PROLOGUE: Summertime: High hills bring hopeful thoughts and happy hearts make helpful deeds. Now is the time to gather flowers where friendship plants the seeds.
The time for looking up old friends and going on the spree. For a trip along the river
or an outing to the sea.(Abbeyfeale Parish Newsletter.)

DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to the Enright family, New St. on the death of their sister Nora Quill whose funeral took place in Bantry on Monday. May she rest in peace.

CHART HOUSE DINGLE: Congratulations to Jim McCarthy, Cahirlane, the proprietor of the Chart House Dingle which came 4th in Ireland for Fine Dining as per TripAdvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice "Best of the Best" Restaurants awards. It is only one of several awards that Jim and his siblings have won over the years and brings back fond memories of the year that our Community Alert Summer Outing stopped for dinner on our way home from a trip to see Fungie. The Chart House is reopening this week now that indoor dining is allowed, a visit to Dingle would be an ideal way to staycation. Reservations on 066 9152255.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE: An upcoming foundation course in personal development this autumn will take place this Autumn. The Mid-West SCPD Application Form is now available on the website for downloading: .https://www.socialandhealth.com/scpd-application-form-mid-west-region/

SOUND TOWN: Huge congratulations to Noreen Nash Cotter N.T. whose letter to Today FM won Abbeyfeale a place in the final of the competition to find Ireland’s Soundtown. The overall prize is €10,000 to be spent on a community project and every month a town is chosen to enter the final and Noreen’s effort was chosen as this month’s winner. This is the letter she wrote to the programme: “Dear Alison, Somebody told me about the “Sound town competition” and suggested I enter Abbeyfeale. I hope I do it justice. Seo é mo scéal: I am 47 and have lived in Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick for pretty much most of my life. In years gone by it was a lively market town and I have great memories from my youth of carnivals, pubs, concerts, dancing, craic and general fun. However time and circumstances brought change and like a lot of rural towns, Abbeyfeale suffered. It has been sad to see business premises close down, remain empty and buildings become derelict. It seemed to set off a negative spiral and a general downbeat feeling in the town. One of our lowest points was when a local sweet shop that generations knew and loved, closed down due to the sad passing of it’s cherished owner in December 2020. Shortly afterwards came the announcement that Bank of Ireland was pulling out. And so it seemed the downward trend was going to continue. But then a little bit of magic started………Two young primary school teachers, Robert and John Browne, both Abbeyfeale natives and proud of their birthplace and heritage, approached my husband, another friend and myself to help do something for the local community. And so, “ An Siopa Milseán” was born! The way it happened was a strange co-incidence. At the time my brother-in law Billy Cotter was trying to preserve as a museum, his uncle’s grocery shop on New Street, which was established in 1920. Sadly the building is in such a bad state and needs so much work, the character of the shop would be lost and it proved impossible to preserve. However we have managed to salvage many old display items from Lifebuoy soap to paraffin lamps to old Christmas selection boxes. We brought up the old counter, which I’m sure would have many tales to tell. We also saved the weighing scales and it’s lovely to see parents and grandparents now having sweets weighed for their children on the same scales they eagerly watched in their childhood. All five of us have full time jobs, but for weeks we spent evenings and weekends getting things sorted and finally on Easter Saturday, a day of hope, and after a blessing from our parish priest Fr. Tony, we opened our doors. When you walk in, it’s like stepping back in time and it’s lovely to hear both adults and children gasp when they see the siopa unfold before them. As a “community shop” we have given local bakers and producers an opportunity to sell their produce and the community is indeed supporting them by buying their products. I think COVID has taught us all about the value of supporting local. Some people said the “siopa milseán” was a life-line for them during lockdown. They looked forward to the chat with our wonderful Mary. Sometimes they needed that more than the bread or milk they were buying. Local schools have been amazing and made many trips. All are welcome in “An Siopa Milseán”. There’s a place for everyone, whether you’re in your designer sunglasses looking for a caramel latté or grabbing a cold drink in your wellies on the way to the bog! And Abbeyfeale is just like that, inclusive and welcoming. We have seen many families relocate to our town from other countries and as a teacher in St. Mary’s Boys School Abbeyfeale, I see how these families have been welcomed. That makes me very proud of my homeplace. To say that the success of the “Siopa” has gone beyond our wildest dreams is an understatement but that’s down to the amazing community of Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas. They have come out in huge numbers to support us and that is why I’m nominating Abbeyfeale as a sound town. We have amazing people living here who volunteer with our rugby and soccer clubs, Fr. Casey’s GAA, The Town Park Committee, The Tidy Town’s Committee, Abbeyfeale Community Council, youth clubs, choirs and many more. This weekend we were fortunate to see the opening of the Limerick Greenway. It’s great to see the Abbeyfeale community give the same support to other local initiatives like The Barnagh Greenway Hub and Locomotion Bike Hire. I know that as a community we will all pull together and put Abbeyfeale back on the map. Winning €10,000 would be fantastic to help us to do this and get more community projects over the line. We have many more ideas. I hope my “scéal” has given you some idea as to why I think Abbeyfeale deserves to be nominated a sound town. And if nothing else that it has shown there is always hope. And that when a few people with varying skills unite with an idea for improving a community, anything is possible. Churchill said ” We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. We have many givers in Abbeyfeale. Míle buíochas, Le gach dea-guí, Noreen Cotter & “An Siopa Milseán” team.

ANOTHER COINCIDENCE: The following poem which appeared in the Abbeyfeale Parish Newsletter this weekend was written by Noreen Nash Cotter’s mother Anne Nash and just goes to show that it wasn’t off the stones that Noreen licked her letter writing skills:

I’M GOING OUT IN THE SUN TODAY

I’m going out in the sun today
And I don’t care if the cobwebs
Are doing a two hand reel on the fittings
Or if the wash up reaches so high
It make a hole in the ceiling
See if I care
There’s much to enjoy and lots to share
For I’m going out in the sun today.

I don’t want to meet glum faces
Or bad forecast expressions
Or weather-vaned people
Who always know what’s given down
Especially if it’s rain
Let me have folk around me
who just glow and show
That they live and laugh and love
For I’m going out in the sun today

I don’t care if my nose peels seven layers
Or my eyebrows fade into oblivion
to hell with the pollen counter
And his boring job
I’ll take my chances and so what
If I sneeze, I sneeze
Let me enjoy the warmth, the good feel
And let go my worries on the breeze
For I’m going out in the sun today. By Anne Nash .

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration in the main church every Friday, beginning after the 10.00am Mass – 6.00pm. Entrance through the front door of the church. Please note that when there is a Wedding Mass celebrated on a Friday, adoration will be from 4 to 6.00pm.

FR KEVIN; THE FINAL WHISTLE…..NO EXTRA TIME : This is part of the letter that Fr. Kevin McNamara wrote in his last newsletter as he leaves Knockanure after being moved by Bishop Ray Browne.

“All of a sudden it’s time to say goodbye. Have you noticed in life that it’s always like that? There is all the time in the world – until there is no time! “Tomorrow” has finally come!! Was it yesterday or the day before, when I stood at the Altars in Moyvane and Knockanure and saw a field of strange faces – a blur of people all different? This weekend I look from the Altars and I see Chris, Eileen, Paddy, Noreen. No blur now, but every face a person, every person different, every person, thank God, a friend unique and loved by me. A Priest’s life is just that – journey. We are on the move always. That doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes to say goodbye. You have, each and every one of you, given me so much – your trust, your friendship, entry into your hearts and a place before your hearths. I am immensely grateful. I will never forget you, I beg you, never forget me in your prayers. You will always be in mine. We have each given each other something precious -a memory. For me at any rate this memory of good, caring, loving people both within the Parish and outside the Parish will never, never fade. In all my future journeys wherever the good Lord sends me, you will be part of my story. All in the Listowel Community Hospital, each and every one of them, have been kind and very supportive to me in my ministry there. It’s hard to say goodbye to them too. Many thanks to them for many things during my time there. As for my First Friday calls, they were simply so, so special and all whom I visited always richly blessed me.” All negative thoughts I’ve decided must go, I’ll try to say ‘Yes’ when I want to say ‘No’. I won’t say, ‘I can’t’ but ‘I can only try’. And accept things that happen – not keep asking why. I’ll make time for hobbies and brighten the day, and not let my problems affect what I say. There are many folk homeless, sad, hungry, in pain. I am blessed with so much I’ll not grumble again. Today will be good for I’m filled now with hope with God’s love inside me, I know I can cope. No moaning or groaning, no sighing, no dread. My positive thoughts are all there instead.

CONGRATULATIONS to Athea on winning the West Intermediate League Final against Monagea.

CAMPA MHUIRE: Free online Catholic Faith Camp for Children aged 5-12.The four day Summer Camp from Tuesday July 27–Friday July 30 will include Music & Action Songs, Arts & Crafts, into the Deep Bible Stories, Games, Drama, Live streamed daily Mass and more! No need to register, check out www.holyfamilymission.ie/campa-mhuirAe-mhathairf

NEWSLETTER: For the remainder of July and for the month of August the Parish Newsletter will not be published. The Newsletter will resume again in September. Our thanks to all the shops and businesses in the parish who over the past few months have helped to distribute the Newsletter. We are grateful for their assistance.

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR ABBEYFEALE TOWN PARK: A box for donations to help keep Abbeyfeale Town Park open has been affixed to the wall of the public toilets in the park. A Go Fund Me page has also been set up. The park which has proved to be such a godsend during the lockdown is struggling because the usual fundraising activities it depends on for support have had to be curtailed. It is used daily by hundreds of people and takes a lot of upkeep so funds are urgently required.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER RETREATS: This year the summer retreats for Youth2000 are back. For the Munster Area there are three retreats happening this summer all during the same weekend from 13th-15th August and they take place in Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Places need to be booked through the Youth2000 office atoffice or 00353 (0) 1 6753690.

GLÓRACH BINGO AT FR. CASEY’S: Outdoor Bingo continues at Fr. Casey’s on the Duagh Road every Sunday at 2pm.

CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Priest on Call during the summer months Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030I. fealechurch Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068ers -31133. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Cornelius O’Rourke. Thursday 10am Patrick & Mary Woulfe, St Ita’s Terrace.
Friday 10am Margaret & Con Flynn, Main Street. No Saturday morning Mass. 6.30pm Maureen Airey and deceased members of the Curtin family. Colm Mangan Anniversary. Sunday 10am Madge Woulfe, Kilconlea Lower. Owen & Eileen Doody. 12noon Pro Populo. The parish office will be closed for the next two weeks .To book a |Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass. Trocaire Collection :We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support and generosity during the Lenten campaign and throughout the year. The amount collected in Abbeyfeale so far €12,655. Chy4 forms 2020: If you intend to fill in and sign the CHY4 form you received in the post before Easter this year, you may return it to Fr Mullins . We thank all of you who have already completed the form and returned it. We expect to get up to €24,000 this year all because of your generosity. If you have lost the form contact Fr Tony. Thanks to all who contribute to the parish collections.

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. A special word of thanks to the committees/ volunteers who take great care of the graveyards. There is an account in the credit union for donations to assist in their work.

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.

DOWNSIZING: The closing date for applications for homes in the Mungret Gate scheme Limerick is August 5. See clannhousing.ie for more details about the Private Downsizing Scheme.
LEADER OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: The LEADER Transition Programme is now open for applications for eligible community and enterprise projects. Under the programme, local projects may be funded under three RDP themes and nine sub-themes (subject to funding availability). Grant aid for capital works is currently available to all at a rate of 75% to a maximum €200,000 however funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is also available for eligible training and A&D projects. Please note conventional retail, agriculture, childcare, healthcare and on-going running costs are among the areas ineligible for LEADER funding.

For more information or to discuss your ideas please contact one of our development officers:

Caitriona Scully (Tourism and Food Projects) – cscully

Elaine Dillon (Community and Environment Projects) – edillon

Suzanne Rowley (Enterprise Projects) – srowley

COMMUNITY ALERT: The most common way you can get COVID-19 (coronavirus) is by coming into close contact with someone who has the virus. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms.COVID-19 is mainly spread through close contact and droplets that come from your nose and mouth. For example, from someone who is talking loud, singing, shouting, coughing or sneezing.This happens when people are within 1 to 2 metres of each other.That’s why keeping a 2 metre distance from other people is an important way of reducing the spread of COVID-19.Airborne transmission is the spread of a virus in very tiny water particles, known as aerosols. This can happen over a longer distance than droplets, such as across a room.COVID-19 can spread easily in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.To protect against airborne transmission, keep indoor spaces aired out (ventilated) by opening windows and doors when possible. This reduces the risk of infected air building up in a room, corridor or stairwell. It’s much safer to meet people outdoors than indoors, even if you keep more than 2 metres apart indoors. Avoid crowded or stuffy places as much as possible. Leave a location if it becomes crowded. You can also get the virus from infected surfaces. For example, when someone who has the virus sneezes or coughs, droplets with the virus can fall onto surfaces around them. If you touch that surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you could become infected too. Getting COVID-19 from surfaces is not as common as getting it through close contact with someone who has the virus. But it’s still important to wash your hands properly and often. Using common household disinfectants will kill the virus on surfaces. 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 if you spend long periods of the day on your own 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


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