PROLOGUE: A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. Duagh parish newsletter.

TEXT ALERT: Abbeyfeale and District Initiative are holding a seminar entitled ‘How safe is your farm’ at the Devon Inn on Thursday night starting 7pm. There will be a speaker from Muintir na Tire who will outline the steps needed to set up a text alert system to help make our community – both rural and urban – safe so even if you have no interest in farming you should attend.

GARRY MC MCMAHON W/E: The 7th. Annual Garry Mc Mahon singing w/e takes place this coming Friday to Sunday in Abbeyfeale.The full program of events for the weekend are available from committee members or in the Ramble Inn bar. Some of the best traditional singers from all over Ireland and beyond will be attending this year’s festival. The Official Opening will be performed by Dara Ó Cinnede – the great Kerry footballer – on Friday at 8pm at the Ramble Inn followed by singing sessions from 9pm at the Ramble Inn and Leens Hotel. On Saturday morning there’s a free workshop on traditional singing and newly composted ballads from10.30-1pm in Leens Hotel with tutors Joe O’ Connor and Seamus Brogan. Then at 3pm in the Ramble Inn we will have the final of the newly composed ballad competition followed by singing sessions in Leens and the Ramble Inn. . Sunday at 12 noon Aifreann na Rioch composed by the late Garry McMahon and performed by the senior Abbeyfeale church choir under the direction of Dee Dennison will be held at the Church of the Assumption. Then at 3pm in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse West Limerick Singing Club will be paying a tribute to Donie Lyons from Glin, the renowned traditional singer and musician. There will be a farewell singing session in the Ramble Inn from 6.30 – late to bring another wonderful weekend to an end.

DROMTRASNA CHALLEGE 2015: The Dromtrasna Challenge 2015 will take place on Saturday, October 17 starting at Dromtrasna National School, Abbeyfeale. The school is located on the left hand side of the first road after Devon Road Cross coming from NCW and will be signposted. ALL proceeds go directly to Milford Hospice Fundraising Department, to help them with the tremendous work they do in their Care Centre in Milford and throughout the Midwest region. The Dromtrasna Challenge offers an opportunity to all members of the community to get involved in this event and support this very deserving cause through our 10K Run, 4K Walk/Run and our newly added 2K Kids Run. There is something for everyone in this year’s event. will be our guests at the Dromtrasna Challenge 2015. The lads will bring along the ‘The Cross of Cashel’ Trophy and will be available for autographs and photographs throughout registration. They will also run the 2km fun run with the kids. This is a unique opportunity to meet these lads and chat to them. We urge everyone to bring your flags and banners, wear your Limerick jersey and show our support for these lads fantastic achievement in bringing an All Ireland Crown back to Shannonside. The 2km kids run takes place at 1.30pm with registration commencing at 12.30pm. The 10K Run and 4K Walk/Run will start at 3pm with registration from 2pm. Hot refreshments will be served afterwards in the school. Members of the Limerick U21 Hurling Team, All Ireland Champions 2015, will be our guests at the Dromtrasna Challenge 2015. The lads will bring along the ‘The Cross of Cashel’ Trophy and will be available for autographs and photographs throughout registration. They will also run the 2km fun run with the kids. This is a unique opportunity for all Limerick fans to meet these lads and chat to them. We urge everyone to bring your flags and banners, wear your Limerick colours, set Dromtrasna alight in a sea of green and show our support for these lads fantastic achievement in bringing an All-Ireland Crown back to Shannonside.

MISSION SUNDAY: A collection to help the Missions will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.

TOWN PARK NEWS: The Annual General Meeting of Abbeyfeale Community Leisure Ltd. takes place this Thursday, October 15th. at Leens Hotel at 8.30 p.m. All welcome. Abbeyfeale Community Leisure Ltd. is the company that operates Abbeyfeale Town Park on behalf of the community and its members are all volunteers from the locality.

GLÓRACH NEWS: Rehearsals are well underway for our in house production that will take place this November. ‘The Rain at the end of the summer’ is one of John B. Keane’s lesser known plays, having been rarely staged. A stellar and experienced cast will bring to life a powerful story of generational clashes and family disintegration.

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS: Workshops on the world of social media for business are being offered by West Limerick Resources this October to help participants promote or grow their business. An Advanced Workshop will take place on October 21st. Own laptop or tablet required. Limited availability for this free introduction to Social Media – contact Dearbhla on 069 66293 or email dconlon to reserve your place.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR FARM: A seminar at the Devon Inn on Thursday, October 15 at 7pm., organised by Abbeyfeale and District Initiative and will feature the National Chairperson of IFA’s Farm Family Committee Maura Canning, the Development Officer with Muintir na Tire Diarmuid Cronin and James Clarke from Adare who survived a farm accident. This is a free event and refreshments will be served. All welcome.

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS: The RTE Radio One documentary ‘Con Carey and the 12 Apostles’ has won a PPI award. Our own Mairead Heffernan of Main St. was the presenter and producer of the documentary about the death, burial and reburial of Brosna man Con Carey. She was presented with the award in Galway last weekend. Peter Curtin too was a winner receiving bronze for his documentary on ‘Granny’s Intentions’. So it’s a historic achievement for Abbeyfeale to come home with two awards from the PPI’s. Well done.

YOUTH CLUBS: Abbey Angels are in St. Ita’s Hall on Friday at 8 till 9.30pm. We regret that due to large numbers no more young people can be registered for this club. Teens Together are in the Sports complex and the Yolo club are in St. Ita’s Hall on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15 pm.

YOUTH ACTIVITY FUN DAY: Frances Broderick and Ellen Scanlon who organised the Youth Activity Fun Day held recently at Fr. Casey’s GAA pitch would like to offer their sincere thanks to all who supported them on the day. They also want to say a sincere thanks to their sponsors. It is because of the help of the community that the students will be able to make such a huge difference to the living conditions of the street children of Calcutta.CARD GAME: A card game will be held at Fr. Casey’s GAA club house on Friday night October 16 at 9pm sharp, in aid of Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna, Parents Association. All support greatly appreciated.

BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club A.G.M will be held on Thursday October 15 at 7.30pm sharp in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale.

PARTY AT THE WINNERS CIRCLE: Following the Dromtrasna Challenge on Saturday next, October 17 a party will take place in The Winners Circle, Abbeyfeale at 10pm. Entertainment will be provided by popular Limerick based band SWITCH. We will have a barbeque and raffle on the night. Donations at the door for Milford Hospice.

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING: Pastoral Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 13 at 7.30pm in the Sacristy.

CLASSES AND COURSES: Courses in Practical Gardening, Furniture Restoration and Computers began this week at the Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre. If you missed our information night last week, feel free to ring the centre at 068 31198 if you have any queries about courses.

FEALE FIT NOTES: Make sure to come along and support The Dromtrasna Challenge this Saturday October 17, there is something for everyone, kids run at 1.30pm / 10k run and 4k walk from 3pm, ‘ Take that step for Milford ‘. If you wish to join Fealefit for training for any events please don’t hesitate to contact us. All event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events. Currently in training for Dublin Marathon, Listowel Half Marathon and the Dromtrasna Challenge plus much much more…Fealefit Halloween Kids Camp Runs October 28th – 30th 11am – 3pm in Scoil Ide & Iosaf Abbeyfeale.

YOUTH THEATRE: Calling out to all transition year students and upwards, a wonderful opportunity awaits you with the newly established youth theatre in Abbeyfeale Youth Theatre encompasses drama, poetry, monologues, public speaking, music, singing, make up, costume, lighting, camera, film, audition preparation etc. it is an ideal way to meet, mix and explore new ideas with young adults around your own age. You will gain confidence and new skills without even realising it under the superb direction of Chris Fitzgerald. Chris has extensive experience of working with young people through youth theatre and film for many years now. Glórach Community Theatre every Thursday between 7 and 9 pm. Places are limited, for further details ring 0871383940.

COMPUTER CLASSES: If you approach the laptop with trepidation but still don’t want to be left behind in this age of technology, if you need to be able to communicate with family abroad or pay bills on line now is your chance to learn with Rosemary at the Education Centre every Wednesday. Registration this Wednesday from 10am – 3pm. Classes from 10-12. 30 or 1- 3pm. Further information 069 77636.

SPACE FOR JOBSEEKERS: Space for Jobseekers is a dedicated space for unemployed people to meet each week to share, vent, learn and socialize with people in the same boat. Group meets on a weekly basis and will include training, information sessions etc. The group is open to old and new members of all ages. Times are as follows: Abbeyfeale, The Old Tech, Room 10 on Mondays & Tuesdays 10 -12 noon. If you are interested in coming along to find out more, please contact Finn at West Limerick Resources on 069 61316/087 759 1951, or simply come along and see what it’s all about.

BOYS N.S. AGM: The AGM of St Mary’s Boy School will take place on this Wednesday, October 14 @ 8pm in the school. Parents are encouraged to attend this very important meeting.

SET AND SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Set’s and social dance classes for beginners at Top of the Town Athea on Monday nights from 8-30 to 10-30pm. Set dancing for advanced dancers at the GAA Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday nights from 8-30 to 10-30pm.Social dance classes at The Railway Bar Abbeyfeale on Tuesday nights 8-30 to 10-30pm. For further information contact 087-9267037/087-6101936.

CLOTHES COLLECTION: A clothes collection will take place in Scoil Mháthair Dé on Thursday, October 15 at 9.30pm. If you have any re-usable clothes, paired shoes, belts, handbags, curtains, towels, soft toys mobile phones and laptops that you want to recycle you can drop them into the school any day before Thursday. Please keep shoes, toys, mobile phones and laptops in separate bags.

CREATIVE WRITING: They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Why don’t you pick one up and join our writing group every Friday from 11-1pm at the Adult Ed Centre, Mountmahon. 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.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME: Adult Choir Practice each Wednesday evening @ 8pm in the Parish Church.

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 recruiting for ‘Pathways to Emplyment’ Level 4. Call 068 51790.

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, October 21.

SINGING CLUB: 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. The group are in the running for a free trip for 50 people by rail and Denis Collins did them proud last Saturday morning on Damien O’Reilly’s farming programme on RTE radio one with his entry to the competition.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler continues to meet 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, Sundays 9.30am and 12 noon. Thursday 10am Colaiste Ide agus Iosef School Mass. Saturday 11am Jimmy Sweeney, Dromtrasna. Intentions for next weekend Saturday 7pm Mary Ann Moloney The Hill Ist Anniversary. Tim & Maureen O’Connor, Fealesbridge Sunday 9.30am Eily Harnett, Kilconlea 10th Anniversary. Teresa Fitzgerald, Dromtrasna South. 12noon Garry McMahon Mass. Fr Bill Lane and Sr Depazzi Des Hughes 1st Anniv. Monday 7pm Kathleen O’Connor.

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. St. Ita’s Spiritual Reading Group will meet in the Adoration Chapel on Wednesday 7 @ 2pm. This is a relaxed informal group, we would like new members to join us.

THE HILLS OF OLD KILCOLMAN: This traditional music C.D., proceeds of which are going to Milford Hospice is for sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and Philip Enright’s Ramble Inn.

DANCING IN MONAGEA: Set dancing classes with Ita McQuinn every Thursday, from 8.30pm at the Parish Hall and continue until late Spring.

FREE COURSE ON RADIO PRODUCTION FOR THE OVER 55’S: Get to grips with how the media works and get involved in radio that makes a difference during a ten week course starting shortly. This new short course is aimed at people over 55 years of age with an interest in community issues or current affairs. In a fun and friendly atmosphere, you’ll explore how radio and TV shapes the world we live in. In a group, you’ll help make a radio programme you’d like to listen to, on the things, big and small that matter to you. The programme will be broadcast as part of a national series all over Ireland.

With the help of the Community Foundation for Ireland, there’s no charge but spaces are limited. Participants will gain a QQI/FETAC Level 3 accredited qualification.

Training takes place at West Limerick Community Radio’s Station in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. For further information contact Connie Broderick, Joint Manager WL102fm on 069 66200.

AMERICAN TEA PARTY: The annual tea party in the Rock takes place at the Community Centre, Rockchapel on Friday, October 16 next. Tea party is a misnomer since a hot meal will be served followed by glorious deserts and gooey chocolate and coffee cakes all washed down with copious cups of tea or coffee and then to round off the night dancing to Ballyvourney’s Autumn Gold.. Further information, tickets etc. contact Neily @ 029/69200, Noreen @ 029/69977or Breeda @ 069/81156.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY GROUPS TRAINING: West Limerick Resources is offering a range of workshops for community groups this October and November. October 13: Effective Groups through Good Governance, October 20: Group Management and Development; October 27: The Implication of the Charities Act on your Organisation; November 3and 12: Sourcing Finance for Not for Profit Groups. Details of further workshops on Group Dynamics to be announced shortly. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley

LIKE A HELPING HAND IN YOUR ROLE AS PARENT?: The Incredible Years programme is a practical course focusing on supporting your child’s education, fostering good learning habits and routines and also encouraging communication and effective parenting. The 15 week programme will take place on Wednesday nights, 7.30pm— 10pm October 14/21, November 4/11/18, December 2/9, January 13/20, February 3/10/17 and March 2/9 in West Limerick Resources Office Newcastle West. FREE COURSE. LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE. REGISTRATION CLOSES October 7. Contact Adrienne O’Connell at West Limerick Resources on 087 277 3294

SUPPORT PROGRAMME: A Six Week Prostate Cancer Support Programme – in Recovery Haven (Cancer Support House) Haig’s Terrace, Tralee on Mondays@ 7pm- 9pm. Please contact Siobhán if you are interested in attending on 066 7192122.

CONCERT: Fundraising concert for Ard Cúram Day Care Centre, Listowel (day centre for the elderly): Featuring Kathy Nugent & Colm “Stride” O’Brien with special guests Sean Ahern and Cara O Brien on Friday night next, October 16 at 8pm. in St. John’s Theatre, The Square, Listowel. Tickets €15.

MAUREEN’S TRIPS: November 22 is the annual trip to Dublin. Leaving Newcastle West at 8am. First stop will be for a hearty breakfast in the Harbour Hotel, where if you wish after breakfast put in your order for homemade bread, scones, cakes, mince pies and Christmas pudding and collect same when we return in the evening for choice of dinner menu. We are going to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre where you will have choice of over 180 shops to browse. We have just a few seats left so to avoid disappointment contact Maureen 087 9845102.

DANCING CLASSES: ‘The Mc Cormack Kelly Academy of Irish dance Friday at the Top of the Town Athea at 7 pm for step dancing and 8pm for Sean nós dancing’.

ADAPT: 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.

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.

HISTORICAL LECTURE: ‘Mapping the Archaelogy of Limerick City by John Elliot’ Monday October 19 at 8pm in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

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

EXERCISE CLASSES: Step & Tone classes with Maggie Large in Duagh Sports Complex on Tuesdays @ 7pm. Contact Maggie on 087 9866533, booking essential.

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 trueLEARN TO PLAY A TRADITIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Join adult tuition session held in Shanagolden each Thursday night. Beginners, improvers and more experienced players (all ages) are welcome to join.

Beginners start at 7pm – Others from 8 pm -9 pm. For More information: Contact Carmel at 086 8676920 or 061 601923.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY GROUPS TRAINING: West Limerick Resources is offering a range of workshops for community groups this October and November. October 20 Volunteer Recruitment and Retention; October 27: The Implication of the Charities Act on your Organisation; November 3 and 12. Sourcing Finance for Not for Profit Groups; November 24: Group Dynamics and Conflict Management. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley

WEIGHTWATCHERS: Weightwatchers meetings are being held in Fr Caseys GAA clubhouse every Tuesday morning 10am -11am and evening 7pm – 8pm. For more details call Sandra on 087 6718377 or call into the meetings.

VOLUNTEERING CONFERENCE: Limerick Volunteer Centre’s “Limerick Privilege" Volunteering Conference will take place on Friday, November 6 from 9:30am to 3pm in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick. Main Speakers will include: Ms. Nina Arwitz – CEO Volunteer Ireland, Ms Sheila Nordan – Executive Director Irish Charities Tax Research and Mr Conn Murray – Chief Executive Limerick City and County Council. There will also be a number of practical afternoon workshops. Details to be announced shortly. For further information see: www.volunteerlimerick.ie