PROLOGUE: The only way to win with a toxic person is not to play. Leave their playground."
Author Unknown
DEATHS: We offer sincere sympathies to the families of the late Eileen O’Brien, Bridge St., and Denis Lenihan, Ballaugh North whose funerals took place last week. May they rest in peace.
FLEADH BY THE FEALE: Celebrity concert this year by The Kilfenora Ceili Band. Takes place May 2-6, concert Sunday, May 5. Great interest this year in the Bones playing competition so all you aspiring world champions out there – get practicing.
HEAR THE AMAZING TRUE STORY OF ABBEYFEALE MAN: Marc McMeniman M.A., Author, Teacher, and Documentary Maker will be the speaker at the next meeting of Rathkeale and District Historical Society on Friday, February 22 at 8.30pm. He will speak on the incredible true story of Nazi Codebreaker Richard Hayes. The meeting takes place in the Community Arts Centre, New Line in Rathkeale and there you will hear the true story of Richard Hayes, the Librarian from Abbeyfeale who worked in Dublin and how he helped turn the tide of World War 11. . Admission Free.
THE CHASTITUTE: If you missed the Abbeyside Players production of the Chastitute they will be in Rockchapel Community Centre on Saturday, February 16 and in Tournafulla Community Centre the following Saturday, February 23. Seats to be booked in Rockchapel on 087 6818113/069 81156 or in Tournafulla on 087 6496463.
HARNETT REUNION MEETING: All Harnetts near and far are invited to a meeting in St. Ita’s Hall on Thursday night next, February 14 to start finalising the programme for our International Reunion taking place on July 11-14. The interest from all around the world is phenomenal and it’s shaping up to be a humdinger of a weekend so it would be great if we could have a spread of the different clans at this meeting, it will start at 9pm sharp and we aim to finish within the hour. Email HarnettReunion2019 @gmail.com for further information or check out Harnett Reunion FB page to keep up to date with all the plans for a fantastic weekend.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AT GLÓRACH: On Friday, March 8 we will be celebrating International Women’s Day at the Glórach Theatre with a concert from the group Cúisle, that comprises Susan Browne, Dan Sheahan, Catherine Horgan and Kevin McCarthy. A themed night, entitled ‘Iconic Songs, Iconic Women’, it will be a fantastic acoustic celebration of International Women’s Day with a wide ranging set of all time favourites such as Cyndi Lauper, Mary Black, The Cranberries, Barbra Streisand to name but a few. Tickets are going fast and can be booked at 0871383940.
CONGRATULATIONS: Delighted to see that Scoil Ide agus Iosef are in the regional final of this year’ Junk Kouture competition. Log on to the site and vote for them and let’s try and bring the honours back to Abbeyfeale.
ST ITA’S FAITH CAMP: This year our camp takes place in St Mary’s Boys school from Monday, July 29 –Thursday, August 1. We will need volunteers -adults 18yrs +and also youths aged 14 –17 yrs. Info: -087-2788834.
MARRIAGE OF CONNIVANCE: Abbeyfeale Drama Group takes the stage in Fr. Casey’s with ‘Marriage of Connivance’ Thursday, February 14, Saturday16, Sunday 17, Tuesday19, Thursday 21, Saturday 23 and Sunday, February 24. Doors open 7.15pm, Show 8pm sharp.
COFFEE MORNING: A Coffee morning will be held at the Gate way café, the Western Inn, Feale’s Bridge Abbeyfeale on Thursday, Valentine’s Day February 14 from 11 – 2pm where all the proceeds are going towards the chemotherapy day ward at UHK. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
READING GROUP: The Spiritual reading group will meet on Wednesday after the 10am mass at 10.30am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. All are welcome.
“THE LONESOME WEST”: Athea Players continue their run with ‘The Lonesome West’ on February 14, 16, and 17. Suitable for over 12’s. Admission €10. Telephone/ text bookings only 087 2743189. Doors open 7.30pm.
MAINISTIR NA FÉILE ICA: The club held their first, very well attended, guild meeting of the New Year in the Adult Education, Centre, Mountmahon on Tuesday, February 5 last. The next meeting with guest speaker, Sgt. Bernadette Leetch , Crime Prevention Officer will take place on Tuesday, February 26 at 8pm. It should prove to be a very useful and informative meeting and therefore Mainstir Na Féile ICA are issuing an open invitation to all those who would like to attend on the night. Fáilte roimh gach éinne.
WRENBOYS: The Ballaugh Wrenboys wish to thank sincerely all who supported them on St Stephen’s Day. The Wrenboys collected €2040, Nano Nagle special school received €500, Milford Hospice received €500 and Abhaile Respite Listowel received €1040. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Billy Mangan Coaches for the use of his bus on the day and also to our driver James Mahony. Finally we would like to express our appreciation to you for the warm enthusiastic welcome we received in the houses we visited. Go raibh Míle maith agaibh go léir.
SECOND YEAR YOUTH CLUB: Meet every Friday night from 8 – 9.30pm.
ALL IRELAND COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY AWARDS: Limerick City & County Council were Runners up in the “Best Community Health Initiative” beating Abbeyfeale Community Council in the same Category. Chairman of Abbeyfeale Community Council said on returning from the awards ceremony in Dublin that he was “Delighted and honoured at being given the opportunity to represent Abbeyfeale and Abbeyfeale Community Council at National Level. No trophies this time for ACC but had very interesting conversations with LCCC representatives and others on potential for future projects for Abbeyfeale Community – watch this space!”
CONRADH NA GAEILGE FESTIVAL: Tionól (Irish language and Music w/e) Chontae Luimnigh was a great success last weekend and hopefully the first of many gatherings of Folklore, Music, Poetry and History of Abbeyfeale through the Irish Language.
CONRADH NA GAEILGE/GAELIC LEAGUE; a branch has been re-established in Abbeyfeale. Members welcome. Further information Éamonn 086 3903244.
POST BOX; There is a second post box in town – at the side of O’Donoghue’s Flower shop on Convent St with a collection Monday to Friday at 4.45pm each day.
ABBEYFEALE SPORTS COMPLEX BOOKINGS; The newly refurbished hall is available for bookings Monday – Sunday. Ring the office on 068 31799 Monday to Friday 9 -4.
LECTURE; Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society lecture on ‘The Barrington Family and Limerick, c. 1800-1925’, will be given by Fr Brian Murphy, a member of the Benedictine community of Glenstal Abbey. He is the author of a recent book on the Barrington’s and the controversial death of the only daughter of Sir Charles Barrington, in an IRA ambush near Newport, County Tipperary in May 1921The venue for this lecture is Room T.1.17 Tara Building, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick at 8.00pm Monday, February 18.
COMMUNITY ALERT NOTES: There is an automated call on the go at the moment threatening to cut off your internet – Ignore. Sgt. Bernadette Leetch , Crime Prevention Officer will give a talk to the ICA on Tuesday, February 26 in the old Tech at 8pm and they have issued an open invitation to everyone to come along – men and women. . If you see anything that makes you wonder if thieves are casing the area like a car that seems to be travelling around several times ring Abbeyfeale Station on 068 30010. If the Gardai on duty are out on patrol the call will be patched through to NCW who will call the car back to town. Keep an eye on our FB page which is updated daily with all the latest on scams, money making rackets and fast ones. 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.
CALLING PARENTS: Abbeyfeale Parent & Toddler Group: 11am – 12.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday, St Ita’s Hall. New people always welcome. Contact Mary on 087 9382883.
MASS TIME: Mass Times in the Pastoral Area Unit; Abbeyfeale – Saturday 6e.30pm and Sunday 9.15am & 12noon. Athea – Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 10.30am. Mountcollins – Sunday 11am. Templeglantine – Saturday 6pm and Sunday 10.00 am. Tournafulla – Saturday 7.30pm.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH: Fr Tony Mullins PP 087/2600414. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674. Fr Denis Mullane 087/2621911. Parish Church 068/51915. Parish Office; Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: fealechurch Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email jo Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people effected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560 . Counselling Appointment 061/314213. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Saturday 6.30pm Jim Ahern, Shanbally. Sunday 9.15am Mary & John Shannon, Main Street. Bridie Ward, Killarney Road.
12noon Norrie Curtin, Kilconlea Lower. Eucharistic Adoration: Parishioners who are interested in spending some time in prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament are invited to fill out one of the Invitation cards and drop it into the box at the front of the altar. Cards were distributed at all Masses last weekend and are also available at various locations in the church.
AFTERNOON TEA: Castle View Café at Kerry Writers’ Museum is hosting St. Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea on Thursday February 14 from 2 to 4 pm. The event will include a Prosecco reception, a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a mouth-watering range of pastries accompanied by a selection of teas. Entertainment will feature a piano recital. Tickets are €20 and can be booked by phoning 068 22212 or emailing info.
GLÓRACH: Bingo continues on Monday nights at 8.30 pm.
PILGRIMAGE: Medjugorje from July 25- details 069 60375.
HISTORY RESOURCE, Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr James Collins will launch a major new digital history resource on Wednesday, February 20 at 7.00pm in the Granary Library. This is the work of Limerick Library and the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society. The Society was more than delighted to make available the entire back catalogue of their journal, the ‘North Munster Antiquarian Journal on the limerick.ie website. This constitutes a new free, on line source of more than 10,000 pages of history and archaeological writing, mainly focussed on Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.
BOOK ON SALE: The Treaty Triumph celebrating Limerick’s All Ireland Hurling win is on sale at Ann Lyons’ in the Square.
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.
RAMBLING HOUSES: Monagae 2nd. Monday of the month. Knockalougha, Duagh on the third Tuesday of every month.
On Friday April 5th next, Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex Committee will hold a novelty fund raising event.This will entail the showing of the popular film Despicable Me 3 in the sports hall – but with a twist! The power to operate the film projector will not be taken from the national grid. Instead the power will be generated by local cyclists working,and pedalling- in teams of eight and hoping to supply between 80 to 100 watts of power. These cyclists don’t come cheaply!They need the sponsorship of the community – be on the lookout for sponsorship cards –and all money generated will go towards putting the finishing touches to the Complex.Duagh can now boast of two iconic buildings –St.Brigid’s Church –built shortly after the Great Famine with the pennies of our forebears – and the Sports and Leisure Complex costing over one million euro- thanks in no small measure to the generosity of the people of Duagh and surrounding parishes – and built during the greatest economic collapse to hit the western world in living memory.It is debt free and is there for the enjoyment of everybody in the community.Doors open @ 6.30pm with Film starts rolling @7.30pm. Shop providing Popcorn and refreshments also available.A fun filled evening of entertainment for young and old alike. Come along and enjoy this unique event.
‘AT LAST’: The book is for sale in Ann Lyons’s, The Square. It tells the story of Limerick’s long wait for All Ireland Hurling Glory.
ARDFERT RETREAT CENTRE: Life in the Spirit: Moss & Janice Carrig, Tuesdays – starts February 19 from 7.30pm to 9pm. Bookings: Call 0667134276.
DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE: The 28th. Conference takes place on the weekend of February 23 and 24 in Dublin. Email divinemercyconference for further information.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 