PROLOGUE: "One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away."
Stephen Hawking.
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to the wife and family of the late Francie O’Connor, Knocknasna who died recently. We also offer our sympathies to Dick and the family of the late Maureen Woulfe, Cratloe. . May they rest in peace.
COMMUNITY ALERT FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PRINCE CHARLES AND HIS DUCHESS: We are going to Killarney for our second annual summer outing via the Gap of Dunloe. We’re booked for a four course Early Bird dinner in Mac’s on High Street at 5pm giving us time to be back on the street for the parade which will finish the Independence Day celebrations. Finally we will travel by coach to the Racecourse for a night of Irish music, song and dance at Celtic Steps – the Show. Tickets at €40 each which cover the bus, dinner and show are available from Kathleen’s Foodstore, Convent St. It’s going to be a great, jam packed day so first come, first served, tickets are selling like hot cross buns!
GLÓRACH: After the great success that was our concert last Friday evening, we would like to acknowledge a few people. First and foremost, the two performers, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley for giving such a fine performance. We would like to thank all the volunteers both front of house, on the raffle, backstage and on the lights, and also a special mention to Leo Hayes for his help with the sound aspect of things. Thanks to Noreen Barry for donating a prize and also for providing the delicious cake that was savoured at the interval. And finally, thank you, the patrons who supported the concert and made the evening such a special occasion.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO THIS SUMMER: Castleisland Library will host an hour of caint craic & comhrá as Gaeilge on 8 Thursdays during June July & August from 1 -2pm starting on Thursday, June 28. All adult are welcome to join in. It is not an Irish class, adults with very basic Irish are as welcome as fluent Irish speakers. Call in this Summer and take part in Bliain na Gaeilge.
HORSE AND PONY RACING: The annual Abbeyfeale races take place this year on Sunday, July 1 at Relihan’s Farm, Kilcaragh, Duagh with the first race at 12:30pm.
This is the 12th running of the event which is run in aid of local charities and once again the committee would like to thank our generous sponsors. Money raised over the last 11 years has been donated to local charities in West Limerick and North Kerry.
These races are similar to what you will see on television with the difference being that our jockeys are aged from 8 to 16 and are the future flat and national hunt champions in Ireland and England. In recent years Leading jockeys Jack Kennedy, Oisin Murphy and Conor King have graced the turf of Abbeyfeale races and learned the trade prior to hitting the track proper. Full bar and food facilities will be provided with live GAA games on the big screen. Live music in the marquee after racing. The day is aimed as a real family day out so hopefully people will turn out in large numbers on the banks of the River Feale for what is guaranteed a most enjoyable family fun day with a difference.
ELEANOR SHANLEY AT THE GLÓRACH: Accompanied by Stockton Wing founder member Mike Shanahan Eleanor Shanley held the almost full theatre in the palm of her hand during a mesmerising performance last Friday night. She’s funny and witty and boy can she hit the high notes. More of the same, please Mr. Nelligan.
BOOK LAUNCH IN LONGCOURT: Pat McLoughlin NCW retired a few years ago and has written a book of short stories entitled ‘To Weave with Words’. Minister Patrick O’Donovan who has no plans to retire will launch it on Friday, June 29 at 8pm in the new hotel in NCW. It should be a good night. All welcome.
MOLADH GO DEO LE DIA: Much of the past fifty years is captured in a book especially complied to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale. The book contains many wonderful coloured photographs that show off the splendour of the Church, its stained glass windows and general embellishment. The title of the publication is Moladh go Deo Le Dia. (Praise be to God forever). Price €10. The book is available in O’Donoghue’s, Marguerite’s, Ann Lyons’ Moss Harnett’s. There’s only around a hundred copies left so get yours as soon as possible.
OUTING TO MIZEN HEAD: A huge thank you to Ann Downey, Josephine Halpin and the members of the ARA na Feile who organised a wonderful day out to West Cork last week. The weather was glorious, the company, food and scenery was excellent and we all, with no exceptions, enjoyed sitting back and letting Joe Cotter take us through the narrow roads, tunnels and mountains of West Cork. Mizen Head was amazing and only for Ann and Co. I for one would never have got to see it.
DUAGH GRAVEYARD: Annual Graveyard Mass will be held at Duagh Cemetery on Thursday, July 26 at 8p.m.
KERRY, CORK, LIMERICK CANCER LINK BUS: A fundraising dance will take place in Fr Casey’s Club house Abbeyfeale on Friday, July 6 in aid of the Kerry Cork Limerick Cancer Health Link Bus. Music is to the Premier Blue Boys with special guests Mike Mini Moore McCarthy, Marian Kirby, the Diamond sisters and Norah Hickey. Dancing is from 9 – 1am, finger food will be served and a raffle will take place. Benny Thade McCarthy 0879918546.
CLASS: A free Adult Sign Language Class will resume on September 18 at the Adult Education Centre in Mountmahon. Beginner’s classes on Tuesday nights with Level 1 on Wednesdays. Anyone interested please contact Breda 087 7715734.
MUSICAL MAGIC: Scoil Mháthair Dé Performing Arts Society Show Our show ‘Musical Magic’ takes place in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef on Wednesday, June 27 at 7 .00 p.m. It promises to be an evening of fun, talent and great entertainment.
THANK YOU: Milford hospice thank most sincerely the volunteers who gave their time on the day of the recent national collection, and the generosity of the Abbeyfeale community who gave a total of €2835.
GRAVEYARD: Clean up at Reilig Ide Naofa on every Tuesday evening for one hour, it is beautiful to see your family grave well maintained. Your help is greatly appreciated. Notice the hedge at the side is being cleared. Help with this would be great.
TARBERT HOUSE: is now open for visitors and will remain open until August 31. The house is open Monday –Saturday, book with Ursula Leslie at 068-36198.
LOCAL PRIESTS HOME ON HOLIDAY: Welcome home to Fr Tim Galvin and Fr John Moloney who are holiday and concelebrated at the Jubilee Mass last Saturday.
MINISTRY TRAINING: Contact Aoife Walsh on awalsh@ldpc.ie if you would like to participate in the new round of training with the diocese beginning in September.
CONFERENCE IN CORK: A Mental Health and Addiction workshop with Dr. Gabor Maté called: Health and Healing with Mind-Body Unity in UCC, Cork Saturday, June 30 – Sunday, July 1. Dr. Maté is a World Leading Expert on Mental Health, Addiction, Health, Parenting, ADHD, Trauma & Childhood Development. More info: www.bookwhen.com/gabormate or 0861719311
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.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.
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 when it will be 11am.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL: Adoration will continue – from 8am – 10pm every Tuesday and Friday and from 6-8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. New adorers are always welcome.
POST OFFICE MOVE: The post office is now located in Tuhoig’s SuperValu on Bridge St., Abbeyfeale.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STUDY: West Limerick Resources are currently conducting a survey and needs analysis of Social Enterprise in West Limerick. The purpose of this study is to identify gaps in community services and facilities across the West Limerick area and also to identify the supports needed by existing Social Enterprises and Groups. All information collected from the survey will be treated in the strictest of confidence. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZ8BHVS.
A DAY FOR YOURSELF: "Mindfulness in Nature Day- Spend the day tuning in to the Elements in a beautiful setting in Glin, with Mindfulness teacher Ali Burnard. Sunday July 8, 10am-5pm. Lunch & warm, dry purpose-built Earth Lodge included! Call Ali on 087 6452227".
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.
BAG PACKERS SOUGHT: Irish Wheelchair Association are holding their National Bag Pack in Tesco Abbeyfeale on July 6/7. Can you volunteer just 2 hours? Register to volunteer at www.iwa.ie/tesco or call 046 9072539. Thank you.
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.
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.
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.
BALLYHAHILL SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: Classes have resumed for the summer months in Ballyhahill Community Centre in social dancing on Monday at 8pm. All are welcome.
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 July 6 T.R Dallas. Admission €10.
ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650. 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. Summer Outing tickets selling fast. Call to Kathleen’s Foodstore for yours. Never, ever give banking details to anyone on the phone or at the door. If you get a phone call that your computer needs fixin’ then hang up immediately – how would they know about your computer away out there in some foreign country. Lock windows and doors even if you are only going out for a few minutes. Put handbags in the boot not the passenger seat and lock the door when you’re in the car. Wear sunscreen, have the container beside the Holy Water and apply both on your way out the door! 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 of €66. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month. 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.
BRUACH NA CARRAIGE: The Bruach Na Carraige Summer programme starts with our highly acclaimed Seisiun each Tuesday night during July and August starting on Tuesday, July 3 at 9pm.Our Summer Camp for children between 6 and 15 years runs from July 23 – August 3. Children attending this camp who have not played music before will learn a few tunes on the whistle, those already playing will learn new tunes. They will learn some traditional songs and four or five ceili dances, all mixed with much fun and games. Our Sliabh Luachra Summer School will run on August 8-10 with advanced music classes, for information contact 087 2205566 or Email bruachnacarraige@Hotmail.com
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.
OUTING: The Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society have organised a full-day outing to the Burren Community Archaeology, Co. Clare on Sunday, July 1. Anyone who is interested please contact the organiser: Mary Kenehan 086 8053452 or email: marykenehan@gmail.com
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018: Papal Mass in Phoenix Park Sunday, August 26. Pope Francis will preside at the Closing Mass in the Phoenix Park. Ticketing is a two-step process: 1. Registration June 25. 2. Print tickets at a later date. This is available to parishes / individuals. It is a free event. The venue can accommodate 500,000 people. Involves 3-5km EACH WAY due to the transport routes in place for this event. Guidance will be given re bringing seating / umbrellas / food. The earlier the booking, the closer the corral to the Altar. People needing special assistance can be with their family in a corral or in a designated area with a carer (copy of medical certificate required at booking) Parishes / Pastoral Areas to arrange transport. Book your bus / train asap. Festival of Families in Croke Park Saturday August 25, Pope Francis will be in attendance. This is an evening concert of music and dance, celebrating family life across the world and including five families who will share their faith. Photo identification + ticket will be required to access the venue. To guarantee your ticket for this event please register for one of the days at the RDS Congress (see below) RDS Congress Wednesday 22 – Friday 24 August – Pope Francis will not be in attendance. The Congress programme includes presentations from keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and prayer experiences. There are designated daily programmes for young people (13-17 years) and children (4-12 years). You can register as a daily participant or for the three-day event online: https://www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress This includes a ticket to the Festival of Families AND to the Closing Mass. Online Registration for this event is OPEN Cost: €68 Congress or €38 per day / Children free* must be accompanied.
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. . 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: Wednesday 11am Funeral Mass for Jack O’Rourke, The Square. Saturday 6.30 pm Julia Madden. Richie Fealey, Cryle View Manor. John Michael Keneally, Knocknasna Sunday 9.15am David Leahy, Maurice Griffing & Mick Collins. Eileen Chris Foley, Dromtrasna. Debbie Brosnan, Devon Rd. 12noon Requiem Mass for Margareet Reidy, a sister of Paddy, Johnny and Kevin who died recently in England.
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. A basket for the collection of stamps for Peru is at the back of the altar. If you know of someone in hospital please notify Fr. Tony.
LYREACROMPANE RUN/WALK FOR ENABLE IRELAND: In what looks like becoming an annual event, the roads of Lyreacrompane will re-echo to the feet of walkers and runners on August Bank Holiday Sunday, August 5. Last year’s 5/10K Walk/Run, as part of the Dan Paddy Andy Festival, was so successful that the organisers have put it on the calendar of their event again this year. On this occasion, the charity chosen to benefit is Enable Ireland. The Walk/Run will start at ‘the Marquee’ beside the Four Elms Bar at 11am. The route is looped and, apart from helping a good cause, the walkers/runners will get an opportunity of taking part in a real rural Ireland walk/run and see Lyreacrompane at its best.
Participants can register at The Marquee between 9am and 10.45am on the morning. More info from 087 285 3570 or Lyreacrompane.com. Entry Fees are 5k walk/run – €10. 10k walk/run – €15. Children €5. Ask about special family rate. The first woman gets €50 and the first man €50. There will be Trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd for both 5K & 10k runners and medals for all walkers and runners.
KERRY STROKE SUPPORT GROUP invite those who have had a stroke or their carer to their monthly meeting on Thursday, June 29 in Baile Mhuire Day Centre Tralee at 11.15am to 1pm. Dr Anna O’Sullivan Senior Psychologist HSE South will give an input on the ‘Emotional Impact of a Stroke’. For further information please contact 087-3586451.
PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month. Monagae first Tuesday of every month. Ceremonies begin 6.45pm.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 