PROLOGUE: "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
Rumi.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to Vincent O’Connor and family Knockbrack on the death of Vincent’s father Jim in Broadford. We also offer our sympathies to the family and friends of the late Lily O’Keeffe Ballaugh and Hill Road, whose death occurred last Friday. Her huge removal and funeral, with people returning to pay their respects from all over, was a fitting testament to a woman who lived a quiet and humble life dedicated to her church, her work, her employers, family and friends. Lily was a loyal friend to many people in the community, a great supporter of local businesses, and was a regular theatre goer. She loved her annual trip to Lourdes with her friend Mary and made many trips to Knock and also on the parish outings with Tony and Peg. At her funeral, her nephew Tom said, that a man he met recently told him that Lily was a legend and a real lady. She never left a person without telling them she’d be praying for them or lighting a candle for an intention confided in her. Principal Celebrant of her Funeral Mass Fr Joe Foley said she was a danger with the holy water as a sprinkle was not in her vocabulary and you’d be liable to get a drenching! Mother Teresa wrote a guide to daily living called The Joy in Loving and in it she said; “These are the few ways we can practice humility: To speak as little as possible of one’s self. To mind one’s own business. Not to want to manage other people’s affairs. To avoid curiosity. To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully. To pass over the mistakes of others. To accept insults and injuries. To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked. To be kind and gentle even under provocation. Never to stand on one’s dignity. To choose always the hardest.” The late Lily O’Keeffe practiced those precepts over her 88 years on this earth and is now reaping the reward that she so richly deserves.
DIOCESE SYNOD CULTURE NIGHT: This evening of culture will incorporate elements of poetry, music, Gaeilge and local historymarking the tercentenary of the birth of Tadhg Gaelach Ó Suilleabháin. The poet Tadhg "Gaelach" O’Suilleabhain was born in Tournafulla in 1715. Most of his well-known poems were of a religious nature and he wrote these poems while he was living in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
From about 1760 on, his life changed and he became a pilgrim and it was at this time that Tadhg began to write his religious poems. He died in Waterford Cathedral in 1795 and after his death, the first edition of his poetry was published in Limerick.
The evening will be hosted by Neilus de Róiste. Input will be given by Salvador Ryan. Poetry readings by Canon Micheál Liston and a traditional music session will follow with music provided by local musicians.
Dr. Salvador Ryan is Professor of Ecclesiastical History in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth since 2008. Alongside Bishop Brendan Leahy he has co-edited two volumes of Treasures of Irish Christianity. The evening takes place at the Devon Inn Hotel next Friday, January 29 and will begin at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited.
CONCERT: Traditional fundraising variety concert by West Limerick traditional singing club on Saturday March 12 in Fr Casey’s GAA club, Abbeyfeale. The concert will include a variety of Traditional Musicians, Singers, Storytellers and dancers all for just €10. Please support. West Limerick singing club are also hosting a night of songs in remembrance of 1916 on Friday April 1 in the Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale at our monthly singing session which takes place on the 1st Friday of every month.
TOWN PARK NOTES: James Harnett PRO of the Town Park committee writes “February approaches and with it longer days and a touch of spring. Right now is a good time to visit Abbeyfeale Town Park to watch some of the largest river birds in Ireland. The best viewing point is along by the railings directly in front of the picnic tables and early morning offers the best opportunity of enjoying the spectacle of these great birds fishing in the Feale. The most common of these birds is the heron, a large grey bird with a long neck. It stands upright in the water, quite still, until it spots its prey. It then darts its head into the water and catches a fish. The cormorant is another large bird that frequents the river. It swims in the river with just its head and neck appearing over the water. It then dives under the water and surfaces several metres away having caught a fish. The little egret, a very large white bird, has also been spotted flying in the vicinity of the town park recently. So, if you are a twitcher why not come along to Abbeyfeale Town Park – you might find something to tweet about.”
GLÓRACH YOUTH THEATRE: Preparations are well underway for an upcoming production, and even if you don’t fancy threading the boards, there is always lots of work offstage, be it with props, prompting, curtains or light and sound, and who knows, you may even surprise yourself by taking a small part on stage. To paraphrase the old Northern Ireland Tourist board ad from the 1990’s, "you’ll never know unless you go." Youth theatre classes take place at the Glórach on Thursdays from 7 to 8.30pm , for further enquiries call 0871383940.
KNOCKNASNA N.S. CALLING: Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Pádraig is a country primary school for girls and boys located at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick which is now accepting enrolments for September 2016. If you wish to come and visit the school, see the facilities, meet the pupils and teachers at a time convenient to you, then please contact the school principal Billy Quirke @ 087 9601506. Alternatively you can visit the school website www.knocknasnans.ie. Enrolment Application Forms can be downloaded from the website or collected at the school.
ARA NA FEILE: The active retirement social club hold their next meeting at the Adult Education centre on Wednesday, February 3 at 2pm.
PAINT WITH WATERCOLOURS: Classes at Shakti and Wellness Centre, Hill Road with Denise Joy 087 1538884. Start Thursday, February 4 at 6 weeks.
FEALEFIT NEWS: Couch to 5k training continues this Saturday January 30 at Fealefit @ 9am along with Adventure Race Training at 10am!!!Our Couch to 5k training is building towards a Charity 5k in Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day at 10am with a Green theme, €10 to register, write your chosen Charity on your race bib & at end of the run we will collect all race bibs & pull a random bib from our drum & all money raised will be donated to that charity! This is a fun community event to help raise money for charity so we ask people to help in any way they can with stewarding the course, bring your own water & whatever you can for refreshments, baked goods etc. anything left over will go to homeless. 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.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Applications are currently being taken for security systems for those 65 or older, living alone or with someone aged 65 or over. Contact Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue at the Garda Station or any member of the committee including Chairman James Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins and Marian Harnett or committee members James Joy, Neily Lyons, Mary Jo O’Connell, Mary McArthur, Micheal Kelly, Brodie and Brenda Barry, Denis Collins and Sean Broderick.
ABBEYFEALE DRAMA GROUP ‘SIVE’: The annual production of the Abbeyfeale Drama Group is John B. Keane’s Sive and will be staged on February 16/188/20/21/23/25/27 and 28 next in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: A new year brings new opportunities to improve oneself so why not check out West Limerick Toastmasters at the Desmond Complex, NCW on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 8pm. A club with a difference where you get the opportunity to practice the art of public speaking in a supportive caring environment. Everyone welcome. Further information from Charles 087 7972855.
FR. CASEY’S U6-U16 REGISTRATION NIGHT: All Parents / Guardians please note that the annual registration for all underage players will take place next Friday, January 29 @ 7.30pm at Fr Casey’s Clubhouse. €25 per Child or €40 max for two or more from same family. New players being registered to please bring copy of birth certificate.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: Parent Coach Joan Barrett will attend the Parent and Toddler Group in St. Ita’s Hall Abbeyfeale on Tuesday, February 26. Joan will endeavour to answer parent’s question regarding their toddlers and parenting. The parent and toddler group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall from 11.am to 12.30pm. New Mum’s, Dad’s and toddlers are always welcome.
ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes start back this Thursday, January 28 in the Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) Abbeyfeale from 10am to 12pm. This educational programme has a relaxation and social aspect. This is a time out space to enhance mental and emotional health. If you are interested in joining this class please contact Mary on 087 9382883. Supported by West Limerick Resources and Limerick Clare Education & Training Board.
SUE RYDER: The shop in Abbeyfeale offers a large selection of low priced women’s and men’s clothing, bric a brac, toys, handbags and a fantastic choice of bestseller books.
We welcome donations of all of the above but at the moment we especially need bed linen and curtains, towels etc. Unfortunately we are unable to accept electrical items and duvets/pillows.
Thank you for your continued support.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
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. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am John Moore, Shanbally. Thursday 10am Tom and Ellen O’Connell, Friday 10am Daniel Sheehy. Saturday 7pm Peggy Woulfe nee Ward Month’s Mind and her husband and son’s anniversary. David Ward Ballaugh. Sunday 9.30am Rico Kelly Radharc Na Feile. Jim Coffey, Hillview Drive. Sunday 12 noon Paddy and Nancy Fitzgerald, Meenahala. Mike O’Connell Dromtrasna. Monday 7pm Mary Flynn Banard 1st Anniversary. 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 of the yard. Ash Wednesday February 10. The chart for perpetual adoration for the Lenten period is at the back of the altar and you are asked to sign up for one hour a week. Trocaire boxes are available to be distributed by usual volunteers. Pastoral Council meeting Tuesday, February 2 at 7.30pm in the Sacristy. Baptismal Meeting Athea church in the sacristy Tuesday February 9 at 7.30pm.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, The Square on Thursday, January 28 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
DOMESTIC ABUSE GROUP FOR MEN WHO ARE BATTERED: AMEN is based in Navan at St. Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway St. and provides a helpline on 046 9023 718, Email: info@amen.ie
AUCCREATIVE WRITING: Children’s creative writing classes commence on Saturday January 30in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from 9.30 to 10.30 am. Suitable from children age 7 to 12 years. To book tel. (068) 22212.
GROUP TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR THOSE WHO MISUSE CANNABIS: A free programme will commence on Thursday, February 11 at a venue in Limerick city for persons over the age of 18 who feel that their use of cannabis is out of control. This is a free confidential service, for further information contact Mark Campbell 086 3847075 or Justin Sherin 087 2051958.
WEEKEND FOR MEN DISCERNING A VOCATION: St. Patrick’s College Thurles on Friday, February 5 starting with dinner at 6.30pm followed by prayer and overnight stay. Saturday breakfast, short talk on discerning a vocation, Mass, lunch followed by discussion. To book 061 414624 / lesliemcnamara@eircom.net
MEDJUGORJE 35TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE AND DAY OF PRAYER: Sunday, February 7 at Montenotte Hotel, Cork, 10am—5pm. Tickets €12 phone Sean 086 2959380.
AUCTION OF CONTENTS: An auction will take place of the contents of Adare Manor on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29. Further information Aidan Foley 086 8290680.
LONDON KERRY ASSOCIATION AGM: Wednesday, February 3 AT 7pm sharp in the 7pm sharp in the Kingdom Bar, 229 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JG.
Nominations will be taken from the floor for all positions.
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.
UPDATE FROM FR. PAT MOORE: Approaching the anniversary of my first caring bridge entry isn’t it great to be in the position to highlight a change in focus. What a precious resource caring bridge has been to me! I have been able to connect with people in comfort and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who read, shared and sent supportive comments to the blog. Also thanks to all who copied and shared the posts like my friends in Lyre. All much appreciated .I’m finding recovery very, very slow with low energy and a low immune system. My short ten minute trip to the crib in Duagh cost me dearly!! But things are moving the right way and I am blessed in the care and support I have….and the evenings are getting bright already! I will no longer post on this site. However I have chanced setting up my own new site. Everyone is welcome to visit that site. All you need to do is go to www.frpatmoore.com and it should bring you there. On my last visit to Mary Keane, Billy gave me a copy of John B. Keane’s book "The Street, poems and ballads" edited by Joanne. From it I pass on to you John B’s Kerry Blessing: "That the frost may never affect your spuds/ That your cabbage may always be free from worms/That the crows may never pick your stack,/That your she-goat may never dread the puck/ And should you by good fortune, come into The possession of a female donkey,/ May she be in foal."
VOCATIONS AFTERNOON: “Come and see” 2.00 – 4.30 p.m. Saturday, February 6. For women discerning a religious vocation Poor Clare Monastery, College Rd. Cork. vocationspoorclarescork
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.
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 1pm 365 days a year.
KERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND: led by Bishop Ray Browne, October 30, 2016, 8 nights. Direct Flight from Shannon, coach transfers from Kerry. Cost €1,575 sharing. Enquiries: Janice O’Sullivan 064 7758219 or email joskdp Limited availability.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 