PROLOGUE: "Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam — a country without a language is a country without a soul."Pádraig Pearce.
EASTER SERVICES IN ABBEYFEALE: Mass of the Lord’s Supper Thursday at 8pm. Good Friday Service 3pm and the Stations of the Cross 8pm with Abbeyfeale youth clubs. Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. Vigil Mass at 9pm on Saturday night.
LOURDES INVALID COLLECTION: Takes place at all Masses next weekend.
DIVINE MERCY CELEBRATIONS: Sunday April 3 at 3pm in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale. Novena begins on Good Friday and ends on Low Sunday, April 3.
41 CARD GAME: A card game in aid of the Mater Hotel will take place at the Winner’s Circle Bar on Holy Thursday night, March 24 commencing at 8.30pm. Admission €5. A raffle for a hamper and other prizes will be held on the night.
WALK TO THE WELL: The sun shone on the crowds who assembled at the National School in Dromtrasna for the annual Walk to the Holy Well. Lambing has just begun on the grounds of the Cotter family farm where the Well is located and we were surrounded by gambolling lambs and their anxious mothers as we processed through the farm on its very well maintained roadway. The pilgrimage was led by the children who will shortly receive their First Holy Communion and the Confirmation children and they prayed the rosary at the Well with great fervour. A trip to see the pet lambs in the sheep shed broke the pull up the hill after we left the Well and gave us a chance to catch our breath. Arriving in the farmyard we were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of barbecuing beef burgers with Kevin Reidy and his team of helpers serving up a veritable feast to one and all. Great credit is due to the Cotter family for welcoming us to their farm and to the Parish Council for organising the day.
TIDY TOWNS: Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns will be supporting Team Limerick Clean Up campaign TLC on Good Friday March 25 from 11am -1pm. Meeting point the Square at 10.50 am, We are looking for volunteers and your assistance would be much appreciated.
PARADE: The Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade attracted large crowds to the town on Thursday. The day was fine and people were in good spirits and seemed to enjoy the occasion and the craic as they celebrated the feast day of our patron saint.
Templeglantine Comhaltas opened proceedings with a lively session of traditional music in The Square which soon had hands clapping and feet tapping.
The parade was led by the Rathkeale Brass Band who were warmly applauded as they marched down Main Street.
St Patrick himself arrived in an open carriage. He was dressed as Paddy Finucane but fooled nobody!
The floats and pageants were brilliantly colourful and imaginative and were a credit to all who participated.
Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue did a hilarious parody of the beleaguered IFA, complete with dairy cow, milkmaids and fat cats getting the cream. The Abbeyfeale Drama Group may have created a little bit of history with a first ever showing of the little-known wedding scene from Sive. The newly-formed Abbeyfeale Vikings Boxing Club put on an excellent exhibition of their pugilistic skills. There were vintage cars and tractors and a leprechaun riding a motorbike. A miniature cart of turf competed for contracts with giant juggernauts. The Men’s Shed produced an excellent replica of Purt Castle, while Athea Drama Group had a Hen Night Epiphany in Vegas and discovered Elvis alive and well! Soccer, rugby, GAA and youth clubs were all well represented, as were the numerous local businesses and organizations. We even had cartoon characters, muppets and Oompa Lumpas!
Prize for Best Float narrowly went to the Abbeyfeale Drama Group after several recounts and checking of votes. The Youth Trophy went to Templeglantine Youths for their depiction of 100 years of history, 1916 to 2016. Best Window display was won by Ann Lyons, The Square.
The organizers would like to sincerely thank all those who took part in the parade and also the crowds who lined the pavements and cheered them all the way down along Main Street and in to The Square. Also the many shops that decorated their windows for the occasion
Thanks also to the following; Twohig’s Supervalu who were the main sponsors of the parade. The many local bars who also contributed. Everyone who supported our church gate collection and table quiz. All Star Logistics who organized the stage and James Kennedy who looked after sound. The gardai who kept the traffic running smoothly. Jack Foley’s bar for organizing food and refreshments. A big thank you also to those who helped behind the scenes and whose work often goes unnoticed.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
BACK TO SCHOOL FANCY DRESS PARTY: The Railway Bar will be the venue for the first ever Back to School Theme night on Easter Sunday night in aid of the 2016 Remembering Zoë nominated charities. This is your chance to resurrect your old school uniform, find the satchel that you threw with such glee into the bottom of the cupboard on the day you bounced out those hateful doors for the last time and come out and boogie. We’ll have music from local band No Direction and a Late night DJ. Reverend Mother will be on the rampage so expect a lot of ducking and diving in the darker corners of the Railway. There’ll be a Naughty Step for those whose skirts are on the skimpy side, Time Out for the students who get on the wrong side of the Master and as in all good schools the threat of the Wooden Spoon will hang over the whole night. Doors open 9pm. Admission €10.
LIMERICK SOCIAL SERVICES: A reminder that Limerick Social Service Council has an office in Abbeyfeale. There is a parent support worker available to any parent/family member or School who would like any support or guidance on any issue they may be having difficulty with. Information and details of supports available can also be accessed. This service is free and confidential to all in the County Limerick area. Any questions you can contact : Mary on 068-31019 / 0863514700 or call into the Parish office.
CENSUS: The 2016 Census of Population will be held on Sunday April 24. Over the coming weeks your Census Form will be personally delivered to your home and every person in Ireland, including visitors, on that night is obliged to complete it. All Census Enumerators carry ID. When you fill in your census form on this night, you’re giving information that will help to understand what Ireland needs for the future.
The importance of the census is that it accounts for everybody in the country, including visitors, no matter where they are. The results provide invaluable information on not only population size for the country as a whole, but also about the make-up of the population of towns, villages, and other small areas across the country. Further details can be had on census.ie
INVITATION TO PILGRIMAGE: Bishop Brendan has issued an invitation to the people of the diocese to visit St. John’s Cathedral and walk through the Holy Door during this year of Mercy. The cathedral is open between 9am and 6.30pm each day and directions as to the prayers to be said to gain an indulgence can be found beside the Door which has a banner over it.
TOWN PARK NEWS: It has recently come to the attention of the Town Park committee, supervisor and staff that children are being dropped off at the park by their parents and are being allowed wander the park unsupervised. This leads to unruly behaviour and spoils the visit to the park of other users. The park committee condemns this practice and has put the following measures in place to ensure that the park remains safe and enjoyable for all the public. Firstly, the Gardaí have agreed to patrol the park on a regular basis. Secondly, any parent who allows their child to use the park without adult supervision will be reported to the Gardaí. Thirdly, we ask members of the public to report any complaint to the Town Park number 087 928 2322 and your complaint will be dealt with. We have a beautiful park, the envy of many other towns. We are going to keep it that way and will not allow any misbehaviour.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE 2016: The Fleadh by the Feale Committee are pleased to announce that plans are well under way for this year’s festival. We are celebrating 22 years of this marvellous weekend in May and working hard to ensure that as each year passes it gets better and better. We are delighted to announce that the wonderful Mary Black and her band will head up the Celebrity Concert this year. She is regarded as an interpreter of both folk and modern music and we are thrilled that she will be joining us to celebrate on the May Bank Holiday weekend. She comes to us from her ‘Down the Crooked Road tour’ and we look forward to welcoming her to Abbeyfeale. While we put the finishing touches to our programme you can be assured of a weekend full of music, song and fun. Tickets will be available shortly so keep an eye on our webpage www.fleadhbythefeale.com or on Facebook Fleadh by the Feale. So be sure to mark this 22nd year of the Fleadh by the Feale in your diary; it begins Thursday April 28 until Monday May 2.
COMMUNITY ALERT NEWS: Simple steps to protect your home from www.garda.ie ‘Whether you are at home or going out, remember to turn on some lights, use timer switches, lock all doors and windows, use an alarm, store keys away from windows and letter boxes and don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.’
How to dial up your IMEI no so that your phone can be blocked if stolen: star*, hash#06hash#
TELEPHONE SUPPORT: TeenLine is open 8pm-11pm every night. If you’ve had a bad day or need to talk to someone who will listen. FreePhone 1800833634 or text Teen to 50015. Samaritans can be reached 24 hours a day, every day on 1850 609090.
RE – ENACTMENT AT GLENQUIN CASTLE: On Sunday, April 24 Con Greaney from Newcastlewest has organised a re-enactment of the gathering of 300 volunteers who came there from 11 villages and as far away as Milford in North Cork on Easter Sunday 1916. Under instruction from IRB man Charles Wall of Dromcollogher they were to come prepared with a blanket, three days rations and a firearm. The plan was to march to Barnagh to take over the train which would have the arms that came into Banna the night before. Now, 100 years later their ancestors will answer the call and come to Glenquin to remember the bravery of family members. A plaque will be erected at the Castle to mark the centenary of the heroism of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. An invitation has gone out to people to join the march to Glenquin. Further details as they come to hand.
LIMERICK BEEKEEPERS: Limerick Beekeepers Association will hold its March meeting next Thursday, March 24 at 8pm in Mungret GAA hall.
The speaker is well known South Tipp beekeeper, Tom Prendergast and he will lecture on spring management, a must for all beekeepers to get right if you want a honey crop this year! So come along and enjoy all things honeybees.
“TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS”: This is the name of a new CD which will be launched on Thursday, April 14 in the Rathkeale House Hotel. The CD which was made by four Traveller men -Willie, Danny, Christy and Ned Harty – was supported by the West Limerick Primary Health Care Project for Travellers. There will be stands at the event from; HSE Suicide Prevention Office; West Limerick Community Crisis Response Team; Adapt Domestic Abuse Services; West Limerick Mental Health Association; Console; Samaritans; National Traveller Suicide Prevention Service.
FEALEFIT NOTES: Massive thank you to everyone that came out & supported The Fealefit & St Ita’s Ac Charity 5k run / walk St Patrick’s Day which was sponsored by our neighbours Kostal. Thanks to a combination of your donations €1265 & €300 sponsorship from Kostal €1565 was raised for ‘ Local Breast Cancer Services ‘ – the drawn nominated Charity of participant Marian O Connor. Thanks to our Stewards,
Brooks Catering, Lee Strand, O Donoghues Spar & everyone that brought refreshments, helped tidy up and most importantly donated. Well done to our latest Couch to 5k crew on completing their first 5k. 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.
YOLO CLUB: The club is holding a fund raising table quiz at the Ploughman Bar on Friday, April 1. Starting at 9 pm.Spot Prizes Galore. Your support will be very much appreciated.
SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Every Tuesday night in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale from 8-9pm for beginners and advanced from 9-10.30pm. All welcome.
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.
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.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL: The Great Southern Trail Ltd.,
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!
DRUGS INITIATIVE: The Irish Bishops Drugs initiative programme for confirmation children will take place on Wednesday night April 13 from 7:30pm until 9pm at Scoil Mháthair Dé. Both Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to attend.
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.
DIOCESE OF LIMERICK SYNOD: Synod Opening Mass is on Sunday, April 3 in St John’s Cathedral at 7pm. Parishes have been invited to pray for the Synod on Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday April 6 a Pastoral Area liturgy is being planned for each of the nine areas. In Abbeyfeale Salesian Sister Sr. Vera Hehir will facilitate a prayer session for Naomh Ide Pastoral Area in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 7pm. Synod Closing Mass is on Sunday, April 10, in St John’s Cathedral at 7pm. There will just be one Mass in Abbeyfeale on the Friday, April 8 at 8.15am, the same on Saturday, April 9 at 7pm and on Sunday, April 10 at 9.30am.
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 Eily Lane recently deceased. Wednesday 10am Eva White, Killarney Rd. NO MORNING MASS ON THURSDAY. Thursday 8pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Friday Passion Liturgy 3pm, Stations of the Cross 8pm. Saturday Easter Vigil Mass at 9pm.
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.
FUNDRAISER FOR JOANNE MCMAHON THANKSGIVING FUND: Traditional night of Music, Song and Story in aid of Joanne McMahon Thanksgiving Fundraiser
at the Ballintemple Inn on Saturday, April 2 at 8pm.
KNOCKFIERNA NOTES: The 12th Annual Knockfierna Remembers
takes place at the Rambling House, Knockfierna on Easter Tuesday, March 29 at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Con Colbert, Dublin, a nephew of the 1916 Leader Con Colbert and Aengus O’Snodaigh T.D. who was the first guest speaker in 2004.
WAY TO GO KIDS: The programme starts in the Community Centre in Newcastle West on Wednesday, April 6 and will be delivered by the HSE together with Limerick Sports Partnership over the following 9 weeks. For further information on the programme or to register please go to http://www.limericksports.ie/ or contact 061 333 600.
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
MAUREEN’S SPRING BREAK: Spring Break April 24-27. Staying in the Cavan Crystal 4 star hotel, with complimentary use of the award winning leisure centre. Leaving NCW at 9.30am.. On our way to our hotel we will be calling to see St. Mel’s newly refurbished cathedral in Longford. On Monday we will board our bus directly after an early breakfast to travel to Armagh where we will visit both St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic. Also we intend visiting Cardinal Tómas O’Fiaich Memorial Library which is close by. Tuesday we will trave to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises. During the day we wlll be touring and in the evening in our hotel dancing on Sunday night, Monday night we will have our special entertainment and sing song, Tuesday dancng. We have a full and interesting itinerary. All those who have paid their deposit can pay the balance now all monies to be in no later than Friday, April 18. 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 services available.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 