PROLOGUE: Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.Albert Einstein.
CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM: The 2nd annual memorial swim in honour of popular Abbeyfeale cattle dealer, the late Connie Harnett, will take place on New Year’s Day in Ballybunion at 1 pm. Donation buckets will be in place on the day and there will be a raffle with loads of prizes to be won. Monies collected will be divided between The Sagart Lourdes Fund, Nano Nagle Listowel and St. Josephs Unit, Listowel Community Hospital.
Refreshments will be served on the beach and there will be complimentary hot food at Christys Bar in Listowel on the way home. Please come out in force. Fancy Dress is optional on the day. Great fun is guaranteed. Enquires to 086 3151447
CENTENARY OF BIRTH OF ABBEYFEALE ARCHAEOLOGIST: Editor of Mainster na Feile Nicholas Leonard reminds us;
“This year is the centenary of the birth of Brian O’Kelly- the Abbyfeale man who, among other achievements, did such mighty work to excavate and restore Newngrange to its glory. Anyway, there was a free public lecture on December 6 last in Meath to mark the centenary of O’Kelly’s birth in 1915. Sadly, he seems to be forgotten in Abbeyfeale, though he is one of our most celebrated archaeologists, and one of Abbeyfeale’s greatest achievers, with an international reputation and respect. There are still relatives of his in Abbeyfeale (O’Kelly’s School that was, etc). O’Kelly’s ground-breaking (forgive the pun) work is considered a ‘dead letter’- now that scientists are ‘excavating’rock samples in outer space! But O’Kelly’s work was,and is, every bit as important, and probably a lot more precious and valuable to the Irish people than any ‘ould scrap of space dust!’.”
COMMUNITY ALERT: We are asked to keep a friendly eye out for our elderly neighbours in these dark dank days. As you get older and I speak with the voice of authority (!) people are nervous of falling on ice or into potholes filled with water so they become confined to home and would really appreciate a friendly call to enquire if they’d like a bucket of turf brought in. When driving it is much safer in these days of dark evenings and poor visibility to drive with dipped headlights. Support After Crime Services is a voluntary service to people affected by crime founded in January 2006 by Sally Hanlon. Its objectives are to benefit the community by maintain a free and confidential service where the issues of people affected by crime can be addressed with a view to resolution. Contact details; 021 4320555 9.30am – 5.30pm or email info@supportaftercrimeservices.ie
ABBEYFEALE FARMERS MARKET: A big thank you to all our customers for their support over the last 12 years and we look forward to providing some of your Christmas provisions this December at our weekly Friday market in the Square. We still have some Knocknagoshel honey for sale and this a staple that should be in every cupboard to help prevent colds and ‘flu’s. Helga Henn will be in the Square on Wednesday, December 23 with a selection of locally grown, chemical free vegetables, free range eggs and Christmas marmalades to tide you over the Christmas season.
GLÓRACH YOUTH THEATRE: Tickets are nearly sold out for the kids show at the Glórach, a performance that will display the wonderful talents in music, song, dance and drama of the youngsters who have been attending classes at the Glórach since September. The show takes place on Sunday 20 at 3 pm, Monday 21at 7.30 pm and Tuesday 22 at 7.30 pm at the Glórach Community Theatre. Almost sold out, booking of tickets absolutely essential at 0871383940. There will also be a chance to catch the work of upcoming local artists whose work is hanging in the foyer.
‘JOY OF CHRISTMAS’ A capacity crowd packed the Church of the Assumption last Sunday night for a wonderful night of music and song. All the national schools were represented along with the Church Cantors, the Senior Church choir, Lost Souls(Soles?) the gospel and blues group and a surprise guest from South America who brought the house down and all accompanied by the best of Abbeyfeale musical talent. Well done to MC Seamus Lane who compered the night with verve and vivacity and sent everyone back out into the night in great form. It was a most appropriate start to the Christmas season and having it broadcast on the Webcam meant that those of us who were not able to attend could be there in spirit.
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.
FEALE FIT NOTES: Thanks to everyone that came to The Fealefit Xmas party last Saturday night in the Cellar bar. Great night full of laughs & dancing with friends. Well done to the winners of our latest Fealefitter challenges who received their prizes on the night Dan Mc Carthy, Selena Gardiner, Yvonne O Connor & Matt Semple. If you wish to join Fealefit for Running / Tri – Athon or adventure race training in the New Year 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 or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552!!
‘HOPE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS: Five TY students are travelling to Calcutta in the spring with the Hope Foundation. 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 . There will be 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.
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
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual concert at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna will take place on Friday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. sharp. All welcome to attend.
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.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual concert at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna will take place on Friday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. sharp. All welcome to attend.
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.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUBS: Clubs finished up last Friday night for Christmas with a disco in Askeaton. A very good time was had by all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
WEIGHTWATCHERS: Weightwatchers meetings are being held in Fr Casey’s 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.
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 16.
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: 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
AN T-IONAD GLAS CHRISTMAS FEST: “Get Festive in Dromcollogher” The Organic College in Dromcollogher is hosting a “Christmas Fest” on Thursday December 17from 5-8pm.To get us in the Christmas mood there will be a wide range of market stalls selling crafts and food gifts including delicious chutneys, jams, home baking, plants, jewellery, willow baskets and other goodies. You can also pick up natural gifts like Christmas Wreaths, hand-made soaps and luxurious treats. There will be face painting for children and to relax visitors will get to enjoy tea & coffee, homemade cakes, BBQ food etc. from the many Artisan Food stalls. Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than to support local community enterprises and come home with some unique Christmas gifts. Money spent locally will recycle within the community as well as giving the buyer top quality food and crafts. For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.com or follow us on Facebook.
For further details contact the College on 063-83604 or check out our website: www.organiccollege.comChristmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than to support local community enterprises and come home with some unique Christmas gifts. Money spent locally will recycle within the community as well as giving the buyer top quality food and crafts.
CHRISTMAS RECITAL: Minstrels Gallery, Adare Manor Wednesday December 16 with the Holy Trinity Abbey Choir. Book tickets on 061 605200.
NEW YEARS DAY WALK: For the New Year’s Day walk at Knockfierna Hill, meet at Ballingarry Hall at 2.15pm, leaving the Rambling House at 2.30pm followed by tea and rambling house session. This event marks the 30th anniversary of the rambling house sessions which were first held in 1986. For further information contact Pat on 0879977340.
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
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: Panto on Sunday, January 31 2016. This is the 53rd Panto performed by the Killorglin Players Madame Butterfly alia Mrs Aladdin starting at 6pm. in the INEC. A bus will be leaving Newcastle West at 3pm. and we will pick up in Abbeyfeale at the Church. By leaving on time we will be able to have some refreshements before the show starts. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
Spring Break; April 24-27, 2016. We will be staying in the Cavan Crystal 4 star Hotel, Cavan. On our way up we will stop off in Longford to see St. Mel’s cathedral that was destroyed by fire 5 years ago and reopened last Christmas. We have a full and interesting itinerary, touring by day and dancing after dinner in our hotel. On Monday we will go to Armagh where we will visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Church of Ireland Cathedral also we will go and see the Cardinal Tómas O’Fiaich Memorial Library. We intend going to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises. All those who have already given in their names must confirm their booking with a deposit of €25 to secure our hotel booking. Contact Maureen 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.
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 Thursday December 17 from 10-1pm. 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.
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.
USES OF THE PARISH OFFICES: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening @ 8pm. A.A. meet every Wednesday afternoon @ 3pm Friday night @ 8pm and Sunday mornings @ 10am. These organisations are a great voluntary support to many people and we are happy to host their meetings in our parish office.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 