PROLOGUE: "If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people."
Virginia Woolf
URGENT REQUEST FOR B/B ACCOMODATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29: Following recent confirmation that Abbeyfeale is to become the Admin and Media HQ for the 2nd Round of the Irish Rally Forestry Championships on Sunday, March 1, there is an urgent need for Hotel and B&B Rooms within a 10 mile radius of Abbeyfeale Town. All owners with available B&B Rooms for Saturday, February 29 to email location and availability details to abbeyfealecommunityasap.
GARDAI ENGAGEMENT DAY: You are invited to meet local Gardai in Newcastlewest at Garveys Centra, NCW 11.30am Friday, January 31.
SAN RITA WELLNESS: Friday mornings in St. Ita’s Hall from 10-11am. Contact 087 6718377.
COMMUNITY SUBSTANCE MISUSE TEAM: A free and confidential service for under 18’s and their families impacted by substance misuse is provided on the first Wednesday of the month in St. Ita’s Hall from 2.30pm – 5pm. Contact Kristeen Laing 086 4141854.
| GLÓRACH NOTES: | |||
| We had the privilege of hosting the Abha Bhán Drama Group on Friday and Saturday last for two memorable nights of drama, with the group reprising their award winning production of Sive to a fine crowd each night. No resting on our laurels, and plenty of varied talent coming in February to satisfy the most eclectic of tastes. On Friday 21st, gifted singer Daoirí Farrell makes his debut at the Glórach, followed on the 22nd by the Limerick Workshop Big Band who’ll be bringing jazzy delights to the fabled venue. Rounding of the month will be the legendary Jon Kenny, who brings his one man show Crowman to town. For bookings for any of these events, don’t hesitate to call 0871383940. |
HAVEN: If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs you are welcome to join a confidential group called Haven who meet on Thursday nights from 7 – 8.30pm in the parish office. For further information contact 087 7662865/087 4270374.
CAR BOOT SALE: A car boot sale and sale of pre loved clothes will take place at the Rugby Club, The Grove on Saturday, February 29 from 8 – 1pm as part of the Misery Team effort to fundraise for St. Ita’s Day Care Centre. Hi Ace Vans €15, small van and large cars €10, small cars €7. Public admission €2. No unaccompanied children, no animals or fowl for sale.
BOTTLE TOPS: The adult education centre in Mountmahon are collecting bottle tops for an art project and would appreciate if you would drop yours into either the centre or into St. Ita’s Hall over the next few weeks.
LOVE KNOTS AT FR. CASEY’S: The latest offering from the Abbeyfeale Drama Group is a comedy by Jimmy Keary. It will be staged on Tuesday, February 4, Thursday 6, Saturday 8, Sunday 9, Tuesday 11, Thursday 13, Saturday 15 and Sunday February 16 at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse. Doors open 7.15pm, Show 8pm sharp. The Athea Drama Group have also chosen a play on the Luv theme which is also by Jimmy Keary. They will be going on stage with ‘Looking for Love’ on February 6,8,9,13, 15,16 in the Community Centre, Athea.
AUTISM FRIENDLY: West Limerick Resources SICAP programme in association with SuperValu and Abbeyfeale Community Council is looking to explore the option of Abbeyfeale becoming an Autism Friendly Town and Community. To understand and hear about what is involved in this, we are having a public meeting on Wednesday, February 5, in St Ita’s Day Care Centre (opposite Glorach) at 7:30pm. A member of ‘AsIAm, Ireland’s national Autism charity and advocacy organisation will be in attendance on the night. If you would like to attend, then please contact Dearbhla, at West Limerick Resources, on 087 6750869 or email dconlon to register your interest and book a seat.
A MESSAGE FOR SUFFERERS OF COPD: ‘Thomas Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Physiotherapy Clinic, Main Street, Abbeyfeale here. I have just opened a new physiotherapy clinic in town. I have had a woman from town who suffers from severe COPD (breathing problems) get in touch with me to see whether I would consider running a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Class within the clinic. Basically this is an exercise type class for people with lung conditions. It involves a lot of education around breathing control. It would be a great social outlet too. I have previous experience of running such a class during my time working in Respiratory Physiotherapy in the NHS. The reason I am getting in touch is to see whether there would be enough scope numbers wise to run such a class? The woman in question suggested putting this in the notes as a lot of the more elderly who suffer with these conditions wouldn’t have Facebook etc.. I would be very keen to explore provision of this service to the people of Abbeyfeale and the surrounding areas. Chartered Physiotherapist 0877214265’ info
ABBEYFEALE HARRIERS: The annual hunting festival takes place from Sunday, February 9 to Friday, February 14. Further information fromPaddy O’Grady 087 6258933.
NIGHT AT THE OSKARS: The films have been chosen – Fr. Ted, Forrest Gump, The Golden Girls, Sister Act, The Quiet Man, Misery and The Calendar Girls. The awards ceremony will take place in the Devon Inn on Friday, March 20 and tickets at €30 are on sale from the Day Care office. The purpose of the OsKaRs is to raise funds for St. Ita’s Day Care and Sheltered housing and each actor in the 7 films is asked to bring in €500. Other streams of income include sponsorship of the event, of the films and of the awards with local companies and businesses being approached. A souvenir booklet will be produced with full page adverts costing €200 and half page for €100. Fundraising events are being organised daily by the actors and the following is by no means a comprehensive list of all those that are planned. Friday, January 31 we’ll have a Stepathon from 9am -9pm in Feale Fit, Mountmahon, we will be bag packing in Twohigs Super Valu and Mary McArthur has a Rambling House organised in the Day Care Centre from 8.00pm. Singers, musicians, storytellers will be welcome. Mary will also be selling lines for €2 and raffling a load of blocks from Cotters Firewood and a load of turf so if you’re feeling the chill in the air this is a chance to banish the winter blues by winning the makings of many fires. Saturday, February 1 Table Quiz in Jack O’Rourke’s at 9pm organised by the Forrest Gump Team. Monday, February 10, Star of the Golden Girls Toddy McMahon, is organising a Cookery Demonstration in the Day Care Centre. A 5k walk on the Great Southern Trail is pencilled in for 11am on Sunday 16 organised by Forrest Gump actors. Then on Saturday, February 22 there will be a concert in Fr. Casey’s at 8pm organised by The Golden Girls and on Friday, February 28 a Song Contest in the Ploughman and a Car Boot Sale in the Rugby Club on Saturday, February 29 from 8-1pm.
FUNDRAISER FOR COUNTY FLEADH: There will be a session in Donie Lyons’s pub, Athea on Saturday, February 1 at 9.30pm.
FEAST DAY OF ST. BLAISE: The blessing of the throats will take place after 7pm Mass on Monday, February 3.
RAMBLING HOUSE IN AID OF THE OSKARS: Each actor in the OsKaRs for St. Ita’s Sheltered Housing has been asked to fundraise and as part of her fundraising Mary McArthur has organised a Rambling House for Friday, January 31 at 8pm in the Day Care Centre. Singers, musicians, storytellers will be most welcome.
MICHEAL ENGLISH COMES TO DUAGH: Be sure and mark March 27 in your diary and book your tickets asap.
NEW COURSES STARTING IN JANUARY 2020 IN THE OLD TECH: Creative writing (Different forms of Creative Writing styles such as short stories, poetry, drama, short sketches and plays);Growing your own Vegetables class – Learn when and how to grow your own produce in our Poly Tunnel ; Cookery class – Learn various dinners and cakes in our demonstration cookery class. If you wish to register for any of the above free classes, please call Mary in the office: 06831198 or register online: www.learningandskills.ie.
SONG CONTEST AT THE PLOUGHMAN: Steve Smith will be in Misery which is one of the films in Abbeyfeale’s Night at the OsKaRs and as part of his fundraising efforts for St. Ita’s Day Care his family are organising a Song Contest. Singers, who will be sponsored, will be asked to compete on the night of Friday, February 28 at the Ploughman in the Square. So, if you are addicted to the Eurovision and often thought you’d be better yourself now’s your chance! Further information and for your chance at fame contact 087 9247533.
BRANDING & MARKETING FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This free one-day course will provide an introduction to market research, branding, public relations and digital marketing. Delivered by Terry Harmer of NLC Training and supported by Limerick Local Enterprise Office it is open to all new and existing businesses operating in the Limerick area. Venue: Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West. Date and Times: Monday, February 17, 10am-4pm. Light lunch provided. Pre-booking is essential. Register on-line at rdp. For further information contact Suzanne, at West Limerick Resources, on 069 79114.
APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO BE SOUGHT UNDER LEADER: The current Rural Development (LEADER) Programme 2014-2020 will close at the end of the year. Applications will continue to be accepted throughout the year from eligible community projects and local businesses SUBJECT TO FUNDING AVAILABILITY. While a large proportion of the programme budget is now fully committed, limited funding remains available under a number of sub-themes including: Rural Tourism, Enterprise Development, Rural Youth, Biodiversity, Water and Renewable Energy. To enquire if your project idea would be eligible please email rdp or contact West Limerick Resources LEADER team immediately on 069 62222.
THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR: Granagh Players present a Comedy – ‘ The Government Inspector ‘in Granagh Community Centre. Friday, January 31and the first weekend in February. 8pm. Tickets on the Door. Adults E10. Students E5.
WOOD TURNERS: The secretary of the Kerry Chapter of the Irish Woodturner Guild is Bob Cosgrave and he has issued an invitation to local woodturners to come to their monthly meeting in Tralee on the second Tuesday of each month between 7-10pm. Contact Bob Cosgrave 087 2833507 for further information.
GATE CLOSED: The church gates will be locked each evening at 8pm for the winter months
ALZHEIMERS/DEMENTIA TALK: An informative talk on Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia will be held at the Marian Hall, Moyvane on Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30pm. Free admission. (A donation to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated). Refreshments provided after the talk. All welcome.
WEST LIMERICK SINGING CLUB: The club meet on the first Friday of each month in Philip Enrights ‘The Ramble Inn’, Church Street from 9pm.
YOGA CLASS: Wednesday from 7 – 8.30pm Abbeyfeale Rugby Club. Ring Mike on 087 2732591.
CLOUNMACON CENTRE DANCING every Thursday night with Josephine O Connor, at 8.15pm. Everybody welcome.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC CLASSES ATHEA: Tutor Michael Broderick, Top of the Town Friday nights; Beginners 7.15 – 7.45pm, Advanced 7.45 – 8.15pm.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: We are getting daily warnings of scams – there is a cohort of people out there who will never do a day’s work in their life time and who spend their every waking hour trying to come up with ideas for how to relieve the rest of us of our hard earned cash. So, don’t answer the phone unless you recognise the number, if they want you let them leave you a message and then you can return the call. Never, ever give banking details to anyone, on the phone or by email or text and this includes your pin number which you should memorise. When you go out wear a high viz jacket no matter what hour, make yourself visible to motorists. If you are driving put on your lights and especially if it is raining. Lock your car when parking it up, leave nothing of value visible, if driving alone lock the doors. Get a house alarm, buy a timer for lights so that the house looks occupied when you are out. These are all sensible things to do and will help to deter the criminal. Ring Abbeyfeale Gardai on 068 30010 ( Three hundred ten) if you have concerns over callers , if the phone is unattended the call will be answered in NCW and the local squad car will be notified. When 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 €72. Please note that this fee has increased by €6 and is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month payable from day one. Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Michael 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.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: Ex Cork June 30-July 7. Half Board €725. Contact 086 2959380 asap as just a few places remaining.
HARNETT MAGAZINE: Some Harnett Reunion magazines are still available at Ann Lyons Shop and from James Harnett, also the final items of Harnett merchandise are available at Heavenly Gifts.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP: 11am – 12.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday, St Ita’s Hall. New people always welcome. Suitable for parents/care givers and children aged birth to 4 years including children attending pre-school. This group is an opportunity to meet other parents and play time with your baby/toddler. This is a free service and priority is given to those in receipt of social welfare payment or living in social housing. Contact Mary on 087 9382883.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Develop your speaking skills and your self confidence at West Limerick Toastmasters. First and third Wednesday of the month September – June in the Desmond Complex from 8 – 10pm. New members welcome. Contact Charles 087 7972855.
ST. ITA’S READING GROUP: Wednesday in the Adoration Chapel at 10.30pm. New members welcome.
ABBEYFEALE BOOK CLUB: St. Ita’s Hall, the second Wednesday of each month September – June from 7.30 -9pm. All welcome. Refreshments served.
THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY is looking for volunteers to drive patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in all public hospitals nationwide. Volunteers will need their own car but all expenses are paid. If you have 2 free days a month (Monday – Friday) and an active email address we would love to hear from you. Please call Laura on 01 2310 594, email transport or go to www.cancer.ie for more information.
HELPLINE FOR MEN SUFFERING DOMESTIC ABUSE: A new helpline has been set up and will operate 36 hours a week on 1800816588.
GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH MOVEMENT IN IRELAND. Meet on Wednesday’s at 8pm in the Seanchaí Centre, Listowel. This programme is open to all and is free of charge. No introductions needed. Just come along. For more information, contact Jerry, 086 0271990.
MASS TIMES IN THE PASTORAL AREA UNIT: Abbeyfeale – Saturday 6.30pm 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. Fr Shoji Vargihese 089/4431922 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 A l-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. Daily Mass 10am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday except in the event of a funeral when Mass will be at 11am. Saturday Morning Mass at 11am. Mass Intentions:
Wednesday 10am Daniel Sheehy. Friday 10am Rico Kelly. Saturday 11am Aoife Collins. 6.30pm Anna Mai Lane ,Killarney Road 1st Anniversary. Paddy & Nancy Fitzgerald Meenahala. Bernadette O’Connor Knocknasna. Sunday 9.15am David Ward, Ballaugh 12noon Garret Stack & Hannah & Michael & John Stack. Eileen & Johnny Lane, New Street . Ita Murphy Lewis & Dick Murphy, Knocknasna. Perpetual Help Novena on Friday’s @ 10am. St Anthony’s Novena each Monday evening @ 7pm Mass Baptismal team meeting in Abbeyfeale on Tuesday, February 11 in the Sacristy at 8pm. Parents are encouraged to attend. Saturday 1st February, Feast Day of St Brigid: St Brigid is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She was born in the year 454. Her father had planned for her to be married, but Brigid insisting in dedicating her life to God. She spent her formative years under the direction of St Mel in Ardagh, Co. Longford. With the assistance of Bishop Conleth she established a monastery in Kildare. She died in 524 and her cult is widespread not only throughout Ireland but in several European countries.
PASSION PLAY PILGRIMAGE 2020: Oberammergau, Germany, Monday, May 25-27 for the world famous Passion Play which only takes place every 10 years. Return flights Dublin/Munich/Dublin with coach transfer Kerry/Dublin return. Cost is €905.00 Bed & Breakfast & 1 Evening Meal. Insurance €15 extra per person under 80 years. Accommodation on a share basis. Limited places available. Further details and booking form from Janice O’Sullivan 064 7758219 or email joskdp. Operated in conjunction with Marian Pilgrimages 01-878 8159 Licensed as a Tour Operator by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in compliance with UK & European regulations (TO142)
CATHOLIC EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS: Will take place in Tralee Education Centre on Wednesday, February 5 from 5-7pm. This free course will focus on the key messages to teach children about the Catholic faith. For info and booking, see www.edcentretralee.ie.
RETROUVAILLE: A Lifeline for Married Couples. Do you want to improve the communication with your spouse? Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you hurt, frustrated or angry with your spouse? Does talking about it only make it worse? The Retrouvaille programme can help marriages at all stages. Next programme starts February 7-9. For information contact Tony & Anne (01) 495 3536, Mike & Anne (01) 450 0922, text or call 086 413 5440, or email info@retrouvaille.ieor visit www.retrouvaille.ie
| ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP Listowel, The first Friday of every month. The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45pm, |
RAMBLING HOUSES: Monagae 2nd. Monday of the month. Knockalougha, Duagh on the third Tuesday of every month.
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 