PROLOGUE: "If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present."
Lao Tzu.
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED: The first of the County Limerick Féile Matches including the one for our own U14’s against St. Senan’s of Foynes is due to take place this coming weekend. However, due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the exact location and time of this Match has yet to be finalised. Followers of our own U14 Panel and in particular those interested in the Féile Peil na nÓg Competition are asked to keep in close touch with the U14 Mentors or through Fr. Casey’s Social Media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Also, for those of you who may be interested in acting as Host Families to two U14 visiting players in your home for the 2 nights of the finals in late June, please make immediate contact with Tomás TJ OConnell – Chairman Bord na nÓg
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION: There will be a collection at all Masses this weekend to help cover the expenses of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
THE WIZARD OF OZ: TY students in in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale will stage their production of the Wizard of Oz on Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26 with doors open at 7pm and show from 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available at the interval. Admission €10. Raffle for hampers.
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.
FUNDRAISING DANCE: Joanne McMahon fundraising dance in aid of Burns Unit, St James Hospital at The Railway Abbeyfeale on Saturday, March 12 at 9 30pm with music by
Mike Condon. Finger food served. Please support this worthy cause.
SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Every Tuesday night in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale from 8-9pm for beginners and advanced from 9-10.30pm. All welcome.
ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE: Wednesday evenings at 8pm in Church of the Assumption.
LEAVING CERT IRISH ORAL EXAM: A one day intensive Easter revision course will be held in Halla Inse Bán, Templeglantine on Monday, March 21. Bookings with Máirín 087 4344745.
BUILDING A JUST SOCIETY: Tara Building, Room TI 18 in Mary I – A talk by Fr. Sean Healy Director of Social Justice Ireland. Admission free
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ATHEA DRAMA: Rehearsals are progressing very well for Athea Drama Group’s upcoming production of ‘The Hen Night Epiphany’ which will be staged at Con Colbert Hall Athea on February 25/ 27/28 & March 3/5/ 6. Directed by Oliver McGrath, this is a heart lifting tale that tells the story of five women who meet up for a night of fun and laughter that ultimately leaves their lives turned upside down. The cast features Annette O’Donell, Angeline O’Donnell, Nora Hunt, Louise Ahern & Ria Browne.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday February 25 from 9.15 pm. Admission is free to this informal evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling.
SIVE: The Abbeyfeale Drama Group continue it’s production of Sive by John B. Keane in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Thursday, February25, Saturday 27 and finishing on Sunday, February 28. Doors open 7pm, performance 8pm sharp.
LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS: Co. Limerick Beekeepers Association in conjunction with FIBKA proudly present Ian and Ruth Homer on their Nationwide Tour of Ireland.
They will present a lecture entitled “Beekeeping Then (1959) and Now (2015) – a reflective meander through 50 years of beekeeping looking at things which have changed …. and those which haven’t.”
This will take place on Friday, February 26 in the Castletroy Park Hotel at 7:30pm and all are welcome. There will be no cover charge and this will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in bees and beekeeping, not just beekeepers.
Ian with his wife Ruth have kept bees for 33 years in Dorset and in Northumberland. After a career as an Electrical Engineer, Consultant and Project Manager, Ian joined the National Bee Unit in 1999 and was a seasonal bee inspector in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Co. Durham, then in Devon, before becoming Regional Bee Inspector for Southern England and later Extension and Learning Officer, retiring from the NBU in July 2011.
Ian’s major interests are encouraging beekeepers to practice good bee husbandry and attempting to present beekeeping issues in a practical and straightforward way. He feels strongly that if beekeepers can develop a greater understanding of their bees, they will derive more pleasure from keeping them. He is currently an elected Trustee of the British Beekeepers Association.
FEALE FIT: Charity 5k in Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day morning March 17 at 10am with a Green theme, €10 to register. All money raised will be donated to 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.
GATHER BY THE FEALE: The Gather by the Feale committee would like to hear from anybody interested in organising and running an event during the Gather by the Feale Festival in July 2016. If you have any ideas please contact Orla Dennison 0878045013 at your earliest convenience.
MARY BLACK TO HEADLINE FLEADH BY THE FEALE 2016: Gather By The Feale 2016 are pleased to announce that our headline act for this year’s concert is world renowned "MARY BLACK & HER BAND" on Sunday, May 1. Mary is one of Ireland’s leading folk/contemporary singers, she has toured extensively in her early days with Trad band De Dannan before progressing into a hugely successful solo career, it is an honour and pleasure to have her headlining our festival. We are confident it will be a huge success, more information and ticket details will be announced in the coming days.
GET READY FOR THE CHARITIES ACT: West Limerick Resources is running two workshops for community groups to help them prepare for changes in regulation that come into force on April 16th. Workshop 1 on Thursday March 10th from 7-9pm will look at the implication of the Charities Act on your organization and how to ensure you are compliant. Workshop 2 on Tuesday March 15th from 7- 9pm will examine the Governance Code and how your organization could benefit by signing up. Both workshops will take place in West Limerick Resources offices, St Mary’s Road, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Contact: Irene at iocallaghan or 087 2298204
NIGHT AT THE DOGS: Nadine Smith from Abbeyfeale who is a fourth year dentistry student at UCC is travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal with the organisation Work the World and twelve fellow students to work with residents there. It is a long standing tradition of fourth year students in UCC to travel on a Dental Outreach programme to a developing country. As part of her fund raising efforts Nadine Smith has organised a Night at the Dogs at Tralee Greyhound Stadium, Saturday, February 27 at 7.50pm.. Tickets cost ONLY €10 and in order to maximize the returns to the charity you are asked to purchase them in advance as only these sales will be donated towards the charity. Tickets available in local outlets including Annette’s Main St., Heavenly Gifts, Main St., Esther’s Boutique, Main St., Needles and Pins, Abbeyfeale. Then in Newcastle West they can be purchased in Scanlan’s Menswear, and in Listowel at John B Keane’s and also in Jackie Reidy’s Menswear, Castleisland. Any queries please phone: 0879776831/ 0876273731. Your support is greatly appreciated.
SAGART LOURDES REUNION: Sagart Lourdes Reunion in the Woodlands House hotel on Friday March 4. Tickets €25. Contact Mary on 087/7919414.
VIKING BOXING CLUB: Training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the old Flamingos with entrance next door to the back entrance of The Coffee Pot on Colbert Tce. Contact Noel 087 4360339. All age groups welcome.
CAMOGIE CLUB: Then on Wednesday, March 2 the U 6’s will have training from 5-6pm. Wear a helmet and bring a hurley. Registration €20. Further information from Liz on 087 2482844.
TLC: You are invited to register with www.teamlimerickcleanup.ie for the second annual Team Limerick Clean Up which takes place on Good Friday, March 25 from 10am – 1pm.Join The Clean Team and be part of history!
For further information, please email tlc@limerick.ie or call 061496200.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: parent and toddler group meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall form 11 – 12.30pm. New Mum’s, Dad’s and toddlers are always welcome.
RURAL EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION SERVICE: Are you looking for some support and guidance to help you get back into training or back to work? The Rural Employment Service is a free, confidential service based in Newcastle West providing career guidance supports, CV and interview preparation supports and advice on training and education courses. Contact Finn (087 759 1951), Ivana (087 653 5156), Adrienne (087 277 3294), or like us on Facebook WLR Rural Employment Service for the latest updates on job vacancies and training courses.
ART CLASSES ABBEYFEALE: Art classes take place each Thursday in the Abbeyfeale Further Education and Training Centre (Old Tech) from 10 – 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 the Limerick – Clare Education & Training Board.
AA: Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office. AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Friday evenings. Go to www.pioneerassociation.ie and pledge the short term pledge for Lent. Local representative is Rita Horgan, Killarney Rd. May with a jam packed agenda which included a cycle challenge, a family fun day, a dance and a variety concert with over €28,000 raised and donated to First Light and Bru Columbanus including a donation being made to the Hope Foundation. Plans are now in train to continue the good work begun last year and carry on fundraising in Zoe’s name for good causes with children’s charities Make a Wish Foundation, Community Games, Hope Foundation and the playground in Abbeyfeale Town Park being the chosen beneficiaries this year. There are a number of events pencilled in and these include:• Back 2 School Theme Party, Railway Bar Abbeyfeale Easter Sunday Night 27th March – Doors open 9pm. Entertainment with Band No Direction & Late night Dj.- No Homework, No exams, just fun with your old Class mates….A night not to be missed
• Family Fun Day Sunday 19th June from 2pm at Fr. Casey’s GAA with kiddies disco at 6pm. A day out for all the family with lots of great activities, enjoy the old reliables and lots of new & exciting games to keep all the family entertained!
• Relay Run to Dublin – A once in a lifetime 3 x day Relay run to Dublin starting July 29th in Abbeyfeale & finishing at Make a Wish Foundation headquarters in Dublin July 31st taking in some of Ireland’s biggest towns & Cities along the way!
REMEMBERING ZOE BACK 2 SCHOOL THEME PARTY: Easter Sunday March 27 at the Railway Bar with doors open at 9pm. Music by No Direction followed by a late nite D.J.
No Homework, No exams, just an excuse to dress and have fun with your old Class mates. All funds raised to Remembering Zoe nominated charities 2016: Make a Wish Foundation, Community Games, Hope Foundation and Town Park Playground. No Direction have kindly started the ball rolling by waiving their fee and performing gratis.
DRUGS INITIATIVE: The Irish Bishops Drugs initiative programme for confirmation children will take place on Wednesday night March 9 and Wednesday night April 13 from 7:30pm until 9pm at Scoil Mháthair Dé. Both Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to attend.
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. The Gardai are advising everyone to ; ‘Lock Up and Light Up this Winter’. As part of Operation Thor, An Garda Síochána is advising people that simple steps can help protect their home this winter. Whether you are at home or going out, remember to turn on some lights and use timer switches. Lock all doors and windows. Use an alarm even when you are in the house. Store keys away from windows and letter boxes. Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.
QQI LEVEL 5 CARE SKILLS MODULE: Family Carers Ireland are offering this course in Patient Moving and Handling one day a week for five weeks from 9.30 -4.30pm. Further information from 05793 70221.
LIMERICK DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE: Counselling provided on Mondays in Abbeyfeale. Ring 061 314213 for appointment.
SUPPORT GROUP: 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: Thursday 10am Julia and Daniel Casey and son Ned. Friday 10am Nora and Tim Cronin and Christy and Eileen. Saturday 11am Jim and Nora Fealey, Ballybehy and London. Saturday 7pm Pat Lyons, Killarney Road. Sunday 9.30am Danny Harnett, The Hill. 12noon Tom W Flynn and deceased relatives. Padraig O’Cleirigh, Killarney Road.
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.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN DUAGH: Every Friday at 7.30pm in Duagh Church.
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
RATHKEALE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Author, historian and broadcaster, Mr. Ian Kenneally, will deliver a talk entitled “Irish Soldiers, American Wars: From Appomatox to Wounded Knee” to Rathkeale & District Historical Society this Friday night, February 26 at 8.30pm in the Community Arts Centre in Rathkeale. You are welcome to attend.
RALLY FOR LIFE: Saturday, February 27 Grand Parade Cork. 2pm. Mass before rally in St. Peter’s and Pauls Church at 1.15pm. Principal celebrant Bishop John Buckley Bishop of Cork and Ross. www.munsterrallyforlife.com
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.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 