PROLOGUE: You are here to live. Not to earn, not to stress, not to prove, not even to please. Just to live. Natasha Helwig. www. roola.net
DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family on Nora O’Donnell, The Hill whose funeral took place last Wednesday. May she rest in peace.
ABBEYFEALE TOURIST OFFICE: Anyone looking to Volunteer for the Abbeyfeale Tourist Office during June / July / Aug please email abbeyfealetouristoffice@gmail .com or phone 087 637 7310. Everything will be done to allocate Days and Hours that best suit those looking to Volunteer.
DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUP: The weekly Divine Mercy prayer group have resumed meeting after the 7pm Mass every Monday. New members are always welcome.
GLORACH NEWS: Cherish the Ladies last Saturday night made for a lively night from the witty retorts of the band leader to the wonderful music served up by the five women who were joined for the last set by our own Donal Murphy. The two dancers from Celtic Steps – the Show and the plaintive voice of the singer from Clare made for a great evening. World class entertainment in a world class venue. PRO Lorcan Curtin says: “ Next up, the life and times of the Canadian poet Robert Service will be made alive at the Glórach Theatre this weekend. While the name may not be immediately familiar to people, many will recall recitations such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew". The rhyming couplets off the page will be brought to life on stage by Mike O’Mahoney, who brings his long-running one man show Robert Service; Bard of the Yukon to the Glórach on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May. The atmosphere of turn of the 20th century Canada will be created with an impressive lighting display, as well as the construction of a campsite on stage. Not to be missed, tickets can be booked at www.glorachabbeyfeale.com or at 0871383940.” Don’t forget Bingo every Monday at 8pm and upcoming events – A night of bluegrass music early June and a fundraiser for St. Ita’s Hall with the Lost Souls on Saturday night June 10.
MENOPAUSE CAFÉ: Drink tea, eat cake and talk about the Menopause at the Newcastle West CommunitOPEN; Glin Knights Visitor Centre open daily 10am – 5pm. Next to Glin Library. Free admission.
NEW COURSE: Munster Technological University at the Kerry Campus from September. The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Veterinary Nursing is a three-year level 7 programme.
LARTIGUE MONORAIL: From May 1st throughout the summer until October 1st, the Lartigue will operate every afternoon from 1pm to 4.30pm.
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
DOLLY DAY SATURDAY JUNE 24 AT 4PM LISTOWEL: 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 ( if you’re a grapefruit type of gal the organisers suggest balloons!) as well as the blond wig. You can register online on eventbrite / dolly day. It should be a bit of craic so why not gather up all your friends and make a night out of it in Listowel. The count for the Guinness book of Records takes place at 6.30pm. Check out their FB page for details re outfits, entertainment, where to collect your wig which comes with the ticket purchase etc.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION TRAINING COURSES: Jigsaw is offering a new suite of blended learning courses on the topic of youth mental health promotion. Our courses will be of interest to health, education, community or youth work professionals, in fact, anyone who works or volunteers with young people in settings where they live, learn, work or play. How will our courses benefit participants? – Our courses will increase awareness and understanding of youth mental health, strengthen the knowledge and capacity of those who work or volunteer with young people and provide skills and strategies for promoting and supporting youth mental health.
For more information and signup, visit https://jigsaw.ie/youth-mental-health-promotion-training-courses/ Help us to make sure that every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.
ORCHARD FOSTERING: There is currently a shortage of Foster Carers in Ireland and Orchard Fostering 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. Further details from Ann Marie Dennison, Main St.
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.
ABBEYFEALE YOUTH CLUB:. Organiser Noreen Flynn Culhane 087 2353306 has been in touch to say that the Youth Club will be taking a break for the summer and their final night of this term will be next Friday night. She wants to thank the leaders who give up their free time on a weekly basis and says that without them there wouldn’t be a club, she also says thanks to Fr. Tony for his visits and support. Noreen finishes by saying that it was a pleasure to have the first years in the club “a lovely bunch and a credit to their parents”. Finally, she wishes everyone a great summer and looks forward to returning in September.
TRAIN: Car Park Closure – Colbert Station, Limerick. From Monday 30th May parking will not be available at Colbert Station Car Park, Limerick until further notice. A temporary car park will be located at Roxborough Road (beside CBS Sexton Street) – Eircode V94 Y2V1. Please allow up to 30 minutes extra to get to the station. Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.
ROSARY RALLY: Saturday June 3rd from 1pm at Knock Shrine – talks, Stations of the Cross and Holy Mass. There is a bus going from Cahirsiveen and I’ve checked if they will pick up en route. To book a place on the bus call Noreen on 087 7613985 or Eilís 087 6341538.
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, May 22: Sausages or Turkey Steaks with Gravy. Tuesday, May 23: Bacon and Cabbage or Chicken Fillet with white sauce. Wednesday, May 24: Chicken Casserole or Lamb Chop with gravy. Thursday, May 25 : Braised Steak or Pork Chop with gravy Friday, May 26 :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.
LISTOWEL CASTLE: Has reopened this week.
THEATRE: St John’s Youth Theatre they attend the theatre every Monday evening to work on projects. If you know a teenager who would like to join the Club that are aged between 14-20 please let us know. This Summer between the 22nd and 28th July, we will host our annual Young Film Makers Summer Workshop in association with the Young Irish Filmmakers Association Ireland. Places are limited, bookings through the St John’s Theatre Box Office 068 22566.
CONCERT IN BROSNA HALL: Mark Leen is performing at Brosna Hall on Saturday, May 27th, at 8pm. This is a ticket only event so please call Mike Moriarty on 087 6927496 for tickets or further information.
ST PIO: National Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey near Thurles takes place on Sunday, May 28th, details from Pat Dalton 069 62306.
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
KILLARNEY PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK – Sunday June 25. Bus will be
departing the Friary at 7.00am, cost €25.00 per person, all booking details can be
made through the Friary Office or phone 064 6631334 between 9.30am –
5.30pm Monday – Saturday.
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 is on Saturday evening for summertime.
SCEILG MHICHÍL: has opened to visitors. Email skelligslands for information on trips.
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. Intentions for next weekend: Saturday 6.30pm Kathleen Wrenn, New Street. Dick & Michael Fitzgerald, Railway Bar. Sunday 10am John Joe Healy, Caherlane. Eily Healy Caherlane. Timothy & Nell Healy Caherlane . 12noon Anthony O’Connor, Mountmahon. Niall O’Mahony Collins Park Birthday remembrance. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Blessed Sacrament 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 Sacristy at all Masses. The Month of Mary By Fr Paul Clayton-Lea.
On a visit to Nazareth some months ago a pilgrim approached me to say how surprised she was to discover that ‘Our Lady was Jewish!’ and she followed quickly with a question ‘When did she become a Catholic then?’ It was an innocent, sincere query and as I struggled to answer I realised afresh the extraordinary courage of the young Jewish girl who had
changed the course of salvation history with her ‘Yes’ to God’s call. What Mary was faced with in responding to that call was indeed a break from the religious traditions and expectations of a young Jewish woman of her time. She could not have been certain of the response of Joseph her betrothed, or her own family who tradition holds had dedicated her to the Temple as a small child. More certain was the response of religious authorities which would have condemned her mysterious pregnancy out of hand as they would later condemn the fruit of her womb. Yes, Mary was not short of courage to match her faith. During the month of May, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Mary, Mother of the Church, the Visitation and this year, Pentecost Sunday when Mary gathered with the apostles in prayer. But the whole month of May has been known as the month of Mary for centuries. A
month dedicated to Mary even existed outside May from 15 August to 14 September but at some point Mary and May combined and the tradition of crowning the statue of Mary with flowers representing her beauty and virtue became a great celebration. Whether we mark this month with an altar to her, crown her with flowers or with our own spiritual exercises or
pray the rosary may we invite Mary and her example of courage and faith more deeply into our lives. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said; ‘If you ever feel distressed during
your day — call upon our Lady – just say this simple prayer: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit – this prayer has never failed me.’
Holy Spirit Friend at our Side and within us
Saint Irenaeus lived about a hundred years after the time of Jesus. He wrote a beautiful meditation on the return of the Prodigal Son and how his father hugged him back home in welcome. In his imagination, Irenaeus pictured the two hands of the father. One hand is visibly taking the hand of the son in warm welcome. The other hand is not visible as it is behind the son, drawing him closer in a loving hug. The visible hand represents Jesus who sat with sinners and ate with them. The unseen hand represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not seen directly but the warm embrace of the Holy Spirit transforms life. The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, the friend at our side and within us. This coming week let us all take some time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives. May we grow each day in awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit beside us.
Come Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,and enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen. POPE: At the request of the Holy Father, the Secretariat responsible for the Universal Synod has invited the Church around the world to hold a moment of Marian Prayer on 31 May.
CALLING TY STUDENTS: “We 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 and to find out more please ring Deirdre Barrett 086 362 8629 or Maureen Finnegan 087 984510245.”
FURTHER EDUCATION: Kerry College are hosting Pathway Open Days start with the Listowel Campus on Thursday, May 25 from 11am to 2pm, and at the Clash Campus in Tralee on Monday, May 29 from 11am to 2pm.
TOASTMASTERS: There are two clubs in Kerry and several in Limerick and a Tralee member Anthony Garvey of Tralee Toastmasters has won the Final of the District 91 International Speech Contest held at the Barbican Centre in London recently.
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. If you intend to go do call ahead to confirm with Fiona 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.
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 SCAM ALERT: I was in a shop the other morning when the assistant’s phone pinged and she read out the following: “Mom, my phone is broken, ring me back on this number. She was about to dial the number until I said which of your children is it and why does he/she not give a name. Another customer then pitched in to say that something similar had happened to a friend of a friend and in a very short time they had €5,500 taken from their bank a/c. Whatever you do no matter how urgent the phone call is made to seem do not part with any personal information. Banks never ask you to click onto a link – it’s either a y or a n that they require. That’s how the scammers work- put on the pressure and someone will surely fall for it. 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 . 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
Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 