PROLOGUE: "Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances."
Thomas Jefferson
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS; Child protection training on Thursday, September 10/17 from 7-9pm for the new leaders. Contact Kate Murphy on 0876210490 or Anthony Scannell on 0872264023.
THE WEST LIMERICK MAN WHO WROTE A DICTIONARY:" The book of the above title by Seaghan Mac an tSionnaigh is now available in the following local stores: Ann Lyons, the Shop, Square, Abbeyfeale., Supervalue,Bridge St. Abbeyfeale., Edmond O’Donoghue, Convent St. Abbeyfeale, Pat Buckley, Devon Road Cross, Templeglantine. The Irish Language equivalent "Focail agus Foclóireacht T.O’Neill Lane" is available from: www.coisceim.ie or Éamonn Ó Liatháin at 068 30925.
THE CRAFTSMEN OF ABBEYFEALE cont.;
Tailors Downey and Daly and close to the Abbey,
Laboured Matt and his witty son Tade.
The father turned wood into furniture fine,
While his son, horse’s harnesses made.
Old Justin McCarthy, Tom Fitz and O’Connell,
Crarted many a bridle and saddle.
Fine brushes were made by Rob Walsh, up the street,
And sweet music was made by Tim Carroll.
Our thatchers were Jingo and Pats Johnny from Purt.
We’d McAuliffe the bonesetter too.
And known far and wide for the clothes that she knit
Was Hannie O’Donoghue.
Mary Ambie made cures, Arthur Leary cleaned clothes
And Mag Sayers did a roaring trade
In apples and cockles and salty sea grass
And the sweet sugar stick which she made.
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!
NEW SEASON OF TOASTMASTERS: If you hate the thought of standing up to speak at a meeting or getting a point across in company then Toastmasters could be the club for you. In it, you’ll get the chance to practice speaking in public within the confines of the group of people who attend the club and who are all on the same wavelength as yourself. Meetings take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at the Desmond Complex in NCW from 8.30pm – 10.30pm. There’s always a cup of tea on offer and it’s a social night out with a chance to learn a skill that will carry you anywhere you want to go. Further information Charles 087 7972855. First meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 2.
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.
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: The annual Mass will take place on Thursday, August 20 at 7.30pm.
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.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: 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.
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 Margaret (Madge) Griffin, Main St., Friday 7pm Marie O’Donnell, Month Mind Saturday 11am Monicia & Michael Collins , Knocknasna, Saturday 7pm Teresa Lyons, New Street, Jimmy Collins Main Street . 9.30am Eily Mai Barry and the Lane family Caherlane Edward Dalton. 12noon Jerry Foley, The Hill Road, The Quirke family, Kilmorna and Main Street. 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.
CO. LIMERICK DRUG AND ALCOHOL DROP IN CENTRE: If drugs or alcohol are a problem and you are over 18 then free help is available with no appointment necessary at the Hospital Family Resource Centre, Knockainey Road, Hospital. The service which is staffed by HSE Drug and Alcohol Outreach workers will be available on Wednesday, August 19 and every second Wednesday thereafter from 10am – 12 noon. For further information contact Geraldine on 086 6076573 or Deirdre on 086 3840526.
HERITAGE WEEK AT GORTBRACK FARM: Come and meet the ducks, donkeys and all the wildlife on the farm; includes farm nature trail, pond dipping and much more! Taking place on Sunday, August 30 from 11-1pm. Admission €5 per person or €15 for a family of 4. There will also be a Mushroom Foraging Workshop on Saturday, September 5 from 10.30 am – 4pm with Jonathan Spazzi – A one day course on identification and foraging of mushrooms, includes basic identification skills and a foraging trip to the local woods. Admission €60. Then on Saturday, September 12 there will be an Organic Gardening Workshop from 10.30-12.30 noon with Ian McGregor; Growing under cover through the winter and seed saving. Please email to book places or call Cathy Eastman on 085 7782289.
DAY OF PRAYER: A bus will leave from the church on Sunday, August 30 at 9.50 approx. and travel to Holy Cross, Thurles to celebrate a day of prayer in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. To book your seat contact Phil 087 1445072/Maureen 0879066476.
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
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.
"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).
IRISH TV: Check out local stories on http://www.irishtv.ie/
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
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. Maureen has also plans for a weekend break during October and a shopping trip to Blanchestown Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 22 so if your life is looking dull and dreary she’s the woman to get you out and about.
SUMMER COOKERY CAMP: Abbeyfeale Summer Cookery Camp takes place in the Community Education Centre on August 20, 24 & 25 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.
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Barnardos is offering a one day Child Protection Training Course on Saturday September 5 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 organisations) operating in the West Limerick area. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley.
KILLARNEY LEGION OF MARY ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE: Sunday, September 27 from the Church of the Resurrection Park Road, Killarney. The bus leaves at 6.15 a.m. Price €20. This year we coincide with the National Eucharistic Congress which is being held the same weekend in Knock. Early booking advisable. Chief Celebrant Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam and the homilist is Archbishop Charles J. Brown, Papal Nuncio. Contact Patricia 087 9048659.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Are yo
u 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
.
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: My wounds are slowly healing but there is great pain control in drugs. In the times of quiet and prayer I still have a sense of gratitude for all that has been my experience. Gratitude at knowing someone like Mary Keane who passed away yesterday morning. When we last met it was in prayer with her loving family around her. Mary mothered us all, turned a pub into a home and place of therapy for all and, with the love of her and his life, John B., brought up a great family anyone would be proud of. So many will miss her affirming presence
SOLO IN SOUTH SUDAN: Helena Quinn from Purt has returned to work with Fr. Tim Galvin on his Mission in South Sudan and writes the following; “Here we go again!!
I haven’t written in the same way I did last time about leaving London, the preparations and the goodbyes. I can’t say whether it was more difficult leaving this time or the last. The circumstances were so different in every respect. Firstly South Sudan was a very different place two years ago. It was enjoying its new found independence. There were tribal factions as always but the country was largely peaceful. There was hope for what the future might bring.
Now, in 2015 it seems that the hope has been drained from the land I left in 2013. My family and friends all knew South Sudan to be a dangerous place where the political situation was volatile and uncertain as a result of the war which broke out shortly after I left in December 2013.Of course I was nervous about my return. My friends and the people I loved seemed to think that my return visit was badly timed and I was being foolish. There is work to be done here and there are people doing it. I learned on my last visit that the smallest kindnesses shown by one person can be life changing to another. I stopped off in Narus for a few days on my way to Riwoto to visit my friends there. More to follow on that but I had a great time going back to St. Bakhita Girls Primary School where I had taught maths two years ago.
It was wonderful to see the changes in the school. There are more teachers and the security has been improved. The new Principal Sister Jane has worked wonders on a shoe string and the girls seem so happy. Sister Jane was quick to jump at the opportunity to have a new maths teacher and I spent one day at the school teaching revision classes. I helped to prepare the girls for their mid-term exams which will take place over the coming weeks.
I must admit, I was completely exhausted by the end of it all. But very happy to be back!
On Friday morning, there was a special assembly for me. The girls danced and sang and presented me with letters of appreciation for the dormitory as well as beautiful beads. I felt so lucky. There was a sense though that I was moving on to a new adventure.
There are more than 700 girls in the school now which comprise of both borders and day students. About 400 of those girls are borders with many coming from villages and town days away. St. Bakhita is one of the best schools in the province and those parents to value education are always keen to have their children attend.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 