PROLOGUE "Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day."
Sally Koch
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Kathryn Broderick, Lower Port whose funeral took place during the week. May she rest in peace.
ADVENT PRAYER: Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the pure Virgin Mary, at mid-night in a stable in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At the same hour vouch safe O My God, hear my prayer and grant my petition.
Amen.
SIEGE OF JADOTVILLE: Given the cold weather we have been experiencing and the temptation to get snug by the fire during the long evenings, there is great credit due to all who came to the Glórach Community Theatre on Sunday to catch our second and final screening of The Siege of Jadotville. Tadhg Quinn was in great form afterwards answering the various questions put to him by Helena and from the audience, and the conversation on the film and Tadhg’s experience continued for a good while afterwards in the lobby where we were served up treats by Kathleen, Maria and Marian. Thanks to everyone who made the night possible, we raised €700 for Fr Tim Galvin’s missionary work in South Sudan.
FARMERS’ MARKET: We are hoping to have a Christmas Market on Friday, December 16 and a call has gone out to stallholders to join us on the day, further updates next week.
GLÓRACH NOTES: The AGM of the Glórach Community Theatre will take place in the Cliabhán building at the Glórach on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 pm.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE: An Evening of Christmas Carols and Music in the Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale Sunday, December 11, at 7pm. Admission free.
Hampers being raffled on the night in aid of youth activities in our Parish. Please support this wonderful evening.
STRICTLY COME DANCING: Ballaugh father and daughter duo Jessica and Paudie Power are dancing for Down Syndrome Kerry on Friday, December 2 in the INEC. Jessica is a granddaughter of Jackie and Eily Harnett, Purt and we take this opportunity to wish herself and her father a great night. Doors open @ 7:30pm. Show starts 8pm. Tickets from INEC box office 064 6671555 or phone Ann Marie 087 6344829.
INTERCULTURAL EVENING. West Limerick Resources would like to invite you to an ‘INTERCULTURAL EVENING’ on Tuesday December 13. Everyone is welcome to join us on our trip around the world where various cultures and traditions will be explored. Come along and take part in a unique African Drumming workshop or taste some foods from around the world. Children are also more than welcome to come along to take part in an arts & crafts workshop or to get their face painted! We are also welcoming any musical acts (that fit within our multi-cultural theme) who would like to perform on the night, to get in touch with us by contacting Damien/Stefanie on 069 62222. The event will take place from 7-9pm at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West.
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS. West Limerick Resources provides ongoing support to Local Community Groups in the West Limerick area. Should you require any support or guidance as a Community Group or have ideas for training needs in 2017 please call Stefanie at West Limerick Resources on 087 3290483 or Damien on 087 9042477.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Chairman James Stack and committee members of Abbeyfeale Community Alert would like to offer our long time member Sean Broderick a very happy 90th birthday.
CANTATÉ: Sung by Scoil Mháthair Dé will take place in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Thursday, December 15. Hope to have the time for next week’s notes.
LEADER FUNDING: 3 representatives from West Limerick Resources will be at the old Tech building in Mountmahon on Thursday, December 1 … on an appointment only basis with 30min slots given to people who want to talk about their proposed projects for Leader Funding. As slots are filling fast…. only those that have pre booked slots will be seen.
Contact Donna Cleary, Rural Development Officer, West Limerick Resources on 069 66294 to book your 30 min slot between the hours of 9am -1pm. If line is busy – leave your contact details so that someone can call you back.
SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN! Santa will be visiting Abbeyfeale this Friday December 2 between 6 and 8 pm. It will be an exciting evening with 2 special guests to turn on our lights and Santa will help too! A special word of thanks to all who are helping to create a very special atmosphere in Abbeyfeale this Christmas.
FAMILY FARM RIGHTS GROUP: A meeting of the group will take place at the Railway Bar on Monday, December 5 at 8pm. Issues to be discussed include Dairy, Beef, Suckling, Marginal and Designated lands. A report will then be relayed to the Minister for Agriculture in the New Year. For further information contact Donie Shine on 086 8149970.
CHRISTMAS PARTY: The first Christmas party organised by ARA and Community Alert under the umbrella of the newly formed Abbeyfeale Community Council took place last Sunday and it is no exaggeration to say that it was an outstanding success with everyone agreeing that it should become an annual event in Abbeyfeale’s social calendar. The beautiful meal catered by Ann Kennedy which was served in double quick time by the Ballaugh Ladies Mary, Kate and Trish, the Day Care Centre which was warm and welcoming and comfortable, the congenial company at each of the 14 tables, the music from Blue Rhythm, the short and relevant talks from Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue and Fire Officer Gerry Lyons – all contributed to the enjoyment of the day. In his talk Garda O’Donoghue said to have a piece of paper and a pen by the door and to write down numbers of cars or vans whose occupants are offering to clean gutters or replace slates or even tarmacadam your driveway because they were doing a job down the road and have half a load left over. Ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 (three hundred ten), even if the Station is closed, the phone will be answered by the 24 hour service in NCW and the Abbeyfeale Garda on patrol in the area will be sent to you. Fire Officer Lyons has offered the help of his men to instal smoke alarms for any elderly person in the community and indeed Community Alert will provide panic alarms to any body over the age of 65, living alone or with somebody of the same age or older so do get in touch with any member of the committee if you need help. A huge thank you to our new parish priest Fr. Tony who entertained us along with Mary Gordon and Terence O’Mahoney and bodhran player Paddy Heffernan, to all those who donated spot prizes, to Bridie Scully Collins and Mary Mc Gill from ARA who sold tickets, set up and cleaned up along with Mary Murphy O’Leary and her team. Thanks too to Ann and Martin Kennedy and their staff, Jane Dwyer and the staff of Abbeyfeale Day Care Centre who prepared and decorated the Centre’s dining room and shared their wonderful facilities with us, Chairman of Community Alert James Stack and his committee who sponsored the day and all those who by their presence made it such a special celebration of community and Christmas.
NOONAN’S LIGHTS: Tony, Hannah and Siobhan are holding their annual children’s christmas party on Sunday, December 4 at 4 pm. Santa will arrive by sleigh with a garda escort with free presents and treats for all the kids and complimentary food for the adults. Carrickerry Wrenboys will entertain the crowd and the family have issued an open invitation to all to come and enjoy.
LIAM LAWTON CONCERT “O HOLY NIGHT” in Castleisland Parish Church in aid of the Brosna Church Renovation Fund on Monday , December 5 at 7pm, Tickets €20 from Killarney Parish Office.
COUNSELLING SERVICE: Limerick Diocesan Social Service provides Counselling in Abbeyfeale on Monday’s. Tel 061/314213 for an appointment.
LIFE IN THE RIVER FEALE: There was a good turnout on Monday night last at Fr. Casey’s to hear presentations on the River Feale. The good news is that for the most part the quality of the water is good but the banks being taken over by invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam lead to erosion and parts of the bank fall in to the river causing silting. There is need for joined up thinking around the management of the river so that the salmon will return to the Feale. If we had fish then we’d draw fishermen who would purchase accomodation and food and maybe even the odd beverage , youngsters would be needed for part time work in resturants and shops and hosteliries and so everyone benefits. Fly tipping over the bridges is a problem that need to be addressed and faced by every right thinking citizen and it is up to each one of us to stop turning a blind eye to this scourge. Feale Biodiversity are looking for help to eradicate the Balsam, contact Anneke Vrieling or any member of the Tidy Town committee. It is hoped to set up a ‘river trust’ for the Feale in future, and perhaps this night might be a first step towards reaching this goal. Abbeyfeale has so much going for it what with the River Feale, Great Southern Trail, the Town Park, two and three busses an hour, sheltered housing for our elderly, an Adult Education centre, five national schools and the Colaiste, half an hour from an airport, an hour from the city, a huge passing trade that we need to invegale into stopping off for a break. All we need now is leadership and initative and more get up and go and the input of our young people who have energy and education – upwards and onwards for 2017.
CHARITY CHRISTMAS Quiz: John Morris and Lorraine of O’Rourke’s Bar are hosting a Christmas quiz night in O’Rourkes, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Friday, December 9 at 9pm. There will be a raffle with loads of spot prizes and complimentary food. All proceeds to Noonans Christmas Lights for charity. Please support, all welcome.
COMMUNITY ALERT SCAM ALERT: Beware of a mini bus which has been known to pull in front of cars and brake suddenly causing the car driver to run into it. All the passengers get whip lash. Mini bus has been spotted in Askeaton, Adare and Newcastlewest.
THE SCOURGE OF THE LITTER BUG STRIKES AGAIN: I met a man from Mountcollins in town Saturday and got chatting as we both did our grocery shopping and he told me that as he came up Cragg that morning he spotted a discarded bag of clothes on the ditch which hadn’t been there the previous evening. Now the conundrum is why when there is a clothes bank in the village and another one in Tesco’s car park in Abbeyfeale would you sling a bag out the window as you travelled between both. Then on Sunday morning I was going down to the car boot sale in NCW early and there in the middle of the road about a mile and a half outside town was a bunch of chipper bags which had obviously been slung out another window overnight. It would make you wonder about the mentality of these people, God bless them.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL: The annual church gate collection in aid of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses on the weekend of Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4.
FUNDRAISERS: Ava Roche, daughter of Trish and Ritchie is currently a Transition Year student and plans to travel to Calcutta next Spring. Upcoming fundraisers include a Pub Quiz in Thomas TJ’s on Friday, December 2 with a raffle and great spot prizes. Then on Sunday December 11 there will be an Afternoon Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse with dancing to Noel Cronin.
DIGITAL DETOX FOR CHRISTMAS: Take a day to step away from technology on Saturday, December 3 from 10am-4pm in the Prayer Guidance Centre, Knock Shrine with a day of prayer. A chance to disconnect from the noise of tech and nourish your soul in a quiet, reflective space. Fee €30 includes lunch at Knock House Hotel. To book call (094) 93 75355 or email faithrenew@knockshrine.ie
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: Calling all bakers and jam makers, the annual cake sale for Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan takes place on Sunday, December 11 at St. Ita’s Hall from 10am -1pm. Cakes, breads, jams etc., can be handed into Batt Harnett, The Square or Mairead Daly (086 8594983) on Saturday, December 10.
FEALEBRIDGE SOCIAL: Fealebridge & Headley’s Bridge Co-Op will hold their 47th annual social on Friday, December 2 at the Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine. Music will be provided by Heart & Soul, and there will be plenty of spot prizes to be won on the night. Tickets are available at both creameries and also from staff and committee members.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: A new group of volunteers have come together to look after the Christmas lighting for Town. This group consists of Denis Collins (chairperson) also from the Men’s Shed. Hilary Collins (secretary). Marie McElligott and Kevin Kennelly (joint treasurers). Gerardine Mann PRO. We are also joined by Esther McElligott and Jimmy Cahill. This group is open to everyone and all are welcome.
We want to thank all previous fund raisers and we want to thank the Strictly Come Dancing group for their generous donation. We are going to repair as much as possible for this year. We would like to thank the Byrnes family for donating the tree. Sadly much of our equipment is weather damaged.This will be an ongoing annual effort on all our parts to do a really good job for Abbeyfeale. We would like to thank those that are allowing us to plug into their private homes! We really need volunteers to come from our community to help to put up the lights. Please help. You can contact any of us easily. Call Denis Collins on 087 6497671 or Hilary Collins on 087 2571861 or Gerardine Mann on 087 77 29690 or any of our members at anytime.
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOUR ATTACK: The Japanese aerial attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbour on December 7 1941 heralded America’s decisive entry into WW11. The outcome of the attack and America’s response is well documented: more than 2,300 Americans were killed, a total of twelve ships were sunk or beached with nine others damaged. In addition to that 160 aircraft were destroyed and 150 others damaged. The US declared war on Japan the next day. Historians still struggle to fully analyse and understand Japanese motives for the attack.
This Friday night December 2, Rathkeale & District Historical Society will host a talk by Sarah Milne entitled “For Oil or Empire? Understanding Japanese Motives behind the Attack on Pearl Harbour.” Sarah Milne is PhD candidate at the University of Limerick in the Department of Politics and Public Administration. She lectures on the undergraduate “Politics of Oil” module and is a teaching assistant on several other modules including Russian Politics. Among her research interests are Energy Security, Russia and 20th century world history. Her doctoral thesis is concerned with the political development of the Arctic Region from the Cold War to the 21st Century. The talk begins at 8.30pm in the Arts Centre located above the library in the Rathkeale offices of Limerick City and County Council. All are welcome.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Abbeyfeale’s Bereavement Support Group can be reached on 068 31230 or 068 31262.
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.
TEXT ALERT: The text alert system is up and running. 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 Gleeson, Kilconlea, Assistant Secretary Mary Mc Arthur, Meenkilly, Joint Treasurers Kathleen Collins, Convent St. and Marian Harnett, Knockbrack. Committee: Brenda and Liam (Brodie) Barry, Meenkilly, John O’Sullivan Meenkilly, Neily Lyons, Dromtrasna, Cllr. Francis Foley, Billy Quirke N.T, Knocknasna and Ballaugh, Denis Collins, Knockbrack, Mary Jo O’Connell Knocknasna and James Joy, The Grove
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NEW TOASTMASTER CLUB 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, January 19 from 8 -10pm. Admission €5 which covers cost of refreshments and rent of the room. Further information from Gerard Mannix on 087 2193670.
COMMEMORATION OF CENTENARY OF POET’S BIRTH: Comóradh an Ríordánaigh’, a three-day commemoration marking the centenary of the poet Seán Ó Ríordáin’s birth, is taking place this week in Ionad Cultúrtha an Dochtúir Ó Loingsigh, Ballyvourney. The commemoration will open on December 1st with a national conference organised by the University of Limerick in collaboration with the Ionad Cultúrtha: ‘Ní Insint Dán ach Bheith’. The conference will include contemporary poets, academics, and scholars of Ó Ríordáin’s work. There will be a variety of events on Saturday, 3rd of December, including the unveiling of a mural, a lecture by Ó Ríordáin’s biographer (An tOllamh Seán Ó Coileáin), film screenings, and the results of a poetry and prose competition. All of the events will be through Irish. Further information can be found on the Ionad Cultúrtha’s website, www.ionadculturtha.ie Fáilte roimh chách, bígí linn!
SOCIAL FARMING: This is the practice of offering family farms as a form of social services for people with intellectual disabilities and/or mental heath difficulties. The farm remais a typical working farm where people in need of support can benefit from participation in the farms’s chores and activities. It also creates the opportunity to connect farmes with local communities through the opening up of their farms as part of the social support system of the community. For further information call Stefanie or Dearbhla at West Limerick Resources on 069 62222.
LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Toastmasters will continue on the first and third Wednesday every month until May 2017. Next meeting Wednesday, December 7 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.
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.
BENNY THADE’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Takes place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on the third Thursday of each month.
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.
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 Mirium on 087 9421862 or Geraldine on 087 2684540.
APPRECIATION NIGHT:The Bord na nOg Annual Appreciation Night took place at Fr Casey’s Clubhouse on Saturday, November with lots of hot food and music freely available to keep everyone warm and entertained on what was a very cold night for travelling. A large crowd with a good mix from all age groups were in attendance together with several members of the Senior Committee along with the winner of TV3’s 2016 Hardest Working Sports Mum, Jacqueline O’Connor of Athea, and County Bord na nOg Secretary, Breda Breen. A token of appreciation was given to all of the youngsters from the U6 to U16 Panels who eagerly lined the stage. Tokens of appreciation were also given to Mentors of the respective teams along with a huge Thank You from the Fr Casey’s Bord na nOg Committee for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Féile County Championship medals to the U14 Féile panel who won the County Limerick Féile final early on in the year. Tomas TJ OConnell (Chairman), Maurice OConnell (Secretary) and Shay McAuliffe (Treasurer) all spoke of their appreciation to everyone who helped out during the past 12 months with special mention going to the Host Families throughout the Community who opened up their homes to the U14 Con Magees Girls from Co Antrim and U14 South London Boys during the National Féile Competition.
Presentations of appreciation were also made to Club Chairman, Gerard OConnor, for his overall role as Féile Official, and to Head-Groundsman, Peter Rowley, for his overall role as Field/Grounds Official and the excellent conditions in which the entire facilities were presented to the competitors and followers alike for this much publicised and much applauded National Event. The Bord na nOg Committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in any way during the past 12 months along with those who devoted a huge amount of personal time during the fundraising campaign for the creation of a new all-weather training / playing field – the result of which is there for everyone to see and be proud of. Again, thank you to each and every one of you.
JIM LYONS’S RAMBLING HOUSE: Held on the third Tuesday of the month in Knockaloucca with the next one taking place on Tuesday, December 20.
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SET DANCE CLASSES: Set dancing classes have commenced in Ballyhahill Community Centre from 8.30-10.30pm. Further information from Seamus 0851149796.
MONAGAE RAMBLING HOUSE: The monthly rambling house in Monagae Community Centre takes place on the 2nd Monday of the month with the next one taking place on December 19 as there is a school concert on December 12. It will be back to the 2nd Monday from January onwards.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT: Holy Trinity Abbey Choir in concert
at Adare Church on Friday, December 9 at 8.00pm. Mulled wine and mince pies in the Heritage Centre immediately after the Concert. No reserved seating. For your own comfort bring a blanket/throw. Tickets €15/each available from Adare Heritage Centre and Parish Office, Adare.
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: Intentions for next week; Wednesday 10am Susan & John O’Brien. Friday 10am First Friday. Saturday7pm Sonny McCarthy, Caherlane,. Joan Simmons/Jimmy Doody Kilconlea Upper. Nell & Donal Fitzgerald & their son Patrick, Knockbrack. Sunday 9.30am John Murphy Ballaugh,/Grogeen. 12noon William Flynn & deceased family members. Theresa O’Conner & D M O’Connor, Caherhayes. First Friday next Friday,confessions on Thursday after 10am Mass. Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass.
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.
JOY TO THE WORLD: A celebration of Christmas in words and music led by St. Mary’s Cathedral Choirs takes place in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 8 at 7.30pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.
ADVENT TALKS 2016: The Creation stories of Genesis – their meaning in our lives and world Benedict Hegarty Tuesday, November 29. Science and Spirituality – the singing heart of the world Dr John Feehan Tuesday, December 6. Spiritual Meets Practical – an Invitation to relationship with God and Solidarity with all Creation Éibhlís NicUaithuas Tuesday, December 13. Blessed Terence Albert Hall entrance on Dominic Street adjoining the side of St Saviour’s church, opposite Costello’s pub Time: 7.30 PM Donation of €5 invited.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 