PROLOGUE: This poem was found in the personal effects of an elderly man who died in a nursing home.
Cranky Old Man…..
What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you’re looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . … . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .’I do wish you’d try!’
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . … lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. …Babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future … . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I’ve known.
I’m now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It’s jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. …. . ME!!
PARISH FEAST DAY: Saturday next is the Feast of the Assumption and a procession will take place after 7pm Mass with an invitation going out to the First Holy Communion and Confirmation children to lead it. Rosary and Benediction will take place at the Grotto weather permitting.
VISITORS FROM ABERDEEN: 70 young people will visit Abbeyfeale this week and on Wednesday from 3.30pm will attend a Holy Hour in our church. Everyone is welcome to attend.
HELENA QUINN RETURNS TO SOUTH SUDAN: Two years ago Helena, daughter of Tadgh and Kathleen from Purt travelled to work with Fr. Tim Galvin on his mission in South Sudan. She returned last week and hopefully when they get internet connections sorted out she will continue her blog Solo in South Sudan.
MORE LOCAL HISTORY: THE CRAFTSMEN OF ABBEYFEALE
From Mount Mahon down to the heart of the town
There dwelt many a man of trade,
There were shoemakers fine, Curtin, Brouder and Ryan,
Able blacksmiths Ahern and Meade,
Of masons, O’Connor and Shannon, the best.
The two Collins’ fine coopers too.
Tailor Fitz and the Dennisons, who were weavers of note
And Moll Ponto’s O’Donoghue
And now we arrive in that famous Old Square,
Where dear Fr. Casey stands,
And living around there and down Chapel Lane,
You had coopers the best in the land.
Squire O’Donnell and Noonan who made firkins fine,
Not forgetting John Danagher too.
Then the coach builders, Lane, who lived down Barrack Lane,
Flynns, Manns O’Gradys and Cartys too.
Margaret O’Shea 1978
NOLIE ROCHE TAG RUGBY: Abbeyfeale RFC is delighted to announce that we will be hosting the 5th Annual Noelie Roche Memorial Tag Rugby Day on Saturday, August 22 at the Grove Grounds. Kick-off is at 1pm. With last year’s event being a resounding success, this year is shaping up to be another eventful day. Along with the main mixed 7-a-side competition, there will be a minis exhibition game as well as a mini competition for the Ladies. There will a BBQ and refreshments provided on the day. A reunion of the Munster Junior Division Two winning team of 94/95, which Spike Murphy, New St., played a prominent role in, is also pencilled in. There will be live open-air music provided by Larry Roche throughout the day, with local favourites, No Direction then rocking out the clubhouse afterwards. All proceeds on the day will go towards our Underage teams and Minis, so please come along and show your support. Everyone is welcome!
FEALEFIT 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 excl Bus ). Contact Shane 087 2891015 or Kadie 087 7771552 for details. Fealefit will commence Half Marathon Training August 29, training is free of charge and open to all, training is for Listowel Half Marathon November 14. See www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events
TIDY TOWNS: Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns has been shortlisted for Limerick Going for Gold Community Challenge 2015 which carries a top prize of €10,000 along with additional runner up prizes. A member of the committee will be interviewed on Live 95FM Wednesday, August 12 at 11am. Readers can help Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns by texting GOLD ABBEYFEALE to 53095 on Wednesday between 12 midday and 12 midnight. Texts cost 20 cent and you are asked to text as often as possible between noon and midnight but not before or after as calls will be charged but not counted outside these hours.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: The annual pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Tuesday, August 18. Contact the Sacristy to book your seat.
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.
GARDAI WARN ON THE DANGERS OF VISHING: criminals are using phones to ensnare people into transferring funds from their accounts to ones controlled by the gang.They ring people on their landlines with a concocted story that they are the security manager of a store and that someone is attempting to use their debit or credit card. When the receiver of the call hangs up and rings their financial institution or the gardaí to report the fraudulent use of their card they are simply reconnecting with the caller who pretends to be either the bank or the Gardai and are able then to get the callers details. If you receive such a call by all means report it immediately but use your mobile phone rather than the land line or wait for several minutes before dialling using the land line.
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.
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: 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: Wednesday 8.15am For success in Exams, 10am Olive Isabel Burns. Thursday 10am Margaret Woulfe, St. Ita’s Terrace. Friday 10am Molly Murphy and daughter Monica. Friday 7pm Vigil for the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Tom Collins, The Hill, Micheal O’Donoghue Bogmount. Saturday 9.30am Christine and Bobby McGinn, Charles and Micheal Ahern and their parents. 12 noon Pro Populo. 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.
KENMARE FAIR DAY: The annual Fair Day in Kenmare takes place on Saturday next August 15.
CARERS ASSOCIATION: A level 5 Fetac award in Activities of Living Patient Care Module will be provided in Limerick on Tuesday, September 1. More information 05793 70221.
YOUTH DAY 2016: World Youth Day Cracow 2016 World Youth day is a catholic youth festival which take s place roughly every three years and is attended by 3-5 million young people. There are various events and celebrations during the week ranging from workshops to concerts and it all finishes with a pilgrimage walk, and overnight vigil and an enormous outdoor Mass with Pope. Participants must be aged 18 or over at the time of travel. For information please contact Aoife/ Chris in the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Limerick 061/400133. awalsh
CHARITY CEILI IN KNOCKADERRY HALL: The ceili in aid of the Irish Cancer Society raised €1200 last Friday night. Teresa Lenihan and her daughter Deidre who organised the night want to say a sincere thank you to all who supported it and to the Striolan Ceili Band.
FUNDRAISING NEWS FROM WL102FM COMMUNITY RADIO: €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.
OUTING: Historical Outing to Lyreacrompane & Duagh Kerry & Historical Society will be visiting Lyreacrompane and Duagh on Sunday,August 16 . Meet at Roche’s, The Four Elms Bar, Lyre, at 2.30 pm. All welcome!
"MARY WENT IN HASTE", this is the title of a Catholic Young Adults Conference being held in All Hallows College, Dublin on August 29/30. It is open to young adults aged between 18 and 40. The Legion of Mary in the Kerry Diocese wish to sponsor 2 young people to attend. More information from Patricia on 087 9048659
OUTING: Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society trip takes place to Northern Ireland on Monday, September 14 & returning Thursday, September 17. Visit includes briefly, Downpatrick, Belfast Titanic Experience, Stormont Castle, Antrim coast drive, Carrick-a-Rede, Bushmills, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Armagh. Staying in the Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk. For further details contact Pat O’Donovan PRO by August 7 to ensure your place. Tel: 087 9977340.
JOE HARRINGTON’S RADIO PROGRAMME: Internet radio programme on www.irishcountrymusicradio.com Every Saturday 9pm to midnight (Irish Time). Country and Irish Music presented by …Joe Harrington
click on www.irishcountrymusicradio.com
It’s also on every Tuesday 8 to 11pm (Irish Time).
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.
IRISH TV: Check out local stories on http://www.irishtv.ie/
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Are you between the age of 18 and 24 years? Not in Education? Not in Employment? Not in Training? Not really sure what to do next? Great news – there’s a new opportunity to move forward! Join a group of people like yourself to explore your options, express your ideas, share your experience, acquire new skills, learn about yourself, look into training & education paths and meet employers and find out where you fit into the labour market. Starting on August 31, the group will meet in the Community Centre in Rathkeale and Newcastle West twice a week for a few hours. For more information or an expression of interest form, please stop by WLR’s Rural Employment Service office, Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West or phone ikolic. NOTE- If you are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment, it will not be affected. This 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.
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
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.
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.”
MATING SEASON: Day Trip to Lisdoonvarna on Wednesday September 16, leaving Newcastle west 12.30pm, we will not be too late returning. Cost for the trip just the bus fare, everyone sort out their own refreshments. We will have lots of time for dancing to the various bands in the different hotels. We will pick up en route Rathkeale, Croagh, Adare, and the South Court Hotel. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102
SUMMER COOKERY CAMP: Abbeyfeale Summer Cookery Camp takes place in the Community Education Centre on August 20th, 24th & 25th for children aged 9-13 years. Classes run from 10.30am – 1.30pm. Children can enjoy hands on cooking experience and learn healthy recipes. Places are limited to max 14 children. Free to families in receipt of Social Welfare Payments. Parent Consent forms are now available at the reception desk in the Adult Education Centre & forms must be returned by Monday August 17th.
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Barnardos is offering a one day Child Protection Training Course on Saturday September 5th in Newcastle West from 10am to 4.30pm. The aim of this training is to equip community groups involving children with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with child protection issues in line with the Children First Guidelines. After taking part in the training, participants will understand their legal responsibilities and be aware of the need and procedures to record concerns appropriately. Free of charge to members of community groups (excluding sporting organisation) operating in the West Limerick area. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Are you between the age of 18 and 24 years? Not in Education? Not in Employment? Not in Training? Not really sure what to do next? Great news – there’s a new opportunity to move forward! Join a group of people like yourself to explore your options, express your ideas, share your experience, acquire new skills, learn about yourself, look into training & education paths and meet employers and find out where you fit into the labour market. Starting on August 31st, the group will meet in the Community Centre in Rathkeale and Newcastle West twice a week for a few hours. For more information or an expression of interest form, please stop by WLR’s Rural Employment Service office, Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West or phone 069 61316. Email ikolic. NOTE- If you are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment, it will not be affected.
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
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP:
Abbeyfeale Parent and Toddler Group wish to thank the community who sponsored their toddlers in the recent Cow & Gate Big Toddle for Barnardos. The group raised €254.25 which goes directly to Barnardos to help support their Best Start Programme for babies, toddler and pre-schoolers. Barnardos would like to thank everybody who participated and for making a difference for the youngest children across Ireland who face the realities of poverty, abuse and violence. Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler continues to meet across the summer months in St. Ita’s Hall every Tuesday & Thursday 11.30 to 12.30pm. New parents and babies/toddlers are always welcome.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 