PROLOGUE: “If you can dream it, you can do it. Walt Disney

DEATH: Sincere sympathy to Margaret and family on the death of Eddie O’Connor, Clash. May he rest in peace.

FLEADH BY THE FEALE: It’s back! Busking and sessions and the ceili and storytelling and the classes and the gig rig and the World championship junior and senior bone playing and the celebrity concert to mention just some of the events taking place here in Abbeyfeale all over the May Bank Holiday w/e. Miss it and regret it all year.

ADORATION; The weekly adoration resumes in the Blessed Sacrament chapel every Friday from after 10am Mass until 7pm. You are asked to sign the chart available on the altar rails to commit to one hour every week.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: There was a huge attendance at the annual Divine Mercy Services in Abbeyfeale last Sunday, they came from all three counties and probably further afield. The Devotions were started by the late Canon Neville and the late Sheila O’Connell Kinconlea and have grown in popularity every year. There was a special announcement at the end of the service – the weekly Divine Mercy prayer group will resume meeting after the 7pm Mass from next Monday – Covid had put an end to the prayer group three years ago and it was great news to hear that they intended to start up again. New members are always welcome.

CLIMB: Recovery Haven Kerry (Cancer Support House) is delighted to once again return to hosting the ever-popular children’s workshop -CLIMB (Children’s lives include moments of bravery). This 6-week workshop begins on the 26th of April for 6 weeks on Wednesdays at 6pm. Please call 066 7192122 for further information.

LARTIGUE MONORAIL: From May 1st throughout the summer until October 1st, the Lartigue will operate every afternoon from 1pm to 4.30pm.

SCRAP: Athea GAA Spring into recycling mode. What we need: Household items. Bicycles, go-karts, goal posts, swing sets, pots, pans, cutlery etc. Stoves, coal buckets, shovels, radiators, sinks, tanks, taps, copper & brass products. Farmyard & other items (examples)

Gates, feeders, metal wiring, wheelbarrows, tanks, barrels, buckets, engines, scrap parts, batteries, RSJs, metal sheeting, & other scrap metal, old cars, farm machinery. Contact: Tina 087-9355667, Diarmuid 087-6986798. Liz 087-6699783.

REMARKABLE FIND: Jer Keneally from Knockanure sends word of a find: “Particulars of a remarkable find in West Limerick have been learned which are of considerable interest to antiquarians. At Knocknaboul, a bog situate midway between Abbeyfeale and Athea, a string of beads, numbering 100, and graduating in circumference from the size of a crown piece to a three penny bit, made of Baltic or Scandinavian amber, were dug up by a labourer, in the bog, some ten feet below the surface, together with a number of Penannular Rings, and Fibulae. Most of the articles are as sound as the day they were deposited on the spot, which was then devoid of bog. The articles have been deposited in the National Museum.”

CANCER: Recovery Haven Kerry (Cancer Support House) new 6 week online Cancer Thriving & Surviving course Tuesday April 25 from 10.30am-1pm. (Intro session, April 18). Ring 066-7192122 for more information.

DEBT RELIEF NOTICE (DRN): If you have a low income, few assets and debts of less than €35,000 that you can’t repay, then a DRN could be the right solution for you. A DRN is a formal agreement that allows you to write off your debt in full. Debts such as personal loans, credit card loans, store cards, credit union loans and overdrafts could be included in a DRN. You may be eligible for a DRN if: Your unsecured debts are €35,000 or less. You do not have a mortgage or own a property or other large asset. You have €60 or less left after reasonable living expenses each month – the Approved Intermediary will go through this with you. You meet the criteria for having very little assets apart from some essential items of value. You have not been granted a DRN before. For further information contact:info or freetext ISI to 50015.

LOUGH DERG 2023 PILGRIMAGE SEASON; in Sanctuary of Saint Patrick, Pettigo, County Donegal, Commencing 1st of June until Monday 15th of August (last day to begin Sunday 13th of August) Three Day Pilgrimages, One Day Retreat, Residential Retreat, Lakeshore Pilgrimage and Quiet Day, For further information, please email mary or contact +353(0)719861518

Webpage; www.loughderg.org

TOURIST OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Work has started on bringing a Tourist Office to Abbeyfeale and you can help make it happen! Are you a proud Abbeyfeale person? Do you have 2 hours or more per week to welcome visitors to our beautiful town and give them some information that will help them enjoy their visit? We have hours to suit your lifestyle. The new Tourist Office will be in the WorkBase E-Hub building on Abbeyfeale’s main street. Full training will be provided Contact abbeyfealetouristoffice if you are interested.

DOLLY DAY: The O’Connor family are continuing to fund raise for Kerry Hospice and Comfort for Chemo. This time the late Jim’s sister Cora is organising a Dolly Day in honour of Dolly Parton when an attempt will be made to establish a Guinness World Record for the most people dressed head to toe as Dolly Parton. Each entrant must be instantly recognisable as Dolly Parton and will have to wear an outfit that Dolly has been photographed in ie blue jeans, boots, guitar – the big chest is mandatory as well as the blond wig. You can register online on eventbrite / dolly day. Cora has form with making the Guinness Book of Records as she it was who organised Nunday in Listowel some years ago.

DOCUMENTARY: Last Sunday Newstalk aired the premiere of ‘MISSION POSSIBLE’ produced by Grainne McPolin. It told the fascinating story of five Irish women religious who worked in the missions abroad; why these women chose the life that they did and the challenges they faced not only on their missionary posting but also the difficulties encountered on return home to Ireland. It will be broadcast on Saturday 22nd April 2023 at 9pm and is also available on podcast. www.newstalk.com/documentaryonnewstalk

ORCHARD FOSTERING: There is currently a shortage of Foster Carers in Ireland and OrchardFostering are now urgently recruiting Fosters Carers in every county. Our team is available to answer enquiries and offer advice to those who
have thought about fostering. If you have considered fostering or would like to know more, please email info , call 01 627 5713 or visit our
website www.orchardfostering.ie to find out more information.

ABBEYFEALE ICA: The local branch has resumed meeting at the Adult Education Centre Mountmahon usually the first and third Tuesday of each month.

LOURDES: Youth Pilgrimage 2023 22nd – 27th June. For booking details contact Karen at 061-350000 or email at lourdesyouthpilgrimage

Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023. Led by Bishop Brendan Leahy. 22th – 27th June. Direct return flights from Shannon to Lourdes. For booking contact Joe Walsh Tours,

Telephone 01-2410800 or email lourdesdirector €879 per person, full board, all taxes included.

GLÓRACH BINGO: Every Monday at 8pm. Over 18’s. All welcome.

FATIMA: Fully escorted pilgrimage ex Dublin airport, May 9th-15th’23, Spiritual Director Fr. Noel Spring, Contact Premier Travel 021-4277700, email norardy or Maureen Harty 066-7131328 .

GLÓRACH THEATRE: The Máirtín O’Connor Trio are appearing at the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, April 29 AT 8pm. Tickets €25. Booking 087 1383940. ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUB: Delighted to report that the 1st. year youth club is up and running. Organiser Noreen Flynn Culhane 087 2353306.

ST. ITAS DAY CARE: Open to visitors every Tuesday. Morning Coffee and scones. Lunch, card game, music and dancing. Contact Jane on 068 51850. Meals on Wheels available to everyone Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays etc). Collect from the Day Care or have it delivered. Soup €1; Main Course €7, Half portion €5, Plate of Vegetables and Potatoes €3,Dessert €2.The menu is put on the St Ita’s Day Care Abbeyfeale Facebook page on Friday for the following week. Monday, April 10 Closed for Bank Holiday. Tuesday, April 11 Pork Chop or Chicken stuffed with black pudding. Wednesday April 12 Shepherd’s Pie or Lamb chop with gravy. Thursday, April 13 Chicken Casserole or Braised Steak Friday, April 14 Fish of the day or meat alternative. All meals are gluten free. Call 068 51850 for enquiries and booking. Call before 11 am on the day to order your meal.

HOT DESK: Work Base E-Hub at Old Bank Building on Main Street is open for Business. For full details and pricing on Private Office Suites, Meeting Room, Hot-desks etc contact Ken Tobin on 086 816 2105.

REOPENING OF ABBEYFEALE MART: A sale is held every Saturday so please support. For further information 087 6903172/ 087 9480484.

BRIDGE CLUB: Abbeyfeale Bridge Club meet at St. Ita’s Day Care Centre every Thursday from 7.30pm. New members welcome.

KNOCK: National Eucharistic Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock this year takes place on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday 23. A bus will leave from the church in Abbeyfeale at 8am on Sunday, April 23. Fare €30. Contact Kathleen Kennelly 087 7758503 or Theresa O’Connor 087 2673668.

ACCORD ARE NOW RECRUITING Are you an excellent communicator with an n enthusiasm for supporting couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage and future family life? Formal training will be provided in presenting and facilitating our Marriage Preparation Programmes. Please contact Aisling on 01 5053112 or email: marriagepreparation

SOCIAL DANCING IN THE ROCK: Rockchapel community centre committee run adult dancing classes in the community centre every Thursday night from 8.30 – 10pm. If you are interested in learning to jive, waltz or quick step or just want to come to enjoy a nights dancing please text or ring Breeda 087/6818113 or Philomena 087 6809249. . Come alone or bring a partner.€10 per person – pay as you go.

.CITIZENS ADVICE HELPLINE: You can contact them Monday – Friday between 9.30 -4.15pm on 076 1075780 or email limerick

PILGRIMAGES: Two pilgrimages to Medjugorjie travelling from Cork.
19th July with Aer Lingus. Full daily programme which includes a visit to all the apparition sites where Our Lady first appeared to the six children in June 1981.Our 4star hotel is conveniently located close the village centre and the St James Church. Coach transfer to Medjugorjie on arrival. 7 nights 4* hotel accommodation. Half board: breakfast & dinner each day. Coach transfer from your hotel to airport for return flight. Check-in assistance at airports. 1 x 20kg check-in bag & 1 x small cabin bag. For further information and details please contact Jim Keogh 021 4885371you will be most welcome, but please note that our places are strictly limited, and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. September 6 – 13 Return flights from Cork to Dubrovnik, for details & bookings contact: Group Leader – Maura O’Keeffe Harcksen (Tralee),Tel: 066 7127143 or 087 1517696.

MASSES IN ATHEA: The weekend mass will be switching to Saturday evening on April 15th for summertime.

SCEILG Mhichíl opens to visitors to the island on Saturday, May 13.

NEW MABS OUTREACH CLINIC: On the second of Friday of each month (excluding bank holidays) a MABS Outreach Clinic will be held in St. Ita’s Hall from 9Iam -12.30pm.

The contact number for appointments is 0818 072210 for the North Munster MABS Limerick Office. Those wishing to make an appointment must make the call themselves due to GDPR.

CHURCH NEWS: fealechurch Church Sacristy 068 – 51915 Parish Office 068 – 31133. Abbeyfeale is part of the parish pastoral unit that consists of Athea, Templeglantine, Tournafulla and Mountcollins. Contact numbers are as follows: Fr Willie Russell Tel 087/2272825. Fr Tony Mullins Tel 087/2600414 Fr Denis Mullane Tel 087/2621911. Fr Dan Lane Retired Tel 087/2533030. There is always a priest from one of the other pastoral areas on emergency call on Sundays and his name and number is published on the parish website and also on the weekly newsletter. Mass Intentions; Saturday 6.30pm Joe & Bridie Fitzgerald and deceased family members, Clash. Jim & Nora Harnett Anniversary. Kathleen Kelly Letterkenny Anniversary. Bessie Meehan, Kilmorna Anniverary. Sunday10am Michael O’Hanlon Anniversary. Kathleen Gleeson, Kilconlea Lower Anniversary. Michael Ahern Knocknagoshel Anniversary. 12noon Will J oe & Mary Collins and their sons Billy & Tom. Ned & Peggy Fitzgerald Ballycommane Anniversary.
Monday 24th 7pm Ita Corbett, 4 The belfry. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Blessed Sacrement Chapel from after 10am Mass until 7pm each Friday. There is a chart at the back of the altar where you are asked to fill in an hour at the time that suits you. Trocaire boxes can be returned to the church at all Masses.

A COMMEMORATION TO MARK THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY of the death of John Linnane will be held at the monument at Trieneragh, Duagh on Thursday 13th April at 7.30pm. All welcome.

CHILDREN’S WELL BEING: Kids well being classes- Instructor- Amanda Colbert Cahill on Saturdays 2pm to 4pm at Fr Casey’s GAA Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale. 4 week term €65 commencing April 15th, 22nd, 29th and May 6th. Terms will continue after this. Contact Amanda on 087-1386743.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Special Olympics National Collection on Friday, April 21 in NCW. We will be in Dooley’s Super Valu, Centra, Aldi and out and about. We need volunteers to help with the collections and would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who can spare an hour or two. We also need people who could spare just one hour on a Tuesday from 7pm. to 8pm. to help with our Special Olympics athletes who love playing Bocce in the Community Centre Newcastle West. They are a wonderful group of people and they give us so much more than we could ever give them in love, fun and great pleasure. I can say on behalf of all of our volunteers we really love the time spent with these beautiful people. Why don’t you come along one Tuesday and see for yourself – you would be most welcome. To help with collection or find out more please ring Deirdre Barrett 086 362 8629 or Maureen Finnegan 087 984510245.

CARD DRIVE: The 45 Card Drive continues in Raheenagh Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. All welcome.

SET DANCING: Set dance classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm in Monagae Community Centre. Everyone is welcome including beginners and those that have not danced in ages. Come along and have a fun night of dance, exercise and friendship. For more information call 0863510774.

RAMBLING HOUSES: Every 1st Thursday of each month there is a Rambling House in the Community Centre in Knockanure.. All musicians, singers’ dancers and storytellers are most welcome to attend. Knockalougha on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month. Ita McQuinn’s Rambling House is on the third Friday of the month at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West at 8pm. Listowel Rambling House takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9.15 pm in the Seanachai Centre.

PRAYER MEETING: Janice Carrig holds a prayer meeting in the Desmond Complex on the last Sunday of the month.

GREENWAY: Limerick Council will start work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West in early 2023. Design teams have been appointed to design Greenway Hubs at the Ardagh Stationhouse and the Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed.

USED POSTAGE STAMPS: Maureen Finnegan writes; “Thank you to everyone who dropped stamps into the box in the porch of the church side entrance near Sacristy. We had two big bags full and they are on their way to raise funds. Can I please just ask that you
drop the stamps loose into the box and take home whatever you were carrying them in, this would be a tremendous help and make things much easier, also can I just point out that all that is needed is just approx 1" around the stamp. Thank you most sincerely for your help
and co-operation.

WALK WITH ME: Everyone is invited to join us walking in the Desmene, NCW every Tuesday at 11am. We meet at the entrance to the Soccer Club Cark Park. Limerick Sports Partnership come out each week, this a very enjoyable social event. Looking forward to you walking with us. Maureen Finnegan 087 9845102

LISTOWEL BINGO: Bingo is back Sunday night in the Plaza, Church St, at 8.30pm. Welcome back to all old and new players.

COMMUNITY ALERT: Whatever you do no matter how urgent the phone call is do not part with any personal information. That’s how the scammers work- put on the pressure and someone will surely fall for it. Reducing your energy use; Bleed your radiators, it makes an amazing difference in the amount of heat that they radiate. Turn off lights as you leave the room. Turn off radiators in rooms not in use. Do not leave phones charging over night or the dishwasher or washing machine on. Close doors so that in the event of a fire the blaze will be contained. FAST is the checklist for a stroke. Face – Check to see if one side of the face droops, Arms – Raise both arms, see if one drops down. Speech- check for slurring. Time – if the answer to these is yes call 112/999 immediately. Five ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning. Give. www. mentalhealth Ireland.ie If you have medical equipment that requires electricity, ensure that your electrical supplier is aware and that you are on the ‘Special Services Register’ so that they can prioritize your house.
Leave a low energy light on at night time, preferably one with a high light output..Use a non-slip shower or bath mat. Make sure wires or cords, such as from lamps or telephones, do not trail where you walk. Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms. Keep the floors clear from items such as papers and books that could cause you to trip, Remove rugs or use non-slip tape or backing so rugs will not slip. Consider installing hand rails on both sides of the stairs. Ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone. Learn your Eircode – if you have to call for help it will take the services straight to your door. Write ICE before your next of kin’s number in your phone so if you cannot communicate the services will be able to contact your next of kin. If you suffer from a gambling addiction there is a counsellor/psychotherapist available at the Listowel Family Resource Centre. Further information from 068 23584. 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: HSE Mental Health Information Line 1800111888. Senior Line Friendly Listening Service 1800 804591. If you are feeling vulnerable contact Pieta House 061 484444/ Samaritans 116123/061 412111. Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland alex Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. 01 2107906. 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 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. Mental Health Ireland – Helpline 01 2841166. Alzheimers Society, Information and Emotional Help – 1800341341.AMEN( male victims of domestic violence) 0469023718. 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. 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. TeenTxt-Text: TEEN to 50101.

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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