PROLOGUE: The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket. Roy Rogers.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to wife Rhona and family of the late Dick Danaher, Shanbally and Chapel Street. We also offer sincere sympathy to the family of the late Con O’Riordan, St. Ita’s Sheltered Housing and Ballaugh. May they rest in peace.
HAIL AND BLESSED: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in a stable in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold . At the same hour, vouchsafe O My God to hear my prayer and grant my petition. Amen.
CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS: The annual Christmas Carol Service takes place on Sunday, December 13 in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale.
PAINTING EXHIBITION ABBEYFEALE: A collection of Acrylic Paintings by a Local Community Group will be on display in the Glórach Community Theatre, Convent Rd., Abbeyfeale this December. Entitled "Creative Journey”, there will be an opening reception on Friday December 4 at 7.30pm with painting remaining on show until December 21. All welcome, open to adults and children. This is a West Limerick Resources Initiative.
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. rccnhousing
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 and the Yolo club are in St. Ita’s Hall on Saturday night from 7.45 – 9.15pm.
SUE RYDER: As the temperatures drop you will still find a fantastic selection of coats and other winter clothing in our shop on the main street. You will also find that perfect holiday read from our well stocked library, still only €1 per book.
Donations of clothing, shoes, bags and bric a brac are always welcome. At the moment we still have lots of customers looking for Christmas decorations so if you are replacing any this year, we would welcome the old ones. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items. Thank you for your continued support.
HOPE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS: Five TY students are travelling to Calcutta in the spring with the Hope Foundation. There are three 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.H
CANTATÉ: The Thesaurus defines a cantata as – a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text. Scoil Mháthair De pupils will sing this on Friday, December 11 in the Church of the Assumption.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
COMMUNITY ALERT: At a meeting of Abbeyfeale Community Alert at the Garda Station on Monday night last Chairman James Stack asked all those who hold security systems to check that they are in working order. This is done by pressing the button on your wrist which will lead to the Monitoring station answering. They will then check that the battery on the device is fully charged and they will be able to reassure you that all is well. He also asked everyone to wear the button and not hang it off the bed post where it would be of no use if you had a fall or God forbid if undesirables arrived at the door. Liason Garda Roger O’Donoghue would like to remind the community not to allow people to do work on guttering, or paving etc.without first checking their credentials by ringing 068 31100. He also asked everyone to check on their neighbours during these dark months, make sure that they have enough fuel inside that they are not using candles and have a flashlight for emergencies. People are also advised to purchase a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide one and to replace batteries as soon as these devices start to beep. Secretary Mossie Gleeson who deals with applications for security systems told the committee that there is going to be a delay in processing applications due to the changeover of funding from the Dept. of the Environment to Pobal. He will continue to accept applications but apologies for delays which are totally out of his control.
OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID: Are you self-employed or thinking about becoming self-employed? Are you involved with a local Social Enterprise? If so West Limerick Resources are offering Fetac Level 5 Occupational First Aid Training in Newcastle West on Fridays December 4, 11 & 18. Time: 10am to 4pm. All three days need to be attended for certification. Places are limited and free to self-employed individuals, those involved with Social Enterprise or those thinking about becoming self-employed in the West Limerick area. Contact: Brenda Heath on 069 62222 or email bheath
THANK YOU: From all the cast of the play, The Rain at the end of the Summer, that recently played at the Glórach Community Theatre, we would like to send out a massive thank you. Thanks to everyone backstage, front of house and on sound and lights who helped to ensure the show ran smoothly. Thanks to everyone who donated a spot prize for the raffle, to everyone who spread the word about the play, and finally of course, to all of you who attended the play. No drama could do without its patrons, who in this case often came out in inclement weather, which neither dampened their enthusiasm nor clouded their judgement of the play, with warm and effusive praise coming our way after each performance. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING: Are you self-employed or thinking about becoming self-employed or involved with Social Enterprise? Does your business involve working with children or young people? Do you understand Child Protection? West Limerick Resources, in cooperation with Barnardos, is offering Child Protection Training in Newcastle West on Saturday December 5 from10am—4.30pm. Free to self-employed individuals, those involved with local Social Enterprise or those thinking about becoming self-employed in the West Limerick area. Contact: Brenda Heath on 069 62222 or email bheath
COMMUNITY GROUPS TRAINING: West Limerick Resources is currently offering a range of workshops for community groups. The final workshop this Thursday December 3 will cover Diversity – The Potential for your Community! Participants will learn about the nine grounds of Equality Legislation in Ireland, examine a sample inclusion and equality policy statement that they can adopt for their own organization and explore the benefits of promoting more equality as well as the risks attached to not doing so. To register contact Suzanne on 069 79114 or email srowley
MEENKILLY CARD GAME: The following are the results of the first game of the season:
Winners with 12 games; Mary Phil McCarthy, Mossie O’Donnell, Micheal O’Kelly.
Sean O’Connor, Dick Fitzgerald, Gobnait Scannell. Table prizes; Sheila Breen, Billy Broderick, Billy Lane. Door prizes went to Maurice Roche and Jackie Broderick. Raffle winners were Johnny Stack, Sean O and Liam O’ Connor, Joan O’Grady, Laurence McAuliffe and Christina O’Donoghue.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: The Rural Employment & Education Service (REES) works with people who experience barriers and 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 and also operate an outreach service. Outreach Services available in Abbeyfeale at the Old Tech on Thursdays from 10AM to 1PM (3 & 17 December). Contact 069 61316.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: A pub quiz will take place in the Ploughman Bar on Friday, December 11. Annual Cake Sale on Sunday, December 13 in St. Ita’s Hall. Proceeds to Fr. John Moloney’s Mission in London and Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Soudan.
BACK2NEW THROUGH TO FINAL: West Limerick Resources Back2New Community Upcycling Project has been shortlisted for the final of the Better Together Video Competition which will take place on December 9 in Dublin Castle. Nora Casey and Mary Kennedy will be speaking on the evening. Back2New provides opportunities for work experiences and skills development for long term unemployed individuals.Thanks to everyone who voted for the project.
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. The conference are preparing hampers in conjunction with Colaiste Ide agus Iosef and would appreciate donations of non-perishable foods to the Colaiste. The annual church door collection will take place next weekend.
CARD GAME FOR ST. MARY’S BOYS SCHOOL: The annual fundraising card game will take place on Friday, December 4 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse. Your kind support is welcomed.
ABBEYFEALE TIDY TOWNS: Chairman Kevin Kennelly and Secretary Marie McElligott would like to offer a sincere word of thanks to all those who have worked for, and contributed to, the fantastic success of Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns.
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.
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: 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…
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.
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.
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, December 2.
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 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 Benny Collins. Wednesday 10am Anne O’Connor Keating, Main St./Dublin. Thursday 10am Con O’Connor Lotts. Saturday 11am ICA members and deceased members. 7pm Sonny McCarthy, Caherlane. John Barry Knocknasna Months Mind, Tom Doody, Kilconlea. Sunday 9.30am Hannah Mai Scannell Dromtrasna. Joan Simmons and Jimmy Doody. Sunday 12 noon William T. Flynn and deceased members. Nick and Eleanor Cotter, Upper Purt. Novena 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. Adoration on feast day of the Immaculate Conception December 8 will begin at 1pm. Pulpit sharing at all Masses next weekend.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. Pope Francis has announced the Year of Mercy, with the purpose of proclaiming God’s mercy to all people, and for the church to "make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy." The year begins with the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy in the Basilica of St. Peter, December 8, 2015 by Pope Francis. Every diocese will celebrate the opening of the Holy Door in unity with the Universal Church by opening a Holy Door of Mercy in their own cathedrals on Sunday December 13. Next Friday is the First Friday, confessions after 10 am Mass on Thursday.
RECOVERY HAVEN: Anam Cara is holding its monthly Parent Evening on Tuesday, December 8 from 7.30-9pm in Recovery Haven 5 Haigs Terrace, Killerisk, Tralee, Co. Kerry. All Anam Cara Services are available free of charge to bereaved parents.
CHRISTMAS GROTTO AND CRAFT FAIR: The Duagh Christmas Craft Fair & FREE Santa’s Grotto will take place on Sunday, December 13 from 12pm – 3pm in the Church Grounds.
HISTORY LECTURE: A lecture on ‘The Life & Times of J.D. Bourchier’ by Professor Michael Foley of Dublin City University will take place at the Seanchaí Centre on Wednesday December 2at 7.30 pm.
YOUTH 2000 CHRISTMAS RETREAT in Newbridge College, Kildare, for 16-35 year olds on the weekend of December 18-20. Contact 01/6753690 or youth2000.ie
KNOCKFIERNA ON BBC: Knockfierna Hill features in “Ireland with Simon Reeves” on BBC2 on 8th December at 8.15am. Simon Reeves and his team visited Knockfierna on a beautiful summer’s day last June. He met with Pat O’Donovan and other members of the Knockfierna Heritage Group. They spent the day filming on Knockfierna Hill with the intention of using it in a programme he was making about Ireland. Drones were used to take the wonderful panoramic shots of this scenic landscape. Simon spoke to Pat about the plight of the people living on the hill during the famine. At the height of the famine 1,200 people inhabited the hill (which is commonage), driven from their homes when unable to pay their rent. Their English overlords failed to assist them in their hour of need. Now, no one inhabits the hill but the stone cabins remain to remind us of those difficult times. Simon Reeves empathized with those people who were so cruelly treated by his fellow countrymen.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET: The annual Christmas Craft & Food Market will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square, Listowel on Sunday December 6 from 11 am. Admission is free!!
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: “My own form is good but recovery is very, very slow. These days are teaching me what my body has brought me through and gratitude fills the heart.” The last words of Steve Jobs –
“I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.
In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.
However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed. At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.
In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me. Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.
It should be something more important: For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood. No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.
I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.
This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, He will give strength and light to go ahead.
Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands. What is the world’s most expensive bed? The hospital bed.
You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you. Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.
Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls. Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends…Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.
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. 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.
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, 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.
DANCING IN MONAGEA: Afternoon Tea Dance Sunday, December 6 from 3-6pm. 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.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 