PROLOGUE: "All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy."
Spike Milligan
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: You’re always guaranteed a good afternoon at Fr. Casey Clubhouse when they hold the monthly tea dances on the second Sunday of the month from September to June. The season kicks off on Sunday week, September 13 with music by Stevie Donegan and dancing from 3-6pm. All funds go to St. Mary’s Graveyard.
HOPE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER: Two TY students from Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef Abbeyfeale, Frances Broderick and Ellen Scanlon are organising a ‘Youth Activity Funday’ on Sunday, September 13 at 1pm in Fr. Casey’s GAA pitch. All monies collected on the day will go towards their travel to Calcutta next year with The Hope Foundation. It will be a great family day out and there’s something for everyone. Activities include obstacle course races, tug of war, face painting, bake sale and much much more. There will be prizes to be won and fun to be had. They would appreciate your support on the day.
ANYONE OUT THERE WHO WILL DONATE A TRACTOR: Sadly, after many years hauling loads up and down the park, the Town Park tractor is on its last legs, (should that be wheels?). Members of the committee are appealing to anybody out there who may have an old tractor in working order to consider donating it to the park. In return, you will be granted free admission for life to our dog shows and bat walks. What could be better than that? Please contact the park on 087 9282 322.We are also pleased to announce that our new toilets are reaching completion and will be officially opened in the coming weeks. Jim O’Connor and his team, with the advice of Kevin Kennelly have constructed a building that is totally in harmony with its surroundings in the park. We, the committee, are very proud of our great team of park staff who have worked on this project.
CREATIVE WRITING: They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Why don’t you pick one up and join our writing group. We return after our summer break on Friday, September 18at the Adult Education Centre (old tech) from 11am to 1pm. We write short stories, poetry etc. We had a very successful publication of our work a little over a year ago. There is no pressure on anyone and it is a nice social occasion with plenty of chat and tea as well. Anyone interested can register their name at 068 31198.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Best of luck to all the Fealefit crew taking part in Asdee 10K / Half Marathon this Saturday morning! Further upcoming eventS this month; Rainbow walk in the park, Killarney Women’s Mini Marathon and 10mile road race, Killarney adventure race and much much more. If you wish to join us or train for any of these events or similar please feel free to contact us. All training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events
GLÓRACH NOTES: Great ensemble performance from St Johns Youth Theatre at the Glórach on Friday. Any teenagers out there who’d like to tread the boards or just get an idea about the basics of drama, our workshops with Chris Fitzgerald take place on Thursdays from 7pm to 9 pm. Culture Night is coming up on Friday 18 and we will be celebrating the spoken word with acclaimed Kerry Poet Eileen Sheehan and other local writers, as well as anyone else who wishes to take the floor during the open mike session. Rehearsals are well underway for the comedy thriller, Audacity, which opens at the end of the month.
MASS IN ST. MARY’S GRAVEYARD: It was a grand dry evening last Thursday and a fine crowd turned out for Mass in St. Mary’s Graveyard. The Graveyard is transformed and was a credit to the committee and Tus staff who have taken it in hand. A very big thank you to Fr. Joe who said a beautiful Mass, Thomas and Martina, Bobby, Joan, Breda and all the other people who prepared the altar, marquee, sound and a special word of thanks to Dr. O’Donnell and his folk choir who helped make the celebration so meaningful.
BADMINTON: Badminton for adults every Thursday 7-9pm in the GAA Sports Complex, Abbeyfeale. All are welcome. For more information contact Barbara 087 7403277
MORE LOCAL HISTORY: Jer Kenneally Knockanure sent me the following: HARTNETT, JEFFREY ALOYSIUS (1859–1899). Jeffrey Hartnett, first priest ordained in and for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, son of Daniel T. and Honora Hartnett, was born in Ireland on April 20, 1859. He was less than four years old when he came with his parents, brothers, and sisters to America. Apparently in heavy debt, the family lived for a while "in the North," moved south and west as Jeffrey’s father became a levee and railroad contractor, and arrived in Texas about 1870. They stayed for a short time in Texarkana and Clarksville and finally settled in Weatherford. Jeffrey helped his father at work and eventually became his bookkeeper. He participated in the construction of several railroad lines in Texas-the Texas and Pacific, the Houston and Central Texas, and the St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt). Once the family was out of debt and firmly established, Hartnett felt free to pursue ecclesiastical studies. He attended St. Mary’s College in Kansas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, where he received a Master of Arts degree in 1891. He returned to Texas and was ordained at the procathedral in Dallas by Thomas F. Brennan, first bishop of the newly founded diocese, on July 5, 1891. He spent his first two years of ministry at Dallas and Paris, Texas. In 1893 he was sent to Ennis, where he built a church. In 1896 he was assigned to St. Patrick’s parish, where he completed a large brick-and-stone church started by his predecessor. In late 1897 he was appointed rector of the procathedral in Dallas and immediately applied his building and managing skills to the construction of the present cathedral. In early 1899 a smallpox epidemic broke out in Dallas, and Hartnett took upon himself the duty of attending to the spiritual needs of the disease victims at the pesthouse six miles away. On the night of February 11–12, 1899, an unprecedented blizzard hit Dallas. The upper Colorado, Brazos, and Trinity rivers froze solid, many cattle died in West Texas, and the Gulf region suffered a hard freeze. Answering the call of spiritual duty, Hartnett walked to the pesthouse at the peak of the blizzard to administer last rites to a dying woman. He contracted smallpox, and on March 7, 1899, he died. His death deeply affected many people in the Dallas area. Expressions of regret were sent to the newspapers by a wide variety of organizations, from the Dallas City Council to the Ancient Order of Hibernians to the Dallas Freethinkers Association. The Dallas Morning News remarked: "No death which has occurred in Dallas for many years, has occasioned more general regret than that of Rev. Father Hartnett." A true Christian folk hero, Hartnett soon became known as a "martyr to duty" and was the inspiration of poems, stories, and popular devotion.BIBLIOGRAPHY: Catholic Archives of Texas, Files, Austin. Dallas Morning News, February 12–14, 28, March 8–10, 1899. Southern Messenger, February 16, March 9, 16, 1899. Texas Catholic, July 11, 1891.
Letter to Cornelius F Sullivan, St Francis Village, Crawley, Texas 76036 from Sr. M. Emmanuel, Ursuline Nuns dated Dec 12, 1967. Her recollections of Mother Augustine Hartnett and brother Rev. Jeffrey A Hartnett.
Ursuline Nuns, 4838 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas. 75229. December 12, 1967. Dear Mr. Sullivan: Our Sisters, who teach at the Sacred Heart School where Mother Augustine Hartnett was stationed for many years, asked me to answer your letter of inquiry about Father J. A. Hartnett. When I entered the Ursuline Nuns of Dallas in 1918, Mother Augustine was an active yet elderly member of the community whom the pupils loved and revered. She told the story of her brother, whom she always referred to as Father Gus, and who has a memorial window in the Cathedral. If I remember correctly, she said there was a poor man dying of small pox at the County Poor Farm who requested that his minister be sent for to help him to prepare for death. Contacting the minister, the Supervisor was told by him that he could not possibly comply with his request because he had a wife and children dependent upon him; should he contract the dread disease, he might endanger his own life and leave them without support. He suggested that he call an unmarried priest at the Cathedral; Father Hartnett received and answered the call, baptized the man who died shortly after, and then upon his return to the Cathedral Father himself developed a fatal case of small pox. Mother Augustine felt keenly that no one was permitted to attend his funeral for fear of contagion; he was buried in the middle of the night. I know of no literature on the subject. Perhaps his nephew Very Reverend Monsignor Donald A. Harnett, St George Rectory, 3508 Maurice Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 76111 could be of some assistance in your research. This is the first time we had heard that there was a possibility of his cause being introduced. I’m not sure that his niece, Mrs. Gertrude Hartnett Milliken (Mrs. C. B.), who graduated in 1907, is still living in Weatherford, Texas; also a nephew Mr. Leo Hartnett of the same city. Sincerely yours. (Signed) Sr. M. Emmanuel.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR AFTERSCHOOLS CLUB: West Limerick Resources is starting an afterschool clubs this September for primary school children in Abbeyfeale. The club will run two afternoons a week from 3 – 4:30pm. Working with West Limerick Resources staff, volunteers are being south to help children to get the additional support they need to succeed at school including supporting them to complete homework and take part in activities including art/play/physical activities. Training will be provided along with references for volunteers who commit to one or two hours a week for an agreed time period. Garda vetting is required. Volunteers are required in Abbeyfeale on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact Irene on 069 66298 or email iocallaghan.
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.
RED CROSS CADET TRAINING: Enrolment for classes for people aged 13-17 years takes place at St. Ita’s Hall on Saturday, September 19 from 10.30am – 11.30am. The fee is €35 and covers Red Cross membership and classes. Contact Nicola 087 6235977 for further information.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE: We will be running FETAC accredited courses in Computers, Business, Horticulture and Furniture restoration. For further details call 06831198.
ABBEY HERITAGE PROJECT; Abbey Heritage based in St. Ita’s Hall provides fetac (QQI) accredited modules to early school leavers and people of any age who wish to return to employment or move onto further education. New programme recuiting for ‘Pathways to Emplyment’ Level 4. Call 068 51790.
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.
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. Next meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 9.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR AFTERSCHOOLS CLUBS: West Limerick Resources is starting an afterschool club in Abbeyfeale this September for primary school children. The club will run two afternoons a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 3 – 4:30pm. Working with West Limerick Resources staff, volunteers are being south to help children to get the additional support they need to succeed at school including supporting them to complete homework and take part in activities including art/play/physical activities. Training will be provided along with references for volunteers who commit to one or two hours a week for an agreed time period. Garda vetting is required. Contact Irene on 069 66298 or email iocallaghan.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: Learn how to support children with learning needs at school. The free workshop will cover understanding sensory processing and motor coordination and useful strategies to incorporate into the classroom environment to improve a child’s concentration, organizational skills and handwriting. Open to parents, teachers, SNAs and childcare workers living/working in West Limerick. It takes place in Newcastle West Family and Community Hub (Upstairs Newcastle West Community Centre) on Tuesday September 29 from 7.30 -9.15pm. Booking not required. All are Welcome! For further information: Contact Theresa on 069 79113.
ARA NA FEILE ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP: We are back after our Summer Break. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 9 @ 2pm in the Adult Educational Centre. Hope to see all members.
SINGING CLUB: On Friday, September 18 West Limerick singing club are hosting a traditional night in the Ramble Inn bar Abbeyfeale for Culture night with a variety of traditional singing, Storytelling and Music, all welcome. Also at 9pm on this night we are holding the press launch for the 7th Garry McMahon singing weekend which takes place this year from October 16-18. A brochure with all events during the weekend is available in the Ramble Inn Bar. West Limerick Singing Club are now holding their monthly singing session on the first Friday of each month at the Ramble Inn, Church St., Abbeyfeale from 9pm.
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 a months in St. Ita’s Hall every Tuesday & Thursday 11.30 to 12.30pm. New parents and babies/toddlers are always welcome.
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: Friday 10am Tom & Mary McAuliffe, Banard Saturday 11am Margaret, Dan & Con O’Connor 7pm Maria Kelliher, 47 Collins Park Hannah Mai Scannell St Ita’s Terrace. Sunday 9.30am Frank Collins, Banard, John & Margaret Riordan their son John and daughter Mary Ann. 12noon Neilus Healy and parents Jeremiah & Ita, Ballaugh. Jack & Hannah Cahill, 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. Next Friday is the First Friday, confessions Thursday after 10am Mass. 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. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle.
LECTURE: Where do we place God in the midst of scientific theories of the Universe? Pope Francis in Laudato Si calls for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. He talks of our need to achieve reconciliation with God’s creation. .The question of where we can find God in our world and in our evolving and expanding universe will be explored by: Dr John Feehan, a geologist from UCD at 8pm on Thursday, September 10th in the Don Bosco Centre, Milford.
HELP SET UP A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: “West Limerick Resources are currently looking to meet people who are interested in getting involved in the development of a new Social Enterprise in the West Limerick Area. A Social Enterprise is an organisation or business set up to tackle social, economic or environmental issues. If you are unemployed and have skills & knowledge or experience in areas such as Industry, Construction or Enterprise and are interested in finding out more, then come along to an information session being held at 11.30 am on Tuesday, September 15th at West Limerick Resources, St Marys Road, Newcastle West. Pre-booking for this event is necessary, please contact Brenda or John on 069 62222 to reserve your place in advance or to find out more.
GARTH BROOKES TRIBUTE BAND: Coolcappa Parents Association have invited the Garth Brookes Tribute Band to play at a Hooley in Rathkeale House Hotel on Saturday, October 3. Dancing from 9.30pm and followed by a Country Music Disco. Prizes for the best fancy dress cowboy or gal. Tickets Mary 087 7473550 or Rose 085 1688307.
ADAPT: Domestic Abuse Services, based in Limerick offers supports to women and their children who are affected by abuse in their homes and intimate relationships. Support is available in Newcastle West each week and there is a new survivors group called ‘Let’s Talk’ which is open to women. A 24 Hour Freephone Helpline is available 365 days a year at 1800 200 504. Court accompaniment and many other supports are also available. A street collection will be held on Saturday, September 12 in Newcastle West to help to maintain the level of services offered to women and their children and your support would be greatly appreciated by the volunteer collectors who are kindly giving their time for this worthy cause.
DANCING CLASSES: ‘The Mc Cormack Kelly Academy of Irish dance has changed the day of classes in Athea. The class will now run on Friday at the Top of the Town at 7 pm for step dancing and 8pm for Sean nós dancing’.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: Learn how to support children with learning needs at school. The workshop will cover understanding sensory processing and motor coordination and useful strategies to incorporate into the classroom environment to improve a child’s concentration, organisational skills and handwriting. FREE Open to parents, teachers, SNAs and childcare workers living/working in West Limerick. Venue: Newcastle West Family and Community Hub (Upstairs Newcastle West Community Centre) Date: Tuesday September 29 from 7:30-9:15pm. Booking not required. Entrance Free. All are Welcome! For further information: Contact Theresa on 069 79113
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: Sunday, September 13 with chief celebrant Bishop Brendan Leahy. Call Kitty on 085 1544718 to reserve a seat on one of the many busses travelling from West Limerick.
COMMUNITY SPORTS PROGRAMME: Limerick Sports Partnership is running a Community Sports Programme for Job Seekers 2 days per week in Newcastle West starting mid-September in Newcastle West. This is open to people who have been unemployed for 12 months or over and will run for 14 weeks. Upon completion, participants will receive Introductory Coaching Certificates including Active Leadership, Coaching Children, Disability Inclusion & Kick Start 1 (FAI) as well as a Level 4 certificate in Career Planning. Where possible, transport will be provided for participants from Askeaton, Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale or en route from these locations. This course will include a 28 hour work placement in a community setting. Contact Liam or Kathleen in the LSP at 061-333600. Alternatively, call Irene in West Limerick Resources at 06966298. Applications are to be received by August 26. Places are limited to 12.
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 every second Wednesday from 10am – 12 noon. For further information contact Geraldine on 086 6076573 or Deirdre on 086 3840526.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Athletes and Volunteers will be returning to training in the Community Centre, NCW on Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm. Congratulations to everyone on the success of the World Games recently.
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
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.
SUPPORT MEETING: Aware Depression Support Group meets: Killarney – Mondays, KDYS at 8pm,Tralee – Tuesdays, meeting room at rear of St. John’s Church at 8pm .Aware Support Groups are free to attend, no referral necessary. www.aware.ie
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The Irish Church will celebrate a National Eucharistic Congress on the weekend of September 26-28 at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo.
The theme for the National Congress is “Christ Our Hope”.
So now that you’ve have met me what will u do? Will u try me or not? It’s all up to you, I’ll bring you more misery than words can ever tell, come take my hand……I’ll lead you through hell. so true
es apart, I’ll take your children and that’s just the start. More costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow I’ll bring is a sight to behold, if you need me remember I’m easily found, I live all around in your schools in your town, I live with the rich I live with the poor I live down the street and maybe next door, my power is awesome try me you’ll see, but be warned if you do you’ll never break free, try me once and I might let you go, try me twice an i’ll own your soul, when I possess you you’ll steal & lie and do what you must just to get high, crimes you’ll commit for the narcotic charms, you’ll lie to your mother and steal from your dad, you’ll see their tears but wont feel sad, you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised, I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach u my ways, I’ll take kids from their parents and parents from kids, turn people from God heaven forbid, 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 you’ll be all alone, I’ll take & take ‘till you have nothing more and when I’m finished you’ll be lucky to live, if u try me be warned this isn’t a game, given the chance I’ll drive u insane, I’ll ravish your body and control your mind, I’ll own you completely your soul will be mine, nightmares I’ll give as you lay in your bed, voices you’ll hear from inside your head, sweats & shakes bad visions you’ll see, I want you to know these are all gifts from me, and when it’s too late you’ll know that your mine, you’ll regret that you tried me that very first time, you came to me and not I to you, you knew this would happen, surely not to you? You challenged my power, you chose to be brave, you could’ve said no and just walked away, if you could live that day over what would u say? Can i be your master will you be my slave? I promise i’ll stay with you and on to your grave.
So now that you’ve have met me what will u do? Will u try me or not? It’s all up to you, I’ll bring you more misery than words can ever tell, come take my hand……I’ll lead you through hell. so true
So now that you’ve have met me what will u do? Will u try me or not? It’s all up to you, I’ll bring you more misery than words can ever tell, come take my hand……I’ll lead you through hell. so true
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 