PROLOGUE: "Self-respect, self-worth and self-love, all start with self. Stop looking outside of yourself for your value."
Rob Liano
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to Michael and family on the death of Mary O’Grady, Tullig South, Templeglantine and formerly of Abbeyfeale. May her soul rest in peace. We also offer our sympathies to Bridie and family on the death of Daniel O’Donnell, Kilcara. May he rest in peace.
PRAYERS IN THE GRAVEYARDS: Prayers at the Graveyards next Sunday November 1: St Mary’s 2.30, Old Graveyard in the Square 2.40pm, Reilig Ide Naofa @ 3pm.
CONFESSIONS FOR THE HOLY SOULS: Confessions in the Church of the Assumption before 7pm Mass on Saturday, October 31, from 10.15am – 12 noon on Sunday, November 1 and after 10am Mass on the feast of The Commemoration of the Holy Souls Monday, November 2.
CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS AGAIN: This week we must congratulate Stephen Roche Meenkilly who has just graduated from Tralee I.T. The very best of luck and well done Stephen who is the son of Marian and Jer.
INDULGENCES FOR THE HOLY SOULS: One can gain a plenary indulgence visiting a cemetery each day between November 1 and November 8. These indulgences are applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory. A plenary indulgence, again applicable only the Souls in Purgatory, is also granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public oratory on November 2. In visiting the church or oratory, it is required, that one Our Father and the Creed be recited. – The traditional conditions to attain a Plenary Indulgence: A Plenary Indulgence can be gained only one per day. The faithful must be in the state of grace and these three conditions must accompany the prescribed act: the faithful must receive the sacrament of confession, either eight days before or after the pious act is performed, receive Holy Communion on that day and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is the minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added). – See more at: http://www.catholicculture.org
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EXTRAVAGANZA: A fundraiser will be held at the Top of the Town, Athea on Saturday, November 7 with music by Paddy Quillagan, there will be complementary food and spot prizes and all funds will go to the charities that Noonan’s Lights support. All welcome.
NEWS FROM ABBEYFEALE FARMERS’ MARKET: The late Rosemary Brighton was a member of the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market where she ran a craft stall producing crochet capes, shawls, scarves and caps along with handmade cards and other craft items. In 2008 she became involved with the Save the Children Campaign and the comedian Paul O’Grady’s initiative to provide knitted caps for newborn babies in Africa. A woolly hat can mean the difference between life and death for a newborn baby and so Rosemary put out a call for knitters in West Limerick to join her in knitting tiny caps and over a period of a few weeks was able to send 1,000 caps to Save the Children therefore helping to save countless lives. After Rosemary’s untimely death in 2012 the stallholders at the Market decided to continue organizing knitters in her honour. Knitters from St. Ita’s Day Care were joined by people from Athea and Mountcollins as well as two active retirement groups from Limerick city who instead of caps for premature babies began to knit larger ones to go into Team Hope’s Christmas Shoe Boxes as fillers. Last year we took delivery of several hundred caps which have gone out to the Ukraine and Moldovia. Recently, the Mungret and Raheen Active Retirement groups presented Team Hope’s coordinator in Limerick – Karen Brosnan from Mountcollins with over 300 caps and some scarves which they have knit. We would like to thank them for their work and are delighted that they have promised to continue knitting. The shoeboxes collected from the West Limerick area are taken to a warehouse in Mountcollins where they are checked and added to if necessary before being sent off to needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa. The deadline for 2015 is November 15 and if anyone would like to pack a shoebox they can do so and collection can be arranged. Suggested items include pens, pencils and parers, notebooks, colouring books, games, sunglasses, dolls, skipping ropes, cuddly toys, small toys, gloves, socks, underwear, scarves, soaps, cosmetics, caps and jellies. The items should be new or as good as. Boxes should be for boys or girls age 2-4, 5-9 or 9-14. You are asked not to include food, medicines, war related items, books with words, chocolate, liquids (which could spill and ruin the box).
YOUTH CLUBS: There will be no clubs next week owing to it being Halloween. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to Limerick’s Youth Service annual church door collection last weekend.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Muintir na Tire gave us a list recently and asked that people do the following before the winter sets in: A. Write out a brief description of how to reach your own house in the case of an emergency and leave it beside the phone. Remember that if you are in a panic and making a 999 call that it can be very hard to describe how to get to your home so pick a landmark and then write out how to get from there. B. In case of a fire can you exit the house rapidly and safely? In the event of it happening have an agreed assembly point. Is there a key in the door or a window that you can exit through? Have two escape routes from each bedroom. Keep a flashlight beside the bed. C. Have a smoke alarm on every level and one in the attic. D. Put a fire blanket in the kitchen and upstairs hallway. E. Put a fire screen in front of open fire. Do not store combustibles beside fireplace. Keep matches away from children.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET: The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of WL102fm takes place at the Community Centre, NCW on Sunday next, November 1 with gates opening at 7.30am. Stalls are either €7 or €10 depending on the vehicle you are driving. All welcome. Stalls selling food must have health certification.
‘THE RAIN AT THE END OF THE SUMMER’: Rehearsals in full swing as we are now little more than three weeks away from our opening night on Thursday, November 19th at the Glórach Community Theatre. The heat in the play is not only derived from climatic conditions, but also the tension within the O’Brien family that is about to explode. Don’t miss this rarely seen John B Keane play, starting date above, with further performances on the 21/22/24/27/28/29 of November.
GLÓRACH YOUTH THEATRE: Progress continues apace as we prepare for a production in the New Year. A few slight alterations, rehearsals on Thursday have moved to the Cliabhán, the building behind the main theatre space. The classes take place from 7 to 8.30 pm, and are open to all secondary school students. Never too late to join the classes that are given by the excellent Chris Fitzgerald, for bookings ring 0871383940.
TOWN PARK NEWS: On Thursday last the new facilities in Abbeyfeale Town Park were officially opened by Cllr. Liam Galvin, Mayor of Limerick City & County and blessed by Canon James Neville. Also in attendance were Cllr. Seamus Browne MCC, Kevin Kennelly (architect) and Christy O’Connor of Limerick City & County Council who funded the project. Members of the park committee were joined by former committee members including Bill Doyle and Tommy O’Connor. Mr. John Mangan represented Kostal and also present were Sr. Delia and Sr. Perpetua. Monumental sculptor Noel O’Connor, who provided the engraved plaque, also came along, as did the park accountant David Ward and his brother Paul who took the photos. Park supervisor Jim O’Connor and his troop of C.E. scheme employees were praised for the very high standard of workmanship in the new building, Christy O’Connor commenting that Limerick City & Council were very pleased with the return they received for their investment. Following the formalities, Ann Kennedy and her team provided teas, coffees, scones, buns and croissants and as the sun shone out, everybody mingled and chatted until the last bun was ate – I’ll tell you next week who ate the last one.
PRACTICAL GARDENING COURSE: Motorists approaching the traffic calming signs in Abbeyfeale last Tuesday must have wondered what we were doing, but they’ll know next spring when the daffodils poke their heads above the ground. Never too late to set daffodil bulbs, and never too late to join up with the gardening course at the Abbeyfeale Community Education Centre. Running two days a week on Mondays and Tuesdays, for further enquiries ring 068 31198.
HALLOWEEN DISCO: The Parents Council of Scoil Mhathair De are holding a fund raising disco at the Rugby Club on Wednesday, October 28 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
JUST A THOUGHT: The first reading at Mass last weekend was from Jeremiah 31:7-9 and included the lines “ See, I will bring them back from the land of the North and gather them from the far ends of the earth; all of them: the blind and the lame, women with child, women in labour, a great company returning here. The reading goes on to talk about streams of water and smooth paths. All I could think of was the news reports during the week of huge numbers of refugees stepping into a river as they crossed to what they hope is safety. Trocaire is working with partners in Syria and the refugee camps if you have anything spare to send.
THE KUBE: Feohanagh/Castlemahon GAA & Ladies Football clubs are holding The KUBE as seen on TV3 as a fundraiser for the completion of development of the new field at Quaid Park. This thrilling evening of family entertainment is on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine. Doors open at 7pm, the KUBE starts at 8pm. Abbeyfeale will be represented by Cllr Seamus Browne who will be a contestant on the night.37 contestants from all over the county will compete for the grand prize of €1000 2nd/3rd/4th/5th prizes €150.There will be a Halloween kids fancy dress on the night & prize for the best dressed! A fantastic family night of entertainment, door ticket prizes & raffle prizes in store. Tickets are available from each contestant, Feohanagh/Castlemahon GAA & LGF clubs players & committee members. Adult tickets €20, Family tickets €50(2 adults + 2 U16s). Please contact John Noonan 0872557602 or see out facebook page The KUBE-Feohanagh Castlemahon for more information.Your support is greatly appreciated.
FIRE SAFETY WEEK: As part of Fire Safety week, Abbeyfeale Fire Station are having an open day for the public on Saturday, October 31 from 11am to 4pm. All are welcome to call in and visit.
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.
TABLE QUIZ FOR HOPE FOUNDATION: O’Riordan’s Bar, Friday, October 30
THANK YOU: The Epilepsy Association would like to thank all those who donated to their recent church gate collection. A sum of €600 was raised.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY GROUPS TRAINING: West Limerick Resources is offering a range of workshops for community groups this October and November. November 3rd and 12: Sourcing Finance for Not for Profit Groups; November 17: Diversity – The Potential for your Community; November 24: Group Dynamics and Conflict Management. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
SPACES FOR JOB SEEKERS IS GETTING CRAFTY IN NOVEMBER: For the month of November the Abbeyfeale Space for Jobseekers will be getting the creative juices flowing with some arts and craft workshops. Come along and enjoy some new, fun and interesting ideas every Monday and Tuesday morning from 10am in the Old Tech. New members welcome. Call Finn at West Limerick Resources on 087 759 1951 or 069 61316 for more details.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
COFFEE IN THE AFTERNOON: Call to Meenkilly N.S. between 1.30 – 2.30pm on Tuesday, November 3 for a cup of tea or coffee and support the Breast Care Unit in the Regional Hospital, Limerick.
MEENKILLY CARD GAME: The annual card game will commence on Tuesday, November 3 at 9pm. All proceeds will be donated to the Breast care Unit, Regional Hospital, Limerick.
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.
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.
CLASSES AND COURSES: Courses in Practical Gardening, Furniture Restoration and Computers are underway at the Adult Education Centre. Some spaces remain.
SET AND SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Set 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.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME: Adult Choir Practice each Wednesday evening @ 8pm in the Parish Church.
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, November 4.
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
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. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Tommy & Delia Nelligan. Thursday 10am. Brigid McLoughlin, Knocknasna Friday 10am Margaret & John O’Connell Saturday 11am John Griffin, Main Street. Mass Intentions for next weekend 7pm Mary B McCarthy, Knockbrack. Tim & Julie Browne. Timothy Galvin Knockbrack Month Mind. Sunday9.30am Mary Jo O’Connell Fealeview Road. Patrick & Eileen Roche, Killarney Road. James J & Margaret Collins Convent Road & family members. 12noon Bridget & Patrick Cleary, Main Street and Birmingham Jackie & Ann Lyons, Knocknasna and their daughter Noreen.
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. 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. Prayers in the Graveyards on Sunday, November 1. Annual Mass of remembrance for those who died during the year will take place on Friday, November 20. World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will be celebrated in Abbeyfeale church on Saturday, November 14 at 7pm. The Tree of remembrance will be on the Sanctuary for the month of the Holy Souls. Place the names of your deceased relatives on it.
COME KNIT WITH US: Duagh Family Resource Centre on Monday Nights from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Starting Monday, November 2. Everyone Welcome – Old, Young, Beginners & Skilled, Knitters & Crochet. Just bring your yarn & needles/hook. For more info contact Caroline 087 2921292. Looking forward to seeing you.
TOWARDS PEACE: is a new spiritual support service designed for those who have experienced sexual, physical, emotional or spiritual abuse by Catholic Church personnel in Ireland. Support is also available for family members of abuse survivors. The vision of Towards Peace is to provide a safe supportive space, where people who have been affected by abuse in a Church context can be accompanied as they seek their own experience of spiritual peace, one step at a time. Towards Peace provides spiritual support through one-to-one spiritual direction sessions. Up to nine sessions are offered and there is no cost. For more information, please visit towardspeace.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: The Rural Employment & Education Service (REES) works with people who feel they need support to enter or re-enter employment, explore education/training opportunities or wish to become self-employed. We are base in the Round House, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West. Outreach Services available in Abbeyfeale at the Old Tech on Thursdays from 10AM to 1PM (5th & 19th November, 3rd & 17 December). Contact West Limerick Resources on 069 61316.
SENIOR HELP LINE: Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10.00am till 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
VOTE FOR BACK2NEW: Time is closing in on the "Better Together" video competition and the Back2New Community Upcycling Project would appreciate your support. Back2New Community Upcycling was established by West limerick Resources under the TUS work placement programme. The initiative provides opportunities for work experiences and skills development for long term unemployed individuals. You can view the video and vote at: http://2015.bettertogether.ie/video/back2new-community-upcycling. One vote per device is permitted over a 24 hour period from now until November 20.
VOLUNTEERING CONFERENCE: Limerick Volunteer Centre’s "Limerick Privilege" Volunteering Conference will take place on Friday, November 6th 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. For further information see: www.volunteerlimerick.ie
DUAGH SPORTS AND LEISURE FUNDRAISER: The Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex will be holding a fund raising night with Joan Cashman on Friday, November 6 at 7:30pm. Joan Cashman has been styling the nation with over 20 years. This is a fund raising night for the centre to contribute towards the completion of the upstairs of the building and your help and support is needed and appreciated.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FORUM: PAUL Partnership, West Limerick Resources, and Ballyhoura Development are partnering with Kemmy Business School in U L on November 5 at 2pm to host a forum on Unlocking the Potential of Social Enterprise. This forum will explore the benefits and challenges of Social Enterprise and present some practical case studies on how Social Enterprise works in Limerick and Clare. Booking essential on 087 6997331.
HALLOWEEN: Visit the Haunted Writers’ Hall at the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 from 3 pm to 5 pm. Includes a tour of the haunted rooms, storytelling and craft making. Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years. Admission €5. Booking essential to info.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday October 29 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
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.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Jim Lyons hosts a rambling house in Knockalucka on the third Tuesday of the month.
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.Spring break 2016 that won’t break the bank. – Leaving Newcastle West on Sunday, April 24 and returning on Wednesday, April 27. We will be based in a four star hotel in Cavan with complimentary use of the award winning leisure centre. Touring by day and dancing by night. We intend to visit both great Cathedrals in Armagh and much more. We will have a full and interesting itinerary as usual. As there are a limited number of places early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Contact Maureen 087 9845102 for more information and booking.
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.
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/
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.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 