PROLOGUE: “A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.”
– Dorothy Canfield Fisher
DEATH: Sincere sympathy is offered to Traoine Tobin, Convent St., and Mairead Daly, The Hill on the death of their brother Fr. Padraig Keogh. May he rest in peace.
WALK TO THE WELL: The annual walk to Killeenagh Holy Well, will take place on Sunday, May 27. The visit to Killeenagh Well in Dromtrasna has a special link with the celebration of Confirmation in the parish. A few weeks ago the children who are receiving Confirmation this year, took part in what is called The ‘Abbeyfeale Initiative’. This is a programme on healthy life choices, run by the Catholic Church for Confirmation students with the help of Transition Year students, who are trained to deliver the programme to the children in sixth class. It has been up and running very successfully in the parish for ten years. The programme concludes with the annual walk to Killeenagh Holy Well, where the young people from the Confirmation Class make a commitment to abstain from alcohol and drugs during their teenage years. As an acknowledgment of their participation in the programme, the children receive wrist bands which are very popular with them, and the visit to the Well concludes with a barbecue on the Cotter farm yard. This year the walk to the well will be video recorded. It is planned that a short video clip featuring the Confirmation preparation programme will be part of a presentation made at the World Meeting of Families gathering in Dublin. It will also be presented in the Phoenix Park prior to the Mass with Pope Francis, along with a number of other initiatives from parishes around the country. It is a very successful project, one that the parish can be proud of. Put Sunday, May 27 in your diary and join us for the Walk to the Well in this special Jubilee Year in the parish, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening and blessing of our Parish Church.
REMEMBERING ZOE: Family fun day Sunday May 20 from 2pm. Proceeds to Nano Nagle, Brothers of Charity and Fr. Casey’s Bord naNog.
POLKAS AT THE RAILWAY: Learn to dance a polka every Monday evening at the Railway, Abbeyfeale. Classes from 8.30pm. No partner needed.
NORTH KERRY GREENWAY: Kerry County Council is holding a public consultation day at the Listowel Arms on Thursday, May 24 from 11- 8pm regarding the proposed North Kerry Greenway – Listowel to Limerick County Bounds. Maps of the route of the proposed greenway will be on display for inspection throughout the day. Kerry County Council officials will be available to discuss any aspect of the project on a one-to-one basis with landowners and interested parties during the hours specified above.
CRAFT COOPERATIVE: The Craft Co-op is holding a Pop-up Café on Thursday, May 24 at 11am in St. Ita’s Hall. We invite you for tea, coffee, sandwiches, scones and most of all we invite you to talk with us about developing the Craft Co-operative in Abbeyfeale. This is for you if you have a general interest in craft or if you have a craft you’d like to develop, or a skill you would like to display. Whether you want to learn something new, meet like-minded people, make social connections, have ideas you want to contribute or simply be part of this new local movement. This is for you, no matter where you are from or what language you speak. You are invited to share a cuppa and take part in the conversation. Don’t hide your talent. We invite you to bring a sample of your craft with you if you like. This is a community development initiative funded by Healthy Limerick and supported by Glórach Community Theatre, West Limerick Resources and Abbeyfeale Community Council. For further information please contact WLR St. Ita’s Hall on 068 30849.
ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH: The church was opened in June 1968. A part of our Church Jubilee celebrations an exhibition of Parish and Church memorabilia from the mid 1960’s will be put on display on the weekend of June 8-10. We are now looking for items that would bring us back to that era. The Church foundation stone was laid in 1967 and the new Church building was opened on June 23, 1968. We are looking for photographs, publications, recordings, newspaper articles, religious objects. All items will be labelled and returned to the owner at the end of the exhibition.
GLORACH: Bingo every Monday night at 8.30pm.
FUNDRAISER FOR U14’S: A clothes collection will take place until June 4 to raise funds for Fr. Casey’s Under 14 football team who represent Limerick in the Feile Peil Na N’og in Trim Co. Meath at the end of June If you wish to donate reusable items of clothing, paired shoes, belts, handbags, bed linen, towels and curtains please drop bags to The Railway Bar, Athea Road, Abbeyfeale.
BALLYHAHILL SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: Classes resume for the summer months in Ballyhahill Community Centre in social dancing on Monday, May 14 at 8pm. All are welcome.
CHOOSE LIFE: 24 hours of Adoration here in the parish over the next 3 Fridays. Prayer for the Protection of the Unborn. Holy hour each day from 3-4pm Join us every day in the blessed sacrament Chapel from 3-4pm. We will have an hour of prayer for the protection of the 8th Amendment. Including the rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and time for quiet prayer. We encourage anyone who can, to come and pray for the continued protection of the unborn in our country. Stay for the whole hour or drop in for as long as you are able.
HAVE A BREAK: A Desert Day will take place in Westbourne Convent, Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick on Saturday May 19 from 10.30 – 5.15pm. The day will give you an opportunity to take a break from your busy schedule to prepare for the great feast of Pentecost in a calm and peaceful environment. There will be time for quiet prayer and reflection and the day will conclude with the Eucharist. Booking is essential as places are limited.
FREE COMPUTER CLASSES: Iolar Training is running some more free Digital Skills for Citizens computer and internet training courses in Newcastle West beginning on Tuesday, May 15. The courses are open to everyone and will run for two hours per week for five weeks. Training is aimed at beginners and new users and gives participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to use the internet. Last year, almost 500 Limerick city and county residents completed our free Digital Skills for Citizens courses going from learning how to switch on a computer to booking flights and making video calls. The core topics covered include: Safety & security, Using email, Using search engines and websites, Accessing government services online, Conducting everyday transactions, Using apps, Voice and video calls online. Optional modules include: Online shopping, online banking and security, Social media, Video, TV and radio online, Digital photography, Using YouTube instructional videos, Advanced government services. Training is free for all participants. Having access to a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone is an advantage but not essential. An Eircode (postcode) is required to register. For more information, or to reserve your place on the courses, please call Iolar Training on 089 420 7708.
ROSARY: Mary’s Month May is the month dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. We invite you to honour her by joining us in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for recitation of the Rosary each night at 7.30pm Mon-Fri and before the vigil Mass on Saturday. The rosary will be recited at the Holy Well in Kileenagh each Friday evening during May. The Walk to the Well will take place on Sunday, May 27.
NEW MASS TIMES: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon Mass. Holy day’s Mass 11am and 6.30pm. Daily Mass remains as always – 10am unless when there is a funeral.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL: Adoration will continue from 10-10pm every Tuesday and Friday and from 6-8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. New adorers are always very welcome.
OFFICE MOVE: Please note that the Abbeyfeale Office of West Limerick Resources has relocated to St Ita’s Hall, Convent Street, Abbeyfeale. If you have any enquiries, please call to the office and speak to Nora or you can call Mary on 087 9382883.
PARISH OFFICE HOSTS MEETINGS: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm in the parish Office. Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening @ 8pm. A.A. Meet every Wednesday afternoon @ 3pm, Friday night @ 8pm and Sunday mornings @ 10am. These organisations are a great voluntary support to many people and we are happy to host their meetings in our parish office.
LOURDES: Autumn Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Direct from Shannon Airport, staying at the Solitude Hotel, from September 22-27. Full Pilgrimage Programme. Booking forms available from Fr Tony Mullins. Fr John O’Shea & Fr Willie Fitzmaurice.
MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT: A fundraising concert in Moyvane church with Micheal English on Tuesday, June 5. Tickets are available by ringing 085/8110770. Doors open at 7pm and concert at 8pm sharp.
DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES: Limerick Pro Life Action now have a “Lifts for Life” scheme which is created to help Pro Life votes who have no means of transport. We need drivers to help take people, in their locality to the Polling Station on Polling Day to vote. If you are willing to help, please contact any of the following: Olive 085-7172970 John 087-1127477.
WEST LIMERICK TOASTMASTERS: Last meeting of this season at the Desmond Complex this Wednesday from 8 – 10pm. All welcome.
HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER MEETING: Janice and Moss Carraig will lead the Holy Spirit Prayer meeting on the second Sunday of each month in the Desmond Complex. Further information on 087 6174639.
LOURDES: Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St. Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.
FUNDRAISING DANCES: Fundraising dances for the redevelopment of the former Ashford Tavern to the Ashford Community Resource Centre will take place on the first Friday of the month in the Ashford Tavern. Doors open 9pm with dancing from 9.30pm. Forthcoming Attractions: Friday, June 1 Muriel O’ Connor and Fran Curry. Friday July 6 T.R Dallas. Admission €10.
ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650. Helpline for crime victims is 116006. Opening hours are; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 – 6.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4pm.Sunday- Closed. Do not leave anything exposed in your car, safer to put bags etc. into the boot. Always lock your doors when you get into the car and drive with the doors locked as a lady from town was approached at the lights at the Mart at 11pm last week.
Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which is used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested. People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift. Contact 061 496000 for further details. There 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. 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 of €66. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month. Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. 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.
DANCE CLASSES: Social dance classes with Josephine, Tuesdays, The Railway 8.30pm.
MUSICAL SUMMER CAMP: The Bruach Na Carraige Summer Camp for children between 6 and 15 years will be from July 16-27. Children attending this camp who have not played music before will learn a few new tunes on the whistle, those already playing will get new tunes, they will learn traditional songs and four or five ceili dances, all mixed with much games and fun.
ABHAILE: This is a new service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears. It’s 100% State funded, to qualify you must be: In mortgage arrears on your home. Insolvent. At risk of losing your home because of arrears. Contact local Mabs office.
ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm. New people always welcome. This group is a great way to introduce your child to a pre-school environment, teaching them to play and share with other children and a fantastic way for parents to make new friends as well. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.
NEW FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESSES: A new ‘LEADER Food Initiative’ fund of €15 million for artisan/small food and beverage businesses was announced Tuesday, May 1. The Initiative will provide financial supports, including for the renovation and extension of production facilities and the purchasing of processing equipment, as well as supporting participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation. West Limerick Resources are encouraging artisan and small food businesses in West Limerick to contact Caitriona Scully to discuss the available funding opportunities, email: [email protected] or 069 66298.
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018: You can currently only book tickets for the 3 day Congress (1 day or 5 day), but when booking a congress ticket you can register for the free weekend tickets. Every person attending each event must be registered to gain access to that event. You can book as an individual (over 18), as a family or group, or as a priest. Where a family wishes to register, a single family leader can register all members together. When part of a family/group, all children under 18 are free but each person must be registered in order to receive their ticket. Costs for adults: 5 day ticket €68, 1 day ticket €38. Book at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress-Registration
SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.
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.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm. Blessing with 1st. class relic.
CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414. Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674 Parish Office: Parish 068/31133 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services: 061-314111 Accord NCW 069/61000. . Parish Church 068/51915. 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. 087 – 2618412. 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 061-306792. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 10am Henry McGill & Kate & Tom Regan. Thursday 10am Bill Stemp, Cedarville. Friday 10am Francie & Nell Healy and deceased family members. 7. 30 pm Joan O’Keeffe Ballymacjordan Months Mind. Saturday 11am Shelia & Timothy Murphy. 6.30pm Dick Fitzgerald Dromtrasna . John E O’Connell & Mary Jo O’Connell, Fealeview Road Anniversary (John’s 10th). Sunday 9.15am Denis Barry, Clash Road. 12noon Jack Scannell, St Ita’s Terrace. Nora Moloney, Knocknasna. Michael (Mick) Kelliher & Margaret Kelliher Ballaugh .
Monday 7pm Mary & James Scully. Prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment. A basket for the collection of stamps for Peru is at the back of the altar.
ROSS ISLAND & DEMESNE WALK AND TALK to promote the flora and fauna of the National Park – Ross Castle on Thursday, May 17 at 6.30pm. Summer Camps for children with an interest in the environment held at the Killarney National Park Education Centre. Phone 064 6635960 for further details.
SAINT PADRE PIO: Limerick has been chosen to have one of four nine-foot Padre Pio sculptures carved by Tim Schmalz. It will be installed at St. Saviour’s Dominican Church during a special Mass of dedication celebrated by Bishop Brendan Leahy on Friday, May 25 at 1pm. Devotions will begin at 12:30pm (including veneration of Padre Pio’s glove) and tea and biscuits will be offered after the Mass and blessing of the statue.
KERRY BIODIVERSITY WEEK: Walks and talks, about bees, bats, birds, flowers and food. May 19-26. Find out about an event close to you on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/kerrybiodiversityweek2018/
EPILEPSY IRELAND information session at the KDYS, on Thursday, May 17 at 7.30pm. Further details contact Kathryn 064- 6630301.
FREE ASTHMA AND COPD ADVICE LINE: Speak to a specialist nurse over the phone about your or your child’s asthma or COPD. Free phone 1800 44 54 64 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to book an appointment.
VOLUNTEERS IN AFRICA: Humanitarian Volunteers are looking for volunteers to travel to Kenya on June 17 for two weeks, assisting in teaching English, sports, games, arts, crafts, etc. No Experience required, no age restriction, supervision provided. Ring 086 8520271.
ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month. Monagae first Tuesday of every month. Ceremonies begin 6.45pm.
UP COMING EVENTS: Holy Communion Saturday, May 26. Tralee Races Point to Point, Ballybeggan Racecourse May 26. To book a stall Sinead 087 6906104.
DOON CONVENT REUNION: A reunion (for anyone who attended St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Doon up until 1965) will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, Co Tipperary starting about mid-day. Further information is available from our website: www.DoonConventReunion.com
087 260 0414
