PROLOGUE: “Don’t waste away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.”
Majorie Hinckley
DEATH: The death has occurred of Con (C.C,) O’Rourke, Caherdavin Heights, Limerick and formerly of the Square, Abbeyfeale. Sincere sympathies are extended to his bereaved family.
CHRISTMAS CAR BOOT SALE: The final car boot sale and Indoor Market for 2016 takes place in NCW at the Community Centre beside Aldi on Sunday next, December 11. This is a fundraiser for WL102fm.
DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON: There will be an Afternoon Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse with dancing to Noel Cronin on Sunday, December 11 from 3-6pm. Raffle and Teas served.
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.
GOOD NEWS STORY: Maurice O’Connell, chairperson of the Abbeyfeale Community Council reports: “Work on the final section of footpath from Abbeyfeale Town Centre all the way to the Great Southern Trail has begun and a huge thank you to our friends in Limerick City & County Council whom we met a few months ago regarding this and other points on our wish list. The plan is to have it completed in time for our walk after dinner and pudding on the 25th. Happy Christmas to all our walkers and hikers out there!
This follows on from our successful "Town & Village Renewal Scheme" application for which the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, announced that Limerick City and County Council will receive €24,700 on our behalf. More to follow on this in the New Year”.
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, so far we have Martin’s Organic Jams, Dee and Sue with their knitted and crochet goods and Mido’s jewellery stall. Hope that you’ll support us on the day.
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.
MONSTER CHRISTMAS HAMPER: Tickets on sale at Ann Lyons, The Square, Abbeyfeale for the monster Christmas Hamper which is currently growing by the day. This is a fundraiser for WL102fm. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing the station on 06966200.
NATIVITY PLAY AND CANTATA: Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Christmas Nativity and Cantata in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday, December 15. Nativity at 1.30 p.m. Cantata at 7.00 p.m. All Welcome.
THE ABBEY HERITAGE PROJECT – ABBEYFEALE Please note that the AGM for The Abbey Heritage Project Ltd for the year 2016 will take place on Thursday December 8, at 5:00pm in St. Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale. All are welcome to attend, new members always welcome!
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.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMMITTEE SAY THANKS: A big thank you to all who helped to put up the Christmas lights in town and who helped to decorate the square. Santa took time off to visit Abbeyfeale last Friday and a fantastic crowd turned out to welcome him. We would like to congratulate Sean Broderick on his ninetieth birthday and who assisted by Michael O’ Kelly turned on the lights for 2016. Our thanks to the Gardai and the fire brigade for escorting Santa to the beautiful grotto made and assembled by the Men’s Shed who have provided such wonderful assistance with everything needed. We had a great group of young people who helped to organise the visitors for Santa. We are very grateful to our music man -Pat O’ Donnell who provided endless entertainment and who has a great sense of community spirit. Finally , to our committee who worked hard to make this project happen, we say thank you also for your time and commitment!
NIGHT VIGIL: The 44th Annual Eucharistic All-Night Vigil at Knock Shrine will take place on Wednesday, December 7, beginning with confessions in the Chapel of Reconciliation from 10pm, followed by Vigil at midnight in the Basilica with Rosary, Candlelight Procession, Stations of the Cross and Holy Hour with Fr. Brendan Walsh, S.C.A. Concelebrated Mass will then take place at 4am with Fr. Freddy Warner, S.M.A. Contact the Legion of Mary if you wish to travel. The Vigil will be available to watch live on the Knock Shrine website: www.knockshrine.ie/watch. For further information, please contact Knock Shrine (094) 93 88100 / info@knock-shrine.ie
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.
EXPO IN NCW: Newcastle West Enterprise Town Expo takes place this Friday, December 9 (6pm-9pm) and Saturday, 10 December (12pm-3pm) in Desmond College, Station Road, Newcastle West. This is a FREE event showcasing businesses, community groups, sports clubs and schools in the area. A full programme of entertainment will complement the exhibition and includes guest speakers Gavin Duffy from Dragon’s Den and TV3’s Vincent Browne who will meet the 2016 BizFactor winners from Scoil Mhuire, Broadford , live music, children’s entertainment, Mrs Claus, a living crib, a fashion showcase and lots more. On Saturday morning a 3km fun walk in aid of St Vincent de Paul and St Joseph’s Young Priests will leave Desmond College at 10am with free refreshments for all on return to the college. For full programme details visit www.facebook.com/NewcastleWestEntrepriseTown
HIGHEST HOUSE ON THE MOUNTAIN AT THE GLÓRACH: The wonderfully dry weather we have been experiencing has shortened the winter, and it’s hard to believe that in about seven weeks’ time we will be treading the boards with our production of the John B Keane play, The Highest House on the Mountain. A powerful play that encompasses many of the themes that ran through Keane’s plays such as family struggles, love, land, emigration and greed. Rehearsals are going well as we look forward to staging this timeless classic in January.
THIRD ANNUAL CONNIE HARNETT SWIM: The third annual New Year’s Day swim in Ballybunion in honour of local cattle dealer Connie Harnett takes place on Sunday, January 1 with proceeds going to the Dialayis Unit in Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Ava and Daniel who are travelling to Calcutta next Spring.All those taking part will be entered for a draw for a Limousin calf which will take place at the Corner House on Saturday, January 14.
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.
COUNSELLING SERVICE: Limerick Diocesan Social Service provides Counselling in Abbeyfeale on Monday’s. Tel 061/314213 for an appointment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mick & Joan Gallagher 7pm Vigil; Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionVincent McNally 20th Anniversary. 9.30am Deceased members of the ICA. 12noon Eileen O’Connor and her sister Anne Keating Main st & Dublin. Friday 10am Julia Kelly and family members. Saturday 7pm Bridget Healy and the Saunders family Knocknasna Lower 10th Anniv. Ramey Leahy, New St. James O’Grady, Meenkilly. Sunday 9.30am Paddy Barry, Caherlane and the Barry family. Hannah Mai Scannell, Dromtrasna Collins, Nick & Eleanor Cotter, Upper Purt. 12noon Tom Dillane, Kilconlea Frank Foley and family members ,Dick Murphy. Monday 7pm Maurice Grffin late of Main Street Months Mind who died recently.
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.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS??? Back2New Community Upcycling is having a five day Christmas sale on December 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16, of unique, upcycled and redesigned furniture. Prices start from €20. This 5 day sale will be held at The Red Door Incubation Centre, The Square, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Opening times: 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Back2New Community Upcycling is a project established by West Limerick Resources and is facilitated under the TUS programme. www.facebook.com/back2newupcycling.
ANAM CARA, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its next monthly Parent Evening on Tuesday, December 13 from 7.30 – 9pm in Recovery Haven, 5 Haig Terrace, Killerisk, Tralee, Co. Kerry. This event is open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether the death was recent or not.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH will be performed at the Franciscan Friary on Sunday, December 11 at 8pm by Kerry Chamber Choir, Orchestra and soloists under the direction of Aidan O’ Carroll. Tickets are available from the Friary office and from Kerry School of Music.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 