PROLOGUE: A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know …” “You don’t know? You’re a Christian man, and don’t know what’s on the other side”? The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching & whining. He opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before, he didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough”. Duagh Parish Newsletter.
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the Barry family on the recent death of John Barry late of Knocknasna, England and Thurles. May he rest in peace.
May AFTERNOON TEA DANCING: Sunday, November 8 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse with dancing to Noel Cronin from 3-6pm. All proceeds to West Limerick 102fm community radio.
MORE CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS: A huge shout out to Kori Goad and Noel Roche from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef who won silver medals in kick boxing at the WMO world championships which were held in England last week. We had Mairead Heffernan’s Gold PPI award a couple of weeks ago and now two world medals in the Colaiste. Abbeyfeale is a happening spot these days.
NEW BOXING CLUB FOR ABBEYFEALE: A public meeting will take place to discuss the development of a new Boxing Club in Abbeyfeale on Wednesday November 4 in The Education Centre (The Old Tech) Mountmahon at 7pm. All those interested in hearing more or being involved should attend this important meeting.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EXTRAVAGANZA: A fundraiser will be held at the Top of the Town, Athea on Saturday, November 7 with music by Paddy Quilligan, there will be complementary food and spot prizes and all funds will go to the charities that Noonan’s Lights support. All welcome.
YOUTH CLUB NEWS: Abbey Angels are in St. Ita’s Hall on Friday night at 8 till 9.30. Teens together are in the Complex and the Yolo club are in St. Ita’s Hall on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15.
TOWN PARK NOTES: These days the Town Park is looking resplendent in its autumnal colours, with the leaves clinging to the trees, reluctant to give way to the onset of winter. How lucky are we to have such a fine facility on our doorstep! The park was full of people of all ages last week, availing of the beautiful weather and the mid-term break. Jim and his team have achieved a lot this year, with the building of the new toilet facilities and the Light on Stone project being the highlights. Most recently the island on the pond has been the focus and this too is looking very well. The next big project for the park is the dredging of the area at the lower end of the park on the way to the pond. The old boat is also in need of attention. We hope to put some funding together for this purpose. If you are getting rid of your old 1c and 2c coins, please remember the park. Boxes are available at Moss Harnett’s Spar or any committee member will be glad to take your donation. Now that the clocks have gone back an hour, we would like to remind you that the park gates will be locked at 6.00 p.m. each evening.
COLAISTE IDE AGUS IOSEF: TY Students from Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef are travelling to Calcutta next year with the Hope foundation. They will speak at all Masses next weekend about their work out there and a retiring collection will take place afterward.
PRACTICAL GARDENING COURSE: It’s 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.
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.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to the members of Fealefit / St Ita’s Ac running club that took part in their first Dublin City Marathon last Bank Holiday Monday. 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.
SUE RYDER NOTES: Manager Maria Moloney writes “Looking for a winter jacket? Here in Sue Ryder, Main St., Abbeyfeale we currently have a fantastic selection of coats, jackets and other winter clothing. Sue Ryder is a registered Irish Charity that helps older people to live safe, independent lives in a secure environment. There are 6 Sue Ryder facilities in Ireland and the majority of their funding comes from the 30 charity shops around the country. Here in the Abbeyfeale shop, we sell clothing, shoes, bags, brick a brac, toys etc. We are always grateful for donations of items that can be sold in the shop or recycled (clean clothing, bags and shoes). Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items, duvets or pillows. As Christmas approaches we would also love to accept any unused or unwanted gift sets such as jewellery or toiletries that you may have from last Christmas or birthday and last but not least if you have any 1 or 2 cent coins but not enough to make up a full bag, why not drop them in and we will make sure they won’t go to waste. Thank you once again for your continued support. Our Abbeyfeale shop is going from strength to strength thanks our tireless volunteers and our loyal and generous customers.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME: Adult Choir Practice each Wednesday evening @ 8pm in the Parish Church.
GATHER BY THE FEALE NEWS: John Sherlock, qualified potter and artist in residence in the girls’ national school started beginners’ pottery classes this week at the Adult Education Centre, Mountmahon. Classes are on Tuesday nights from 7pm to 8.30pm and run for six weeks. Cost is €90 for six classes and this includes all materials, paint and firing of pottery pieces and tea and biscuits on the night. The start-up cost is being subsidised by the Gathering Committee so that creative arts can be developed in our town. Numbers are limited attend and applicants will be considered on a first come first served basis. John is interested in doing a parent and child pottery class also and if he receives enough expressions of interest this is something that can be explored further. Your feed-back is welcome.
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 19 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.
NIGHT VIGIL IN KNOCK: Monday December 7. A Coach will be leaving Listowel @4.30pm, Abbeyfeale Church 5pm, Devon Inn 5.10pm, NCW 5.20pm, Regional Hospital 6pm, Jury’s Inn 6.10pm, Union X 6.15pm, West County Ennis 6.50pm, Gort 7.20pm. Vigil programme Confessions 10pm, Vigil in Basilica 12am, Mass 4am. Bookings 068 31232 or 087 3966399. Fare €25.
TAKE THE PLEDGE FOR NOVEMBER: Take the short term pledge in honour of the Holy Souls: “I promise, in honour of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, and with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to abstain from all intoxicating drink for November”.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The ever popular Fleadh by The Feale festival in Abbeyfeale will feature on the new “HUP” series on TG4 on Sunday night next November 8 at 10pm. The programme features all local musicians & singers performing in various locations throughout the town, from butcher shops, grocery shops, houses, bars & in the open-air. This programme promises to offer the best of West Limerick talent as well as showcasing the picturesque beauty of Abbeyfeale. A show not to be missed!
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.
GET AWAY FROM THE BUSY WORLD FOR A DAY: Would you like to have a quiet day away from your busy schedule in a calm and peaceful environment. The day will consist of quiet prayer, reflection and will conclude with the Eucharist. Venus Westbourne, Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick. Taking place Saturday, November 7 or Saturday, December 12 from 10.30-5.30pm. To book your day out Tel 087/9636893 or email phymoy@yahoo.co.uk
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.
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.
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@wlr.ie
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.
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.
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.
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 8.15am Michael & Peggy Tattan and Family. Thursday 10am Marsha O’Mahony, Canada. No Mass on Friday at 8.15am. Friday 10am Purgatorial Friday 7pm Dan Murphy, New Street & Leens, Months mind. Saturday 11am Bridget O’Brien. Mass Intentions for next weekend Saturday 7pm Sean & Bridie Leahy, Bogmount and deceased family members. Kathleen O’Connor, Knocknasna. Sunday 9.30am Billy Harnett, Dromtrasna, Peter O’Connell Purt 12noon Denis Horgan and his son Anthony. Johnny Lane, Kilconlea Upper. Friday next is the First Friday, confessions after 10am Mass Thursday. 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. 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 using the tags provided. Spiritual Reading Group will meet on Wed 4th @ 2pm in the Blessed Sacrament chapel. A meeting of the Pastoral Area will take place in St Ita’s Hall on Wednesday, November 4 at 8pm.
BOOK LAUNCH: The long awaited launch of Séamus Ó’Súilleabháin’s History of the Great Hunger in County Limerick will be launched in the Desmond Hall the Square Newcastle West on Friday November 13at 8.00 pm. Ruan O’Donnell from the History Department of the University of Limerick will do the launch and John Cussen Newcastle West will chair the proceedings. Killeedy Comhaltas group will provide the entertainment. There will be refreshments served after the launch at Cronin’s Bar. Everyone is welcome.
MILFORD CARE CENTRE NOTES: Milford Care Centre & Anam Cara are holding a Bereavement Information Evening on Thursday, November 12 from 7- 9pm in Milford Care Centre, Limerick. The guest speaker for the evening is Kathleen O Connor. All Anam Cara Services are available free of charge to bereaved parents. Anam Cara will need to confirm numbers for room set up, we would appreciate if you could RSVP to info before Wednesday, November 11 or call us on 01 4045378. Compassionate Communities is a great Limerick community initiative from Milford Care Centre They have developed some really useful resources: Let’s Talk Leaflets, Let’s Talk films, support for the recently bereaved, and even encourage people to plan or reflect in advance about their own death using Think Ahead.Compassionate Communities also offers seed grants to individuals and/or community groups who would like to engage in an activity associated with death, dying, loss or care. Their 2015 Seed Grant Scheme is now open. Applications close on December 4 next.
EURODESK: Through its website and over 1,200 affiliated information centres, including one at Limerick Youth Service, Eurodesk provides information on opportunities such as travelling, working, studying and volunteering in Europe.
From tips on volunteering in Germany and employment rights in different nations to passport requirements and access to support services, Eurodesk is the first port of call for your queries.
Eurodesk will also signpost you to other sites such as the European Youth Portal and European Volunteer Service and employment rights in various nations. Ireland too features, with Eurodesk providing information on coming to Ireland. This feature is of great use to migrants, Erasmus students and indeed locals who wish to brush up on their local knowledge.
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 www.towardspeace.ie, phone 01 505 3028 or email towardspeace@iecon.ie.
HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY: The West Limerick Resources "Towards Occupation" Programme returns this November with a series of "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body" workshops. Focusing on well-being, self-care, fitness and nutrition, these workshops will be held on one morning a week over four weeks in Newcastle West from mid-November onwards. All are welcome to attend. Please contact Finn Fitzgerald on: 069 61316 or 087 759 1951 for more information.
BUILDING YOUR CHILDS SELF-ESTEEM: A new programme for parents of children from 6 to 12 years will run each Thursday from November 5 to December 10 in the Newcastle West Family & Community Hub, NCW Community Centre. Time: 10am to 12 noon. Topics will include: Learn how to build your child’s self-esteem; Positive limit setting and boundaries; Understand Your Child’s Development and Emotional Needs; Have less fights and more positive time at home. Free of Charge. Open to any adult in receipt of social welfare payment or parenting alone. For a place call Theresa Shanahan at West Limerick Resources on 069 79113.
TALK WITH FR. SEÁN McDONAGH: on the climate conference in Paris which is on from November 30 – December 11. This talk takes place on Friday, November 6 @ the Meadowlands Hotel Tralee, at 7.30pm. All welcome to attend.
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.
COME KNIT WITH US: Duagh Family Resource Centre on Monday Nights from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. 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.
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.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: Next Saturday, November 7 from 1pm beidh fáilte mór romhat to the Desmond Complex, Gortboy, Newcastle West (behind the Fire Station/Library) for an afternoon of nostalgia, conversation and exercise to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Great Southern Trail Greenway. A video presentation entitled "Journeying from a Railway to a Greenway" will be launched tracing the history of the GST. You are also welcome to share your memories/photos etc. and to meet old friends. Refreshments will be provided.
Then, at 3pm the Mayor of Limerick City & County, Liam Galvin, will officially start a walk from the Desmond Complex to Ardagh (5Km-3Miles) along the route of the very first walk in 1990. More refreshments and chat will follow at Neary’s Bar before return to Newcastle West courtesy of Coach House Travel at about 5.30pm. Bígí linn!
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. 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.
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 