AXEL FOLEY
Axel, where have you gone?
Your place with us was immense
Still is
Absent without leave
Offside
Our penalty and our price to pay
You left your position on the field of life
A gaping hole – in fact bigger than that
Our defences weakened
Perhaps not critically
Our attack without its thrust for now
Our faith in life jarred and shaken
Without you
Your sudden departure
Through that great door
We are down a man
A great great man
A friend
Irreplaceable
Farewell Axel
Rest as you have earned the prize
Our love travels with you
Now and always
Thanks for the memories
Thank you for being you
You were bigger than life itself
That’s how it feels
Rest in Peace.
Composed by former Mungret College student Johnny Perrem, October 16, 2016
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of Bridget O’Brien 64 Collins Park whose funeral took place on Wednesday. May she rest in peace.
WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations to Ann Ward, Ballaugh and Seamus Murphy, Knocknagoshel who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in Abbeyfeale on Friday last. We wish them every happiness in their married life together.
MEENKILLY CARD GAME: Breastcare Unit Fundraiser. The card game will commence on Tuesday, November 8 at 9pm (sharp). All proceeds on the night will be donated to Breastcare Unit, Limerick University Hospital. Looking forward to seeing all the regular (and new) card players on the night. The weekly card game is a very important fundraiser for the school and over the years it has contributed hugely to the resources enjoyed by the pupils. A coffee afternoon will take place on the same day, Tuesday, November 8 from 1.30pm-2.30pm in the school in aid of Breastcare Unit, Limerick University Hospital. Call in for a cup of tea or coffee, a snack and a chat with the neighbours, and support this very worthy cause.
YOUTH SERVICE COLLECTION: We thank you for your support of the Youth Service Collection which was taken up last weekend.. We have four youth clubs in the parish which cater for teenagers in the area and gives them a safe venue to meet and chat, they need to be supported in every way we can . Thanks to Kate, Anthony and all the volunteers who make it possible every weekend.
COMMUNITY ALERT HOSTS CHRISTMAS PARTY: We hope, in conjunction with Abbeyfeale active retired group to hold a Christmas party for Abbeyfeale parish residents aged 65 and over on Sunday, November 27 in the Day Centre, Convent St. from 1-5pm. Our community Garda Roger O’Donoghue will be present to give a short talk on how to keep safe in your home over the winter. A three course meal consisting of Turkey and Ham, choice of deserts and tea/coffee will be served and it is planned to have an afternoon of dancing to Gerard Conaghan. There is seating for 82 persons and tickets at €10 each can be purchased from Bridie Scully Collins, Mary Mc Gill (Abbeyfeale Active Retired) or Marian Harnett (Abbeyfeale Community Alert).
If you have a problem with debt you should talk to a PIP (personal insolvency practitioner). Log onto to backontrack.ie ( website of the insolvency service of Ireland ) to get a list of these.
The text alert system is up and running at long last and signs will shortly be erected at the parish boundaries with the telephone number of Abbeyfeale Garda Station(068 30010). If you are worried about someone who calls to your door or you see a vehicle around the area or someone drives into your yard then you should ring 068 30010, the call will be answered by NCW Gardai who man a 24 hour telephone line. If they feel that your concerns merit further investigation then they will contact the company who will send out an alert by text to all those signed up to receive it. When you receive a text you should forward this to all the contacts in your phone so that the word gets disseminated throughout the community. These alerts will then enable other people in the community to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. If you would like to receive these warning texts then contact any member of the committee who on receipt of €10 (to help pay for the on-going cost of the texts) will take your number and sign you up. Presidents Micheal O’Kelly, Killarney Rd, and Sean Broderick, New St. Chairman James Stack, Cahir, Secretary Mossie O’Connell, Kilconlea, Assistant Secretary Mary Mc Arthur, Meenkilly, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins, Convent St. and Marian Harnett, Knockbrack. Committee: Brenda and Buddy Barry, Meenkilly, John O’Sullivan Meenkilly, Neily Lyons, Dromtrasna, Billy Quirke N.T, Knocknasna and Ballaugh, Denis Collins, Knockbrack, Mary Jo O’Connell Knocknasna and James Joy, The Grove.
FREE ADMISSION TO CAR BOOT SALE: The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of local radio WL102fm takes place this month on Bank Holiday Monday, October 31 instead of Sunday, October 30 at the Community Centre, across the road from Aldi in Newcastlewest. Gates open 8pm and admission free to all cusomers.
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION FOR MILFORD HOSPICE: The annual collection for Milford Hospice takes place at all Masses next weekend.
RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection implement the Rural Social Scheme in West Limerick. The scheme aims to provide part time flexible employment opportunities to low income farmers by utilising their skills and talents on community and not for profit projects. If you are: (a) currently in receipt of Farm Assist, (b) have a herd number, a copy of your Single Farm Payment application and are in receipt of a qualifying payment from social welfare (www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Rural-Social-Scheme.aspx) then you (or your spouse) could benefit from the scheme in return for 19.5 hours of work in the community, (c) you will also be contributing to a class A stamp while on the scheme. Work is available in all areas with hours to fit in with your farming needs. The following people are also permitted to participate in the scheme: children or siblings of a qualifying herd owner provided they meet the necessary qualifying criteria.
CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP: Duagh sports complex will hold a ‘Christmas All Wrapped up’ on Sunday December 4 featuring a variety of Arts & Crafts, Jewellery, Fashion and much much more with a visit from Santa. Anyone interested in exhibiting please contact Miriam on 087 9421862.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Community/Voluntary Groups & Sporting Organisations: Applications are also invited from organisations interested in having suitable work carried out in their areas. Types of work includes: Maintaining and enhancing walkways and trails; village and countryside enhancement projects; social care and care for the elderly; environmental maintenance work; projects relating to not for profit cultural & heritage sites; work with not for profit organisations including administration. Further details and application forms can be obtained from the Rural Social Scheme Supervisors at
The Weigh House, Market Yard, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 61540, E-mail rsswlr@eircom.net or West Limerick Resources (Main Office), St. Mary’s Road, Newcastle west.
FILM: THE SIEGE OF JADOTVILLE AT GLÓRACH: Through the very kind assistance of Helena Quinn, we look forward to showing the film The Siege of Jadotville on Saturday evening, October 29. The siege took place during the United Nations intervention in the Katanga conflict in the Congo in 1961, and saw a small group of Irish peacemakers bravely holding out for as long as they could in the face of Katangan rebels who had a vastly superior numerical advantage. Helena’s father Tadhg was a corporal in that company and we will be having a question and answer session with Tadhg after the screening of the film. The film has received critical acclaim, but most importantly has been given the thumbs up from the surviving veterans of the siege. We hope to raise funds for both the Glórach Community Theatre and also for Fr. Tim Galvin’s missionary work in Sudan, where Helena has volunteered in recent years. Doors open at 7.30 pm and the film will begin at 8. At the time of writing there are just 20 seats left so so booking is essential at 0871383940 to avoid disappointment. Keep an eye on the Glórach Facebook page for further updates.
PREHISTORIC NEWGRANGE – THE ABBEYFEALE CONNECTION: Nicholas Leonard writes the following: Professor Michael Joseph- better known as Brian- O’Kelly excavated the c.5, 200- year-old tumulus at Newgrange, Co. Meath from 1962 until 1975. Highly regarded as an excellent teacher, writer and archaeologist, he was Professor of Archaeology at University College Cork from 1946 until his death in 1982.
M J O’Kelly was born in 1915 at Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, into a distinguished academic family. He was educated locally, and then at Rockwell College and at University College, Cork, where he switched his intended studies from engineering to architecture. He is rightly considered to be the father of ʻnew archaeology’ in Ireland, being the first Irish archaeologist to incorporate specialist studies like dental, bone, mollusc and pollen analysis into his excavation strategy. He scientifically established the first dates for Newgrange (c3, 200 BC) using Radio-carbon dating- an innovative technique which was to prove revolutionary.
Professor O’Kelly rediscovered the roof box at Newgrange during excavations in 1963. The roof-box is a small opening above the entrance to the tumulus that had been hidden for centuries. He found that the builders of the monument had constructed and aligned the roof-box so that sunlight could enter and illuminate the chamber at dawn on the Winter Solstice. This mystical occurrence had long been part of local Meath legend, and O’Kelly had given it serious consideration, even when it seemed an impossibility.
On December 21st, 1967, he became the first person for thousands of years to see the light of the rising sun illuminate the inner chamber of the tomb. He was alone in the chamber, smoking a cigarette, as the first rays of sunlight crept eerily towards him along the ancient stones. He wrote later that the ‘hairs on the back of his neck stood up’ as he watched the light reach all the way to the end wall of the chamber. He made a sound recording of what he witnessed, which included the following historic words:
"Between the bright sky and the long, glittering, silver ribbon of the Boyne the land looks black and featureless. Great flocks of starlings are flying across the sky from their night-time roosts to their day-time feeding places. The effect is very dramatic as the direct light of the sun brightens and casts a glow of light all over the chamber. I can even see parts of the roof and a reflected light shines right back in to the back of the end chamber."
Professor Brian O’Kelly died in October 1982, after a full and distinguished life of service to education and scholarship. In 2015, the centenary of his birth, the life and work of this eminent son of Abbeyfeale were remembered and celebrated by lectures and seminars by Dr Elizabeth Twohig, UCC, in Cork and at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre,Co. Meath.
Sadly, in his native county he seems to have been inexplicably forgotten, as no such event was considered necessary or appropriate to remember a Limerick-man whose life’s work is recognised and honoured nationally and internationally.
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS, CALLING ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS. West Limerick Resources provides ongoing support to Local Community Groups in the West Limerick area. Should you require any support or guidance please call Stefanie on 087 3290483 or Damien on 087 9042477 at West Limerick Resources.
NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB SETS UP IN LISTOWEL: If you would like to gain self confidence, self esteem and improve your ability to speak in public then you should check out the newest public speaking club in North Kerry. The next meeting will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Thursday, November 17 from 8 -10pm. Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room. Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.
AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: Tickets at €5 are on sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and at the Farmers’ Market for the dance on Sunday, November 13 in aid of WL102fm. Dancing will be to the ever popular Mike Condon, teas will be served and there will be a raffle. Your support would be much appreciated.
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.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR CONVERSATIONAL CLASSES. Volunteers are wanted for Conversational English classes with migrants in Newcastle West. The classes will start on Wednesday October 26 @ 7:30pm-9pm and will run every Wednesday evening at the Community Centre Newcastle West. The classes are in small groups with just 3 to 4 students with each volunteer, and books are provided. If you are interested, please contact Damien at West Limerick Resources on 069 62222 or Damien.ahern@wlr.ie.
BENNY THADÉ’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Takes place in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on the third Thursday of the month.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters will continue on the first and third Wednesday every month until May 2017. Next meeting Wednesday, November 2 at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West from 8-10pm. Further information 087 7972855.
Toastmasters provide you with the tools to become a confident speaker in a safe caring environment where everyone is on the same path. Great for anyone who finds it hard to stand up in public and get their opinion across.
‘FALLING GRADIENT’ ON SALE IN ABBEYFEALE: A new book, titled "Falling Gradient", which tells the story of all the railway routes that served Limerick has just been launched. It has been written and self-published by Joe Coleman, of Meelick, Co. Clare, whose family had many connections with the railway. Joe has filled his 450+ pages with an amount of stories and an excellent selection of photographs. Joe is an active supporter of the Great Southern Trail as his father was an engine driver on the line. The book is an easy read and is available in West Limerick from the NCW Book Shop in Newcastle West and from Ann Lyons in Abbeyfeale.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL KERRY: The Annual November Mass for Patients who died in Kerry General Hospital during the year (including those who died by stillbirth and miscarriage) will be celebrated in the Hospital Chapel on Monday, November 7 at 7.00 pm. Relatives and friends invited.
DUAGH SPORTS COMPLEX will hold a Christmas All Wrapped up on Sunday December 4th featuring a variety of Arts & Crafts, Jewellery, Fashion and much much more with a visit from Santa. Anyone interested in exhibiting please contact Mirium on 087 9421862 or Geraldine on 087 2684540.
REVISED MASS SCHEDULE WITHIN LISTOWEL PASTORAL AREA: Just two weeks to go for the Revised Mass Schedule for the Parishes of Listowel, Duagh & Lixnaw which will come into effect on the weekend of Sunday, November 6. The Mass schedule will be covered by Canon Declan O’Connor, Listowel, Fr. Maurice Brick, Lixnaw & Fr. Jack O’Donnell on a scheduled Rota. Eight weekend masses will be celebrated in six different churches. There will be just one Mass in Duagh – Saturday evening at 7.30pm.
JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockaloucca with the next one taking place on Tuesday, November 15.
AN GÁIRDÍN GLAS, DUBHÁTH: This pioneering initiative was set up 7 years ago at the back of St Bridgid’s Church Duagh with the blessing of Fr Pat Moore – a man with vision. An Organic garden where food is grown without artificial manure, pesticides, herbicides etc. (this makes it holistic). On Monday, October 31 we will be adding farmyard manure to the garden – this was an old tradition. We will leave the garden rest over the winter, it will be ready for sowing again in spring. We are looking for more help to keep this wonderful project active. Ring Michael on 087 2700 518 for details.Geraldine on 087 2684540.
SIAMSA TÍRE: Come and listen to why bees are so important to us all. A free lecture in Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday, October 26 will tell you how important our buzzing friends are! Bees are Ireland’s most important pollinators and provide us humans with a really important ecological service. Sadly, of the over 100 different species of bee that are to be found in Ireland, 30 are threatened with extinction. So what can we do to help? Dr Una Fitzpatrick of Biodiversity Ireland will tell us what makes bees so special and what we can do to increase their numbers. Join us at 8pm for a fascinating talk with a positive message to take home.
GARRY MCMAHON WEEKEND: The 8th annual Garry McMahon traditional singing festival was a huge success and brought a lot of extra people to town so helping the restuarants, bars and hotel to turn a few bob. Well done to Philip and Marie Enright and the members of the singing club based in their pub. Congratulations to our senior choir who sang the Mass composed by the late Gary Mc Mahon at 12 noon Mass on Sunday last and to Daisy Kearney who was honoured for her contribution to the storytelling tradition in West Limerick.
THE ROAD FROM ABBEYFEALE: The lecture in Rathkeale was very well supported by people from Abbeyfeale and Dr. Wallace gave credit to Batt Harnett, The Square for providing some of the documentation that he used while preparing his talk.
BOOK LAUNCH: Listowel Arms Hotel will be the venue for the launch of Billy Keane’s book ‘The best of Billy Keane’ on Friday, November 4 at 8pm.
MAUREEN’S OFF TO DUBLIN: A day trip to Dublin on Sunday, November 20 will leave Newcastle West at 8am. “We will be calling to Mrs. Monaghan for our breakfast and if you so wish you can order the home made bread that you will have on the table plus lots more scones, cakes, mince pies and Christmas pudding and your order will be ready to collect when we return to have our dinner. We are going to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre which is the largest in Ireland where you can browse and see all the Christmas decorations.” For more information and booking contact Maureen 087 9845102. Make a note in your diary we are having our annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 in Corbett Court. Everyone most welcome.
HOUSE AVAILABLE: St Ita’s Day Care Sheltered Housing has a vacancy for suitable candidate but they need to be on the County Council list for housing. For further information, please contact St. Ita’s Day Care Centre, Abbeyfeale. Ph.06851850.
LIMERICK CHARISMATIC CONFERENCE: Limerick Diocesan Charismatic Service Committee invites you to a Conference: ‘Reflecting on the Year of Mercy: enriching the Human Spirit with the Mercy of God.’ Saturday November 5 and Sunday, November 6, Radisson Blu Hotel. Speakers:Br. Patrick Mullins (O.Carm) Gort Muire, Dublin, Bishop Brendan Leahy, Limerick, Bishop Donal Murray, Limerick, Mrs. Emer Williams, Limerick.
Conference Information phone Sr. Mary Bridget at 061 454511 or Brian at 086 3001027
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick. Hotel Booking Information: +353 (61) 456200.
DISCOVER EUROPE WITH ERASMUS: Limerick Youth Service & Leargas are inviting parties who are interested in the Erasmus Plus programme, which outlines funding opportunities for European youth exchanges & projects, to an information roadshow our Northside Youth Space on Thursday, October 20 from 11:30-1.30pm. The workshop will outline the many opportunities available through the Erasmus+ Programme and the application process that accompanies it. The roadshow it suitable for youth groups and organisations that work with youth people across the Midwest region. LYS’s Northside Youth Space is located in Ballynanty (beside Thomond Park) and interested parties are asked to contact Stacey Lyons at staceyl@limerickyouthservice.org or 083-854675.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE ex Cork to Mostar (40 mins from Medjugorje) May 31- June 7, 2017. Spiritual be followed by our final singing session in the Ramble Inn bar. All events during the weekend are free and everyone is welcome to come along and join us.
Director Fr. Sean Corkery. Cost €619.00pps if paid in full before December 8. Full price of €719.00 after this date. €200 deposit secures place. Contact Sean O’Shaughnessy 086 29 59 380. Pilgrimage organised through JWT.
SET DANCE CLASSES: Set dancing classes have commenced in Ballyhahill Community Centre from 8.30-10.30pm. Further information from Seamus 0851149796.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH NOTES: Parish office 11-1pm Tuesday-Friday 068 31133. +Parish Support Worker 068/31019. Counselling Appointment 061/314213.Church 068/51915, Tel: 068 – 31157 : 087 – 9708282, Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 Console 061-306792
Fr. Anthony Mullins P.P. 068/31157 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 Frank Woulfe, Knocknasna. Thursday 10am Mary B McCarthy. Saturday 7pm Margaret & William Meehan and their daughter Catherine Main St. Hannah & Lou Ahern Main St and Tom Lou Ahern Shanbally. Ann & Jackie Lyons and their daughter Noreen and deceased members of the Lyons & O’Donoghue family. Sunday 9.30am John & Maureen Joy, The Square . Jacques Collins, Jim Collins, Joan Griffin James & Margaret Collins Michael & Peggy Tattan Abbeyfeale & Killarney and deceased family members. 12noon Jack Joe Foley and his wife Bridget & Mossie and deceased family members. Adoration meeting will be held on Wednesday October 26 @ 8p.m.
Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.
Tuesday, November 1 is the Feast of all Saints, Wednesday November 2 is the Feast of All Souls Prayers at the Graveyards on Sunday, November 5 at 2.30am 2.45pm & 3pm.
The graveyard collection will be taken up on weekend of November 5 and 6.
The annual Bereavement Mass celebrated for the parishioners who died in the past year and who will be mentioned by name on the night takes place on Friday, November 18. Names of deceased relatives from outside the parish may be submitted to the Sacristan prior to Friday, November 11.
To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page. Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam. You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel on Thursday October 27 from 9.15 pm. A great evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling is guaranteed and audience participation is welcome. Admission is free, tea/coffee served.
HALLOWEEN: Visit the Haunted Writers’ Hall at the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel from Sunday October 30 to Tuesday November 1from 3- 5 pm. Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years. A children’s Halloween Arts Camp will also take place from November 1- 4 from 10 – 1 pm. For further details tel. (068) 22212 or email info@kerrywritersmuseum.com.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 