PROLOGUE: When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
DEATHS; We offer our sympathy to the family of Kathleen Wrenn, Hillary Close whose funeral took place on Wednesday and to the family of Michael Houlihan, Ballaugh whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace.
WEDDING: Congratulations to Sinead O’Halloran and Patrick O’Connell who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale on Friday, May 7. We wish them every happiness in their married life together.
COLLECTION: The parish clerks summer collection take place next weekend. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you all again now that the restrictions on public worship are being lifted.
WARNING: There are currently fraudulent SMS messages in circulation claiming to be from DHL. These messages are not from us! As a matter of principle, we do not ask for any data or to download apps via SMS.
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP LEAHY: In a statement issued last weekend, Bishop Brendan Leahy said “The resumption of public ceremonies in churches from May 10 onwards is deeply satisfying in so many ways. It’s just great to feel we can be gathered as one, albeit with number limited, seeing each other, listening together to God’s Word, expressing ourselves as a community and taking part in the Mass that contains the great gift of the Eucharist. “Not everyone will understand the significance of it, but many people of faith see this as very, very positive in terms of their spiritual health and personal wellbeing.” Bishop Leahy expressed confidence, thanks to track record of already having managed a reopening, that public celebrations will be appropriately and carefully handled but he said that we cannot at any stage drop our guard. And he paid tribute to priests and parish volunteers for their work.“Of course, we’ve been here before. We know how resumption of public ceremonies works. We have experience and are confident that the good measures put in place last summer will continue again this time. But confidence crumbles and is worthless under complacency so we must at no stage let up. COVID complacency is the enemy and we must redouble our efforts, not least we have come so far already. We all need to be careful because the virus is still with us.
CHURCHES REOPEN: Fr. Tony writes: “We are delighted with the news that from Monday, May 10th churches and places of worship will be open for people to attend Mass or other religious ceremonies. Our first Mass open to the public will be on Monday, May 10 at 7.00p.m. The maximum number of people allowed to attend is 50. The two-metre social distancing rule still applies. As when we opened last summer there will only be one entry point that is the main door at the front of the Church. Stewards will direct you to the hand sanitizing stations and then to your seats. The seats will be clearly marked. Three individual people from different households to a seat. Families from the same household may sit together. The stewards will direct you to Holy Communion and at the end of Mass we are asking people to exit the church gradually and safely. Because the maximum number of people allowed to attend is confined to 50 for the moment, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone who may wish to come into the church. In that case parishioners will be able to hear Mass in the car park through the Car Park Radio. Tune your car radio to 107FM. For Holy Communion we ask you to remain in your car and Holy Communion will be brought to you. For the time being we suggest that parishioners come to Mass once a week in order to give all those who wish to attend an opportunity to attend Mass within the church building. We ask you to follow the guidance of the stewards at all times. The church will need to be cleaned thoroughly after each time that it is used. The cleaning of the building after each Mass is essential to maintain safety and prevent the spread of the virus. Stewards: I want to thank the great army of stewards who volunteered all last year to keep the church open and safe for all those who visited the church. Guidelines for the re-opening of Church: Please use sanitiser, available at entrances and exits to the church· Social Distancing must be adhered to at all times and please wear your mask for added safety· For this week our church capacity will be limited to 50, but beginning on the weekend of May 16 the Church will be divided into ‘pods’ (of no more than 50 persons in each), giving us welcome extra capacity· Each Section has its own entrance / exit route with strictly no movements between ‘pods’· The ‘Sign of Peace’ remains suspended for the moment and arrangements for Holy Communion, observing social distancing as they were last time· Should you find the capacity of the church has already been reached, you may park in the grounds and participate in our mass through your car radio [107FM}But please remain in your car so that there is no congregating in the car parkNumbers for Weddings and Funerals are limited to 50. It is not in the power of the priest to change this. It is the ‘law of the land’, so please do not exceed or ask for exception. The current Mass schedule will remain in place for the summer months.
DEGREE: Pre-Degree course for adults, closing date May 31, details from University of Limerick.
ACTIVE RETIRED; We are inviting expressions of interest from all Active Retired Groups to host an event/ activity for older members of your community during the month of May. All event organisers must ensure that their event is on-line, or alternatively events must be adhering to the public health guidelines that may be in place at the time.
https://www.sdcc.ie/en/news/bealtaine-festival-may-2021.html
SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS: West Limerick Mental Health Association are always searching for volunteers and they say “Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organization and our community. Without the dedication of volunteers, many projects offered by our local branch would not be possible. We truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy to further our mission. Volunteering is at the core of our organization. It is about giving, contributing and helping other individuals and the community at large; it is working with others to making a meaningful contribution to a better community.Give the gift of yourself, your time, your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering. You are always welcome. Contact : westlimerickmha
CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.
“LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD” UPDATED!: An updated version of “Abbeyfeale. Last One For The Road” by Raymond Fennelly has just been released. (although some may claim that it probably escaped!). Over twenty new stories, articles and illustrations have been added to the original publication which was first launched in 2016. The book is not on sale locally due to covid restrictions. The late Ann Lyons, The Square, would usually be the first to stock it in normal times. Ann was a great supporter of local writers and artists and is sadly missed. May she Rest In Peace.). However, copies are available on line from Amazon US and Amazon DE. (It may not be for sale on Amazon UK at present due to Brexit.) Hopefully “Abbeyfeale. Last One For The Road” will prove to be a gentle distraction during these difficult times.
CHURCH NEWS: Mass Intentions; Friday 10am James Collins Dromtrasna Harnett. Louis McEnery Dromtrasna. No Saturday morning Mass 6.30pm Rhona Danaher, Church Street. Sunday 10am Tom Collins Meenkilly. James Collins Dromtasna Harnett. Monday, May 17 7pm Paddy Flynn, Main Street Month Mind. Timothy & Ellen Healy and Son John Joe and daughter Eily Healy. Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.
WEST LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: WLMHA have a Face Book page open to the public. Log on and share for news of courses, help lines, inspirational words etc.
TAKEOUT AVAILABLE: We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leens Hotel. Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order. Conor Mc Carthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St. is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.
PADRE PIO: May Devotions Castleisland Church on Tuesday, May 18 at 7.30pm. Witness will be given by stroke victim Tom Harrington from Crotta. Tom has had to re-jig a massively busy life/work schedule and manage a new pathway. A story laced with hope and positivity. Click on church services.tv/castleisland.
COMMUNITY RADIO: WL102fm are relying on tickets sales for their weekly draw to keep them on air as this is the only fundraiser that they can hold at the minute. Tickets are available in Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Mikey’s stall in the Square, Moss the Farmers’ and also in the Siopa Nua. I would ask everyone to put €2 aside every week and purchase a ticket. You can see the value of community radio when you can receive Mass broadcast into your home every Sunday.
NOTICE TO PUBLIC: As a result of the Coronavirus, all West Limerick Resources events, Training Courses, Workshops and Face-to-Face Meetings are postponed until further notice. Staff are available to respond to clients and community groups by email or phone in relation to West Limerick Resources work and projects. Please check our Website on www.wlr.ie or Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/WestLimerickResources for further updates or contact the main office landline 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE: Are you interested in developing or expanding your social enterprise? Have you an innovative approach to addressing community needs? ‘Cooperating to Succeed’ is an imaginative yet practical programme designed to support social entrepreneurs, providing a year-long training and support package, tailored to your current needs. For further information please contact kmurray or 069 66294.
JOBS: Follow facebook.com/WestLimerickJobs for daily posts on job vacancies and training opportunities throughout West Limerick.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: I got a text message purporting to be from BOI staying that my bank account had been compromised and to click on a link to get back in business. I checked with BOI and this is said: “We are aware of fraudsters sending fake texts that can drop into a thread of genuine Bank of Ireland text messages. Bank of Ireland will never text you with a message containing a link that asks you for your online banking login details, your credit card number or debit card number. Report suspicious texts to 365security and then delete them.” This was posted on FB last week. A lady wrote “ The person on the phone knew my phone number, billing address and last 4 digits of my current account. They rang saying there was an attempted payment for almost €2,000 on Air BnB and asked did I allow anyone to use my card? I of course was freaking out thinking someone had my card details! He didn’t ask me any personal questions only to confirm my last transaction, which would be pretty normal if you card was compromised. I googled the phone number when I was on the phone to him and it came up as an AIB number, so I thought this must be real! He was not Irish and I was cautious in case he would ask me to give any of my account details…He then proceeded to ask me to enter my 8 digit internet banking number into the phone, telling the line was encrypted. I did not want to give any personal info so I decided to hang up ring AIB back myself (just in case). Thank God I did as they immediately told me that was a scam and they were using software to disguise their number as an AIB number!! She told me my account could have been cleaned out if I gave them my internet banking details. How can this happen? Well she said it’s pretty common actually, if a site I had made an online purchase from was hacked; they could have all those details. It was so close to a legit call it’s actually scary. If in doubt always hang up and ring the company back yourself!” 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 or spend 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. There may be some confusion over the word free – the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. 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 with a deposit of 6 months payable on the day of installation.. 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. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly. Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.
.HELPLINES: If you are experiencing domestic abuse, jo Aware (Depression & Anxiety 016617211. National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247or text HELP to 51444. 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 affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. .
DO YOU HAVE NEWS: If there is something you’d like covered in the Abbeyfeale notes please contact me on 087 6866450 or email me on marianharnett1
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 