PROLOGUE: "Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Charles Dickens
THE SKY AND THE GROUND: An exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Leahy, daughter of the late Ita O’Donnell and Joe Leahy, Knockbrack took place at the Glorách Theatre on Saturday night. A large crowd attended and all were highly impressed by Mary’s interpretation of local scenes.
THE BRICKX CLUB: Lego activities in a social environment. Ages 4-12. Coming to Fr. Casey’s GAA Clubhouse from Wednesday, November 18 for 5 weeks. Starts 3.30pm. Fee €40, discount for siblings.
GOOD NEWS STORY: The RCCN (Rural Community Care Network) work in our area to deliver low cost maintenance to the Elderly & people with disability. They are funded through CSP programme through Pobal. They operate from the Round House Office in NCW under manager Kathleen Mulvihill. RCCN Ltd, The Round House, St Mary’s Road, NCW. 069 69315 rccnhousing@yahoo.ie
HOPE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS: Five TY students are travelling to Calcutta in the Spring with the Hope Foundation. They would like to thank all those who donated to their church collection when they raised €2650. There are two upcoming fundraisers being organized by Cian Blair, son of Josie Foley and Bill Blair to help with the €3,100 that each student is expected to raise and which will be used to help children in desperate need in Calcutta. The first is an Afternoon Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, December 13, a Golf Classic on St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) at Newcastle West Golf Club and then two nights after Christmas, on December 27 a Trad night is planned for Fr. Casey’s GAA Clubhouse here in Abbeyfeale. Cian’s father Bill is calling on all golfers, clubs and societies to please support the classic and any offers of help will be willingly accepted by Bill on 086 0768978. He says:
“Please take the time to read this message for our Co-Ordinator.
I write to you from The Hope Foundation, an Irish charity working with street and slum children in Kolkata (Calcutta) India. I work as a Development Education Officer for the Hope Foundation Immersion programme. Every year hundreds of Irish transition year students fundraise for the projects we support in Calcutta and once they reach their target they are then allowed to travel over to meet the children that they have helped and bear witness to the work that all their hard earned fundraised monies is helping to support. This is truly a life changing experience for our young people and this year there are eight extraordinary students from Colaiste Ide agus Iosaef fundraising to help the street and slum children of Kolkata and they aim to travel out there with the group on March 25th 2016. On December 26 there will be HOPE Golf Classic at Newcastle West Golf Club. It is a three ball team event from 8:30am to 12:30pm. The cost is €30 per person which includes a goodie bag, a meal discount and of course 18 holes of Golf. The proceeds of this event will go directly to the 64 projects supported by The Hope Foundation to enable the Abbeyfeale students take part in the Immersion Programme. We would be so grateful for any support you could give the event, or the students. Please organise a team? Sponsor a spot prize or a Tee Box. We continue to be overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown to these young students in the Abbeyfeale, Castleisland, Listowel and Newcastlewest area. Your contribution really does make a difference to the work of HOPE and also to these incredible young changemakers who are fundraising to help make a world where it should never hurt to be a child.
Many thanks in anticipation for any support you can give.
We are truly grateful.
Charlotte Nagle
Fundraising & Development Education Officer The Hope Foundation
Registered Charity No: CHY13237
‘THE RAIN AT THE END OF SUMMER’: Opening night is nearly upon us, and little more to say now except that this could be literally a chance in a lifetime to view this rarely seen John B Keane play as it has not been performed in over forty years. A stellar cast drawing from the well of thespian experience, an impressive set that has to be seen (fantastic work done by Donal Woulfe and Martin Tobin) and a powerful play. The Rain at the end of the Summer opens this Thursday, November 19 at the Glórach Community Theatre, Abbeyfeale, with further performances on the 21/22/24/27/28 and 29 of the month. The show starts at 8 Bpm and tickets can be booked by ringing 0871383940.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
COMMUNITY ALERT: According to the Garda website burglaries increase in winter by 25%, in 20% of these burglaries entry is gained through an unsecured window or door. Jewellery and cash are the most common articles stolen during burglaries. See www. Garda.ie for tips on how to make your home safe. To prevent phone theft press *#06# on your phone keypad, this will bring up your unique 15 digit mobile phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Keep this number safe and if your phone is stolen, ring your phone provider and they will be able to prevent calls being made at your expense.
MILFORD FRIENDS SAY THANKS: For the recent church gate collection which raised €1,481.60. Milford Care Centre is hosting a workshop for parents and guardians who are caring for bereaved children on Thursday, November 19 from 10am – 12.30pm and a Bereavement Support Information Evening on Tuesday, November 24 from 7-8.30pm. Booking essential on 061 485822.
SYNOD 2016: Upcoming sessions in the Devon Inn on Monday, November 23/30 to discuss the meaning of Baptism and the Church as a people of God. Speakers are Lorraine Buckley and Donal Fitzgibbon.
ARA NA FEILE: Wednesday’s meeting at the earlier time of 1.45pm as a demonstration will take place at 2pm.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Those seeking help for Christmas must fill in an application form. They are available at the church doors. Closing dates for these forms is December 8.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: Annual Cake Sale on Sunday, December 13 in St. Ita’s Hall.
FEALEBRIDGE SOCIAL; Fealebridge and Headley’s Bridge Co-Op are holding their 45th Annual Social at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine on Friday, December 4 at 8.30 pm. Last year’s social was a wonderful night, and this year’s event promises more of the same. Music is provided by Ui Bhriain and there will be numerous spot prizes, novelties, etc on the night. Tickets are available at both creameries and from staff and committee
members.
THE KUBE: Takes place at the Devon Inn on Saturday, November 28 at 7.30. Fundraiser for Abbeyfeale UTD.
NEILIUS HEALY DARTS TOURNAMENT 2015: The annual single hand tournament in memory of the late Neilius Healy, Ballaugh and The Hill will take place on Sunday, December 6 at the Railway Bar at 5.30pm sharp. Tickets €10. Cash prizes. All proceeds to Milford Hospice.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Well done to all the members of Fealefit / St Ita’s Ac running club that took part in the Listowel Half Marathon / 10k last weekend despite the challenging weather conditions. Congratulations to Listowel Crusaders for a very well organized event. 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. Save the date : Fealefit Xmas Party Saturday December 12, more details to follow…
ENHANCE SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITY/VOLUNTARY GROUPS:
Limerick Volunteer Centre will be holding a meeting in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on Thursday November 19 from 7.30-9pm to consult directly with community and voluntary groups about how best to maximize their service in the County which includes a placement service, training courses and Garda Vetting. Light refreshments will be served from 7pm. To register contact Paul on 087 738 7481 or email info@volunteerlimerick.ie
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.
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE: To vote, you must be on the electoral register. November 25 is the last date to register before having to do so at a Garda Station. If you are not on the draft register for 2016/2017 (the Register of Electors that will come into force on 15 February 2016) or if you are on the draft register but your details are incorrect you may claim to have a correction made by completing the application form RFA 1 and sending it to the Franchise Section, Limerick City & County Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick by 25 November 2015. If you miss that date, it is still possible to register. To check if you are registered and to check your details: Go to www.checktheregister.ie You can get the form you need at the post office, library or council office or on-line to www.vote.ie If you want more information about voting and registering to vote go to www.vote.ie
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME: Adult Choir Practice each Wednesday evening @ 8pm in the Parish Church.
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”.
TOASTMASTERS: 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, November18.
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.
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.
YOUTH CLUB NOTES: Abbey Angels are in St. Ita’s Hall on Friday night at 8 till 9.30pm. Teens together are in the Sports Complex on Saturday and the Yolo club are in St. Ita’s Hall on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15pm.
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.
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 Sean Riordan and family Purt. Thursday 8.15am Mary Lane RIP. Thursday 10am Mary Ellen and Lizzie Mulcahy Kilmanahan. Friday 8.15am Matt and Eddie Roche Glenshesk. Friday 10am Mary Nelligan RIP. Friday 7pm Mass of Remembrance for those who died during the year. Saturday 11am Memorial Mass for Kathleen Flaherty nee Quirke Queensland and Killarney Road. Saturday 7pm Cathy, Tom and Mick Scanlon. Connie Harnett, Collins Park 1st anniversary. Baby Tommy Moran. Emmet Leahy, Millstream. Sunday 9.30am Patie Lane, Kilconlea Upr. Taidhgedh Harnett, Kilconlea. Micheal Reidy, Meenkillly. Thomas Lane, Knocknasna. Sunday 12 Noon Fintan Hoare, Knockbrack. Davy Healy Caherlane, Micheal and Josephine Reidy, Shanbally. Do This in Memory Mass next Sunday 9.30am. This is also the Feast of Christ the King. Baptismal Programme December 1 in the Sacristy 8pm. Adoration Meeting Sacristy November 25 8pmNovena to St. Anthony 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. Please hand in names of people who died outside the parish and whom you wish to have remembered at the Mass of Rememberance. 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. .
INVITATION: To a coffee morning as part of the 16 Days of Action opposing Violence Against Women on Wednesday, November 25 from 11am-12pm in West Limerick Resources main office. There will be a box for donations of baby products. These will be passed on to ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services for mothers who may arrive at the refuge in Limerick with few provisions.
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: “Greta has been a great inspiration to me since I became sick. She has been dealing so well with cancer in her body for some time. Many have read her posts on Caringbridge. She has said " I have learned that my thoughts become things, so I make sure I think thoughts that are loving and in agreement with what I love.”What I have learnt from Greta and others is the importance of accepting cancer as part of me. It is created by my body and is another aspect of my body. Its cells started to multiply out of control. It can and does happen to anyone. “Cancer is a function of the body, be it a malfunction. “I have never heard Greta talk “fight" with her own body. She and so many others accept and welcome the treatment, taking control of the situation where you can and accept the things you cannot change. The diagnosed person isn’t in charge of the situation as an excellent article in yesterday’s Irish Times pointed out. Laura Kennedy said, “the angle from which we choose to view will ultimately dictate how to deal with it. In instances of physical suffering, determination, perspective and the courage to overcome fear and pain are essential." (Abridged).
1916 CALENDAR: The launch of the Easter 1916 Kerry Centenary Calendar will take place at the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Sunday November 22 at 7 pm. The calendar features Kerry people who played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising both in Dublin and Kerry.
BOOK CLUB: Love to read? If so join Duagh’s newest Club—A Book Club. This is a great way to get together as a group and talk about our shared passion for books & reading. Starts Tuesday, November 17from 7pm to 8pm. More information from Patsy Keane 087 617 7721.
MAUREEN’S OUTINGS: Christmas Party on Saturday, December12 at the Corbett Court. Bus leaving NCW at 7pm. Great party atmosphere in a decor of a Christmas winter wonderland. Four course delicious dinner and afterwards dancing and ‘craic’. Everyone most welcome. Contact Maureen 087 9845102. Spring Break April 24-27 staying in the four star Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan with complimentary use of the leisure centre. We have a full and exciting itinerary touring by day and dancing in our hotel in the evening. One of the days we will visit the two cathedrals in Armagh and if we are lucky enough to meet the Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin it would be really nice. Also we intend to visit the Cardinal Tómas O Fiaich Memorial Library which I have been told is very interesting by people who were there earlier this year. We are taking the big bus and this is fast being booked we have a few seats available, so to avoid disappointment contact Maureen now 087 9845102. (Suggestion for Maureen – it’s only 30 miles from Cavan town to Longford town and St. Mel’s newly reconstructed cathedral which is absolutely gorgeous and has had over 150,000 visitors since it re-opened.)
HISTORY LECTURE: A lecture on ‘A History of Salmon Fishing on the River Shannon’ by Donal O’Connor of Tarbert Island will take place at the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday November 26th at 7.30 pm.
CONSOLE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF LIGHT SERVICE: Sunday, November 29 in St. Augustine’s Church, Limerick at 4pm. Information from 061 306792.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday November 26 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
NATIONAL ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE|: Wednesday, November 25 at 7.30pm in St. Teresa’s Church, Clarendon St (off Grafton St.) in the presence of President Micheal Higgins in preparation for the UN Climate Summit.
GROUP DYNAMICS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP:
West Limerick Resources is offering a range of workshops for community groups this November. November 24: Group Dynamics and Conflict Management. Learn strategies to effectively deal with conflict that may arise from users of your community organisation, and also between members of your own group. Venue: West Limerick Resources Office, Newcastle West. Time: 7.30pm. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie
PARENT TODDLER GROUP: Duagh Parent & Toddler Group is a great way for Moms Dads and Kids to make new friends. Come along and join in the fun on Monday Mornings from 9:30am – 11:30am. 0 to 5yr Olds. Music, Dance, Singing, Games & Chat. For more info contact Caroline 087 2921292. Looking forward to seeing you.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS HEALTHY: “Loves Me…Loves Me Not… Makes me feel safe, Tries to control me. Accepts me as I am, Keeps me from seeing my family and family. Listens to me, Always blames me. Values my opinion, Makes all the decisions. Supports what I want to do in life, Teases, bullies and puts me down. Is truthful with me, Makes me cry. Always tries to understand how I feel, Embarrasses me in front of others. Likes that I have other friends, Is always checking up on me. Makes me laugh, Makes me feel afraid. Trusts me, Gets violent, loses temper quickly. Treats me as an equal, Takes my money and other things. Respects my family and understands my need for time alone or with family, Threatens to leave if I don’t do what I’m told.” Women’s Aid 1800341900 between 10am-10pm 7 days a week. Log onto www.womensaid.ie and click on ‘get help locally’ for local refuge contact numbers.
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.
PARENT TODDLER GROUP: Duagh Parent & Toddler Group is a great way for Moms Dads and Kids to make new friends. Come along and join in the fun on Monday Mornings from 9:30am – 11:30am. 0 to 5yr Olds. Music, Dance, Singing, Games & Chat. For more info contact Caroline 087 2921292. Looking forward to seeing you.
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 until 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.
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 November 19, December 3 and 17 ). 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.
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.
NOTE CHANGE OF DAYS: 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 the first and third Wednesday from 10am – 12 noon. For further information contact Geraldine on 086 6076573 or Deirdre on 086 3840526.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 