PROLOGUE: “Hath any wronged thee? Be bravely revenged: slight it, and the work is begun; forgive it, and it is finished. He is below himself that is not above an injury.” Kerry Examiner 1840’s via Nicholas Leonard.
SUPPORT OUR OWN: Just a reminder that in order to keep money circulating in the local economy we need to shop locally, socialise locally and eat out locally over the festive season. Keep our money circulating in our community and help Abbeyfeale to become great again (to paraphrase Mr. Trump!) There are family connections to Muhammad Ali here so who’s to say Donald Trump won’t turn out to be from West Limerick too.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Scoil Mháthair Dé will perform their Christmas Cantata in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday, December 14 at 7.00 p.m. All Welcome.
WEST LIMERICK HERITAGE NETWORK JOURNAL: The Networks second journal is now on sale in local shops and pubs. This Journal would make an ideal gift, especially for family members, far from home this Christmas. It comprises 32 articles relating to local history and local people. A good read is guaranteed.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: The annual cake sale in aid of Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan was a huge success and we’d like to thank everyone for their support – especially the bakers and jam makers, the helpers and the buyers and Fr. Tony for the use of St. Ita’s Hall. Fr. Tim recently sent an email and we paraphrase it here; “I’m well thanks. Earlier in the year we had a bad drought. Thanks be to God since the end of July we have received decent rain. The countryside is green now rather than brown. In July opposition forces came to our area and there was fear among us and the people that there would be fighting. We evacuated the parish and closed the school for one week. The opposition forces passed by on their way to Ethiopia. Thankfully nothing bad happened. No fighting took place and we returned to the parish and reopened the school after one week. We started a project here a couple of months ago. We constructed a green house. Then a young man from Watergrashill in Co. Cork who works in Kenya came to put down pipes with drip irrigation. We have planted crops like onions, cabbage, carrots, kale, tomatoes, cowpeas, maize and green peppers. Unfortunately the maize didn’t germinate well, we are still waiting for the green peppers to show themselves but all others are doing well as well as weeds of course. I’m excited about this project. We get our tomatoes onions from a place in Kenya about 700 kilometres away so you can imagine the carbon footprint of that. This should add also to the nutrition standards for the school children who will benefit from these vegetables. We have nearly 400 school children with twice as many boys as girls. They top class will go to st 6 in 2018. There are three more years remaining before they finish their primary education.
I will finish here by wishing all the bakers and supporters a very happy and peaceful Christmas and every blessing for 2018. I pray for you all and you pray for me.”
GLÓRACH NOTES: PRO Lorcan Curtin says “Due to the children’s drama show with Jo Jordan taking place at the Glórach on the evening of Monday next, December 18 our next night of Bingo won’t take place until January 1, 2018. Thanks to everyone who has supported this venture to date, as mentioned before all monies raised from our Monday night Bingo will go towards resurfacing of the Car Park and also towards the insulation of the Glórach building. Thanks to all who attended our screening last Wednesday of the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet. Often cited as the finest adaptation of the Shakespearean classic, it was easy to see why, with two radiant leads, rich colours throughout and extremely well shot sword fighting scenes. We are scheduled to return in the New Year with a more recent release, the acclaimed 2015 film, Brooklyn, starring Saoirse Ronan, whilst on the music front, much interest has been expressed in the Sean Keane concert, which will be taking place on Friday, May 4 next year. Much to look forward to, for any queries or bookings don’t hesitate to call 0871383940.
HELP NEEDED: It’s distribution time again when the parish deliver parish calendars, Christmas Cards and boxes of envelopes to each home! Many hands make light work. We thank you for your help with this ministry in the parish.
CHRISTMAS RIBBON CEREMONY: A Christmas Ribbon Ceremony with prayers
and a remembrance service will be held at Reilig Ide Naofa graveyard @ 2pm on
Sunday, December 17. Ribbons and Candles will be available.
NEWS FROM THE ADULT LEARNING CENTRE ( OLD TECH): A Level 5 (Full Award) Course starting in January in Childcare early care and education practice at the Further Education & Training Centre, Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale. For further inquiries 068 31198.
MEENKILLY CARD GAME: Only one more card game left before Christmas, with lots of spot prizes to be won. Come along to Meenkilly School on Tuesday at 9.15pm for a great night’s entertainment in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Two teams tied for first place last week on 14 games: Sean Harnett, Eileen Reidy, Jimmy O Connell and Tom Neligan, Mossie Gleeson, Maurice Collins.
Table Prizes: Jack O Sullivan, Dan Reidy and Pat Collins.
Door Prize: Mary O Connell.
Raffle Prizes: Jackie Harnett, Eleanor Denihan, Donal O Connor, Jack O Sullivan, Seamus Collins.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE: Tickets are on sale for a mega raffle in aid of Recovery Haven at Esther’s Main St. and Ann Lyons’s, The Square. Prizes include tickets for Nathan Carter at the INEC, Afternoon Tea for two at the Hayfield Manor Cork, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast in the Silver Springs, €50 fuel voucher from Moloneys and much, much more. Tickets €10 each or three for €20.
FOURTH ANNUAL CONNIE HARNETT MEMORIAL SWIM: The fourth annual swim takes place in Ballybunion on Monday, January 1 at 1pm. Funds raised will go to the Cardiology Unit in Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital with donations being made to the Hope Foundation and the Lourdes Youth Group. There will be a raffle on the day and hot food will be served in Thomasins, Lisselton.
MY SILVER RIVER FEALE: The debut CD by talented local singer Eibhlin Broderick is available for sale in Ann Lyons’s The Square.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: It’s 50 years next year since the Church of the Assumption was opened and to celebrate the Jubilee Year we are having Finbar Wright in Concert on Friday, February 9, 2018. Tickets available at the following outlets in Abbeyfeale, Moss Harnett’s Spar shop,Twohig’s Supervalue, O’Donoghue’s Spar shop, Ann Lyon’s, The Square and Sean Broderick’s New Street. Kathleen Foodstore in Convent Street. Tickets are also on sale in Templeglantine at Pat Buckley’s shop and at the Post Office in Templeglantine. Tickets are also on sale at All Seasons Ladies Fashions, Bridge Street, Newcastle west and the butcher shop in Ardagh. Contact 089/4356981and leave a message if you wish to order tickets. The tickets would make an ideal Christmas present and a special gift envelope is available.
COMMUNITY ALERT: Please keep an eye on elderly neighbours, it need only be a telephone call or just dropping in for a few minutes on your way home from work but showing that you care could mean the world to someone. If you have been a victim of crime call the crime victims helpline on Freephone 116 006 between 10—5.30pm Monday to Friday. The minute you buy something in the line of electrical goods, machinery, bicycles, quads find the serial no. and record it even if it was only on a sticker on the inside door of a press. Muintir Na Tire have a log book for sale for just a fiver that you can use to make a record of all you possess and they are available from any member of Abbeyfeale Community Alert. If you see anything that makes you wonder if thieves are casing the area like a car that seems to be travelling around several times ring Abbeyfeale Station on 068 30010. If the Gardai on duty are out on patrol the call will be patched through to NCW who will call the car back to town. There was a glut of calls from oversees in the last week, this is a scam and if you answer or call back you will be charged premium rates so only answer calls from numbers you recognise. Once 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 for 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 and this fee includes insurance against breakages and is currently €80. If you do not want the insurance cover then the fee is €65. If you do not have a land line the company will organise a sim card for a mobile phone for a quarterly fee of approx. €56. This works out cheaper that the rent of a landline which is currently €25 per month. The installing company are required to provide identification on their equipment, their vans and their staff and before you admit anyone to your house you should ask for this identification. The company also offer a button which can be installed near the front and back doors for a once off payment – this is nothing to do with either Pobal or Abbeyfeale Community Alert and is just between the installing company and the client. The idea is that it offers extra security when answering the door. If you leave the house close windows, turn lights on and maybe invest in a timer for them. Now is the time to prepare for winter so make sure you have draught excluders around windows and doors, outside lights working, a supply of batteries, a couple of hot water bottles, know where the stop cock is for the water supply and above all get your chimney cleaned. If you are going for a walk or cycle wear a hi viz jacket and bring a light – in this murky weather it makes the roads so much safer for everyone. We constantly update our FB page with local alerts and information on keeping safe so do keep an eye on that. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.
RCCN (HOUSING) LTD: This is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick. Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315.
NEWS FROM BRUACH NA CARRAIGE ROCKCHAPEL: Bruach Na Carraige will host a night of Christmas baking with celebrity chef Frank Moynihan Thursday, December 14 at 8pm.
LIVE CRIB IN DUAGH: The live crib is back again this Christmas. Located behind St Brigid’s church, the crib will be officially opened after 7.30pm vigil Mass on Saturday December 16. It will remain open to the public until Sunday January 7, 2018. Open daily 10.00am to 9.00pm.
FUNDRAISER FOR FR. MARTIN MCCORMACK: An Afternoon Tea Dance will take place at Fr. Casey’s Clubhouse on Sunday, January 14 to raise funds for Fr. Martin McCormack’s Projects in Swaziland. Fr. Martin, who is from Ballydesmond is a member of the Salesian Missionaries based in Pallaskenry. Music will be provided by Sheila Fitzgerald and Mike Sheehan, Ted McCarthy and also the Nightingales so a great afternoon’s dancing is assured to shake down the excesses of the Christmas. Admission is only €5 and a raffle will be held.
CHRISTMAS WALK: The annual Christmas Walk along the Great Southern Trail Greenway will take place on Wednesday, December 27 at 12.30p.m.. Assembly is at the newly opened Longcourt House Hotel (formerly the Courtenay Lodge), St. Mary’s Road, Newcastle West. The hotel is on the N21 and the public bus services stop alongside it. Walkers will be transferred by courtesy coach to Barnagh from where they will walk the 6 miles [10km], all downhill and mostly along the old railway, back to the Longcourt House where they can enjoy seasonal mince pies, whipped cream and tea/coffee at their leisure. All walkers must wear visibility vests as the final section is through the streets of Newcastle West and involves crossing the busy N21 which must be crossed at the zebra crossing close to the hotel. Cyclists, with visibility gear, helmets and lights, are also welcome and we suggest that they also meet at the hotel at 12.30p.m. and cycle outwards along the Greenway for approximately one hour to Barnagh or beyond and then return in time to enjoy the refreshments. Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne ar an lá.
GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL HISTORY: As Christmas is coming a nice gift to oneself or to family/friends would be the Great Southern Trail Limited’s newly published “Limerick & Kerry Railway: Twilight Years” by Liam O’Mahony which is laden with information about the Greenway’s railway history. It is not alone a personal memoir by Liam of the 1950′s to 1980′s railway finale but also reproduces several historic documents. These include a list of the 300 or so shareholders (many of which names are still to be found locally) in the Rathkeale & Newcastle Junction Railway Company which built the line to those towns 150 years ago. Another historic gem which is included is a chapter from “Through the Green Isle”; a Victorian era travel guide which extolled the historic attractions of Adare, Askeaton, Foynes, Ballybunion and Ardfert along with the then newly operational Lartigue railway in Listowel. Liam’s book is very well illustrated with thirty of the photographs being in colour. Twenty full colour railway posters advertising excursion trains to Dublin, Thurles, Cork, Killarney, Knock Shrine and Listowel Races during the 1950′s to the 1970′s will bring back memories to many. Copies of the book will be delivered throughout all of Ireland for €15 (inc.postage). Orders from all of Britain will be £17stg and from all other countries €20 due to overseas postal rates. The book has 187 pages including a 32 page colour section. Enquiries to Liam O’Mahony, 9, Bishop St., Newcastle West, Co.Limerick V42HT66, Ireland to whom cheques should be made payable[or phone/text 00353876471956]. If payment by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is preferred please email your name and address to [email protected] and you will be provided with the bank BIC and IBAN. Please remind the bank to include your name on the EFT. The book is also available for €15 at the following outlets: Sheehan’s(Post Office), Templeglantine; Pat Buckley’s Shop, Devon Road; Ann Lyons’ Shop, The Square, Abbeyfeale;
SOCIAL FARMING: West Limerick Resources is delighted to support the development of Social Farming in the region – Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and parts of Kerry and Cork. Calling interested farmers & farm families who would like to hear more about Social Farming please contact Stefanie, at West Limerick Resources, on 087 366 3842 or 069 66290. We look forward to hearing from you.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018 ‘The Gospel of Family’ as we look forward to the visit of Pope Francis and families from all over the world in August. Limerick diocese invites you to visit the Gospel of families Icon which will be in Co Limerick from Monday, December 11th – 19. It will visit St John’s Cathedral Monday December11-13, St Peter & Paul Kilmallock on Thursday December 14 – 16 and the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West on Sunday December 17 – 19.
ONE 4 ALL GIFT VOUCHERS: Be very careful when buying these vouchers from the Post Office, they need to be used within a time frame. They start to reduce in value by approx. €1.50 per month after the first 12 months.
ST. ITA’S DAYCARE CENTRE: The Day Care Centre located near the Church and beside the Glórach Theatre hosts two open days every week. An open invitation has been issued to anyone who would like to join them for a four course lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays followed by dancing, bingo, cards and afternoon tea. The cost is just €10 per person. They also say that the Day Care Centre Bus and care are available to provide transport where possible.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul. If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414. The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm. Further information 087 1213560.
PUBLIC ORDER: Should you be affected by or witness an anti-social event – on the street, in your property, at your business, in the Town Park etc. - it is recommended that you call the 24 hour line in Newcastle west on 069 20650 to log your complaint. This type of low level nuisance crime needs to be reported so that the Gardai can be made aware that it is happening. So, if someone walks out in front of your car, or you see someone in your garden or on your wall make the call. Limerick County Council also operate a 24 hour free phone number 1800 283 064 dedicated for Anti Social Behaviour reporting.
ABBEYFEALE CRAFTY CORNER: Meets every Tuesday evening in the West Limerick Resources Hub Room based in the Further Education & Training Centre Abbeyfeale, from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome. Contact West Limerick Resources on 068 31198 or Madeline on 087 9707989.
FOOD BANK OPENS: The Street Life Food Bank will provide food for families and individuals in West Limerick. The Bank will be open on Fridays at the Newcastle West Bible Fellowship, North Quay from 10am. If you or someone you know is struggling to feed their family then the Street Life Food Bank is there to help. Further information from 086 2157975.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm. Blessing with 1st. class relic.
WEST LIMERICK 102FM: Every Monday evening from 7pm to 7.30pm tune into a little bit of Heaven with Fr. Kevin. A huge thank you from the Board and volunteers at WL102fm for the proceeds from last week’s game in Meenkilly N.S.
WEEKLY DRAW FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO: West Limerick 102fm are holding a weekly fundraising 50/50 Draw with the raffle taking place live on air in the West Limerick 102fm. Studios. Each week the pot from the sale of the raffle tickets will be divided equally between the person whose ticket is drawn and the station. Tickets only €2 each are now on sale in Ann Lyons, The Square and Kathleen’s Quick Pick, Convent St. Call 06966200 for further information. Books of 12 tickets are available from the station for €20 so two free tickets to the seller.
CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414. Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Parish Church 068/51915. Parish Office: Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019 St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560. To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-814342551984 Console 061-306792. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Mass Tuesday –Friday 10am. Saturday 11am. Vigil Mass 7pm. Sunday Masses 9.30am and 12 noon. Mass intentions:
Wednesday 10am Fintan Morris Longford. Friday 10am Thomas O’Brien 20 Collins Park
Saturday 7pm John Hayes Fealesbridge. Peggy Woulfe Ballaugh. John Collins, Mary & son John & daughter. Margaret Enright. Ricky Loughnane Dromtrasna. Sunday 9.30am Patrick Flynn, Convent Road 1st Anniversary. Phyl O’Kelly Killarney Rd. 12 noon Jim (Power) O’ Connell 4 St. Ita’s Rd. Theresa DM O’Connor.
To book a mass contact the church 51915. Lectio Divina scripture meditation on the following weeks Sunday gospel will take place during the four weeks of Advent from 8.15 – 9pm. This is a good way to prepare for Christmas spiritually.
Novena prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. Adoration takes place each Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8pm and on Tuesday& Friday from 8.30am to 10pm. As due to data protection laws, priests can no longer go to the reception desk in local hospitals and get a list of parishioners who are patients, you are requested to contact Fr. Tony if you wish him to visit. Faithcast is the new weekly podcast from catholicnews.ie, the news source for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Presented by Brenda Drumm, Faithcast is a mixture of interviews and news snippets from the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is published every Monday and is available on catholicnews.ie. Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment. To see the daily readings you may log on to www.abbefelaeparish.ie and click on daily reading on the home page. Log onto www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish for the church webcam. You can now watch all services from home if you have access to a computer. You are asked to use car parking spaces in the Church car park before you start parking in the middle of the yard.
KERRY CHAMBER CHOIR, ORCHESTRA AND SOLOISTS performing Handel’s Messiah (excerpts) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (excerpts) directed by Aidan O’ Carroll in the Friary, Killarney on Wednesday December 20 at 8pm. Tickets on the door or from the Friary Office – 064-6631334.
ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP Listowel is on the first Friday of every month. The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45 pm, followed by Mass at 7pm.for Saint Padre Pio with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after Mass.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE CATHEDRAL: Liam Lawton and Special Guests, in aid of the Kilcummin N.S., on Sunday, December 17 at 7pm. Tickets €20 from Killarney Parish Office, Killarney Outlook, Kilcummin N.S, Kilcummin P.O. Also contact Tom 087 2890630.
TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT, The Friary Church, Killarney Thursday, December 14 at 8pm. Tickets at The Friary or www.tommyfleming.com
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH THE THREE TENORS: Tuesday, December 19 at 8pm in Castleisland Parish Church. Tickets €20.
087 260 0414
