PROLOGUE: "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."
Rachel Carson
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of Austin Daly, The Grove Road whose funeral took place last Wednesday, we also offer sincere sympathy to the family of Joan O’Keeffe, Duagh whose funeral took place on Thursday and to the family of Billy O’Brien, Bridge Street whose funeral took place on Friday. May they rest in peace.
SEÁN KEANE AT THE GLÓRACH: One of the most impressive features of the Glórach Theatre is the acoustics, with many musicians who have played there commenting on it. A good sound and the intimate surrounds of the Glórach should make for a great night on Friday, May 4 when Seán Keane brings his unique vocal style to town, and hopefully, will make the Glórach ‘A home away from home’ for the night. The show starts at 8 pm and we hope to bring other prominent musicians to the venue in the following months. There are a limited amount of tickets available for Seán Keane and these can be booked at 0871383940.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE:This year’s Fleadh by the Feale takes place from Thursday, May 3 – Monday, May 7. Loads of events including Busking, Art Competition, Ceili, Gig Rig in the Square, All Ireland Bones, Sessions in various pubs, Story telling on Sunday in St. Ita’s Hall and so much more – you’ll just have to plan to spend the whole weekend in town! The grand celebrity concert will take place in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef on Sunday, May 6 and features the Shandrum Céilí Band with support from the Coláiste Íde agus Iosef Band. Doors open 7pm with show from 8pm. Tickets & further information: Nora 086/2427003, Celine 087/7697672, Vincent 087/2443353 and Mary 087/7419343.
LIMERICK SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL: TheLimerick Social Service Council (LSSC) is a leading voluntary service, working in communities in Limerick for over five decades. We deliver our services at the LSSC Centre in Henry Street, Limerick and at different locations throughout Limerick City and County. Our Mission is to promote the dignity and growth of individuals, families and groups. Further details of our services can be found on our web-site or by contacting the numbers below. Limerick office: 061-314111.
Abbeyfeale Office: 068-31019/ 0863514700. Web: www.lssc.ie
NIGHT AT THE DOGS: Abbeyfeale Rugby Club Pitch Development are holding a Night at the Dogs on Saturday, April 28 at Tralee Greyhound Stadium. Entry €10. Your support would be much appreciated.
READING GROUP: St. Ita’s reading group will take place in the adoration chapel on Wednesday @ 10.30 a.m. Looking forward to seeing all the readers.
JUBILEE BOOKLET: The final draft of the publication will be done this week. If you have an article for inclusion then you need to email it to Feale church @eircom.net in the next few days. It is up to each ministry group to include their article. The launch will take place in May and it would be helpful if you could book a copy of this production in advance to estimate printing numbers. Text 089/4356981. The Jubilee celebration Mass will take place on June 16 @ 7.30pm. All are welcome.
STAY SAFE: If casual traders call to your door or drive into your yard then why not give the Gardai a ring on 06830010 and alert them that these people are around – this is an integral part of our community helping the Gardai to keep us all safe.
OFFICE MOVE: Please note that the Abbeyfeale Office of West Limerick Resources has relocated to St Ita’s Hall, Convent Street, Abbeyfeale. If you have any enquiries, please call to the office and speak to Nora or you can call Mary on 087 9382883.
GLÓRACH: Bingo continues every Monday night at 8.30 pm. Bingo continues every Monday night at 8.30 pm, thanks once again to our loyal patrons and Ann Curtin of the Coffee Pot for supplying scones. With the tremendous success of the Abbeyside Player’s production of Second Honeymoon and of our weekly bingo night, the mood is buoyant here but ultimately tempered by the reality that we need to raise €100,000 for repairs, renovations and upgrades to the grounds, buildings, and equipment. We thank you for your continued support in helping to both maintain this beautiful venue and also in helping to guarantee its future. Talking of Second Honeymoon which sold out the Glórach for 8 nights and had over 200 people in stitches in the Rock last Saturday night, there’s mention of a night around Listowel during Writer’s Week at the end of May so if you missed out why not follow us around the pubs in Listowel as we perform pub theatre.
PARISH OFFICE HOSTS MEETINGS: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm in the parish Office. Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening @ 8pm. A.A. meet every Wednesday afternoon @ 3pm, Friday night @ 8pm and Sunday mornings @ 10am. These organisations are a great voluntary support to many people and we are happy to host their meetings in our parish office.
SCHOOLS COLLECTION: Schools collection next weekend. This collection will be taken up next weekend as this is the date of the permit. A lot of people have already given in their envelope last February as it was placed in that position in your box of envelopes. This is an opportunity for the parish to support our national schools.
MEMORIAL TO HONOUR ST. JOHN PAUL 11: Bishop Leahy is pleased to invite parishioners from around the diocese to the Inauguration of a Memorial honouring Saint Pope John Paul II, Freeman of Limerick City on Monday, April 30 at 3.30 pm at Bishop’s Quay, Limerick. The Memorial will be unveiled by Mayor Stephen Keary and blessed by His Excellency Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland. Saint John Paul II, a Pope who promoted culture and the family was canonised by Pope Francis in Rome on April 27, 2014. Many people fondly remember his visit to Limerick in 1979.
PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: National Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday April 29. A bus will leave the church @7.30 am on Sunday morning. The cost is €20. All interested contact one of these numbers (087)7758503 or (087)2673663.
THE LATE FR PAT MOORE’S PP MEMORIAL EVENING AFTER MASS ON MAY 5: The DDA will be unveiling a bench that they commissioned in memory of the late Fr Pat Moore. Then there will be a candle lighting ceremony with night lights in glass jars. There will then be some refreshments and entertainment in the marquee at the front of the church with people who may like to reminisce about their own memories or stories relating to the late Fr Pat. There will be music and some singers and story tellers, there will also be a photographic slideshow going on in the background on one of the walls of the marquee so if you or anyone has any photos of the late Fr Pat maybe at a christening, communion, confirmation etc. the DDA would be very grateful we would just scan them and hand them straight back to the owner, please call Sandra 087 6718377 .The DDA are also requesting people from the parish to donate some home baking or make sandwiches etc. for this evening as the DDA only have a handful of committee members. All foods can be dropped off to any member of the DDA on the day.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR VOLUNTARY GROUPS: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Dell VPM are offering a free half day Project Management Training programme for voluntary groups at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on Saturday April 28 from 10am – 4pm. This interactive training session will equip voluntary groups with practical tools and techniques in order to successfully manage and deliver projects in their communities. Refreshments and Certificates of Attendance will be provided. Registration is essential by contacting Damien Ahern at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or by emailing damien.ahern@wlr.ie.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Please be aware that there has been a change to the date of the public consultation for the West Limerick Cultural and Heritage Tourism Action Plan. The event will now be held on Monday April 30 from 7pm and Tuesday May 01 from 10am at The Longcourt Hotel. Please register with eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/west-limerick-culture-and-heritagetourism-public-consultations-registration-44977764705.
DIVERSITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Doras Luimní will host a free workshop on ‘Diversity Awareness for Community and Voluntary Groups’ on Tuesday May 15 at Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 7.30pm. This workshop will explore cultures, discuss barriers for community involvement and provide information on how to create a more inclusive society. Registration is essential by contacting Damien Ahern at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or by emailing damien.ahern@wlr.ie
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: Pieta House walk/run takes place at The Desmond complex Newcastle West May 12 at 4.15 am. Registration at Leens Hotel on Saturday, April 28 from 3 -5pm.
FUNDRAISING CEILI: A Charity Ceili in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick will be held in the Longcourt House Hotel on Friday 27 at 9.30 pm. The music on the night is from Mountain Road. All support greatly appreciated.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources in conjunction with Jigsaw and Newcastle West Library will host a free workshop for community groups/parents on ‘Supporting Young People’s Mental Health’ on Wednesday April 25 at 7pm in Newcastle West Library. As a result of this workshop, it is hoped that participants will have a greater knowledge of the key issues impacting on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the community. Registration is essential by contacting Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or email damien.ahern@wlr.ie
LOURDES: Autumn Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Direct from Shannon Airport, staying at the Solitude Hotel, from September 22-27. Full Pilgrimage Programme. Booking forms available from Fr Tony Mullins. Fr John O’Shea & Fr Willie Fitzmaurice.
NEW MASS TIMES: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon Mass. Holy day’s Mass 11am and 6.30pm. Daily Mass remains as always – 10am unless when there is a funeral.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL: Adoration will continue from 10-10pm every Tuesday and Friday and from 6-8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. New adorers are always very welcome.
ARDFERT RETREAT CENTRE: 066 7134276. Protection of Life: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday 11.00am-2.00pm. Lectio Divina: Fr. Brendan Clifford OP, Thursday April 26 from 7.00 – 8.30pm. Becoming a Caring Presence in Today’s World: Noticing and Nurturing Important Feelings in Our Body, Presented by John Keane, European Director of the BioSpiritual Institute, Friday 27 – Sunday 29. Book Now! Self-Care Day : "Tools to manage life’s every day stressors", Anna O’ Donoghue & Batty Garnett , Saturday, May 26 from 9.45 -4.00pm. Contact Anna 0879447105.
DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES: Limerick Pro Life Action now have a “Lifts for Life” scheme which is created to help Pro Life votes who have no means of transport. We need drivers to help take people, in their locality to the Polling Station on Polling Day to vote. If you are willing to help, please contact any of the following: Olive 085-7172970 John 087-1127477.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Learn to speak with confidence, make presentations at work, and much more at the Desmond Complex on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 8-10pm.
STARTING A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: Social Enterprise puts people and community first, ahead of private or personal gain, using a business model that operates in a viable and sustainable way. Two information sessions, covering the basics of establishing your own Social Enterprise venture, will take place on Tuesday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 8, in Newcastle West, from 7pm – 10pm. Open to Community & Voluntary organisations and individuals. Topics include; Introduction to Social Enterprise; Setting up and Financing a Social Enterprise; Needs analysis and researching ideas; Case Studies; Creating a Social Enterprise Business Plan. For further information contact Caitriona Scully, at West Limerick Resources, on 069 66298 or cscully@wlr.
HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER MEETING: Janice and Moss Carraig will lead the Holy Spirit Prayer meeting on the second Sunday of each month in the Desmond Complex. Further information on 087 6174639.
LOURDES: Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St. Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.
FUNDRAISING DANCES: Fundraising dances for the redevelopment of the former Ashford Tavern to the Ashford Community Resource Centre will take place on the first Friday of the month in the Ashford Tavern. Doors open 9pm with dancing from 9.30pm. Forthcoming Attractions: Friday, May 4 P.J. Murrihy. Friday, June 1 Muriel O’ Connor and.Fran Curry. Friday July 6 T.R.Dallas. Admission €10.
ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Helpline for crime victims is 116006. Opening hours are; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 – 6.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4pm.Sunday- Closed.
The following is some advice on how to deal with Bogus Traders/Callers taken from An Garda Siochána’s Crime Prevention Information Sheet. “Tell the caller you never employ trades people cold calling to your door. Ask them to leave documentation which should contain name, address, phone no. including a land line and a V.A.T. registered number. Never leave strangers unsupervised in your home.” Further information on www. garda.ie or email crime_prevention@garda.ie If someone does call to your door and you are finding it hard to get rid of them then press your monitor which you should never take off ( I’ll find out if it can go in the shower before next week). Please be careful when answering the phone to never disclose bank a/c details to anyone purporting to be calling from your phone provider, bank, credit card company etc. If they want those details over the phone then they are probably not for your good. Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which is used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested. People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift. Contact 061 496000 for further details. There is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick. Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315. If someone does call to your door or drive into your yard then why not give the Gardai a ring on 06830010 and alert them that these people are around – this is an integral part of our community helping the Gardai to keep us all safe. Once you reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out for long periods of the day then because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65. The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company and this fee includes insurance against breakages and is currently €80. Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.
DANCE CLASSES: Social dance classes with Josephine, Tuesdays, The Railway 8.30pm.
ABHAILE: This is a new service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears. It’s 100% State funded, to qualify you must be: In mortgage arrears on your home. Insolvent. At risk of losing your home because of arrears. Contact local Mabs office.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm. New people always welcome. This group is a great way to introduce your child to a pre-school environment, teaching them to play and share with other children and a fantastic way for parents to make new friends as well. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018: You can currently only book tickets for the 3 day Congress (1 day or 5 day), but when booking a congress ticket you can register for the free weekend tickets. Every person attending each event must be registered to gain access to that event. You can book as an individual (over 18), as a family or group, or as a priest. Where a family wishes to register, a single family leader can register all members together. When part of a family/group, all children under 18 are free but each person must be registered in order to receive their ticket. Costs for adults: 5 day ticket €68, 1 day ticket €38. Book at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress-Registration
FINE INCREASE: The fine for parking in a disabled bay will increase from €80 to €150 from March 1.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul. If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414. The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm. Further information 087 1213560.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm. Blessing with 1st. class relic.
CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins fealechurch Limerick Social Services: 061-314111 Accord NCW 069/61000. Priest on Duty for Emergency only (Sunday) Fr. Noonan (087)6796217. Parish Church 068/51915. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019. St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560. 087 – 2618412. To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions Friday 10am Josephine Lyons late of Cedarville. Saturday 6.30pm Richard Tobin Convent Street. Denny & Mary (DA) O’Connor, Kilconlea. Joan (Lane) O’Keefe, Graigue Anniversary. Sunday 9.15am Paddy O’Loughlin. 12noon Sean O’Mahony, Caherhayes . Tom Collins, Convent Street. Patrick Reidy, Meenkilly 1st Anniversary.
Monday 7pm Mai & Tade Collins, Ballaugh.
Prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment. Pastoral Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 24 @ 7.30pm in the sacristy.
FREE ASTHMA AND COPD ADVICE LINE: Speak to a specialist nurse over the phone about your or your child’s asthma or COPD. Free phone 1800 44 54 64 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to book an appointment.
VOLUNTEERS IN AFRICA: Humanitarian Volunteers are looking for volunteers to travel to Kenya on June 17 for two weeks, assisting in teaching English, sports, games, arts, crafts, etc. No Experience required, no age restriction, supervision provided. Ring 086 8520271.
ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month. Monagae first Tuesday of every month. Ceremonies begin 6.45pm.
UP COMING EVENTS: Holy Communion May 24. Tralee Races Point to Point, Ballybeggan Racecourse May 26. To book a stall Sinead 087 6906104.
DOON CONVENT REUNION: A reunion (for anyone who attended St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Doon up until 1965) will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, Co Tipperary starting about mid-day. Further information is available from our website: www.DoonConventReunion.com
RAMBLING HOUSE: Listowel Rambling House will take place in the Seanchaí Centre on Thursday April 26 from 9.15 pm. Come along and enjoy a free evening of traditional music, song, dance & storytelling. Audience participation is welcome and tea/coffee and refreshments are served.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 