleased with progress. I will be on the peg feeding for three more weeks and I am meeting the nutritionist next Monday in the Bons. He also reviewed the pain control. I was accompanied by Ann and Kathleen. I will spend most of the next three weeks here in Cork. So all is going well, slowly in the right direction. Gratitude in my heart to be at this stage.
ATHEA DRAMA GROUPS RETURNS WITH ‘IT’S THE REAL MCCOY’: Following a hugely successful run of Athea Drama Group’s Production of the hilarious comedy ‘It’s the Real McCoy’ by Tommy Marren last spring and due to many requests for repeat performances, it has been decided to perform the play for two final nights during the Athea Village Festival on August 1 and 2 at Con Colbert Hall Athea at 8pm.
Set in rural Ireland in the 1960s, lady of the house Madge Molloy welcomes us into the Molloy household to share in the hilarious mishaps and surprising events that center around Madge and her life over a two day period. With glimpses of John B. Keane and the characterisations of the Fr. Ted and Mrs Doyle genre, it will have the audiences in tears of laughter. The cast features Angeline O’Donnell, Louise Ahern, Damien Ahern, Annette O Donnell, Edwina Sheehen, Michael O Connor and Oliver McGrath under the direction of Annette O’ Donnell. A combination of high drama and amazing Irish wit – ‘It’s The Real McCoy’ is not to be missed!
SEISIÚN: Every Thursday night at the The Devon Inn, Templeglantine 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 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. There will be a shuttle bus service available from the National School on the night and we would appreciate if as many people used that service to alleviate congestion in the vicinity of the cemetery.
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.
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
REDEMPTORIST CHURCH, MOUNT ST. ALPHONSUS, LIMERICK: An experience of guided prayer in association with the Jesuit Community from Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31. The 10am Mass will be celebrated by a visiting Jesuit. Mass will be followed by an experience of guided prayer which will last for 20 minutes. These days will provide an opportunity to deepen prayer lives.
YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL: Held in the Cistercian College, Roscrea from Thursday, August 13- Sunday, August 16. It’s for young people aged 16-35, for more information and to book online see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01.6753690.
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.”
PETITION UPDATE: Barbara Smyth who started the petition to have a blood test for ovarian cancer included in a national cancer screening programme writes “ I have received an email from Minister Varadkar’s private secretary thanking me for my letter and advising me it is receiving attention.
I was very pleased to receive this email but wondered how much attention it will actually get. As our numbers grow our voices are getting louder and I will be calling for Minister Varadkar to give this issue real attention. At almost 20,000 signatures from women, men, sons, daughters and grandparents across the length and breadth of Ireland, it is clear that the #CA125 blood test MUST be included in a cancer screening program. There are screening programs for other forms of cancer and they work very well and save lives. We want and demand Ovarian Cancer be treated the same way. I do not and will not accept the excuse that funding is an issue. A lack of funding will never be acceptable for women being allowed to present with stage 4 symptoms of Ovarian Cancer leaving families and friends devastated with the prognosis.
If you can, please share the link for this petition on all social media platforms. We have now gotten the attention of the Director of the National Cancer Control and now Minister Varadkar. I know I and we are going to fight like warriors and never give up until we achieve our goal which is to get #CA125 included in a screening program which will give us women a fighting chance to beat this silent killer.
I will be contacting Minister Varadkar again next week and the following week and again the week after that to find out what attention he is really giving this issue.
Again many thanks for all your support and my sincerest sympathies to those families who have lost loved ones to this cancer and other cancers.
Ovarian Cancer whispers, let’s catch it before it roars.”
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 