PROLOGUE: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift”. Country and Western song.

DEATH: Fr. Tony Mullin’s brother, Michael, who was living in England died during the week after a short illness. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Tony and his family at this very sad time. We offer our sympathy to the family of Bridie Corridan , Kilmanihan whose funeral took place on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paddy, Mairéad, Gearóid and family members at this sad time. May she rest in peace.

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH: Fr Tony Mullins PP 087/2600414. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674. Parish Officer: Parish Church 068/51915 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: fealechurch Limerick Social Services: 061-314111 Accord NCW 069/61000 Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Eily Hartnett, Kilconlea and Tadghen Harnett. Saturday 11am Jimmy Sweeney, Dromtrasna. 6.30pm Tim & Maureen O’Connor, Fealesbridge. Matt & Josephine Daly and Billy Buckley. Garry McMahon. John Joe Broderick, Purt. Sunday 9.15am Patrick & Kit Riordan, Purt. Fr Bill Lane and Sr De Panzzi Lane . 12noon Jonathan Irwin, Knocknasna 1st Anniversary. Monday 7pm William M Harnett, “Mountain View” Knockbrack . Danny O’Connor, Grogeen. October is the month of the Rosary. 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.

ABBEYFEALE BUSINESS OWNERS MEETING: There will be two topics at this meeting in the Glórach Theatre, on Wednesday, October 24 at 7.30pm. ; 1. Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan Working Committee: Discussion on and electing of 3 representatives from the Abbeyfeale Business Community to join representatives from Abbeyfeale Community Council, Limerick City & County Council along with local Councillors in forming part of the upcoming “Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan Working Committee”. Members on this Working Committee will represent the interests of both Town and wider Community in the roll out of the new Traffic Management Plan for Abbeyfeale. This is a hugely important meeting and all Business Owners are asked to attend. 2. Forming of a Business Group for Abbeyfeale: Directly after point #1 there will be a brief talk on the importance of forming an independent Business Group for Abbeyfeale and its wider Community. We will also look at how Business Groups in other Towns are progressing and the possibilities for accessing funding.Doors open at 7pm for Teas & Coffees. Meeting Starts 7:30pm Sharp! Facilitated by Abbeyfeale Community Council.

GLÓRACH BINGO: It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since we began our bingo night at the Glórach Theatre, but that’s the anniversary we’ll be celebrating on Monday, October 22. From humble beginnings, we have gone from strength to strength, due in no small part to the tireless efforts of all the volunteers involved, and you the public, who have loyally supported our venture over the past year. There is a tremendous atmosphere in the building of a Monday night, and due to the fantastic patronage we have been able to give out extra prizes from time to time. Our rollover Jackpot of €280 (added on to regular jackpot win of €150) wasn’t won last week and we will have a few surprises on our anniversary night. Thank you once again for your support and look forward to seeing you on Monday evenings at the regular time.

HARNETT INTERNATIONAL REUNION 2019: Planning is continuing apace for the reunion next July 11-14. It will be based at the Devon Inn and include a concert, guided tours, gala dinner and dance and much more. Email HarnettReunion2019 @gmail.com for further information or check out Harnett Reunion FB page.

SINGING WEEKEND: The Garry McMahon traditional singing weekend will take place in The Ramble Inn and Leens Hotel, Abbeyfeale from Friday, October 19 – 21. The official opening by Darragh O’Shea, retired Kerry GAA player, will be at 8pm on Friday, October 19 in the Ramble Inn followed by a singing session. Saturday afternoon we have a singing session of songs that honour GAA legends past and present from the 32 counties of Ireland. This will be followed by Mass @ 6.30pm in the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale which will feature the Abbeyfeale church choir performing Afrain ná Riocht as composed by the late Garry McMahon. The Sunday afternoon concert in Fr Caseys GAA hall at 3pm will honour the Carrig sisters Kitty and Nora. A full programme of events for the weekend can be found on our brochure which is available in the Ramble Inn.
WRITING GROUP: Abbeyfeale writing group have started back after summer break. We meet twice monthly, every other Friday. Our next meeting will be on Friday, October 26.

CRAFTY CORNER: Knitting and crochet group have resumed classes on Tuesday nights at St Ita’s Hall Abbeyfeale. New members welcome. Just drop in.

ART GROUP: If you would like to spend a relaxing few hours join our painting group upstairs at St Ita’s Hall Tuesdays 11am to 1pm.

COLLECTIONS: Mission Sunday Collection Sunday, October 20.The collection towards the Missions will be taken up at all masses that weekend. Station dues; envelopes for the support of the clergy can be handed in at all Masses this weekend or during the week.

Youth Service collection will take place on October 27/28.

DIY COURSE AT ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE: Our DIY class is a very practical hands-on course, and is ideal for beginners looking to learn DIY skills such as wiring a plug, using a drill, hanging a curtain rail. This class is on each Tuesday morning from 10am – 1pm. Contact Further Education & Training Centre, Abbeyfeale on 06831198 for more

EXERCISE CLASS: Men on the move exercise class for men over 40 Tuesdays at 8pm in Teach na Féile, New Street , Abbeyfeale.

CAR KEYS LOST: If found please phone 087/6875917.

CRAFT FAIR: Saturday, October 27 from 12-4pm at The Western Inn, Kilmanahan. Contact Angela to book a table 085 7324262. Hot food available.

HISTORY LECTURE ON BRIAN BORU: The life of Brian Boru, the greatest of the Irish Kings, is the subject of the next lecture organised by the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society. He is best remembered for his death at the battle of Clontarf in 1014, which had nothing to do with fighting the Danes as we were all taught in school. To learn the truth about this battle and Brian’s extraordinary career, from being the younger son of an obscure local ruler to becoming the High King of Ireland, all are welcome to this lecture by medieval specialist historian Lenore Fischer on Monday, October 22 at 8.00pm in T.1.17, Tara Building Mary Immaculate College, SCR, Limerick.

CEILI HOUSE BROADCASTS FROM THE ROCK: The RTE radio one programme ‘Ceilí House’ will come from Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel, on the next two Saturday nights October 20/27 after the 9pm News. It will feature the Rockchapel Ceoltas based group, Ceoltoirí Sliabh Luachra, performing some of Sliabh Luachra’s oldest music. Much of this music comes from the manuscripts of Dave Dan Curtin of Stagmount, Rockchapel and the manuscripts of his father, Dan Curtin that go back to before 1850, and contain an older layer of Sliabh Luachra music that predates the polkas and slides that characterise the area now, and also from the manuscripts of Dave Leahy of Mountcollins who died in 1907.

UPCYCLE YOUR OLD FURNITURE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE: If you wish to breathe new life into your old furniture, then our Upcycling Furniture class is perfect for you. The class is on each Tuesday from 2pm – 4pm. Contact Further Education & Training Centre, Abbeyfeale on 06831198 for more information.

WEDNESDAY PRAYER: Parishioners are invited to gather in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Wednesday afternoon at 3p.m to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. This prayer meeting will take place every Wednesday.

CHALLENGE: The 5th Annual event will take place on Saturday, October 20, starting at Dromtrasna National School, Abbeyfeale. All proceeds from this year’s event will go to the ‘Miriam Joy Cancer Treatment Fund’ and to Breast Cancer Ireland.

COFFFEE MORNING: The cancelled – due to Storm Collum – Hope Foundation Coffee morning will be held at St. Ita’s Hall in the next couple of weeks.

COMHALTAS CONCERT: Many in the locality as well as from further afield are looking forward to the Comhaltas Tour of Ireland Concert in the local Halla Inse Bán, Templeglantine on Wednesday ,October 17. It is an excellent opportunity to experience top class entertainment, music, singing and dancing, from a cast of sixteen top-class artistes from various parts of the country. Concertina player Maura O’Connor, Abbeyfeale is a member of the concert touring group, as is fiddle player Aoife Trench, Listowel. Her many friends and admirers in West Limerick are delighted that well known singer, Nora Butler is part of the Concert Tour group. Tickets are available in Abbeyfeale at Sheehy’s Hardware and at Ann Lyons’. This concert is an ideal opportunity also for young people of the locality who are students of music, traditional singing or dancing and special tickets at a reduced rate are being made available for juniors. Enquiries to 087 9654451

JUBLIEE YEAR NEWSLETTER: It is intended to produce a Christmas Newsletter this year. Articles and reports and good wishes from the different organizations of the parish with photographs for this year’s publication are requested. Please submit to the parish office via email; fealechurch.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE: A group of friends of the late Joan O’Keeffe, Ballymacjordan have come together to raise funds for the Palliative Care Unit at Kerry General which was a great support to Joan during her illness. There will be a Tea Dance in Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, October 28 with dancing to Mike Condon from 3-6pm. Admission €5. A raffle for a Christmas Hamper and assorted spot prizes will also take place. Afternoon tea including Phil’s famous apple tart, Mary’s selection of sandwiches, scones, buns and gluten free almond and apple slices will be served.

ADULT EDUCATION CLASS: Develop your skills in Reception & Office Admin, a new course L4 Office Skills is starting at FET Centre Abbeyfeale (Old Tech), contact Mary at 06831198.

ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: As Fr. Tim Galvin is in the area at the moment, Abbeyfeale for Africa are having a few fundraising events to help with his Mission in South Sudan. On Friday, October 26 there will be a pub quiz in J.D’s pub in Church St. On the weekend of November 17/18 Fr. Tim will speak on his work at the 12 noon Mass, there will be a church door collection and following the Mass there will be a gathering for light refreshments at St. Ita’s Daycare Centre. Then, as usual in early December, the annual cake sale takes place in St. Ita’s Hall. We ask for your support and look forward to assisting Fr Tim with much needed funds as he returns to his parish in South Sudan.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources CLG will host a workshop for community groups on ‘Safeguarding – Children First Act 2015 & Children First National Guidance 2017’ on Thursday, October 25, at the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West, from 7pm – 9.30pm. Community groups working with children are required to develop specific policies and procedures on how to create a safe environment to prevent deliberate harm or abuse to children. This workshop will provide an overview of Children First Legislation, developing Child Safeguarding Statements and accompanying risk assessments. Booking essential by contacting Damien, at West Limerick Resources CLG, on 087 9042477 or by emailing damien.ahern

WORKSHOP: A presentation by John Lonergan (Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison) on ’ How to be Happy and Content’ will take place at the Longcourt Hotel, NCW on Wednesday, October 17 at 7.30pm. It has been organised by West limerick Mental Health Association. Admission is free.

IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Every Thursday evening with Jimmy Hickey in the Community Centre, New Street.

CRAFT CO-OP: Abbeyfeale Craft Co-op has resumed in St. Ita’s Hall on Thursdays from 11- 2pm. New Member’s Welcome. Any information required contact Mary 087 2237363.

SOCIAL DANCING: Learn to waltz, jive, slosh etc. with Josephine at The Railway every Tuesday from 8pm.

ICA: Abbeyfeale ICA guild meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Further Education and Training Centre, Mountmahon from 7.30 – 9.30pm.. Activities include Talks, Demonstrations and Workshops. New members welcome. Tel. Anne Maria 06831145 for details.

HISTORY LECTURE: To mark the 80th anniversary of the passing of the great Kerry Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel will host a lecture on Tuesday October 16th at 7.30 pm featuring Michael Smith, author of Tom Crean – An Unsung Hero and Aileen Crean O’Brien, granddaughter of Crean. Artefacts from the Tom Crean collection at Kerry County Museum will be on display on the night. Admission is €10 and tickets can be booked by phoning 068 22212 or emailing info. Michael Smith will also deliver talks to 5th & 6th class pupils on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th October. Michael’s book Tom Crean – Iceman is featured on the primary school curriculum. Please contact Kerry Writers’ Museum for more information and to book.

ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Our third annual Christmas Party will take place at Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, November 25 next from 1 – 6pm with lunch being served at 1.30pm sharp. Tickets at €15 will be available from all members of the committee (see below). At our last meeting Community Garda Roger O’Donoghue asked that everyone be alerted to the need to check that all lights around houses are working, doors and windows locked, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in working order. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Basic Tips on keeping safe from the IFA website: Consider appropriate good quality locks, bolts and bars on doors and windows. Always secure your home, close and lock windows and doors, even if you are only going out for a short time. Don’t hide spare keys outside. Don’t leave ladders lying around outside. Ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650) if you are concerned about anti-social behavior especially egg throwing during this month. Contact any member of the committee should you wish to join our Text Alert Scheme. This was set up to immediately alert the community that an incident has occurred. The hope is that by raising awareness, people would keep a watchful eye out, contact the Gardai if they see something and thus help to deter criminal activity in our area. We have a current alert whereby you are advised to beware of bogus traders calling to homes re works from recent storm damage. 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.

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 and following Mass.

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.

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.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: The first Friday of every month in Listowel. The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45pm, followed by Mass at 7pm.for Saint Padre Pio with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after Mass.

ST PIO LIXNAW PRAYER GROUP: Our next Padre Pio devotions will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 7.30pm (This later date is because of the pilgrimage to San Giovanni). The witness will be given by Ian O’Connell of Killarney.

FINUGE RAMBLING HOUSE Friday, October 19 in the Thatched House commencing at 9pm. All welcome.

KNOCKANURE RAMBLING HOUSE: Knockalougha, Duagh on the third Tuesday of every month.

PHONE CONNECT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS : The Phone Connect project is a free community based telephone support service offered to older people in the West Limerick Area empowering them to remain independent in their own homes. The weekly service provides a listening ear to the elderly allowing them to share any worries or concerns and to be informed of any local events or services. West Limerick Resources is now seeking volunteers to make these phone-calls from a dedicated space where a mobile phone is available. All volunteers will be Garda Vetted and training will also be made available. If you would be interested in volunteering or require more information, we would be delighted to hear from you so call Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or Stefanie on 087 3663842.

RE-DESIGNED FURNITURE: Back2New re-designed and re-purposed furniture store is now open every Monday (9.30-1.30pm), Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (9.30am-5.30pm) at The Weigh House, Market Yard, Newcastle West. Call in and have a look around our community retail store and you will be amazed at the unique furniture items for sale. Back2New also provide at re-design service, please contact Michaela on 087 2727742 for further information.

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK AUTUMN TALK: on Thursday, October 18 at 8pm in Killarney House, on “ Valentia Trans-Atlantic Cable Project” by Michael Lyne

THE IRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST are now accepting applications for their Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Young people aged 11-30 yrs with a variety of special needs including physical and medical conditions, learning difficulties or a young person who may have experienced some challenge in their life are all eligible to apply. This pilgrimage provides respite care for parents and guardians and a free trip for the young person. The closing date for applications is October 31. Further information can be found on the website www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com or 086 1030740 or 087 2809833.

NANO NAGLE: Saturday, October 20 – Talk by Maurice Bric UCD: The World of Nano Nagle when the Penal Laws were enforced, ignored and abolished. 10am – 4pm; €65 incl. light lunch; Booking required Nano Nagle Birthplace 022 26411. www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie

SOCIAL SCHEME RECRUITING POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS: West Limerick Resources is compiling a list of individuals interested in joining the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). Participants on the scheme work 19.5hrs per week and receive a top up payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. To participate on the scheme you must fulfil the following criteria: Be actively farming over 1 hectare of land; Have a valid herd number; Proof of application for the EU Basic Payment Scheme for the current year and be in receipt of Farm Assist, Jobseekers Allowance or other qualifying payments. Spouses, children, brothers and sisters of the herd owner can also join the scheme if they meet relevant criteria. Only one person allowed per herd number. For further details contact Tom or Michelle at West Limerick Resources on 069-61316 or Email: rsswlr. Successful eligible candidates will be placed on a panel from which vacancies will be filled.

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