PROLOGUE: Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s a light shining somewhere nearby. Ruth E. Renkel.
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Rita Lane, Knockulcare, Mountcollins whose funeral took place on Thursday. May she rest in peace.
CEILI: The Striolan Ceili Band will be the star attraction at the Annual Ceili in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in Knockaderry Community Hall on Friday, August 5 next. Dancing 9.30-12.30. Teas served. Contact Teresa Lenihan for further details on 087 9427259.
BOXING TOURNAMENT AT VIKING BOXING CLUB: First annual Tournament at the premises in Colbert’s Terrace, Abbeyfeale on Sunday, July 24. Admission €5. 15 fights on the day, weigh in 12 noon. Refreshments available. Contact Noel 087 4360339. Denis 087 7614462.
ABBEYFEALE TOWN PARK INVITES SUBMISSIONS; At a gathering in the Town Park on Wednesday, July 15 Gerardine O’Brien, secretary to the Management Committee said “We are looking to the future and how the Park can be developed on a three dimensional level – Leisure, Health and Fitness and Education”. She invited those present and anyone else with an interest in the future direction of Abbeyfeale Town Park to write to her before August 15 and outline any ideas they might have for the future development of the amenity. Gerardine also paid tribute to the late Dan Murphy, a founder member of the management committee whose vision was “to encourage people to live in Abbeyfeale and to provide a safe leisure amenity that would also be a tourist attraction” Looking around at the wonderful facility that has evolved and matured, it was obvious she said, that Dan’s vision had come to pass but that there was now need to move forward with the future development of the park. Gerardine also encouraged people to log onto wildflowers. Ie and then onto the link Pairc Cois Feile, this is the website of Sandro Cafolla who in February 1998 was commissioned to design a plan for the park. That plan forms the basic design of the park and will remain so, but as the plan is now 18 years old, the park committee believe that a review is required in order to assess progress to date and to plan the budget for the future. There was a robust discussion on the bio diversity aspect of the park with the wild flower meadow recently mowed because some people who walk the park at night had contacted the management committee claiming that the trees and high grasses leave parts of the park dark and them afraid to walk there. Anneke Vrieling, a local environmental scientist, founder of Feale Biodiversity and author of the definitive guide to the Parks flora and fauna explained that this was the very worst time to cut the meadow because the wild flowers would not have set seeds and the grass will take over and kill off what flowers have survived. She said that the wild flower meadow is there to provide a habitat for moths, butterflies and beetles and also provide cover and sustenance to the many varieties of solitary bees that are in danger of extinction. Some of the people present felt that this was a retrograde step given the present emphasis on climate change and bio diversity and the hope that the park would play a vital part in educating young people on the need to take care of the environment by encouraging school groups to visit. Moving further into the park we were told that the trees in the forested area are now fifteen years old and were being managed in such a way that a number of non-mature trees would be taken out each year from now on which would allow replanting of native trees. Paths are cut through this part of the park so that people can take forest walks in comfort. The Park has evolved over the years and now includes two playgrounds, a fairy garden, a basketball court, 1916 Remembrance Garden, a picnic area, a serenity garden, a flood lit all weather playing pitch, a river walk and a forest walk. Paths are tarmacadam making it easy to wheel buggies on them. Supervisor of the C.E. scheme who manage the day to day running of the park Jim O’Connor said that “It is hoped to clean out the ponds too which due to lack of funding over the years had become overgrown,”, Anneke Vrieling asked that be done in a phased manner so that the aquatic larvae have somewhere to go to in the same way that you should mow a meadow from the inside out so that the beneficial bugs can escape to the fringes. Some of the problems identified on the night included the need for lighting and the lack of dog poo bins and bags and the amount of dog poo being left behind by irresponsible dog owners. Submissions to Gerardine O’Brien, Church St. Abbeyfeale by August 15.he award winning Park contains, a junior playground, a basketball court, an all weather floodlit playing pitch, a car-park, a duck pond, forested areas, an administration building, a store house and in excess of one mile of tarmac walkways. Recently a picnic area has been further developed within the grounds.he award winning Park contains, a junior playground, a basketball court, an all weather floodlit playing pitch, a car-park, a duck pond, forested areas, an administration building, a store house and in excess of one mile of tarmac walkways. Recently a picnic area has been further developed within the grounds.he award winning Park contains, a junior playground, a basketball court, an all weather floodlit playing pitch, a car-park, a duck pond, forested areas, an administration building, a store house and in excess of one mile of tarmac walkways. Recently a picnic area has been further developed within the grounds.
FURNITURE SALE: Back2New Community Upcycling is having a three day sale/exhibition on Wednesday, July 20 – 23. Unique, upcycled and redesigned furniture from €25. Address of three day sale is The Red Door Incubation Centre, The Square, Newcastle West. Opening times: 10am-5pm. Back2New Community Upcycling is a project established by West Limerick Resources and is facilitated under the TUS programme. www.facebook.com/back2newupcycling
ST. ITA’S FAITH CAMP: Please note registration will take place at 9am on Tuesday,August 2 at St Mary’s Boys School for those children who are not registered already. Application forms available in church porches.
NATIONAL NOVENA: The Novena to Our Lady of Knock will take place from August 14-22. The theme for this year is ‘Merciful like the Father’ in keeping with the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
JOBS AVAILABLE: There are CE Positions available at Fr.Casey’s GAA Grounds and Abbeyfeale Town Park. Positions Include Groundskeepers, Gardeners, Caretakers, Forestry and a Research Assistant. Working Hours Flexible. Opportunity for upskilling as per DSP Guidelines. Apply through local DSP Office, Fr.Casey’s GAA or the Town Park. Contact 068 31799 or 087 928 2322
PHONE CONNECT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS. The Phone Connect project is a free community based telephone support service offered to older people in the West Limerick Area empowering them to remain independent in their own homes. The weekly service provides a listening ear to the elderly allowing them to share any worries or concerns and to be informed of any local events or services. West Limerick Resources, in association with RCCN (Housing) Ltd., are now seeking volunteers to make these phone-calls from a dedicated space where a mobile phone and credit will be supplied. Training will also be made available. If you would be interested in volunteering or require more information, we would be delighted to hear from you by calling Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or Stefanie on 087 3290483.
CRAFT FAIR ON THE COBBLES: The annual craft fair was beset by dull drizzly weather but thanks to Jim and John we were able to provide gazeboes and no one got wet. Thank you to all who supported it.
SALE OF PRODUCE FROM THE PARISH COMMUNITY GARDEN: We raised €348.22 last Sunday and the money was lodged on Monday in the Credit Union in the Abbeyfeale for Africa account for Fr. Tim Galvin. It took a lot of input from a lot of people to get to the stage of running this annual fundraiser – vegetables had to be sown, harvested, cleaned, fruit picked, sorted and jam made, jam jars collected before we ever got to the sale. Thanks go to Jack White, Helga Henn, Morgan Costello and John Ahern for extra vegetables, Sr. Mary Aherne from Ashbourne Ave. Limerick who donated 20 pots of marmalade, to Tom O’Rourke who harvested the produce in the garden, to Margaret and James McKenna who set the seeds and helped sell the fruits of their labours. Thank you as well to the Brothers of Charity clients under the direction of Sean Donovan who picked the strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. Thank you to |Mrs. Cotter, Cratloe who washes and removes the old labels ( a most time consuming job) and provides the jam jars and to Bridie Scully Collins who brought plants and assisted on the set up and sale. A huge thank you too to Mary and Kate McGill who are always available to harvest, organise, set up and run the sale and finally the success of the sale is due to the support it receives from Mass goers at the Sunday Masses so on behalf of Fr. Galvin thanks a million. P.S. we have peas, beans, kale and spinach growing at the moment so when they are ready to harvest we’ll run another sale and donate the proceeds to Trocaire who are appealing urgently for funds. Further information as it comes to hand.
NIGHT AT THE DOGS: Fr Casey’s GAA Fundraising Night at the Dogs will take place on Saturday, August 13 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. .All proceeds in aid of field development. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
FEALEFIT NOTES: Dublin City Marathon Training every Saturday morning @ 8.30am.
Well done to all Fealefit & St Ita’s Ac members that took part in events over the weekend!
Fealefit are taking part in Adare to Survive this year and fundraising for the ‘ Community crisis support team’If you’re interested in joining us register at Adare to survive & join team Fealefit. All Fealefit event training is free of charge and open to all levels of fitness,if you wish join us at any event please contact us…see www.Fealefit.com for all details on training & Upcoming events or Contact Shane 087 2891015 Kadie 087 7771552.
ABBEYFEALE’S SINGING CLUB: West Limerick singing club monthly singing session take place on the first Friday of every month in the Ramble Inn Bar, Abbeyfeale. The next session will take place on Friday, August 5 at 9.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the singing, tell a story, or just listen to the performers.
SEISIÚN: The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sponsored traditional entertainment programme for the summer season has started. Thursday nights at the Devon Inn Templeglantine a host of musicians, singers and dancers combine to present a top class show of Irish traditional entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Towards the end of the night, time is allowed for audience participation. The Templeglantine Seisiún takes plac at 8.45pm. There is also one in Rockchapel on Tuesday nights.
COURSE IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: A course in personal development runs one evening a week from September to May and seven Saturdays or Sundays through the year in Tralee, Killarney and Limerick. It is organised by SHEP (The social and health education project). For further information contact Helen O’Grady 085 8626844.
FAITH CAMP: St Ita’s Catholic Camp for boys & girls aged between 5-12
takes place from Tuesday, August 2 – Friday, August 5 in St. Mary’s N.S. from 10am -3pm. Cost €40 for first child & € 20 per additional child in family. Activities include Art, drama, Music, Sport, faith teaching. Tel Martina 087/2788834 Lorraine 086/3765751 for more information and registration form.
SAGART PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: A five day pilgrimage to Lourdes will travel to Lourdes on September 22 and return on September 27. Further information from Canon John O’Shea or Fr. Joe Foley.
ABBEYFEALE CYCLING CLUB: Their first charity cycle will be in aid of St Gabriel’s School in Limerick and will take place on Sunday, August 14.
REMEMBERING ZOE RELAY RUN TO DUBLIN: Runners wanted for a once in lifetime experience. The Remembering Zoë Relay run to Dublin for Make a Wish Foundation will take place over the August bank holiday weekend July 29 – July 31.
Day 1: Abbeyfeale – Castleisland – Killarney – Macroom – Cork City – Fermoy – 170km
Day 2: Fermoy – Mitchelstown – Cahir – Clonmel – Kilkenny – Carlow – 161km
Day 3: Carlow – Castledermot – Newbridge – Naas – Rathcoole – Leopards town – 120kmIf interested in taking part or helping in any way on Day1,2 ,3 or on the 3 days please let us know.
TIDY TOWNS : Members of the committee meet in the Square every Wednesday evening from 7pm for an hour and along with the Tus staff are responsible for the resplendent display of roses, pots and tubs around the town. More help would be appreciated.
GRAVEYARD MASS IN SPRINGMOUNT, DUAGH: Thursday, July 28 at 8pm.
SAGART PILGRIMAGE 2016: Why not travel with the Sagart Pilgrimage. Bus leaving Abbeyfeale to Shannon Airport on Thursday, September 22. Arriving in Lourdes for 5 nights and returning on Tuesday, September 27 in this the Year of Mercy. Cost €719 Contact Fr John or Fr Joe or the Office.
SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES IN BALLYHAHILL: Summer dancing classes every Monday night in the Community Centre with Seamus 8.30pm – 10.30pm. All welcome.
HORTICULTURE/ORGANIC GROWING: If you are interested in growing we are now open for full-time and Part-time applicants. QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to May. Students taking this course learn by taking part in the daily routine on the holding, attending lectures given by tutors and experienced Food producers. QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture: This full time course runs from September to September. Learners apply the skills gained at Level 5 to take responsibility and control of the entire production process relating to an Organic Horticultural Enterprise. Contact details: An tIonad Glas, Dromcollogher 06383604 or oifig for further information or application form.
THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY’S VOLUNTEER DRIVER SERVICE: The service is currently seeking volunteer drivers to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in Tralee General Hospital, Cork, University Hospital & the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. We are looking for volunteers to pick local patients up at their homes, drive them to the door of the hospital, and pick them up again when they are finished their treatment and bring them home. Driver expenses are paid. Telephone Rebecca on 01 2316 642 or email transport@irishcancer.ie
RAMBLING HOUSES: Jim Lyons’s Rambling House in Knockalougha is held on the third Tuesday of each month. Ita Mc Quinn has a Rambling House on the second Monday of the month in Monagea. I’ve recently been told about another Rambling House held in Sandpit House near Millstreet on the first Tuesday of each month but check out the details first before travelling there.
ADAPT: Help is only a phone call away at 1800 200 504. Women can meet a Support Worker from ADAPT in Abbeyfeale or Newcastle West to chat and look at options in their particular situation. See www.adaptservices.ie or adapt domestic abuse services on Facebook for more information.
COMMUNITY ALERT: If you get an email from Eir, Revenue, Vodaphone etc. telling you that you’re due a refund delete at once. There is no such thing as a free lunch so if it sounds too good to be true you can be sure and certain that it is.
AA: Narcotics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings in the parish office. AL Anon meet there every Tuesday evening and AA meet there on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm, Friday evenings at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.
RELIG IDE NAOFA GRAVEYARD CLEAN UP: Every Tuesday evening from 7-8pm. Every family with a grave there is asked to give just one hour a week to keep the graveyard pristine.
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. . Mass Tuesday – Saturday at 10am except in the event of a funeral when Mass is 11am. Mass on Saturday 11am. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Denis Casey, Caherlane. Saturday 11am Christy Harnett, The Hill. 7pm Mathew O’Connor, Dromtrasna. Michael ( Hauleen) Foley Month Mind. Sunday 9.30am Fionnuala O’Donnell, Caherhayes 4th Anniversary. Larry Collins, Killarney Road.12noon Nora & Jim Fealy, Ballybehy. Jeremiah Healy Upper Knocknasna and John Broderick Upper Knocknasna and Adelaide Australia
Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish. for the church webcam. 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.
ST. JOHN OF GOD KERRY SERVICES & ST.MARY’S OF THE ANGELS, BEAUFORT: Golf Classic on Friday, August 5 at O’ Mahony’s Point, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club—Team of 4 event (any combination) Ladies and Gents Prizes. €200 per team. Timesheet is open, contact Helen 0871338702, Presentation of Prizes takes place at 9.30pm in Clubhouse.
TEAM LEADERS AND COLLECTORS REQUIRED: Barnardos Children’s Charity is looking for volunteers to help collect funds during our national collection day “Buckets for Barnardos” taking place on Friday September 16, with an organised bag pack, or on the streets shaking buckets in locations throughout Limerick. Contact Mary on 1850 217 217 or email buckets
PILGRIMAGE: 3 day Pilgrimage to Knock and Lough Derg from August 22- 24. All in package includes visit to Knock, day retreat on Lough Derg, Coach for 3 days, Breakfasts, Evening meals and Accommodation in Bundoran. Early booking is advised due to waiting lists from previous pilgrimage in May. Deposit secures booking. Contact Cormac O’Connor Coach Tours on 023-8849196, 087-6167835 for further details.
ARE YOU IN CRISIS: There are several organizations who will help if you are under pressure and these include the newly formed West Limerick Crisis Intervention Team who can be reached on 085 1777631, the Mind Our Farm Families is a dedicated suicide and self-harm phone line 1890 130 022 between IFA and Pieta House. The phone line for IFA members will put farmers and their families in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist. Then there is the Samaritans on free call 116 123.
FREE 6 WEEK COURSE: A free 6 week course run on a Stress-Strain-Coping model will take place in the West Limerick area shortly for people who are affected by someone else’s’ substance misuse. Further information from Mags Dillon Community Substance Misuse Team 086 4141890 or mdillion@csmt.ie
CARE OF OLDER PERSON COURSE: Family Carers Ireland are providing the QQI Level 5 Care of the older person module on September 7 in Limerick, this will be the first module off the Full QQI Healthcare Award. To express an interest contact the training unit on 0579370221.
TRÓCAIRE is launching an Emergency Appeal to the Irish public to raise money for the dire situation in East and Southern Africa and in countries in Central America. Severe droughts are affecting these areas and are devastating food production. Please donate to Trócaire’s Emergency Appeal now – online at trocaire.org/donate or by calling 1850 408 408.
MILLTOWN MARKET: A special sale will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Milltown Organic Market from 10-2pm.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 