PROLGUE: If you can’t have what you like, you must like what you have.
DEATH: We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of Bridget Rowley, Ballaugh and Kilmorna whose death occurred recently. May she rest in peace.
SAVE THE DATE: Jimmy Buckley and his Band will be at the Duagh Sports and Leisure Complex for an evening of Music on Friday, March 18. Further information 087 2684540.
BINGO AT THE GAA GROUNDS: Lorcan Curtin writes; “ Our penultimate drive-in bingo was held on Sunday, with our final date at the GAA grounds being on Sunday, 20th February at the usual time of 1.30 pm. It’s been an enjoyable and fruitful experience for us, but all good things must come to an end and in this case it’s been done for positive reasons, namely the lifting of restrictions. Barring the emergence of a lethal strain of Covid in the Sliabh Luachra area, we will return to the Glórach on Monday, 28th February with the start time of 8.30 pm. Looking forward to next Sunday, and hopefully good weather on our final day facing the elements.
DAY CARE CENTRE: Now open to visitors every Tuesday. Contact Jane on 068 51850.
CONCERT AT THE GLÓRACH: After tentative success in our two Autumn concerts, we’re really looking forward to this upcoming gig at the Glórach Theatre that will bring the best in Traditional and folk music to the venue. Acclaimed Buttevant musician Alan Finn of Shandrum Céilí band fame, and who has played for former US President Barack Obama, will be making the journey to Abbeyfeale this month. The gifted accordion and fiddle player, who is also teaching his skills to a new generation of musicians, will be making his debut at the famed venue. He will be joined on the night by a stellar group of musicians that includes Keelan McGrath, Seán Kelliher and singer Annmarie O’Riordan. The gig takes place at 8 pm on Saturday, February 19th. Tickets are selling fast and can be bought at Abbey Tiles at an Siopa Milseáin, or by ringing 0871383940. Don’t miss a fantastic night of music in the revamped and renovated Glórach Theatre.
BRING YOUR SPADE TO TEMPLEGLANTINE AND HELP SET TREES ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19: One thousand, one hundred and fifteen trees will be planted between 11 and 3pm – 11 different Irish native species next Saturday. The saplings will be planted as part of a nationwide initiative to plant over one million trees in a bid to help reforest Ireland and combat climate change, global warming and bio-diversity loss. The new micro-forest will be named the Guru Nanak Sacred Forest – after the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.The Guru Nanak Sacred Forest Limerick is a collaborative project between Eco-Sikh Ireland, Reforest Nation, and Templeglantine Community Development.The forest will be planted beside Templeglantine National School, where renowned Sikh scholar and historian Michael (Max) Arthur McAuliffe studied. It will cover an area of approximately 250 square meters, with over 11 different Irish native species, including Alder, Downey Birch, Whitehorn, Guelder Rose, Rowan, Pedunculate Oak and five varieties of Willow. The forest will be grown using a method of afforestation, where plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.( headtopics.com)
PLAY: Athea Drama group, are back with Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel in Con Colbert Hall. Evening shows on Thursday, February 17, Saturday, 19, Sunday, 20, Wednesday, 23, Thursday, 24, and Saturday, February 26. The doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm each evening. Booking is necessary. The tickets cost €10 and ring 087- 6926746 .
SIAMSA TIRE CONCERT featuring Danny O’Mahony & Steve Cooney on Friday, 25th February – 8.00pm. Tickets available from Siamsa – 0667123055.
EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING: 2 Day ‘Back To Work Basic Skills Training’ for Job Seekers on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25 in Newcastle West covering Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Chemical Awareness and Safe Use of PPE. Contact Finn Fitzgerald on 087 759 1951 to register
CAR BOOT SALE: A Car boot sale in aid of the Newcastle West Community Centre will be held on Sunday, February 20. They are accepting bric a brac donations, toys, clean clothing. No books, broken toys etc. They have limited stall spaces available and any enquiries to 069- 69584.
RESPECTING FUNERALS: A recent Facebook post by a Cork funeral director has asked pedestrians to stand and show respect as a funeral cortege passes and drivers to give way to allow the family follow the hearse.
PILGRIMAGES TO MEDJUGORJE May 25th ex Cork to Mostar. June.22nd. Ex Cork to Dubrovnik. September 14th ex Shannon to Mostar. Cost is €775. If you pay a deposit of €100 you will avail of €50 discount and secure your place. Balance of €625 can be paid 6weeks before departure. Contact Tom Dennehy for further information
on 0876468658..
FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM: Take the trip of a lifetime with Group Leader Mícheál de Barra and Spiritual Director Fr. John Newman in association with Premier Travel, Cork. Further information from Mícheál 086 8337681 or email info @ carpediemtours. ie
TALK IN CON COLBERT HALL, ATHEA: The Healthy Athea Club has invited Ciaran Carey, former hurling manager, selector and player and now working as an addiction counsellor to give a talk on, February 25th at Con Colbert Hall.
RADIO MARIA IRELAND: Catholic Radio with a full programme, daily of catechesis, prayer, daily Mass, rosary, Stations of the Cross, Angelus, etc. You can listen by tuning into Saorview on your Television Channel 210 / Internet: www.radiomaria.ie
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: Departing from Shannon to Mostar September 7th to 14th Half board accommodation full religious programme operated by Marian pilgrimages Fare €725 for names received before Jan 31st Details from John O Brien Group Leader Doon Co Limerick 086 8586304.
CITIZENS ADVICE: They are available to deal with queries Monday to Friday between 9.30am – 4.15pm and can be contacted by phone on 0818075780 or by email nlimerick
ANOTHER GOOD NEWS STORY FROM ABBEYFEALE: Great to see the finishing touches being put to the new WorkBase E-Hub in Abbeyfeale ( the Old Provential Bank on Main St. previously owned by the late Tom and Tess Collins )and looking forward to opening day. Well done to everyone at Abbeyfeale Community Council who were the initial drivers of this idea almost 6 years ago and a huge welcome to all those at #HQCoworking who will be managing the E-Hub on behalf of owners Innovate Limerick.
FESTIVAL: Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival 2022, will take place this year from March 24th to 27th. Closing date for entries to the writing competitions is February 28 https://ballydbardfest.com/
CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. Fr Dan Lane will be on call every Wednesday. Fr Mullins will not be available on Wednesdays. Fr Lane can be contacted on 087-2533030 fealechurch Church Sacristy 068 -51915 Parish Office 068 -31133. To book a |Mass intention contact the church before or after Mass on 0668 51915. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Eily O’Connell, Meenkilly, No Saturday morning Mass 6.30pm Michael and Margaret Grogeen and deceased members of the Healy and Murphy families. Brenda Woulfe, Church St. 1st Anniv. Lara Murphy, London. Sunday 10am Christina Walsh, Achill 1st Anniversary. Mary and John Shannon, Main St. Sunday 12noon David Mc Enery Dromtrasna Collins Month Mind. Baptisms Saturday 5pm or Sundays 1pm. Monthly Mass for the sick of the parish will be celebrated at 10am on the last Friday of the month. In the event of a funeral the Mass will change to the previous Thursday.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held in the main church every Friday from after the 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm. In the event of a funeral Mass on a Friday Adoration will begin at 12.30pm. We advise parishioners to wrap up well as the some of the church windows will be open for ventilation purposes. “In worship, God captures your heart; when He’s got it, then the real work begins.”- Matt
Redman. During Lent the Adoration will take place in the Blessed Sacrament Church on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am -8pm. A sheet for putting down your promise to cover an hour is available at the back of the altar.
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 6: Buy tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas, cocoa etc and help support farmers in the third world with fair prices for their produce. www. fair-trade.ie.
AGM: Abbeyfeale Folk clg will hold their AGM at the Glórach Theatre on Tuesday, February 22 at 8pm.
COMMUNITY ALERT: “Kerry Martial Arts School is opening classes in Listowel. In a recent post on social media they say: “ We have students from all age groups. We believe that everyone has a chance to learn karate in a fun, friendly place and atmosphere. Everyone can grow, develop their potential, build character, learn self defense and boost their confidence with our naturally anti bullying classes. Our Karate school welcomes children as young as 4 years old, teaching them coordination and discipline and this can be beneficial, they can become emotionally mature following rules and feeling satisfied after training. Karate has an amazing and life-long benefits for both children and adults, aside from self-defence, team work and fun. I believe this is good for everyone in the community as a whole. Contact 085 8403898/0872636820 for further information.”
GNECB (Garda National Economic Crime Bureau) have issued the following advice:
• Be wary of such texts (even if the message thread includes previous genuine texts from your bank)
• NEVER EVER click on links – by doing so you are accessing cloned websites
• NEVER EVER give away personal data like PINs, one time codes or passwords
• If you have been a victim of this fraud, it is vital you change your password and PIN code immediately
• If you have been a victim of this fraud, report the matter to your bank asking them to recall any transactions which may have taken place, and report the matter to An Garda Síochána
• AIB bank will never send a text containing a link
Limerick City and County Council is teaming up with An Garda Síochána, and community groups across Limerick to help reduce the incidence of property theft.
The Council has purchased two property marking machines at a cost of €12,650 which can be loaned out to community groups who in turn organise property marking events in the localities.
The main objective of purchasing these machines is to reduce the level of property theft in Limerick city and county, reducing fear of crime and strengthening the partnership between communities, An Garda Síochána and the local authority.
How Property Marking works:
· The property machine works by stamping the person’s Eircode onto their item using a series of dots.
· As the Eircode is unique to the owner of the property, the item is easily tracked back to them if stolen.
· The depth and size of the dots is adjusted to suit the material to be marked, eg plastic, wood, carbon fibre etc. The only type of material it can’t be used on is that which might shatter on impact, such as glass or ceramics.
· Marking the property acts as a deterrent to thieves as they are likely to move on rather than risk getting caught with an item which can instantly be identified as not belonging to them.
Special training sessions provided by James O’Neill of Property Marking Ireland have taken place in UL Bohemians RFC grounds in Annacotty, for a total of 30 people from various community groups and the Community Department of the Council to showcase how the system works.
In addition 24 Gardaí have been trained in the use of the machines.
Launching the new initiative, Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Tom Ruddle said: “This is a wonderful initiative being led by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with the Gardaí and local communities. It is these small steps that we can all take that will make it difficult for opportunist thieves and travelling gangs to steal our property. It shows that we must all play our part to rid our areas of this nasty type of activity.”
“It is a very simple thing to do, mark your property and I would encourage community groups across Limerick to get in contact and to organise property marking events, to help prevent thefts and to protect our communities.”
Sergeant Noel Barry for Newcastle West Garda District said: This property marking initiative is important for two reasons. One is from the garda point of view in relation to recovering property and finding owners for the property and returning it to them, while the second reason is from a community engagement point of view and for the community themselves.”
“It’s a joint approach between An Garda Síochána and the community in that we meet up we get an opportunity to meet communities when we hold this event. So it’s going to increase engagement and we hope, increase the public’s perception of safety in an area as well. And it will result in reducing crime in areas as well.”
Initial areas covered are the Newcastle West Municipal District and Limerick City North, with it rolling out to other districts in the coming months.
Stickers saying that property has been marked are available when borrowing the machine. These add value, as they draw a would-be thief’s attention to the fact that the item is marked, and thus may deter the thief from going through with it.
The displaying of stickers have been shown to greatly reduce the incidence of theft in local authority areas that already use property marking machines.
The property marking machine can be booked through the Community Department of Limerick City and County Council.
It is available free of charge to community groups, sports clubs etc who wish to organise property marking events in their area. Full training is given to volunteers.
Contact Catherine Bowes Kelly (catherine.boweskelly) or Denise Scanlon (denise.scanlon) or Customer Services on 061 556000 for more details.”
If you are 65, you 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: Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie Email:
alex 01 210790. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, #CoerciveControl reach out and talk to someone you trust. Call or Text our support team on 057 9351886/0860419154. COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: The support line is open every day, 8am-8pm, by calling 081 822 2024. Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland. Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer. Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Tel: Freephone 1800 80 48
48 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). Email: supportmail A helpline for Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. 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 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. . Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick. Tel: 061 485 800 Email: info
Children’s Grief Centre, Limerick. Tel: 061 224 627 Email info@childrensgriefcentre.
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 