PROLOGUE: "When you find yourself cocooned in isolation and despair and cannot find your way out of the darkness, remember that this is similar to the place where caterpillars go to grow their wings."
Author Unknown
PRAYERS FOR SUCCESSFUL SYNOD: In Abbeyfeale Salesian Sister Sr. Vera Hehir will facilitate a prayer session for Naomh Ide Pastoral Area at 7pm in Templeglantine Church tonight Wednesday.
DONAL MURPHY RECORDS A NEW ALBUM: Well-known Irish Trad band ‘Four men and a Dog’ are launching a new Album in St Johns Arts Theatre, Listowel on Thursday, April 7. This is to celebrate 25 years on the road. The band features Abbeyfeale accordion player, Donal Murphy, Cathal & Stephen Hayden banjo & fiddles, Kevin Doherty vocals/guitar & frontman Gino Lupari bodhran/vocals. The new album entitled “And the band played on” features the usual “Dog” mix of Irish trad tunes, country, blues and rock and roll. Tickets are available from Joe @ St Johns on 068 22566. Pre booked tickets are advised as this is sure to be a sell-out. It’s all happening on Thursday, April 7 with doors opening 7:30pm.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: It must be at least 20 years ago since Canon Neville and the late Sheila O’Connell, Kilconlea started to hold devotions to the Divine Mercy on the Sunday after Easter and it has gone from strength to strength since. The churchyard was overflowing at 2.30pm on Sunday a full half hour before devotions started and several priests were still hearing confessions after 5pm. Well done to Helen Collins and the Divine Mercy prayer group for organising a beautiful ceremony and to Fr. Joe Foley who celebrated the Mass.
.ABBEYFEALE HORSE AND PONY COMMITTEE: An invitation to new members has been issued by the committee. If you would like to get involved please contact Toddy 087 2029395.
DAFFODIL DAY: Organisers Mary Morrissey and Norma O’Connor would like to say a sincere thank you to all the collectors and those who supported Daffodil Day in Abbeyfeale. €3,387 was raised.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: The Fleadh takes place this year from Thursday, April 28 – Monday, May 2 next. The celebrity concert on Sunday night is sponsored by Kostal Gmbh Mountmahon and is headlined by Mary Black. Tickets are on sale from Slice of Life, Main Street Abbeyfeale 068 32655, Abbey Tiles Main Street on 068 31109, John O’Sullivan on 086 3165848 and Celine McNally on 087 7697672. Events include: opening night Thursday, April 28: 7.30pm Presentation of Art Poster prizes with Exhibition and Traditional Entertainment in the Library. 9.30pm The Gathering Session of Music, Song and Dance at D.J. Murphy’s Bar, Main St. Friday, April 29: 7pm Traditional Street Busking Competition on the Main St. 8.30pm. Open Air Show on the Gig Rig in the Square. 9.30pm Set Ceili in Fr. Casey’s. Saturday, April 30: Registration for Master Workshop Classes which begin at 2pm in the Convent National School. Objectives: Improve technique & skills in Improvers & Advanced categories (Students are advised to bring Tape Recorders). Master Workshop Classes Terms & Conditions .Entry with fee €10 is permissible on the day, however advanced booking is advised. Send your name and address with fee to: Dearbhla Conlon Ahern, Cnoc na Ré, Ballybehy, Ballaugh, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. Open to all ages, Junior & Senior, but is unsuitable for beginners. Spectators are not allowed in classes. Saturday 8.30pm there will be Traditional Entertainment on the Gig Rig in the Square. Sunday May 1: 3.00pm Face Painting – Irish music and the Rising in the Square. Storytelling with Daisy Kearney in St. Ita’s Hall. 3.30pm Traditional Entertainment on the Gig Rig in the Square and Under 18 Junior All Ireland Bone Playing Competitions.. 4pm CD Launch in D J Murphy’s Bar. 8pm Celebrity Concert with Mary Black. Monday, May 2: 8.00pm "All-Ireland Senior Bone Playing Competition" on Gig Rig. There will be music sessions in most pubs over the weekend.
LIGHT UP WEST LIMERICK: Break up the silence surrounding suicide by shining a candle, sparkler or torch in the Square, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, April 10 at 9pm. Join the movement to light up the silence. Further information 087 9661383. PositiviTEA in Tea & Tales from Monday, April 11 -15. A positive affirmation served with every cuppa to kick start your day. Tuesday, April 12. Tea & Tales from 4-6pm ‘Turning Tea Time into Me Time’ with Liz Corbett. Tuesday, April 12 Fr. Casey’s club house 8.30pm -10pm FUNK IT UP with Liz Corbett & Dennis Daly it’s a coming together and connecting with positivity right through our community from teenagers to older adults. Liz Corbett – ‘Time To Transform’. Positive thinking creates positive living. Finding the ability to tap into your inner strength which enables you to manage every day emotions and challenges.
Living in the present moment. Come along and be motivated into positive energy and creating a life that you want to create.Dennis Daly – ‘Everyday magic.’
Everything in the world is energy, we are energy beings .All our thoughts, feelings and emotions are energy vibrating at a particular beat. We have the ability to tap into this magic and change our vibration to one of fun, happiness and joy … Come along and experience this for yourself …
LOOKING FOR A NEW START: Are you looking for a sense of purpose, wellbeing, confidence or a new start? Towards Occupation is a FREE programme that helps to rebuild your confidence and expand your skills through short modular workshops held in a relaxed friendly environment. Workshops include: Career Planning & Job Preparation, Personal Development and Confidence Building, Nutrition and Health Cooking, Crafts and Skills Development. The twelve week programme runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9.30am – 12.30pm starting April 4 in the Newcastle West Community Centre. To book your place or to see if this is suitable for you contact Finn at West Limerick Resources on 087 759 1951. Priority to those in receipt of a social welfare payment & actively job seeking
FEALE FIT: Well done to Yvonne O Connor & Helen Broderick the winners of our recent 3 x month FealeFitter & FealeSlim challenges. Training for Great Limerick Kids run April 30 starts this Wedensday April 6 @ 5pm, if interested in signing up your child (ren) contact Shane for further details. 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: Glad to report that we hope to be in a position to set up the text alert system in the next few weeks. Further details as they come to hand. Check out our Facebook page Abbeyfeale Community Alert for all the latest news. Talking of Facebook be sure and check out your security settings. Scams on the go at the moment include Irish Water and 365 Banking. Give no credit card details to any one over the phone or by email.
STRICTLY COME DANCING HITS ABBEYFEALE: You may have seen the signs at the crossroads – it’s all happening in the Devon Inn on Sunday, May 8 with doors opening 6.30pm. The dancers are in training and it’s going to be a great night with all funds collected going to Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns, Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights and the Town Park.
WHAT IS SOCIAL FARMING: Are you interested in learning more about Social Farming? There is an information workshop for anyone who might be interested including farmers, service providers, and service users & their parents, on Thursday, April 28 from 10am – 1pm in West Limerick Resources offices. Call 06966293 for further information.
HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING: West Limerick Resources is offering two health and safety workshops for Community Groups this April. On Tuesday, April 5 the workshop will focus on basic Health & Safety Training for Community Groups while the April 19workshop will help participants develop their Safety Statement. Both workshops will take place in West Limerick Resources Offices, St. Mary’s Road Newcastle West from 7pm—9pm. Contact: Dearbhla on 069 62222 to book a place.
LIMERICK CHARITIES REGISTER: Don’t forget regardless of your size, your income or your legal structure, by law all charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, non-profits, charitable trusts and societies (with the exception of sporting organisations) MUST apply for registration as a charity by 16 April 2016. If you are unclear about anything whatsoever, contact the Charities Regulator without delay on 01 633 1500 or email: info@charitiesregulatoryauthority.ie.
FEALE FIT: Training for Great Limerick Kids run April 30 starts next Wednesday, April 6 @ 5pm, if interested in signing up your child (ren) contact Shane for further details. 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.
CONFIRMATION IN ABBEYFEALE: Confirmation takes place at the Church of the Assumption on Friday, April 22. The church car park will be closed at 9pm on Thursday night to allow for parking on Friday.
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.
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.
GLENQUIN CASTLE WALK: A re-enactment of the March of the West Limerick volunteers to Glenquin Castle in 1916 will take place on Sunday, April 24. . Ger Greaney has been in touch with the following information: Currently there are groups walking from the parishes of Ardagh, Ashford, Broadford, Carrigkerry, Castlemahon, Dromcollogher , Feohanagh, Kilcolman, Killeedy, Milford, Monagea, Mountcollins, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Tournafulla. Please join us on the day on any of these marches and walk in the footsteps of the brave men and women of West Limerick. You can walk the full route or join in along the way if you prefer. Would you like to start a march from a parish not already organised. If so please contact us on Facebook. If you do not wish to walk you can join us at Glenquin Castle outside Ashford at 2pm for a moment of reflection and an afternoon of traditional Irish Craic. Remembering Fir agus Mnà Cròga as Iarthar Luimnigh To Remember is to Never Forget:
“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.
SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES: Every Tuesday night in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale from 8-9pm for beginners and advanced from 9-10.30pm. All welcome.
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.
SUPPORT GROUP: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
DIOCESE OF LIMERICK SYNOD Wednesday April 6 a Pastoral Area liturgy is being planned for each of the nine pastoral areas in the Diocese. In Abbeyfeale Salesian Sister Sr. Vera Hehir will facilitate a prayer session for Naomh Ide Pastoral Area at 7pm in Templeglantine church. 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. No 12 noon Mass on Sunday.
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.
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. 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.
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 on Saturday 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 8.15am L. Moloney. Thurday 10am Timmy and Ita O’Donoghue, Ballaugh. Mass Friday 7.30am. NO 10am Mass Friday. NO morning Mass Saturday. Saturday 7pm Sean Enright Purt, Phyllis Cotter, Purt. Sunday 9.30am Patrick Woulfe, Kilconlea Lower. Patrick Collins, Glenashrone. NO 12 Noon Mass Sunday. Adoration resumes on Friday, April 8.
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.
VISIT OF THE ICON OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP: The Redemptorists and St. John’s Cathedral are celebrating 150 years of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Papal Nuncio will present the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for veneration after he opens a new shrine to Her at the Redemptorist Church, Limerick on Monday, April 4 at 6pm. He will then lead a procession to St. Johns for Mass at 8.30pm followed by a Prayer Service at 10.30pm, Prayers at Midnight and then an All Night Vigil. Further information re ceremonies on Tuesday on www. followtheicon.ie The Icon then moves to St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney on Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7.
USED STAMPS REQUIRED: Help research into Motor Neurone Disease with your used stamps. Call Maureen in NCW 087 9845102.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Jim Lyons’s Rambling House in Knockalucka is held on the third Tuesday of each month.
WOMEN OF THE WELL: Rejuvenate your spirit with a weekend retreat for women. Call Knock Shrine on 094 9388100.
POETRY READING Kerry Poets Noel King and Louis Mulcahy will give a reading in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday April 7 at 7.30 pm. Admission Free.
YOUTH 2000: There will be a Catholic youth retreat in St. Brendan’s College, Killarney for people aged 16-35 on the weekend of April 15-17 next. Call Ger 0863066892.
CAREBRIGHT OPEN DAY: Open Day for Healthcare staff on Wednesday, April 6 from 4-7pm in Boherbui, Newcastlewest. Ring 1800303412 for further information.
MAUREEN’S OFF TO CLONAKILTY: Make a note in your diary……Sunday, May 22. Clonakilty Model Railway Village. When you walk into this model village you are stepping back in time and will see life as it was in 1940’s. See the old West Cork Railway line portrayed in delightful miniature serving towns. The models and figures are handmade. Depicting busy market days this is a joyful discovery for both young and not so young alike. Relax in the unique tea room set on one of the authentic train carriages with a view of Clonakilty. Enjoy a fun and unique way to view Clonakilty take a tour in the Choo Choo Road Train. We will have our usual breakfast and choice of dinner menu in Mallow. We have a number of names already as this is a very popular day trip. For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102.
LIMERICK WOODTURNERS SEMINAR: Limerick and District Chapter of The Irish Woodturning Guild celebrates the 25th anniversary of its founding in 1991. A seminar will be held in the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel on Saturday, May 14. Three leading exponents of the craft will give demonstrations on the day . Our own Liam Flynn from Abbeyfeale will showcase his unique sculptural Hollow Forms, his work can be found in Museums both here and abroad. Donal Ryan from Borrisoleigh will demonstrate functional and decorative gallery pieces and Christien Van Bussel – a potter and woodturner from Holland who now lives and teaches in Wicklow will demonstrate decorative techniques, carving and the application of vibrant colours. If you wish to attend contact Brendan on 0879181435 or email limerickwoodturners.com
DAY TRIP TO WATERFORD: On Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 next, a coach will depart from the Market Yard, Newcastle West at 8.30a.m. There will be a stop for Breakfast in Mitchelstown before continuing along via the very scenic Vee Gap in the Knockmealdown Mountains to the seaside town of Dungarvan. In the afternoon we will travel along the Coast Road for a few miles and then transfer from the coach to ‘shank’s mare’ and return to Dungarvan along the brand new Waterford Greenway. This route has been constructed by Waterford Council along an old railway route replete with viaducts and a tunnel; not to mention stunning views.
A full four course evening meal will be provided before returning home.
Booking is with Pat Condon, Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West 069 62344 (3-6pm preferably). The cost is €45 which includes breakfast, evening dinner and coach travel. Early booking is advisable and all monies must be received by Friday 22nd April. Cheques should be made payable to "GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL LTD." who are organising the tour. Beidh fáilte romhat.
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.
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
SPACES AVAILABLE ON MAUREEN’S SPRING BREAK: For more information contact Maureen 087. 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 travel to Monaghan to see the Cavan Crystal premises. During the day we will 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 dancing. 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. Owing to illness we now have two places available for this very reasonably priced break. 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.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Login Approvals is now activated. A security code is required when logging in from an unknown browser.
KNOCK RE DEDICATION: A national rededication ceremony has been announced for Saturday, July 16 following the extensive refurbishment of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, at Ireland’s National Marian Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo. The Basilica was officially opened on July 18, 1976, and has since become one of the most visited landmarks in Ireland, providing shelter to millions of pilgrims to Knock Shrine over its 40 year history. Over the last two years, the Basilica has been completely modernised as part of a major, renewal project at Knock Shrine, called Witness to Hope. One of Europe’s largest single flat pieces of mosaic has also been installed in the Basilica as part of the refurbishment. Cardinal Séan O’Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, will perform the official rededication ceremony at 3pm on Saturday, July 16. Cardinal O’Malley is leading a historic first-ever chartered pilgrimage from Boston to Knock for the rededication ceremony. Fr Richard Gibbons, PP, Rector of Knock Shrine, said everyone is welcome to the ceremony
CAMP VERITAS: Camp Veritas is a summer camp run for youth aged from 12 to 18 years old. It is about fun, faith and fellowship. There are lots of fun and sports activities planned over the week, but the main focus of the week is to bring the young people to the living presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament and to deepen or awaken their faith. It is being run from June 26 -July 1 at Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland. The cost is €450 if paid online or cheque mailed to USA, Euro equivalent if cash or cheque in Ireland. More details – click ‘read more’ or see the groups Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Camp-Veritas
PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND: Archbishop Eamon Martin will lead a Christian solidarity pilgrimage to the Holy Land from September 9 – 17 next on a direct flight from Dublin. It will be an opportunity to visit holy sites and walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee and Jerusalem. It will also be an opportunity to visit the tiny Christian community in the region known as ‘The Living Stones’. Price approx. €1,168 per person sharing. Call 01 8783111 for further details.
MONASTIC EXPERIENCE DAY: The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Monastic Experience Day on Saturday next, April 9 from 10-5pm. The day is designed to help young women between 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life. Contact poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com
20TH NATIONAL PIONEER BALL: Saturday, April 16. Mass at 6pm in St. John’s Church, Carraroe, followed by the ball in The Clarion Hotel Sligo. Contact Grace 087 1426320 .
FRIAR ALESSANDRO IN CONCERT: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney at 8pm (doors open @ 7.30pm), Sunday, April 17. Tickets for sale at The Friary for €10, Mon to Sat 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 